Blu-ray player
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Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player with Google TV review
We know the feeling of set-top box fatigue as much as anyone, so naturally we were interested in Sony's Internet TV Blu-ray player -- just like the Sony Internet TV, it lets you add Google TV to your system without adding any more boxes. At the same time, we're always wary of combo devices -- they're often a jack of all trades and master of none. And so we set out playing with Sony's second riff on Google TV with the hope that it could serve both duties without sacrificing any features or functionality that we'd expect if we bought two devices. Obviously if you're in the market for both a Blu-ray player and a Google TV device and price is the most important factor it's an easy decision, but you'll have to click through to find out the true cost of having one fewer box under your TV.%Gallery-106306% This review is primarily of the Sony Internet TV NSZ-GT1 Blu-ray player hardware -- make sure you read our full Google TV review to get a feel for the platform itself!
Panasonic's DMR-BF200 stuffs hard drive and Blu-ray burner into one tiny, magical box
And this, friends, is why Japan is a marvelous place. Panasonic has just removed the wraps from its new DIGA DMR-BF200, which is being hailed as the planet's smallest Blu-ray recorder. For all intents and purposes, this is simply an external hard drive with a slot-loading Blu-ray burner baked in, but there's plenty more on the inside to pay attention to. It'll stream DLNA content, interface with your other VIERA Link equipment, output content via HDMI and even access acTVila (a Japanese video-on-demand service). Users can also toss in an SD card for watching flicks stored on more portable media, and most anything housed on the 320GB internal hard drive can be toasted on BD-R/RE for playback elsewhere. It should be noted, however, that neither BDXL nor Blu-ray 3D are supported, but those still keenly interested can find it on November 15th for ¥70,000 ($861) in black or white.
DivX TV launched on LG Blu-ray players, mixes up the internet-to-TV wars a bit more
We've already lost count of all the internet TV platforms that launched this fall, but that hasn't stopped DivX (even after the company was recently purchased) from throwing its hat into the ring by officially launching as a streaming internet video front end on several LG Blu-ray players. Available in the latest BD.8.31.317.C firmware update for the BD550/BD570/BD590 line, DivX TV lets users browse internet shows (including The Engadget Show, Revision3 and others -- full list and a quick introduction video follow after the break) and create customized channels of the content they want to watch. We'll wait and see if DivX TV pops up on any other hardware, but at least LG owners can check off yet another source of videos after Netflix, VUDU, CinemaNow, YouTube and of course, Blu-ray discs. [Thanks, Nigel]
Live from Sony's Google TV event
Things are all set to go down at 5:30EST -- we'll see you then!
VIZIO shoots a 3D Blu-ray player through the FCC on its way to retail
Those sweet XVT Pro 3D screens from CES are still MIA, but VIZIO's apparently planning to jump into the 3D game shortly, as evidenced by this Blu-ray player that wireless goodness spotted in the FCC database recently. Other than the 3D capabilities and WiFi N capabilities little is known about the unit, but with VIZIO's favorite holiday (Black Friday) right around the corner, we're guessing we'll hear more about this one shortly
Sharp intros HDD-equipped AQUOS Blu-ray 3D players, complete with BDXL support
You won't find this trio hitting US shores anytime soon, but those situated in Japan have a new gaggle of Sharp BD decks to ogle. The BD-HDW65 and BD-HDW63 both include a pair of TV tuners, BDXL support and compatibility with Blu-ray 3D titles, with the only difference being the hard drive -- there's a 500 gigger in the former and a 320GB drive in the latter. The BD-HDS65 goes with a single digital tuner, a single analog tuner and a 500GB hard drive, which might prove useful for storing copious amounts of drama from Sky TV. You'll also find WiFi integrated throughout, not to mention an Ethernet jack, HDMI output, component jacks and DLNA support. We're told that the first two should ship in around a month, with the last fellow going on sale in Japan this November; as for pricing, we're hearing a range from ¥90,000 ($1,066) to ¥120,000 ($1,422), which ain't cheap no matter how you slice it.
Sony holding Google TV event on October 12
We'd definitely been hearing that Google TV would be hitting sometime in the next month or so, and here we go: Sony's sending out invites for an October 12 event in New York. We already know we'll be getting both Bravia Internet TVs and Blu-ray players with Google TV integration, so we're not banking on any earth-shattering surprises, but you know we'll be there with bells on, IR blasters set to stun.
