The LG BP350 Blu-ray player is a popular choice for movie enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly option to enjoy their Blu-ray and DVD collections. Its compact design and basic functionality make it an attractive device for those who prioritize physical media playback. However, in today’s connected world, many users also expect their media players to offer access to streaming services. A frequently asked question about the LG BP350 revolves around its streaming capabilities, specifically, whether it supports Amazon Prime Video. Let’s delve into a comprehensive exploration of this topic.
Understanding The LG BP350 Blu-ray Player
The LG BP350 is primarily designed as a Blu-ray and DVD player. It focuses on delivering high-quality playback of physical discs. It boasts 1080p upscaling, enhancing the viewing experience of standard DVDs to near-HD quality. The BP350 also supports various disc formats, including Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, and CDs, offering versatility in media consumption.
Its connectivity options are relatively basic. It typically includes an HDMI output for connecting to a TV, a coaxial digital audio output for connecting to older audio receivers, and a USB port for playing media files from external storage devices. This simplicity contributes to its affordability and ease of use.
Key Features And Specifications Of The LG BP350
The LG BP350 includes several noteworthy features. First, it supports external hard drives playback. It allows users to play videos, music, and photos directly from a USB drive. Second, it enables you to access a limited selection of online content. Finally, it includes a user-friendly interface, making navigation and operation straightforward.
The core specifications of the LG BP350 usually include:
- Full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc Playback
- DVD Upscaling
- USB Media Host
- HDMI Output
- Coaxial Digital Audio Output
The LG BP350’s Target Audience
The LG BP350 is designed for individuals who primarily want to play physical media (Blu-rays and DVDs) without requiring advanced smart features. It appeals to users who may already have smart TVs or dedicated streaming devices and only need a reliable Blu-ray player. Its affordability also makes it a suitable option for those on a budget.
Amazon Prime Video And Blu-ray Players: A Complex Relationship
The integration of Amazon Prime Video into Blu-ray players varies greatly across different models and manufacturers. While many modern Blu-ray players come equipped with smart features and pre-installed streaming apps, including Amazon Prime Video, older or budget-friendly models often lack this capability. The availability of Amazon Prime Video on a Blu-ray player depends on several factors, including the player’s operating system, processing power, and licensing agreements between the manufacturer and Amazon.
The Rise Of Smart Blu-ray Players
In recent years, the trend has shifted towards smart Blu-ray players that offer a range of streaming services alongside disc playback. These players typically run on a smart TV platform, allowing users to access apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video directly from the player. Smart Blu-ray players provide a convenient all-in-one solution for both physical media and streaming content.
Why Some Blu-ray Players Lack Streaming Apps
The absence of streaming apps on some Blu-ray players can be attributed to several reasons. Cost is a major factor, as adding smart features and the necessary hardware increases the manufacturing cost. Licensing agreements with streaming services also play a role, as manufacturers must negotiate with each service to include their app on the player. Furthermore, some manufacturers may choose to focus solely on disc playback performance, catering to a niche market that prioritizes image and audio quality over streaming capabilities.
Does The LG BP350 Support Amazon Prime Video? The Answer
After careful examination of the LG BP350’s specifications, features, and user manuals, the definitive answer is: No, the LG BP350 Blu-ray player does not have built-in support for Amazon Prime Video streaming.
The LG BP350 is designed primarily as a disc player. It lacks the smart TV platform and app store necessary to download and run the Amazon Prime Video app. While it offers some limited online connectivity for firmware updates and potentially accessing online content through a built-in browser (depending on the region), it does not have the capability to stream Amazon Prime Video directly.
Confirming The Absence Of Amazon Prime Video
Several factors confirm the absence of Amazon Prime Video on the LG BP350:
- Official Specifications: LG’s official product specifications for the BP350 do not list Amazon Prime Video as a supported app or feature.
- User Manual: The user manual for the LG BP350 does not provide instructions on how to access or use Amazon Prime Video.
- User Reviews and Forums: Online user reviews and forum discussions consistently confirm that the BP350 does not have Amazon Prime Video functionality.
Workarounds For Streaming Amazon Prime Video
Despite the lack of direct Amazon Prime Video support on the LG BP350, there are alternative ways to stream Amazon Prime Video content on your TV:
- Smart TV: If you have a smart TV, you can download the Amazon Prime Video app directly to your TV and stream content without using the Blu-ray player.
- Streaming Device: You can connect a streaming device like an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Chromecast, or Apple TV to your TV’s HDMI port and use it to stream Amazon Prime Video.
- Game Console: Many game consoles, such as PlayStation and Xbox, offer the Amazon Prime Video app. You can use your game console to stream content to your TV.
Alternatives To The LG BP350 With Amazon Prime Video Support
If having Amazon Prime Video streaming capability is a priority, consider exploring alternative Blu-ray players that offer this feature. Several models from LG and other manufacturers come equipped with smart TV platforms and pre-installed streaming apps.
Smart Blu-ray Players With Amazon Prime Video
Some popular smart Blu-ray players that support Amazon Prime Video include:
- LG UBK90: A premium 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, as well as built-in streaming apps, including Amazon Prime Video.
- Sony UBP-X700: A 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player with HDR support and access to various streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video.
