Today Sony released a new line up of Blu-ray disc players, introducing four stand alone models (BDP-S780, BDP-S580, BDP-S480, and BDP-S380) and three integrated home theater systems (BDV-E780W, BDV-E580, and BDV-E280), as well as a 5.1 channel home theater audio system (HT-SS380). All of the models play back DVD, CD and SACD discs in addition to Blu-ray Discs.
The company also introduced its first portable Blu-ray Disc player, BDP-SX1000, which features a 10.1-inch WSVGA screen.
The high end model BDP-S780 brings a number of new features to the market like Skype videoconferencing, HomeShare Wi-Fi Network compatibility as well as Super Bit Mapping borrowed from previous ES Blu-ray player.
Sony’s BDP-S780 Blu-ray Disc player is Blu-ray 3D capable and compatible with DVDs, CDs, and SACDs. The model features built in Wi-Fi wireless (802.11n) with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) as well as an Ethernet jack for easy access to BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE™.
Compatible with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) devices, the model serves as a DLNA client and allows you to wirelessly share digital photos, music, and video media from your PC using your home network. It also includes a front USB input for convenient access to photo, music, and video playback. The model is also compatible with Sony’s new HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speakers.
The player also has Skype™ embedded. When connecting a USB TV camera, purchased separately, users can enjoy free widescreen Skype-to-Skype video calls with friends and family from the comfort of their living rooms.
The model also features an Entertainment Database Browser, using Gracenote™ technologies, that allows users to browse details like actor and production information from a Blu-ray disc and access related content found on BRAVIA Internet Video content.
Users with an iPhone®, iPod touch®, or Android™ mobile device can control Sony’s entire Blu-ray line-up using a free application that can be downloaded from the app stores. The updated Sony “Media Remote” app allows the mobile device to function as a remote control that includes the ability to access a Blu-ray Disc’s details such as jacket artwork, actor, and production information as well as search for additional video clips online. With an Android phone, consumers can also use the app to control their Sony Blu-ray and Bravia products with their voice. The app is also compatible with select new BRAVIA HDTVs announced today.
With the press of a button, the BDP-S780 can up convert 2D content to simulate 3D and improves standard definition and web video quality with Sony’s IP Content Noise Reduction technology and Precision Cinema HD Upscaling technologies.
It also includes Super Bit Mapping, Smoothing, and Chroma Processing technologies which deliver smoother color gradation when connected via HDMI.
Building on industry leading fast load times, the model features an improved start up and disc loading performance. When the quick start feature is turned on, the start-up time is quicker and disc loading is faster than previous models.
Also new to Sony’s Blu-ray Disc player line is the BDP-S580 Blu-ray Disc player featuring built in Wi-Fi (802.11n) with WPS. Other features found on this model include:
- Full HD 1080p playback
- Blu-ray 3D, DVD, CD and SACD compatibility
- IP Content Noise Reduction
- BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE functionality
- Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
- DLNA Client and photo, music, and video playback
- Photo, music, and video playback via front USB
- HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speaker compatible
- “Media Remote” (iPhone/iPod touch/Android BD Remote Control application)
- Quick start and loading
- Available in March for about $200
Rounding out the line, other new Blu-ray Disc players include:
BDP-S480 Blu-ray Disc Player
- Full HD 1080p playback
- Blu-ray 3D, DVD, CD, and SACD playback
- Wi-Fi-ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
- BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE functionality
- Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
- DNLA Client and photo, music, and video playback
- Photo, music, and video playback via front USB
- HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speaker compatible
- “Media Remote” (iPhone/iPod touch/Android BD Remote Control application)
- Quick start and loading
- Available in March for about $180
BDP-S380 Blu-ray Disc Player
- Full HD 1080p playback
- DVD, CD, and SACD playback
- Wi-Fi-ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
- BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE functionality
- Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
- Photo, music, and video playback via front USB
- “Media Remote” (iPhone/iPod touch/Android BD Remote Control application)
- Quick start and loading
- Available in February for about $150
Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Systems
Sony’s new Blu-ray Disc home theater line feature three models that are Blu-ray 3D capable and all offer access to Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE™ technology.
The flagship BDV-E780W is a full HD 1080p 5.1 channel 1000 watt Blu-ray Disc home theater system that features built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n), wireless rear speakers, 2-way front speakers that can deliver a wider audio sweet spot ideal for family viewing and an improved subwoofer.
The model also features a universal remote, as well as the “Media Remote” control app available for iPhone/iPod touch and Android devices.
It includes Sony’s Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote® technology to access disc cover art, actor, and production information, as well as IP Content Noise Reduction technology and Precision Cinema HD Upscaling to improve standard definition and web video quality.
Serving as a DLNA client, the model is compatible with DLNA devices and includes a front USB input for photo, music, and video playback and is compatible with Sony’s new HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speakers.
The model also comes with an iPhone/iPod dock and offers two HDMI inputs and will be available in May for about $600.
Other new Blu-ray Disc home theater systems include:
BDV-E580 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System
Available in March for about $500
- 1000 watt, 5.1 channel home theater system
- Blu-ray 3D, DVD, CD, and SACD playback
- Two HDMI inputs
- Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n) with WPS
- BRAVIA Internet Video
- Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
- USB and DNLA Client and photo, music, and video playback
- HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speaker compatible
- “Media Remote” (iPhone/iPod touch/Android BD Remote Control application)
- iPhone/iPod touch dock included
- Quick start and load
BDV-E280 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System
Available in April for about $400
- 1000 watt, 5.1 channel home theater system
- Blu-ray 3D,DVD, CD, and SACD playback
- Two HDMI inputs
- Wi-Fi-ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
- BRAVIA Internet Video
- iPhone/iPod touch dock included
- Quick start and load
Portable Blu-ray Disc Player
Sony’s new BDP-SX1000 is the company’s first portable Blu-ray Disc player. The 10.1-inch wide, WSVGA model plays back both Blu-ray and DVD discs, as well as USB media.
It features 180-degree swivel display, five hour battery life from the built-in, rechargeable battery and offers built-in speakers and a headphone output.
The model will be available this spring for about $300.
Home Theater Audio System
Sony also announced the HT-SS380 5.1 channel home theater audio system with Blu-ray Disc player matching design. The 1000 watt model includes three HDMI inputs and one output featuring an HDMI repeater (3 inputs/1 output), stand-by pass through, 3D pass through, and audio return channel allowing the television to send audio signals back to the unit for playback.
The models ships with an iPhone/iPod dock included for payback of audio, video, and photos.
The HT-SS380 will be available this spring for about $350.