Pioneer previews its trio of 3D Blu-ray players at CEDIA
Not quite as good as an actual announcement, but at CEDIA Pioneer was previewing its BDP-430, BDP-43FD and BDP-41FD 3D Blu-ray players which are expected to cost the same or less than the current models at $299, $399 and $499. The look and feel is pretty much what we've come to expect from Pioneer and the line includes the usual suspect of streaming options, with one yet to be announced option that should be revealed before they hit the street this December. The Entertainment TAP and Manage Copy demos from last year were no where to be found, sadly, but Pioneer did have a new line of HDMI cables and entry level home theater speakers they were very proud of -- and for good reason considering the price and quality of the items. %Gallery-103159%
Panasonic finally adds Netflix streaming to VIERA Cast equipped 2010 HDTVs & Blu-ray players
To the last person on Earth (that reads this site) who can't already stream Netflix to their home theater in at least four different ways: if you have a 2010 Panasonic HDTV or Blu-ray player your sometime is now, as the video streaming widget originally promised way back during CES should have recently shown up in a software update. You'll find it in the VIERA Cast menu next to existing tools like Amazon VOD, Skype and Pandora (pictured above) unless of course you're sporting one of last year's models, which are sadly and inexplicably left wanting. If there's any confusion, peep the press release after the break to make sure your specific model made the cut, we'll be double checking for a 5.1 audio option on any of our Watch Instantly movies, again. [Thanks, Justin]
Toshiba finally dives into Blu-ray 3D with BDX3100 player, offers up BDX1100 if stereo's not your style
Seems like Toshiba bit off more Blu-ray 3D than it could chew this year -- the Japanese firm's just announced that the new BDX3100KB will be its first set-top stereoscopic player, never mind the BDX3000 it announced at CES. Still, we're willing to forgive and forget if the new machine (replete with DivX and MKV playback, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround, and instant playback of AVCHD footage from connected camcorders) makes it stateside sometime soon -- both it and the relatively boring BDX1100 standard Blu-ray unit are presently slated for a UK release (at unspecified prices) in October of this year. PR after the break.
HDi Dune Pro media player invites home automation to the party
Billed as "the world's first Blu-ray player to support Connected Home Services" the HDi Dune Pro debuts the company's HDi Dune Home Technology that pulls the usual suite of home automation functions -- media management, cameras, thermostats and the like -- to the TV screen. On display this week at IFA, it follows up the BD Prime by being both a capable Blu-ray player and media streamer (check format support after the break) with a 3.5-inch SATA HDD port and 7.1 channel audio support. European home automation heads can experience the 4Home-powered technology for 1990 at the end of October, while all others can check out the main site for a list of resellers around the world.
Buffalo serves up USB-powered portable 3D Blu-ray player in Japan
Stuck with an ODD-less netbook or laptop, but can't quite shake the urge to watch a Blu-ray Disc on your next flight? If you call Japan home (or you know a good importer), Buffalo has just the solution. The BP3D-PI6U2-BK measures 137- × 147- × 20mm, and the operation is pretty simple. Just wrangle an XP / Vista / Windows 7-equipped PC, locate an open USB socket, blow out the dust (optional, but highly recommended) and plug this guy in. Best of all, the unit also supports the boatload of 3D Blu-ray titles that are bound to show up over the coming months, but the privileged of being prepared doesn't come cheap -- it'll land later this month for ¥28,500 ($338). Update: Speaking of importers... White Rabbit Express has this up for pre-order at $350, along with a slew of other Japanese wares. Huzzah!
Samsung's portable BD-C8000 Blu-ray player spotted slumming it at retail
Samsung's new portable Blu-ray player has been mostly a special order item since its unveiling last month, easily available at online shops but not so much offline. If you'd like to feel the cardboard box in your hands before dropping $499 on a 3D-ready, WiFi-packing, Samsung Apps enabled clamshell then stop by Best Buy where one of our readers spotted this unit, despite it being listed as online only / ship to store for ordering on the website. Of course, if you're that kind of instant gratification nut you'll probably be using the Netflix streaming instead of discs, but that's your choice. [Thanks, BBY Guy]
Samsung Blu-ray players won't play Warner, Universal movies after firmware update, require a rollback
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/hardware/Samsung_Blu_ray_players_won_t_play_Warner_Universal_movies'; As annoying as continuous Blu-ray player updates are, usually having the latest one is the best way to play more movies. Unfortunately the opposite was the case for Samsung (again) with the v2.09 update posted recently for its 2009 BD-Px600 line of players. Forum posters on CNET and AVSForum report the upgrade blocked them from playing Universal and Warner Bros. movies, which conveniently lock up after displaying the title image. Samsung's rolled back to an older firmware version (v2.07) on its support site that should fix things for now, but with some users still having problems downgrading, all they can do is wait for the next update, whenever that arrives. Some help line reps have said the new version should arrive "in a couple of weeks," but it's not like you really wanted to watch Clash of the Titans or Book of Eli right now anyway, right? [Thanks, CJ Robinson]
Samsung's 3D gala: 65-inch UN65C8000, 50-inch PN50C490, and BD-C8000 eyes-on
