The Sony UBP-X1100ES, the successor to Sony's highly successful UBP-X1000ES, is finally here. While it is not radically different from its predecessor, it does manage to have updated features which are well worth the cost. Sony has a clear vision for the new UBP models, and they have been highly successful at maintaining it thus far. What's Is the Sony UBP-X1100ES? Sony's UBP-X1000ES was an attempt at stepping into the market of high-end Blu-ray players for audiophiles and other enthusiasts. Prior to this, a company named Oppo had dominated the enthusiast Blu-ray market. They stopped creating Blu-ray players a few years ago, leaving a gaping hole that someone had to fill. Sony chose to take up this role, as did companies such as Pioneer. The Sony UBP-X1100ES was thus constructed with the enthusiast in mind. Outside, the device features a high-end, rigid chassis intended to prevent vibrations and interference that would reduce audio and video quality. On the inside, the UBP-X1100ES supports nearly any file format for audio, video, or images that you could possibly desire. In addition, it features HDR10 and Dolby Vision, as well as Hybrid Log Gamma HDR. Native 4K UHD support is also included, and the device does a fantastic job at upscaling full HD images to 4K. Built-in WiFi and streaming support are welcome features, including native 3D streaming. Region-Free Features The UBP-X1100ES' region-free features are phenomenal, allowing one to use it with any voltage, on any TV in the world. Blu-ray discs and DVDs from around the world function perfectly. This is great for individuals who have moved to other countries or collect foreign films. The worldwide voltage feature requires nothing more than the press of a button to shift between 120 and 220 volts, giving you the ability to use your UBP-X1100ES in North America, Africa, Asia, or Europe with no need for obnoxious voltage conversion. Its internal Pal/NTSC conversion offers compatibility with nearly any television. This Blu-ray player will be ready to go as soon as you remove it from its box! This feature is only guaranteed for devices purchased from 220-electronics.com, as they are modified by a team of experts. Any UBP-X1100ES purchased from other locations will almost certainly lack these region-free features. Other Features The Sony UBP-X1100ES has some other features that are quite nice. People often neglect 4K UHD Blu-ray players due to their lack of 4K televisions. In this case, Sony has specifically designed their device with these people in mind. Not only will the UBP-X1100ES output a crisp, beautiful 4K UHD HDR image on intended TVs, it will work on non-4K televisions as well! While the image output will not actually be 4K, it will produce an image rendered in 4K and then downscaled to full HD. This produces a gorgeous image when compared to standard HD. While not as perfect as the image of 4K Blu-rays on 4K televisions, it is a nice bonus and allows those who want better image quality to receive it without replacing their TV. Support for BT.2020 color spaces was also a nice addition. BT.2020 provides a substantially wider range of colors than traditional TV signals, and drastically alters the natural qualities of colors output from video content. "Bravia Mode" is an additional mode they have added to encourage customers to purchase Sony televisions as well. While not a necessary feature, when using a supported television this device will output even smoother, higher definition video. While a nice bonus, it is in no way a necessity; it mostly serves as a small wink to those who own multiple Sony devices. Conclusion Overall, we have found the Sony UBP-X1100ES to be a fantastic device capable of delivering on the promises made by the company. As always, the region-free version of this player is not available in retail stores. You can purchase one today from us at 220-Electronics.com, ready to play region A, B, and C Blu-ray discs. Contact our expert support team if you have any questions or concerns, or if you are making the move from Oppo and want to discuss the changes with someone before purchasing.
