Sony BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray Disc Player

For some odd reason, the words "high-tech" and "rugged" don't often seem to go together. We tend to equate fancy new electronics devices with being somewhat fragile.

Not true with the new Sony BDP-S500ES, this new Blu-Ray DVD player is not only state-of-the-art, but it's solid and durable. Just a quick glance at it will reveal both of these qualities to be true.

Its look is very sleek, featuring a machined front face, yet the reinforced connectors, gold-plated though they are, on the set's back attest to how solidly the BDP-S00ES is built. Whereas most bargain players have cheaply-made connectors, you'll immediately recognize how solid these are.

The dual qualities of modern yet durable continue when you examine the player's front. It features an elegant, simple panel on the front that doesn't confuse the novice. At the same time, the disc tray is not at all fragile, feels quite solid, and is coated in order to protect your discs.

The playback is the normal outstanding quality you would expect from Sony. Just one small quibble: The $2,000 price point seems out of line for a player that does not feature WI-FI capabilities. But those who want a player they know will last for many years will likely overlook that fact in favor of the rugged durability of this model.