Sony · Other Tech · UBP-X800M2

Sony UBP-X800M2 Review: Excellent Disc Playback With Frustrating HDR Controls

The Sony UBP-X800M2 is a substantial 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player built for movie collectors who prioritize high-bitrate video, lossless audio and broad disc compatibility. It supports HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG, along with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X bitstream output. Its biggest drawback is manual Dolby Vision switching: leaving Dolby Vision enabled can also convert non-Dolby-Vision material into Dolby Vision output. The limited streaming platform, inconsistent USB warnings observed during use and lack of an optical output also make it less convenient as an all-in-one media hub.

Video summary

The review walks through the UBP-X800M2's remote, front panel, dual HDMI outputs, Ethernet, Wi-Fi setup and USB media player. Disc demonstrations showed the much higher data rates available from physical media compared with typical 4K streaming. The player successfully opened supported video, music and photo files, although repeated corrupted-file or unsupported-file warnings sometimes appeared before playback began. Its YouTube app also produced incorrect colors with an HLG upload that displayed properly through the BRAVIA 7's native YouTube app and an iPhone. The conclusion was that Blu-ray remains the stronger option for enthusiasts seeking maximum picture and audio quality, while streaming is more affordable and convenient for most viewers.

Bottom line

Tech Steve Takeaway

Buy the UBP-X800M2 if you collect 4K discs and want higher-bitrate movies, lossless audio formats and support for specialty media such as SACD and DVD-Audio. Streaming remains the easier value for casual viewing, and shoppers should be prepared to switch Dolby Vision manually and use a television or separate streaming device for a more current app experience.

The Sony UBP-X800M2 is a universal 4K disc player designed for movie and music enthusiasts. It combines Ultra HD Blu-ray playback with broad legacy-disc support, dual HDMI outputs, high-resolution audio, network playback and Bluetooth transmission. Its physical-media capabilities are extensive, but Dolby Vision requires manual control and its streaming interface is limited.

Picture quality

The player outputs 4K video at up to 60p and can upscale lower-resolution sources to 4K. It also supports 24p output, BT.2020 color and 12-bit Deep Color signaling. The disc demonstrations illustrated the high data rates available from physical media, which can preserve more picture information than heavily compressed streaming. Final image quality will also depend on the disc mastering, display and player settings.

HDR performance

HDR support includes HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG. Dolby Vision Output is off by default and must be enabled manually because there is no content-aware Auto option. Leaving it enabled can send SDR and HDR10 material to a compatible television inside Dolby Vision signaling. Enabling Dolby Vision also disables the player's Video Settings and 3D controls. HDR10+ is not among Sony's listed formats. During the review, an HLG YouTube upload displayed incorrect colors through the player's app even though it appeared correctly through the television's native app.

Sound quality

The UBP-X800M2 can send Dolby Atmos and DTS:X as bitstreams and supports Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and high-resolution music formats. For an unaltered Dolby or DTS bitstream, Digital Audio Output should be set to Auto and BD Secondary Audio should be turned off. HDMI OUT 2 provides audio-only output for connecting an older receiver or soundbar that cannot pass 4K HDR video. The player has coaxial digital audio but no optical or analog multichannel output, so HDMI is the preferred connection for advanced surround formats.

Features and connectivity

The demonstrated home screen provided Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video without a broader app store. Dual-band Wi-Fi and 10/100 Ethernet are available, but the built-in platform is limited compared with a modern television or dedicated streaming device. USB playback supports compatible video, music and photo files, with slideshow, shuffle, repeat and image-rotation controls. The review encountered unsupported-file warnings that occasionally disappeared when the selected file began playing normally.

Calibration notes

SDR picture modes include Direct, Brighter Room, Theater Room, Auto, Custom1 and Custom2. HDR10 playback is limited to Direct, Auto, Custom1 and Custom2; Brighter Room and Theater Room are unavailable during HDR. Enabling Dolby Vision Output disables the player's Video Settings, YCbCr/RGB selection and HDMI Deep Color adjustment. For the most direct disc output, begin with Direct or Auto and let the display handle final picture adjustment.

What we like

Broad disc support includes 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD-Audio and SACD, allowing one player to handle both movie and high-resolution music collections.
HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG support covers the principal HDR formats used by discs, broadcasts and compatible files.
Separate video/audio and audio-only HDMI outputs allow 4K HDR video to go directly to a television while sound is sent to an older receiver.
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio support makes the player suitable for lossless home-theater soundtracks.
Rigid anti-vibration construction is more substantial than the lightweight chassis used by many entry-level players.
Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, front USB playback and Bluetooth transmission provide several alternatives to disc playback.
HDR-to-SDR conversion adds useful flexibility for older televisions and projectors.

What to consider

Dolby Vision must be switched on and off manually, and leaving it enabled can output SDR or HDR10 content inside Dolby Vision signaling.
Enabling Dolby Vision disables player-level Video Settings and 3D playback controls.
The built-in streaming selection is limited, with no broader app store, and the YouTube app produced incorrect colors with an HLG video during the review.
USB playback occasionally displayed corrupted-file or unsupported-file warnings before compatible media started playing.
HDR10+ is not included among Sony's listed HDR formats.
There is no optical digital output, HDMI input or analog multichannel audio output, limiting compatibility with some older audio systems.
The front panel has no playback-time or chapter display.
A suitable Premium High Speed HDMI cable is required for 4K/60p, HDR and Dolby Vision but is not included.

Tech Steve verdict

The Sony UBP-X800M2 is best for physical-media enthusiasts who want 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, SACD and DVD-Audio support in one solidly constructed player. Its dual HDMI outputs are especially useful when pairing a modern 4K HDR television with an older receiver. Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X cover the major home-theater formats, but manual Dolby Vision switching adds unnecessary friction. The limited streaming interface, observed HLG YouTube color problem, occasional USB error messages and absence of optical audio make it a weaker choice as a general-purpose media streamer. Collectors should buy it for disc and high-resolution audio playback; casual viewers who mainly use subscription services will be better served by a modern streaming device.

What makes it different

Exclusive technology

DSEE HX

Processes compatible two-channel 44.1 or 48 kHz audio to restore high-frequency detail lost in lower-resolution or compressed sources. Sony describes expansion up to the equivalent of 96 kHz/24-bit.