bdp-s1
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Price drops on HD DVD / Blu-ray players boost sales -- surprised?
Captain Obvious has swooped in to bring us the latest sales bit from the world of high-definition players, and the results are nothing short of unsurprising. According to data gathered since the recent rash of price cuts -- particularly on standalone HD DVD players -- HD disc players have seen noticeable jumps in sales. Citing Sony's recently slashed BDP-S1 and Toshiba's bargain-priced HD-A2, various analysts and company spokespeople were unanimously upbeat by the recent (and unseasonal) uptick in sales. Notably, Universal Studios' Ken Graffeo claimed that he "realized over the last couple of months that the audience was not perceiving $499 as a great value, but the $299 to $399 range really hit the sweet spot." Maybe so, but get these suckas below the magical $200 point and watch the mayhem really begin.
Sony's BDP-S1 updated to support TrueHD and DD+
Since, HD DVD and Blu-ray firmware updates seem to come out weekly, we quit covering them; but Sony just dropped a big one this morning. After you update your BDP-S1 you'll be able to enjoy Dolby TrueHD and DD+, like HD DVD fans have for some time. We are actually surprised that Sony would even bother, considering they have a new player right around the corner. [Via AVSForum]
The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Home Entertainment Device of the Year
Now's your chance to cast your ballot for the 2006 Home Entertainment Device of the Year! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Sunday, April 15th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best tech win! The nominees: DirecTV HR20, Slim Devices Transporter, Slingbox PRO, Sonos ZP80, Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player, TiVo Series3, and Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD player. %Poll-276%
Sony's BDP-S1E: Improved Blu-ray player hits Europe this summer
Sony has finally officially announced its first standalone Blu-ray player for the European market. Just like the PlayStation 3, a several month delay on the hardware has resulted in a few hardware revisions, however instead of limited backwards compatibility, the new BDP-S1E adds HDMI 1.3 and x.v. Colour support -- for AVC-HD-encoded discs -- to the package. Along with 1080p/24 output from the earlier model, this should make it an excellent player for aficionados demanding that "film-like" experience when paired with any of the new BRAVIAs hitting the market soon. With the BDP-S1E due this summer, no word on a price, or if Europe will ever see the BDP-S300 that should be launching in the U.S. around that time, but since its not a continent of "cheap people", we're sure they'll be able to deal with it.[Via Crave]
Sony's BDP-S300 does Blu-ray on the cheap this summer
Just in time for summer blockbuster season, Sony's pre-announced its new BDP-S300 low-end Blu-ray player. It'll go for a cool $600 -- still significantly less than the better-late-than-never S1 -- and will apparently have all the fixins of its predecessor, as well as CD playback, and a size closer to a traditional DVD player. Which makes you wonder why they'd announce a "low-end" model so early and that's basically the same. Perhaps because they're not as confident about consumer Blu-ray pickup as they'd have hoped? We don't know, but we have a feeling they just killed S1 sales through summer.
Sony BDP-S1 firmware update
There is no doubt we live in a time where almost every electronic device we own could use some sort of firmware update. Lucky for us HD DVD and Blu-ray player manufactures don't mind admiting when they made a mistake and release an update for their hardware. First to the market and first to release an update was HD DVD and then Samsung and now Sony. Based on the list of fixes we can only assume this was released as a direct result of issues with The Descent, but we will have to wait and see what users say after they have had a chance to download the disc image or order a disc from Sony.The update is supposed to address: Improves BD-Java compatibility to enhance interactivity with some BD-ROMs Enhances playback compatibility with certain BD-ROM format discs Corrects the output signal status information for audio output and display when Linear PCM 5.1 channel soundtracks are played back via HDMI [Via High-Def Digest]
Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player reviewed
The Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player is finally available to the masses, but how does it stack up against other players on the market, or even Sony's own PlayStation 3? HDGuru has put up a review of the unit after testing it out on a Panasonic TH-50PX600 plasma. One major complaint are the loading times, with it taking well over a minute from power on to actually playing a movie, as well as some lag on commands via the remote. Still, that $999.95 does buy the first player capable of 1080p/24 output and didn't display the annoying visual problems encountered by the earlier Samsung BD-P1000. The pack-in copy of The Fifth Element still looks as bad as ever but other Blu-ray releases show the potential of the format. Just like the PS3, it's BYOC for HDMI and component connections, that a high definition player doesn't include a way for it to connect to an HDTV is still just silly. CD playback is also not a part of the package, but future firmware updates will add Blu-ray Java and BD-R/BD-RE compatibility. Without features like HDMI 1.3 and BD-Live support, it's tough to see this as a good buy right now but we'll see if the picture quality is worth it to some.[Via HDBlog.net]
Sony: BDP-S1 Blu-ray player pushed back due to software glitch
Sony's first standalone Blu-ray player, the BDP-S1 has been pushed back so many times it's not even funny anymore. This time, the company is saying the push back is not due to any blue laser shortage, but "a specific software function that resides in the hardware" as confirmed to Electronic House. No word on what the problem is, but as complex as these next generation players are there's surely a million things that could trip it up. Hopefully it will arrive sometime this year and have totally glitch-free playback of those BD-J interactive titles due for the holiday season. Who are we kidding? Start the countdown to the first firmware update...now.
