New Ultra HD Blu-ray player Pioneer’s UDP-LX500
The UDP-LX500's specification has been crafted with AV enthusiasts in mind. This 4K player
is HDR10 and Dolby Vision-capable out of the box, and there’s a firmware update for HDR10+
scheduled to arrive in the next few months. Significantly, it also boasts universal audio playback, which means it’s compatible with Super Audio CD and DVD-A discs, as well as vanilla CDs. It’ll also handle 3D Blu-rays, standard DVDs, plus hi-res audio files. Basically it’ll play pretty much everything except Laser Discs but you’ve got to draw the line somewhere.
Rear connections include two HDMIs (one for combined sound and vision, the other for separated audio if you need to bypass your AVR and route video directly to a UHD screen). There are also digital audio optical and coaxial outputs, Ethernet for networking, and RS-232C for pro installs with integrated control. USB ports are supplied front and back.
- Ultra HD Blu-ray Playback
- Three-Block Internal Layout (Power Supply, Drive/Digital Processing, Analog Audio)
- 6-Layered Main Circuit Board for High S/N Ratio
- PQLS Jitter-less Sound Transmission
The UDP-LX500 has the same user interface as its step-up model, which is a bare-bones affair. The Home Menu is dull and simplistic, not least because the player lacks any integrated streaming services or apps. Pioneer obviously assumes we have access to this sort of functionality.
If you feared that the era of high-end universal UHD disc players was all but over, following the exit of fan-boy favorite Oppo, then breathe easy. This Pioneer is every bit a comparable performer. Image quality is excellent and its music playback outstanding. Compatibility with SACD and DVD-A, alongside hi-res audio, make this a fine choice for a top-flight sound and vision system. Those after an upgrade from a premium Blu-ray player to 4K.
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