Earlier today, Samsung pulled the curtain off (quite literally, might we add) its newest 3DTVs and the world's first portable 3D Blu-ray player at its New York City press conference. We were able to slap on a pair of the 3D specs and spend a bit of time staring at the (admittedly amazing) 65-inch LED 3DTV, the fairly mediocre sub-$1,000 720p 3DTV as well as form some early impressions of the Blu-ray player. We've got you covered with some pictures below, but mosey on past the break to check our two pennies on each of the new products. %Gallery-99232% %Gallery-99233%
Samsung shows off portable, HTIB 3D Blu-ray player options and the biggest LED 3DTV yet
We had no idea that the Blu-ray players Samsung showed off at CES would just be the first of a steady stream rolling out this year, and today in New York it's showing off the latest set of 3D capable hardware -- many of which have already shown up on retail shelves. The $499 BD-C8000 is the first portable Blu-ray player that can handle the new 3D discs; while the 10.3-inch screen is 2D only, it folds WiFi, 1GB of memory, HDMI 1.4, a 3 hour battery and all of Samsung's DLNA and widget technology into its very netbook-looking shell for you to take somewhere that has a 3D-ready display. Though that's already shipping on Amazon, we'll have to wait until October to see the $1,799 HT-C9950W 7.1 home theater in a box system, specifically designed (& priced) to match those ultra-thin 9000 series displays (and their sweet touchscreen remotes). Speaking of LED edge lit 3DTVs, Sammy also mentioned it's ready to ship the biggest of the bunch with the 65-inch UN65C8000 (compare that to Panasonic's 65-inch VT25 plasma) which missed the original July launch projection but is already popping up at a few sites for pre-orders at a price as much as $1,500 below its $5,999 MSRP. %Gallery-99192% While those fill out the high end of the product line, more frugal buyers of course have the option of selecting older models that are dropping in price, but there are a few new displays and players (that we've seen before) for them too. Samsung's finally officially launching the 50-inch PN50C490 we saw last month that does 3D on a flat panel display in 720p for less than $1,000. Right now, taking it from 3D capable to 3DTV is still an expensive proposition, but we'll wait and see if any new promotions throwing in the starter kit -- updated with a few new Blu-ray 3D exclusives including Dreamworks Animations' How to Train Your Dragon and two IMAX 3D flicks, Shrek series coming soon -- for free turn lookers into purchasers. Check the gallery for more pictures and the press release after the break for more specs and pricing information.
RCA BRC3108 portable Blu-ray ships to Target, seriously undercuts Panny's DMP-B15
Remember Panasonic's DMP-B15? You know, that "world's first portable Blu-ray player" that was introduced at CES and just started shipping last month? With an $800 price tag, there's a good chance you never even let the thing enter your stream of consciousness, but we can only wish you the best of luck as you try to ignore this one. RCA has quietly started to ship its BRC3108 10-inch portable Blu-ray player, which is equipped with a rechargeable battery, integrated stereo speakers, a headphone jack, 1080p HDMI output and bundled car / AC adapters alongside a carrying bag with headrest attachment for in-car use. The mini player lists for $349.99 on Amazon, and it's already starting to appear in select Target locations. You'll notice that Amazon still shows the device as being available for pre-order, and even the Target model didn't have a shelf tag yet. That said, we're sure someone in the back can pull some strings if you wave your credit card around long enough. Update: Looks like it's listed at $299.99 at Target -- image is after the break. Thanks, Thomas! [Thanks, Scott]
Panasonic's new DMP-BDT100 is a cheaper, slimmer choice for Blu-ray 3D playback
Panasonic's not letting us know exactly how cheap it's going with the new DMP-BDT100 Blu-ray player, but with an existing lineup that starts at $399 for the DMP-BDT300 it's not hard to see why it would need a mainstream option to compete with Samsung, Sony and the rest. The DMP-BDT100 still promises high quality playback and Viera Cast features including Netflix, Amazon VOD and Pandora access, but it does it in a smaller, energy efficient package as Panasonic's first single-HDMI out 3D Blu-ray player. It will ship in August, but we'll have to wait for any pricing info or possible new Blu-ray 3D pack-in deals (c'mon Avatar.) Press release and one more pic from HDTV.com.pl are after the break.
Toshiba BDX2700 Blu-ray player review
One of the best things the HD DVD camp had going for it during the format war was great hardware from Toshiba. And after the war was over many assumed Toshiba would just ignore the Blu-ray player market entirely and focus on other areas. Of course that wasn't the case and the idea of a Blu-ray player from Toshiba has always intrigued us, which is why we jumped at the chance to review one. Sadly, the BDX2700 reviewed on the next page doesn't share much with its red counterparts, but it isn't all bad. %Gallery-98138%
ABI Research predicts Blu-ray players in 18% of TV owning households next year
After successfully predicting shocking trends like Blu-ray player prices heading downwards and the PS3's continued install base lead on other players, analysts at ABI Research see 62.5 million Blu-ray players shipping next year. Analyst Mike Inouye sees this as a part of the growth potential of TV-centric devices related to price declines, plus new technology arriving like larger displays, internet access and 3D. With market penetration (in TV owning households) expected to rise from 7% in 2009 to 18% next year, we're wondering what's holding the format back from even more growth. Prices are relatively low now, full featured players are easy to find, and HDTVs are rapidly taking over. Is that other 82% happy with upscaled DVDs, movies on cable or on demand, internet downloading/streaming, or are we just being impatient?