Sony's BDP-S1 Blu-ray player delayed again...again
The last time SonyStyle pushed back the anticipated ship date of the BDP-S1 standalone Blu-ray player, we jokingly suggested it might end up being pushed beyond the (at that point) already delayed-until-November PlayStation 3. Apparently the joke is on anyone still waiting for this box; while the $999 price hasn't changed, it is now expected to ship "on or about December 4, 2006". In light of the previous July, August, and October prognostications, the Playstation 3 shortage, battery fiasco, and even a just-announced delay of the LF-Box1 LocationFree TV streamer, Sony's manufacturing prowess seems to be slipping. Some customers who contacted Sony have reported that those who have already ordered the BDP-S1 might receive shipments before December, but these days you can't really take anything for granted.[Via AVS Forum]
Is this Sony's Blu-ray recorder with hard disk?
Pictured above is what appears to be a new Sony Blu-ray Disc recorder which touts an internal HDD -- as in hard disk drive -- on show somewhere in Japan. Now, according to our Japanese bureau, Sony either "isn't decided yet" or there "aren't any details yet" as to whether this shadowy mockup will ever see the light of day. With all the next-gen optical format boys struggling to find blue lasers and Sony still struggling to get their own PS3 console and BDP-S1 player to market, well let's just say we're not holding our breath for this to drop anytime soon. Still, it feels good to share, right?Update: Reuters is now telling us that Sony plans to release the recorder in Japan before the end of the year. No pricing, non-Nippon launch date, or mention of any internal disk for now. Another Blu-ray device on show after the break.
Buy fake products from a TV show...enter to win a HDTV and Blu-ray player
Unfortunately this post isn't about where you can go to buy a DVD hologram projector, plasma vision walls or TemporalVision truly-time shifting television as those products only exist within the world of SciFi Channel show Eureka. However if you go to the Made in Eureka website and try to order one you will be entered to win a Sony KDS-R60XBR1 HDTV and Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player. Whether you're a dyed-in-the wool Blu-ray fan or a longtime HD DVD supporter we'd think that free is just about the right price for some next gen high-def viewing. We'll just keep waiting for that TemporalVision monitor, it will probably actually be available long before we find out what's really going on in Lost.[Via TV Squad]
Sony BDP-S1 delayed again... until October 25
It's delayed, it's not delayed, it's delayed -- further. That's right, Sony's BDP-S1, the Blu-ray player subject to a delayed news reaction over its quiet shove into an August launch timeframe, was today discovered to once again be pushed back, this time until late October. We can't confirm whether this release demotion is also going to affect the Japanese launch of the player, but this old song is getting pretty sad. We know Sony wants to get the player right before they push it out the door (while also protecting their margins and ensuring supply, etc.), but at this point we're going to be less than surprised if the launch date "accidentally" slips past the PlayStation 3, which Sony may stick us with in order to better to parade their big Blu-ray push around the nascent console.[Via HD Beat, thanks, Randy and Josh]
Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player really IS delayed: October 25
The internet went ablaze a couple weeks ago when someone finally noticed that the Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player had been delayed until August on their SonyStyle website (even though it had been like that since April). Now, our friends at HDBlog have noticed that the date has changed again, now shipping on or about October 25th.Ouch. Although as HDBlog notes, SonyStyle is sometimes delayed in receiving new products, until now their website has reflected the exact expected shipping date of Sony's Blu-ray player so we believe it still does. There have been reports that Sony's hardware is still far from ready, and this could support that conclusion, or may be they are just waiting for better quality movies to be available. Another theory suggests they are delaying the BDP-S1 to increase drive availability for the Playstation 3 and alleviate shortages. Whatever the cause, HD DVD is on the ground and gaining momentum, if the BDP-S1 keeps slipping, the PS3 may end up being Sony's first Blu-ray release.Previous Sony BDP-S1 release info:Yes, Sony's BDP-S1 is delayed; Blu-ray isn'tSony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player available for pre-order (again) (August)Sony Blu-Ray available for pre-order (July)[Via HDBlog.net]
Yes, Sony's BDP-S1 is delayed; Blu-ray isn't
Breaking news: Sony is delaying the launch of their Blu-ray player, the BDP-S1. That headline has been all over the Internet the last few days. Besides not being "Breaking News" at all (we posted on this in April), people forget that this does not delay the entire Blu-ray launch. Oh no, Samsung is guaranteeing that they will ship their Blu-ray player (BD-P1000) on June 25. In fact, some lucky people already have their players. There is more then one or two manufacturers making these player and just because three major players (Sony, Panasonic and Pioneer) are delayed does not mean the entire Blu-ray thing is put off. It is a shame though that the Sony will not be available at the launch of their format but they are releasing a bunch of titles. Blu-ray is almost here - get those credit cards ready!
