Press the Info/Display button while watching a movie, and you get a whole new menu. Here you can go to a different title, chapter, or time; select another soundtrack; and change the TV aspect ratio (although I'm not sure how often you would need to do that). You can even pull information about the currently playing movie or music off the Internet. But although it tells you how long you've been watching the program and the total running time, you'll have to figure out the remaining time on your own.

The thin, light remote control fits well in the hand, with raised play-control buttons (Play, Pause, and so on) that are especially easy to press with the thumb. The one annoying aspect of the remote--aside from the lack of backlighting--is that the TV controls are difficult to reach, including the tiny volume control. That's particularly unfortunate, because programming this remote to control your television is exceptionally easy.

Above all else, the BX580's excellent image quality makes this player a contender. The price is a little high if you don't care about 3D, and the lack of a second HDMI port is a problem if you do. But if you want an excellent Blu-ray player that will be ready for 3D in the future--and if your future will include a new receiver--this is the one.