What is the Pioneer BDP-160?
It’s Pioneer’s entry-level Blu-ray player, which not only plays high-definition discs in 2D and 3D but also integrates with smartphones and tablets through its built-in Wi-Fi connection and Android/iOS control apps. It’s also DLNA certified and plays media files via USB, making it more of an all-round entertainment hub than a mere Blu-ray player.
Pioneer BDP-160 – Design
The Pioneer BDP-160 is a quietly classy Blu-ray deck with a neutral black or silver finish that eschews the ostentacious gimmicks of many rivals. It should go nicely with most home AV kit. It’s slim and stylish with a brushed black fascia, but what really stands out is the build quality – its aluminium casing and firmly-bolted front panel make it feel more robust than most budget Blu-ray players.
On the front panel is a wide LED display below the disc tray, four buttons for up-close control and a USB port for media playback from flash drives and external HDDs. This uncluttered fascia helps maintain the player’s minimal, discreet appearance.
Pioneer BDP-160 – Connections
Most budget players these days include the bare minimum on the back panel, usually HDMI, Ethernet and a digital audio output. Those are included here, with a digital output of the coaxial variety, but Pioneer adds analogue stereo output and a second USB port, allowing you to keep a USB stick or HDD plugged in without ruining the deck’s dashing looks.