Seven from Sony: new BRAVIA flat-panel LCDs
Even though we've all gone out and bought HD-DVD players already (not really), Sony is trying to woo consumers over to the Blu-ray camp with a snazzy new line of BRAVIA-brand flat-panel LCD TVs, five of which sport the coveted XBR designation, and five of which offer 1080p resolution for maximum enjoyment of the BDP-S1 that Sony is hoping you'll pick up this summer. All of the XBR sets -- the 46-inch KDL-46XBR3 and KDL-46XBR2, 40-inch KDL-40XBR3 and KDL-40XBR2, and 32-inch KDL-V32XBR2 -- feature a built-in ATSC tuner plus one VGA, two HD component, and three HDMI inputs, along with the usual flurry of patented picture enhancement technologies, with the XBR3s sporting that shiny piano black bezel which is so popular nowadays that it's showing up at some of the finest bars along the Jersey shore. Rounding out the bunch are the 46-inch KDL-46V2500 and 40-inch KDL-40V2500, which also give you 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, but no digital tuner, one less HDMI input, and no option for interchangeable, multi-colored bezels as with their XBR2 counterparts. Prices for these models -- which will all be available in September -- range from $2,500 for the 32-incher up to $5,300 for the stylin' 46-inch XBR3 (pictured), and of course, whatever you end up paying for that Blu-ray player.
Why would anyone buy a Blu-ray player (other than the PS3)?
Whether or not you believe the latest price rumor about the PS3 ($399 US according to PSM) we can be pretty sure it will be less than $999.95. Not so coincidentally, that is the current pre-order price for Sony's own top of the line BDP-S1 Blu-ray player. We still have no idea what the final features of the Playstation 3 will be, however we've been shown dual HDMI outs and expect DVD upconversion, hard drive and probably a snazzy new videogame or two that won't be on the BDP-S1, which brings me to my main question.Why would anyone pay probably twice the asking price of the PS3 for additional features that appear to begin and end with "rigid beam construction"?
Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray player available for pre-order (again)
The Blu-ray camp is moving the hype machine to 11 now that HD-DVD is in stores. The latest is Sony's own BDP-S1 showing up on their website for pre-orders, ready to take the $999.95 that has been burning a hole in your pocket. Of course if you start financing it at $29 a month, you'll have it paid off by the time HVD comes out.Continue on for the feature list, is all that 1080p, uncompressed multi channel audio goodness worth it to you? Frankly I'm unimpressed, you'd think that for $1000 you could at least get the twin HDMI outs they claim will be on the Playstation 3. And a "blue glass front"? Call me back when it's chrome plated and spinning. "On or about August 15", update your calendars children.[Via engadget]
Sony puts up Blu-ray player BDP-S1 for pre-order
It's been quite the Blu-ray party today, what with the LF-MB121JD from Panasonic, the BRD-UM2 and BRD-AM2B from IODATA, and that decisive word from Panasonic's CEO that dashed any hopes left for talks between the Blu-ray and HD DVD camps. Now Sony is joining the club with the pre-order availability of their BDP-S1 Blu-ray player. That's the good news. The bad news is that the unit will be going for the expected $1000, and has a targeted availability of August 15th. Sure, all that 1080p, multi channel digital audio, and HDMI action is still here, but Sony sure isn't driving that hard of a bargain.[Thanks, Delerious]
Samsung confirms delays for BD-P1000 Blu-ray player
Looks like Toshiba isn't the only company with last-minute jitters about the market for next-gen optical disc players. Samsung has now confirmed rumors that the company's BD-P1000, its first consumer Blu-ray disc player, will be delayed from its original ship date of May 23 to sometime in late June. According to Samsung, the $999 player is being delayed due to "testing" needs, though we certainly can't rule out the possibility that at least one of the "tests" the company is planning will be a check of the amount of BD media in the marketplace by the launch date. Samsung still says its player will be the first Blu-ray unit to hit the US market, though Sony's BDP-S1 is currently scheduled for a July ship, so Samsung had better hope the tests are finished on time.[Thanks, Jim]
