What Is a Network-Enabled Blu-ray Disc Player? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Home Theater & Entertainment > DVDs, DVRs & Videos 72 72 people found this article helpful

What Is a Network-Enabled Blu-ray Disc Player?

Access content on a Blu-ray player through a home network and the internet

By Robert Silva Robert Silva Writer San Diego State University Robert Silva has extensive experience in consumer electronics and home theater product sales and sales supervision; he has written about audio, video, and home theater topics since 1998. Robert has articles published on HBO.com and Dishinfo.com plus has made appearances on the YouTube series Home Theater Geeks. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 1, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

In This Article

Expand Jump to a Section Network Connectivity Features DLNA Certification Screen Mirroring/Sharing The Bottom Line Frequently Asked Questions A network-enabled Blu-ray disc player supports wired or wireless network connectivity, which empowers your player to access the internet. Wi-Fi access may be either built-in or require an optional USB Wi-Fi Adapter. In both wired and wireless connection setups, the Blu-ray disc player connects to an internet router. Wi-Fi is convenient if the Blu-ray disc player is not close to the router, since no physical cable connection is required, but Wi-Fi isn't as stable as a wired connection.

What Network Connectivity Provides

Network connectivity unlocks several smart features on a Blu-ray Disc player: Online content associated with the active Blu-ray disc—a feature called BD-LiveStreaming video internet content providers, such as Netflix, Amazon Video, VUDU, and Hulu.Music services, such as Pandora, Rhapsody, and iHeart Radio and others.Media content stored on other compatible devices on a home network. Although many video and music streaming services are free, many also require a pay-per-view or monthly subscription fee. Just as with smart TVs and standalone or plug-in media streamers, you are tied into what services the Blu-ray player brand is associated with. Different network-enabled Blu-ray disc players offer access to different groups of streaming services. Some Blu-ray Disc players incorporate dedicated buttons on their remote controls that access streaming services, such as Netflix, Vudu, and Pandora.

Blu-ray Disc Players and DLNA

In addition to internet streaming, most Blu-ray Disc players can also access content stored on other devices connected to a home network, such as a PC. One way to find out if a specific Blu-ray disc player has this capability is to check to see if it is DLNA certified. In some cases, through DLNA, you may also be able to share audio, video, and still images from internet streaming services you may be able to access on your smartphone, but not available through your Blu-ray Disc player's streaming offerings. Some Blu-ray disc players cannot stream content directly but can still access network-based content from PCs and media servers.

Blu-ray Disc Players and Screen Mirroring Sharing

Some Blu-ray disc players use Screen Mirroring to share or stream content directly from compatible smartphones or tablets without a network connection. In addition to Screen Mirroring, it may be referred to as Wi-Fi Direct, Miracast, Display Mirroring, SmartShare, SmartView, AllShare, or HTC Connect. iStock, Getty Images Plus, AndreyPopov, 842272124 All content accessed from the internet, network, or through Miracast transfers to a TV, video projector, or home theater receiver through the Blu-ray Disc player's audio/video output connections, with is most commonly HDMI.

The Bottom Line

If you own a non-smart TV but want to cut-the-cord and add streaming access, instead of buying a separate plugin media streamer, a network-enabled Blu-ray disc player—combining two devices in one. However, smart Blu-ray disc players usually don't provide access to as many online content services as a dedicated media streaming device, such as a Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, or Apple TV. However, if a specific Blu-ray player provides access to the online content you want to watch, it can be a great option. This information also applies to most Ultra HD Blu-ray players. FAQ What is the best Wi-Fi Blu-ray player? The best Blu-ray players with Wi-Fi support include the Sony UBP-X700, Sony BDP-S6700, Panasonic DP-UB9000, Sony UBP-X1100ES, and the Sony UBP-X800M2. Why won't my Blu-ray player connect to my Wi-Fi? First, unplug the player, plug it back in after 10 seconds, then reboot your router and modem. If you still can't connect, make sure you're using the correct network and password combination. If Wi-Fi isn't working for other devices, troubleshoot your wireless connection. How do I connect my Blu-ray player to my TV wirelessly? It depends on your model, but you'll first need to connect your TV to your Wi-Fi network. Then, look for the network settings on your Blu-ray player and find your network. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Should You Buy a Blu-ray Player? How to Connect a Phone to a TV Wirelessly How to Mirror Android to TV (Connect Your Phone Wirelessly) The Complete Guide to Home Audio Systems for Beginners Smart TVs: What You Need to Know Media Streamers vs Network Media Players Can Blu-ray Discs Be Played On a DVD Player? The 8 Best Blu-Ray and Ultra HD Blu-Ray Players of 2022 How to Fix Netflix Error Code NW-2-5 on Any Device 5 Ways to Get Audio From a Blu-ray Disc Player What Is a Network Media Player? How Software Turns Your Computer Into a Media Server How to Download a Different Samsung TV Internet Browser What Are Samsung Apps for Smart TVs? What Is Wireless Home Theater? Blu-ray Disc Player Audio Settings: Bitstream vs. PCM Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies