Who needs Netflix and Prime Video? These 4K Blu-ray starter packs can unlock the ultimate movie-watching experience
Step towards unbeatable definition and enveloping audio
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Recently, I've written fairly regularly about my entry into the world of 4K Blu-ray and the immense benefits that have come with it. I'm pretty sure that the novelty of increased picture quality, less compressed audio, and genuine ownership has yet to wash off. And I'm starting to wonder if it ever will.
Yes, I'm even getting such a kick from venturing to my local music and entertainment store, picking up a movie I love, and enjoying it like never before. There's something deeply nostalgic and heart-warming about that experience, which just makes 4K Blu-ray that bit more enticing.
The joy that comes with physical media, and the serious quality upgrade, are things that I hope more of you can experience too. And so, I'm here to share a couple of starter packs for anyone interested in the world of 4K Blu-ray. I've included two packs here: one budget-friendly option, and a premium alternative. Each pack comes with one of the best 4K Blu-ray players as well as one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars – with the latter sure to illuminate the significant audio upgrade 4K Blu-ray provides over streaming services, like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
For those of you in the US, the budget starter pack comes with the player I use at home, the Sony UBP-X700, which brings Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support to the table. I've paired that with the Sonos Beam Gen 2, a compact model which combines impeccable speech clarity with impactful bass output. If you want to take a step up, you can also check out the best 4K player I've used, the Panasonic DP-UB820, and one of our favorite all-in-one Atmos soundbars, the Sonos Arc Ultra.
Over in the UK, I've changed it up a bit due to a few discrepancies in pricing and availability, but the starter packs are equally incredible. The budget-friendly combo sees the Sony UBP-X700 come back for seconds, but this time, I've bundled it with the Sony HT-S2000, which supplies almost impossibly immersive audio for the price. Those of you looking for a step up can check out my other combo, which pairs the aforementioned Panasonic DP-UB820 with the Samsung HW-Q990F, a meaty Dolby Atmos soundbar system, which is the best value-for-money model on the market.
A few of the items in this list are on offer, but if you're looking for a comprehensive guide to the best deals available in the US right now, head on over to our Presidents' Day sales hub.
Today's best 4K Blu-ray player and Dolby Atmos soundbar deals in the US
The budget-friendly starter pack
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I personally own the Sony UBP-X700, and it's the ultimate 4K Blu-ray player for those on a budget. With Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, you'll be able to experience movies like never before, with less compression than streaming services subject us to.
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Even though it's a few years old now, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is probably still the best compact Dolby Atmos soundbar around. When I tested it recently, it wowed me with super-clean dialogue, impressive low-end output, and supreme ease-of-use. Oh, and it's also 26% off right now, meaning you can snap it up for an exceptional $369!
The premium starter pack
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We judge the Panasonic DP-UB820 as the best 4K Blu-ray player for most people. Why? Well, it plates up outstanding audio and picture quality, it's built to a great standard, and it's absolutely rammed with connectivity options. Those wide connectivity options and HDR10+ compatibility set it apart from the Sony player above, making it a pristine premium pick.
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When I think of an amazing soundbar, I instantly think of the Sonos Arc Ultra. For a one-box model, it's astonishingly powerful, with the sort of bass performance that demands your attention. Pair that with impeccable Dolby Atmos and a super-sleek design, and you're getting a top-tier soundbar. Plus, it's $200 off right now, bringing it to a much more tempting price.
Today's best 4K Blu-ray player and Dolby Atmos soundbar deals in the UK
The budget-friendly starter pack
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I own the Sony UBP-X700 4K Blu-ray player myself and absolutely adore it. As it reads discs locally, you're going to get far less compression than with streaming services. And as a result, movies with Dolby Vision look absolutely unbelievable. Dolby Atmos effects also sound so much better, and audio is generally mapped more effectively, with heightened overall clarity to boot. There's a little sale on this at the moment, so why not give it a go?
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The Sony HT-S2000 is an amazing soundbar, and given its modest price, it sounds almost too good to be true. Dolby Atmos is convincing, dialogue is ultra-clear, and setup is as easy as pie. You can also save 10% on this bar over at Argos if you use the code RED10. If availability is limited in your area, you can also purchase it at Amazon instead via the link below.
The premium starter pack
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I use the Panasonic DP-UB820 to test soundbars at our TV testing space at Future Labs, and couldn't recommend it enough. It has more connectivity options than the Sony model above, and its HDR10+ compatibility could be a game-changer, especially if you've got a Samsung TV, given that none of those support Dolby Vision.
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The Samsung HW-Q990F is one of the best multi-box soundbars on the market, thanks to its mesmerizing surround sound, room-shaking power, and compact design. We rated it five stars in our Samsung HW-Q990F review, and having tried it out myself, I couldn't recommend it enough.
More of today's best Presidents' Day sales
- Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
- Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $99
- Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
- Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
- Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
- Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
- Lowe's: up to 40% off appliances, furniture & tools
- Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
- Target: 40% off clothing, tech & furniture
- Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
- Wayfair: 54% off furniture, rugs & decor
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Harry is a Reviews Staff Writer for TechRadar. He reviews everything from party speakers to wall chargers and has a particular interest in the worlds of audio and gaming. Harry has a background in business tech journalism, particularly around the telecoms industry.
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