LG BD 390 Network Blu-ray Disc Player Top Quality

So far I'm pleased with the BD 390 -- it's worth the $280 I paid Amazon. But its wireless networking capabilities are dubious in my experience. I've got Qwest's 20 Mpbs broadband service, and I typically get speeds between 13 and 16 Mbps over my wireless network. I've got a Roku player, which I use for Netflix streaming. But I read in at least one review that Netflix-capable LG (as well as Samsung) devices deliver a subtly better picture than the Roku, so I was looking forward to a slightly improved Netflix experience with the BD 390.

I was more than disappointed. On the plus side, I found the BD 390 quite easy to set up and connect to my wireless network, and I had Netflix streaming to the player in less than five minutes. But picture quality, as received by the 390's WIFI connection, was significantly inferior to the picture Roku delivers -- it was like going from standard DVD back to VHS. I spent an hour watching portions of the same programs in my Netflix Instant Queue on both the BD 390 and the Roku, switching back and forth, with both devices in the same room, connected via HDMI to the same monitor, and connected via WIFI in exactly the same way. I tried moving the 390 and the Roku devices to different locations in the room. But whatever I did, the picture on the BD 390 was always significantly worse.

Then I tried connecting the BD 390 via its wired ethernet connection. The quality dramatically improved. I then compared the BD 390 connected via etheret to the Roku connected via WIFI. The picture quality was nearly comparable, but I think the Roku might still have a subtle edge here. In addition, the Roku feels much more responsive -- though the onscreen interfaces are very similar, navigating through the 30 or 40 movies in my Netflix Instant Queue seems easier and faster with the Roku and its remote, than with the BD 390.

I suppose someone else's mileage could vary for a variety of reasons, but it appears I'm not the only one who has faint praise for the 390's built-in WIFI.

I'd probably buy the 390 again, but only for the 390's promised (but as of this writing, not yet delivered) addition of VUDU. Otherwise, for Blu-Ray discs and/or Netflix streaming, I might well go with the nearly-as-capable BD 370 (wired instead of wireless networking, no 7.1 channel audio outs, but more than $100 cheaper than the 390 based on Amazon's current prices).Get more detail about LG BD 390 Network Blu-ray Disc Player.