Sony BDP-S301 Blu-Ray Player

This is my second review, a follow-up if you wish. I have had this Blu-Ray BDP-S301 for several months now and it has been a great performer. I updated the firmware about 2 weeks after I bought it. Very easy to do. It did not improve the start-up/warm-up time. Start-up/warm-up time still a little slow and does not play VCD's. Upconversion is outstanding. My display is a Sony KDS-60A3000. I use a Monster High Speed HDMI cable. Blu-ray movies literally "Jump Off The Screen". Since both units are Sony they are "Theatre Sync" compatible. I love this feature. It allows the 2 units to communicate with each other. In order to take advantage of 7.1 surround sound this player offers you have to have a compatible receiver (with HDMI inputs & output) that offers it. The 7.1 sound is only available through the HDMI hookup. I didn't want to spring for the $1000.00 for a new receiver. I am very happy with my Yamaha 7.1 Surround Receiver with 7 Infinity Speakers & 12in Sub. Overall I found this DVD Player to be an EXCELLENT Product.