The BDHP20H is powered up and blasting out 1080p in the time it takes most high-definition disc players to flash up a ‘Welcome’ message.

Considering that this has been the biggest complaint with most HD disc spinners to date, Sharp could be onto something. Add that to some high-end Bluray disc features and a smooth mirrored finish, and the Sharp seems extremely desirable. It’s also terrific value.

Available for a shade under £400 right from the off, it’s being sold on Sharp’s website for half that amount when you buy any of the brand’s TVs at list price. Even at £400, the BDHP20H’s incredibly low price tag should seal the deal, but first impressions don’t last: it does have some startling omissions that could harm your home entertainment.

Features

It might have the ability to output Blu-ray discs at both 1080p resolution and at 24 frames per second – normally an expensive option on a hi-def player – but there are certain basic features that the BDHP20H lacks.

It’ll play Blu-ray discs, of course, and accepts DVDs and CDs, but can’t use blank media storing DiVX or MPEG1, 2, and 4 video files, JPEG pictures, or music formats such as MP3s or WMAs. Also unwelcome are the CD sides of DualDiscs.

These omissions might not bother everyone – and on a £400 deck it’s understandable – but anyone who’s increasingly using a PC to create or obtain music and video will need to invest in a budget DVD player as well.

At least connectivity isn’t lacking, with HDMI and component video outputs included, although the simultaneous use of both isn’t possible. The former can carry 1080p and the deck selects which picture format – 408/576p, 720p, 1080i or 1080p – best suits the TV it’s connected to.

Ease of use

Powering-up the BDHP20H and inserting a disc is indeed a speedy process, although this is due to standby being a really rather active – and power-hungry – mode. The unusual lack of any front panel controls means we’re forced to rely almost exclusively on the BDHP20H’s remote control.

Apart from lessening the chance of fingerprints on the stylish mirrored fascia, the remote is one of the finest around. Comprehensive, but simple and a breeze to use, we even managed to get the BDHP20H to operate the basic functions of a Sharp LCD TV.