- Samsung BD-J7500: A smart Blu-ray player with 4K upscaling and built-in Wi-Fi, offering access to a range of streaming apps, including Amazon Prime Video.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Smart Blu-ray Player
When selecting a smart Blu-ray player, consider the following factors:
- Streaming App Compatibility: Ensure that the player supports the streaming services you use most frequently, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
- Video and Audio Quality: Look for a player that supports 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR, and advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for the best possible viewing and listening experience.
- Connectivity Options: Check that the player has the necessary connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, to connect to your TV, home network, and other devices.
- User Interface and Performance: Opt for a player with a user-friendly interface and smooth performance to ensure a seamless streaming experience.
Conclusion: The LG BP350 And Amazon Prime Video
In conclusion, the LG BP350 Blu-ray player does not natively support Amazon Prime Video streaming. It is primarily designed as a disc player for Blu-rays and DVDs and lacks the smart TV platform and app store necessary to run streaming apps. However, users can still access Amazon Prime Video by using alternative devices such as smart TVs, streaming devices, or game consoles connected to their TVs. If having built-in Amazon Prime Video support is essential, consider exploring alternative smart Blu-ray players that offer this feature. By understanding the limitations of the LG BP350 and exploring available workarounds and alternatives, users can make informed decisions about their home entertainment setup and enjoy their favorite movies and TV shows in the most convenient way possible.
Does The LG BP350 Blu-ray Player Actually Support Amazon Prime Video Streaming?
Unfortunately, the LG BP350 Blu-ray player does not natively support the Amazon Prime Video streaming service. This means you cannot directly access and watch Prime Video content through an app built into the BP350’s operating system. The BP350 is designed primarily for playing Blu-ray discs and DVDs, with a focus on basic streaming functionality such as YouTube.
While the BP350 offers some smart features, its streaming capabilities are limited compared to newer Blu-ray players or dedicated streaming devices. To watch Amazon Prime Video on your TV, you will need to use an alternative device like a smart TV, streaming stick (e.g., Roku, Amazon Fire Stick), or game console that supports the Prime Video app.
What Streaming Services ARE Supported On The LG BP350 Blu-ray Player?
The LG BP350 offers limited streaming capabilities, primarily focusing on basic video platforms. It supports YouTube, allowing you to watch videos directly from the YouTube app integrated into the player’s interface. This provides a basic avenue for online video content.
Beyond YouTube, the BP350 does not include support for many other major streaming services. You won’t find apps for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or, importantly, Amazon Prime Video pre-installed on this device. This restricts the BP350’s usefulness as a comprehensive streaming solution.
Is There A Way To “Hack” Or Add Amazon Prime Video To The LG BP350?
No, there is no known method to “hack” or sideload the Amazon Prime Video app onto the LG BP350 Blu-ray player. The device’s operating system is not designed to allow users to install applications outside of the pre-installed ones. Modifying the firmware to enable unsupported apps is not a viable option.
Attempting to modify the BP350’s software could potentially damage the device and void any warranty. The best approach is to use a device specifically designed and authorized to stream Amazon Prime Video if that is your goal. Trying to circumvent the intended software limitations is strongly discouraged.
If The LG BP350 Doesn’t Support Amazon Prime Video, What’s A Good Alternative?
For streaming Amazon Prime Video, consider dedicated streaming devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku Streaming Stick+, or Google Chromecast with Google TV. These devices are specifically designed for streaming and offer a wide selection of apps, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and many more. They typically connect to your TV via HDMI.
Smart TVs with built-in streaming platforms (like Roku TV, Fire TV, or Android TV) are also excellent alternatives. These TVs have Amazon Prime Video and other popular streaming apps directly integrated into their operating system. Additionally, game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox also provide access to Amazon Prime Video.
How Can I Connect A Separate Streaming Device To My TV Alongside The LG BP350?
Connecting a separate streaming device alongside your LG BP350 is straightforward. Both the Blu-ray player and the streaming device will need to connect to your TV via separate HDMI ports. Most TVs have multiple HDMI inputs, labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.
Simply plug the HDMI cable from the BP350 into one HDMI port and the HDMI cable from the streaming device into another. You can then use your TV’s remote to switch between the HDMI inputs to select which device’s output you want to display on the screen. This allows you to easily switch between watching Blu-rays and streaming Amazon Prime Video or other services.
Could A Future Firmware Update Enable Amazon Prime Video On The LG BP350?
It is highly unlikely that a future firmware update will enable Amazon Prime Video on the LG BP350. The BP350 is an older model, and LG has likely ceased development of significant new features for it. Furthermore, the BP350’s hardware and software capabilities may be too limited to efficiently run the Amazon Prime Video app.
LG typically focuses firmware updates on bug fixes and minor improvements for older models, rather than adding entirely new streaming services. Therefore, relying on a future update to bring Amazon Prime Video functionality is not a realistic expectation. Investing in a separate streaming device would be a more reliable solution.
What Should I Consider When Choosing A Streaming Device To Use With My LG BP350?
When choosing a streaming device to complement your LG BP350, consider factors like ease of use, app availability, and video quality. Look for devices with user-friendly interfaces that are easy to navigate, especially if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. Ensure the device supports the streaming services you plan to use, including Amazon Prime Video and others.
Also, check the video quality supported by the device. If you have a 4K TV, choose a streaming device that supports 4K resolution and HDR for the best viewing experience. Price is another consideration, with many affordable streaming devices available that offer excellent performance and a wide range of features.