Sony's new BDP-N460 Blu-ray player adds access to internet content

What you're looking at here is the latest addition to the Sony Blu-ray family. The BDP-N460 seemingly fits right in between the BDP-S360 and the BDP-S560 with an MSRP of $249. What sets it apart from its little brother is the fact that it can use its included network jack for more than just BD-Live and it features a USB port on the front, in addition to the one on the back for optional BD-Live storage. There's no built in WiFi or MKV support like other brands though, but it is shipping with access to YouTube and to Bravia Internet Video, and in addition Sony promises Netflix Watch Instantly later this fall. No word on whether this means the end for the BDP-S360, but considering the price and improved features of the 460, that's where we'd put our money.

NEW SONY BLU-RAY PLAYER INTEGRATES STREAMING INTERNET VIDEO
FOR ULTIMATE HOME ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE

Device to Stream Netflix, YouTube, Slacker, and Other BRAVIA Internet Video Content

ATLANTA (CEDIA Booth # 1409), Sept. 9, 2009 – Offering the best of full HD 1080p and streaming Internet video, Sony today introduced the BDP-N460 networked Blu-ray Disc™ player.
Beside playing Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, the device instantly streams one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment from the BRAVIA™ Internet Video platform including thousands of movies, TV programs, and music from YouTube, Slacker, and, later this fall, Netflix.
"Whether its Full HD 1080p or streaming video and audio from the Internet, entertainment comes in so many flavors that consumers want choice," said Chris Fawcett, vice president of Sony Electronics' home audio and video business. "Leading the entertainment experience, Sony brings the best of both worlds together in one player that offers more content than other stand-alone devices on the market."
The BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc/DVD/CD player delivers full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema™ output, decodes the latest advanced audio codecs, and is BD-LIVE™ capable with your broadband internet connection and purchase of external memory.
The BDP-N460 also features built-in software specially designed for use with the Linksys by Cisco Wireless-N Ethernet Bridge with Dual-Band (WET610N, sold separately). The bridge helps ease the connection between the Ethernet–enabled player and a wireless router in either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio band for optimal streaming.
The model also features a cross search function to make finding Internet content on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform easier.
Since many consumers own extensive DVD movie libraries, the BDP-N460 incorporates Sony's Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology that converts standard-definition signals (480i) to near HD quality.
Additionally, the model features Sony's Precision Drive™ technology, which helps to detect and correct wobbling discs from three directions, supporting stabilization of warped or scratched Blu-ray Discs and DVDs during playback.
The BDP-N460 can decode the latest advanced audio codecs including 7.1 channel Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby® Digital Plus, DTS®-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio. The model can also output 7.1 channel L-PCM via HDMI after decoding.
It supports Deep Color video output and x.v.Color™ (xvYCC) technology. The model is compatible with an array of video formats, including BD-R/RE (BDMV and BDAV modes), AVCHD, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW, CD, CD-R/RW (CD-DA format), and JPEG on BD/DVD/CD recordable media.
The model features an external port for local storage so users can add a USB flash storage device required for BD-LIVE content. A front USB port can be used to display digital photos.
Available in October, the BDP-N460 will be offered at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com, at military base exchanges, and at authorized retailers nationwide for about $250.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 9th 2009 5:02PM]

Wait... if Sony doesn't support Netflix on the PS3, why would they support it on a cheaper standalone player?

[Brother Unit No 4 Posted Sep 9th 2009 5:13PM]

Because Sony still hasn't gained the ability to communicate internally maybe. I still say they need to do some trimming down and get some focus. Cut the fat.

I still think they should've had the PS3 and only the PS3 for low end Blu-ray. Everything else should be more expensive.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 9th 2009 6:46PM]

I agree, if they can support it on this, they should support it on the PS3. But I dont know what kind of agreements Netflix and Microsoft have with the Xbox360.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 9th 2009 5:28PM]

My guess is MS worded their agreement with Netflix that for some amount of time, Netflix on CONSOLES is limited to the 360. I wouldn't be surprised by E3 next year that Sony promises Netflix streaming in Fall '10. That would have given MS 2 years exclusivity.

And really Sony, if you're going to price a BR player only $50 less than a PS3, why bother? I know I'd just spend the extra $50 on the PS3.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 9th 2009 7:06PM]

Those ugly segment displays are killing me. Come on SONY, it's 2009, why not use the matrix LCDs? What is it, like extra $1?

[John Doe Posted Sep 9th 2009 7:32PM]

Maybe because we don't need to light up the room while playing a movie? I already have enough shit with LEDs on the UPS, TV, Wii, Direct TV receiver, router, cable modem, computer speakers, NIC on the back of the HTPC, and a couple lights on the front of it. You want pretty? Get a damn Mac. The rest of us don't give a crap if the info on the front of the display isn't awe inspiring.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 9th 2009 7:57PM]

I'm not talking about LEDs or color LCD displays. I'm talking about dot-matrix displays with better-looking fonts. Those have been around for ages and they are not going to "light up the room". Just take a look at most of the home theater receivers.

[John Doe Posted Sep 9th 2009 7:27PM]

I'm seeing no reference to Profile 2.0 support. Anyone?