Upgrading their Blu-ray line-up in 2010, Toshiba has come out with three new Blu-ray DVD Players: the BDX2500, the BDX2700 and the 3D capable BDX3000. All three of these models are a significant improvement over Toshiba's first attempt in the world of Blu-ray. Making upgrades on the players online media services and Wi-Fi capabilities, Toshiba has taken the right step to manufacturing better Blu-ray Players.

At a price of $179.99, the BDX2500 is an entry level Blu-ray Player, but it has many usuable features. It is a Profile 2.0, supports BD-Live data and Bonus View/picture-in-picture playback and can offer you internal audio decoding and bitstream output of High Resolution audio formats - Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

VIDEO QUALITY: Video connections for the BDX2500 are HDMI, Component Video and Composite Video Outputs. S-Video is not featured on this model. With the HDMI connection, the player can support 1080p/24 video output on Blu-ray discs. You do not have to discard your old DVD collection, in fact you should find a whole new level of appreciation for them since the BDX2500 can up-scale standard DVDs to near a HD level. Video features and functions like preset picture mode and noise reduction are not a part of the BDX2500.

AUDIO QUALITY: Audio connections included HDMI, Optical Digital and both 2.0 and 7.1 channel Analog Outputs. Having two sets of Analog Outputs is a very rare feature to find in an entry level Blu-ray Disc Player. Those that have an older audio/video receiver, without a HDMI input, 7.1-channel Analog Outputs will come in very handy. The BDX2500 supports internal audio decoding for the latest High Resolution audio formats: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The player can transfer these audio formats in their native bitstream form , as well, if you want your A/V receiver to decode.

The BDX2500 can handle BD, DVD, CD audio, WMA, AVCHD, JPEG and MP3 formats. There is a SD Card slot found on the front panel that can be used for playback of MP3, WMA and JPEG files. And since the BDX2500 does not have any internal memory, the SD Card Slot and the USB Port (located in the rear of the player) can be used for storing downloaded BD-Live content. BD-Live enabled Blu-ray Discs will allow you to access content from the internet such as deleted scenes, updated trailers, online chat rooms, online games, live commentary and much more.

The BDX2500 has an Ethernet Port for you to connect to your Home Network. Or you have the option of connecting a WLM-10UB1 wireless LAN adapter, priced about $50.00 and sold separately, to the USB port. Either internet connection will provide you with BD-Live data and access to Online Streaming Media Services. Toshiba has equipped the BDX2500 with great video-on-demand services such as VUDU, Netflix, Cinema Now, Blockbuster VOD, as well as Pandora.

THE PROS: The Toshiba BDX2500 Blu-ray Disc Player has 1080p/24 playback on Blu-ray discs. Has up-scaling of standard DVDs to near HD range. Is a Profile 2.0 player so it can handle BD-Live content. Has Online Streaming Media Services such as Netflix®, BLOCKBUSTER On Demand®, VUDU™, and Pandora®. Can playback MP3, HD-JPEG, WMA and AVCHD. Has internal audio decoding for Dolby® True HD and DTS HD Master Audio | Essential ™ and can transfer the signal in its native bitstream form for external decoding. Is also, Wi-Fi 'Ready'.

THE CONS: It is Wi-Fi 'Ready', meaning a USB wireless adapter is required for internet access. This has to be purchase separately. No internal storage memory, so a USB device or SD Card is required for downloading BD-Live content. The BDX2500 is not DLNA-certified.

THE FINAL WORD: The Toshiba BDX2500 Blu-ray Disc Player entry level player has a nice set of features. It is definitely a big step up from their previous Blu-ray models. With great images, 7.1 multi-channel audio output, online streaming media services and Wi-Fi options, all at a very reasonably priced, the BDX2500 would make a nice addition to your Home Theater. -- Price you should look for when purchasing -- Under $140.00