CES: 2008 Blu-ray player lineup

Tuesday 08th January 2008, 09:09:00 AM, written by Carl Bender

With the inclusion of Profile 1.1 capabilities in new Blu-ray player offerings now mandatory, CES was expected to reveal a number of new players functionally more advanced than many of their predecessors. Profile 1.1 itself adds the ability to support picture-in-picture playback of director commentary or other on-disc content via the inclusion of secondary video and audio decoders in the hardware; this capability has been termed 'BonusView' by the BDA for ease of consumer understanding. Also mandated is the ability to pull content off of the disc itself or the Internet via PC, with the provision to store it on either internal memory or supported external means such as an SD card or USB flash drive. Direct Internet connectivity is a further feature of Profile 2.0 players (dubbed BD Live), and although several BD Live players have been announced, this profile remains optional in terms of integration.

Among the list of newly announced players, the Panasonic BMP-BD50 is potentially the most feature rich, supporting both BD Live and BonusView. Specification-wise, the BMP-BD50 supports 1080p output at a film-native 24 frames per second, ethernet port, in-player decoding of both Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, the Panasonic Hollywood Studios developed Uniphier video processing chip, and support for .jpeg and video playback (including AVCHD content) via the SD card slot featured on the player. No word on release date or price was given with the announcement, but its introduction may also herald a price drop on the already popular BMP-BD30.

The earliest manufacturer to have released a Blu-ray player back in June of '06, Samsung intro'd the BD-P1500 as their fourth generation Blu-ray unit. In step with the advances across the field, the P1500 features profile 1.1 compliance, internal support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, 1080p24 output, and a built-in ethernet port. Although the ethernet port is mentioned in the release as applicable to BD-Java apps, Samsung did not explicitly state the P1500 as Profile 2.0 compliant; this may receive further clarification closer to release. Also announced was the BD-UP5500, a combo player sharing all of the same specifications as the P1500, with the additional benefit of being able to play back content on HD DVD. Retail dates for these units are June and the second half of '08, respectively, with MSRP set at $399 and $599.

Squarely targeting the mid-range, Philips introduced the BDP7200, a Profile 1.1 compliant player featuring Deep Color support, 1080p24 output of film content, and an MSRP of $349 when it launches in April. Perhaps even more significant, OEM giant Funai announced they will be bringing their NB500 Blu-ray player to US shores under OEM nameplates in the second quarter. Targeting a sub-$300 price point and featuring 1080p output, Deep Color support, Profile 1.1 compliance, and an SD card slot for playback of external content, the NB500 should provide a range of options at retail through Funai's OEM partners, which include Sylvania, Magnavox, and Emerson.

Finally, Sharp demonstrated their AQUOS branded BD-HP50U. Featuring support for x.v.Color, 1080p24 playback, and external storage options, the most interesting aspects of the player are the use of an internally developed BD optical drive assembly (Sharp is one of a select few firms that actually produce blue laser diodes), and the claim that their 'Quick Start' feature will reduce load times to the ten second range. Scheduled for May, the player carries a surprisingly high announced MSRP of $699; a price likely to be reduced before actual introduction.

Although not formally announced, Blu-ray giant Sony and BDA member Pioneer both had prototypes on display, with Sony's Sapphire 3 and 4 prototypes touted to feature Profile 2.0 support, and Pioneer promising further information at a May event.

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