Sony 3D Blu-ray players

[Ilya]

CURTAIN RISES ON NEW SONY BLU-RAY 3D CAPABLE MODELS

New Line Offers Stylish Monolithic Design Concept, Wi-Fi Connectivity, and BRAVIA Internet Video Platform Functionality


LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 6, 2010 – Sony today introduced its new Blu-ray Disc™ line featuring Blu-ray 3D™ playback, Wi-Fi® Internet connectivity, and instant streaming of online video content from the BRAVIA® Internet Video platform. The new Sony Blu-ray Disc devices are another example of how Sony is providing consumers with networked products that enhance the home entertainment experience.

The full HD 1080p line featuring Sony’s new Monolithic Design Concept includes three stand alone models (BDP-S770, BDP-S570 and BDP-S370) and three integrated home theater systems (BDV-HZ970W, BDV-E770W, and BDV-E570), as well as a 5.1 channel matching home audio system (HT-SS370).

When connected to a broadband Internet network, the models instantly stream movies, videos, music and more from Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube™, Slacker® Internet Radio, Pandora®, NPR, Sony Pictures, Sony Music, and over 25 total providers through the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video platform.

“Only Sony can leverage expertise in hardware and content creation to deliver unique entertainment experiences such as 3D and Internet streaming,” said Chris Fawcett, vice president of Sony Electronics’ home audio and video business. “Our new Blu-ray Disc players, home theaters and audio products bring entertainment to life with a high-quality, innovative design that is stylish enough to enhance any décor.”

Sony’s new Blu-ray Disc players and home theater systems feature 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.

Unique to the new models, users with an iPhone® or iPod® touch devices can control the players using a free application that can be downloaded from the Apple App store. The application allows an iPhone/iPod touch 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.



Blu-ray Disc Players

Available this summer, Sony’s Blu-ray 3D capable BDP-S770 Blu-ray Disc player is also compatible with DVDs, CDs, and SA-CDs. The model features an Ethernet jack and has built in Wi-Fi wireless (802.11) with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for easy access to Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video platform and BD-LIVE™ functionality.

The model also includes Sony’s IP Content Noise Reduction technology and Precision Cinema HD Upscaling to improve standard definition and web video quality.

Compatible with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) devices, the model 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 photo, music, and video playback and decodes all advanced audio codecs including Dolby® TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio™, and offers bit stream out.

The model also offers 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 available this spring Sony’s BDP-S570 Blu-ray Disc player features built in Wi-Fi wireless (802.11) with WPS for easy access to Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video platform and BD-LIVE functionality.

Other features include:

• DVD, CD, and SA-CD playback

• IP Content Noise Reduction

• Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology

• BD Remote (iPhone/iPod touch BD Remote Control application)

• Photo, music, and video playback via front USB and DLNA (firmware update required)

• DVD upscaling to near high definition with Precision Cinema HD Upscaling

• Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding

• Quick start and fast loading



Sony’s BDP-S370 Blu-ray Disc player, shipping this spring, also offers full HD 1080p picture quality and access to the BRAVIA Internet Video platform and BD-LIVE functionality.

Other features found in this model include:

• DVD, CD, and SA-CD playback

• Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology

• BD Remote (iPhone/iPod touch BD Remote Control application)

• Wi-Fi-ready (UWA-BR100 USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)

• Photo, music, and video playback via front USB and DLNA (firmware update required)

• DVD Upscaling to near high definition with Precision Cinema HD Upscaling

• Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding

• Quick start and fast loading





Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Systems

Sony’s new 3D capable BDV-HZ970W is a full HD 1080p 5.1 channel Blu-ray Disc home theater system that features wireless capabilities via the included USB wireless LAN adapter (802.11) allowing for easy access to a broad range of entertainment from the BRAVIA Internet Video platform and BD-LIVE extra features and content.

The 1000 watt system features Sony’s S-AIR® technology allowing it to transmit audio to the included wireless rear channel surround speakers. Users can also add wireless multi-room speaker clients (sold separately) to enjoy music in other parts of the home.

Additionally, the model 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.

Compatible with DLNA devices, the model also includes a front USB input for photo, music, and video playback. It is decodes all advanced audio codecs including Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio.

The BDV-E770W is a 1000 watt, 5.1 channel Blu-ray Disc home theater system that connects to the Internet wirelessly with the included USB wireless LAN adapter (802.11), allowing easy access to entertainment from the BRAVIA Internet Video platform and BD-LIVE functionality.

Other features include:

• DVD, CD, and SA-CD playback

• Integrated S-AIR wireless rear speakers

• Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology

• BD Remote (iPhone/iPod touch BD Remote Control application)

• DLNA functionality (firmware update required)

• Photo, music, and video playback via USB and DLNA

• iPod audio playback via USB

• DVD Upscaling to near high definition with Precision Cinema HD Upscaling

• Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding





Sony’s BDV-E570 full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc 5.1 channel home theater system also offers access to entertainment from the BRAVIA Internet Video platform and BD-LIVE functionality via an included USB wireless LAN adapter.

This 1000 watt system also offers:

• DVD, CD, and SA-CD playback

• Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology

• BD Remote (iPhone/iPod touch BD Remote Control application)

• Photo, music, and video playback via USB and DLNA

• iPod audio playback via USB

• S-Air ready (with addition of optional transmitter, sold separately)

• DVD Upscaling to near high definition with Precision Cinema HD Upscaling

• Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding



Home Theater Audio System

Sony also announced the HT-SS370 5.1 channel home theater audio system with Blu-ray Disc player matching design. The 1000 watt model includes a HDMI repeater (3 inputs/1 output), allowing users to send HDMI signals through the device even when it is off.

The model, which is available this spring, is S-AIR ready and can send wireless audio signals to rear surround speakers or multi-room speakers (sold separately) when an optional transmitter (sold separately) is added.

The HT-SS370 also features linear PCM decoding and two digital audio inputs.

All new Blu-ray Disc players and home theater systems will be available at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com, at military base exchanges, and at authorized retailers nationwide.

 

[ChrisK114]

Probably a stupid question, but you will need a 3D capable TV also right??

 

[iceturkee]

any idea about cost?

 

[vurbano]

any idea about cost?

The whole setup is going to cost beyond ridiculous.

 

[charper1]

Maybe someone can explain what these " new 3D capable models" really means and how they are different from current the TV's and Blu-ray players I have now? I mean we have the BRD 'Monsters vs Aliens' and it has a blu-ray 3D feature on the disc and it works just fine with my current gear.

 

[Ilya]

Here are some detais about how it all works: Sony Global - 3D world Created by Sony

 

[charper1]

So am I wrong that the main difference is that these new devises allow for the active shutter 3D solution versus the polarization method? I would bet my left acorn that they could find a way to work within the framework of current devices; I mean heck the blu-ray disc & player itself is simply a mass storage media; what does it need to do specifically for 3D presentations other than provide video and audio signals?

I saw this comment: "Final 3-D Blu-ray Specification Announced. Blu-ray Disc The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) today announced the finalization and release of the “Blu-ray 3D™” specification. It leverages the technical advantages of the BD format to deliver “unmatched picture quality” as well as uniformity and compatibility across the full range of Blu-ray 3D products, both hardware and software. The specification is also designed to allow the PS3 to play back Blu-ray 3D content in 3-D.

That right there makes me think we really don't need anything new and I still think they could work with current displays somehow.

 

[Ilya]

Basically, as I understand, it needs to store left and right eye images, send them interchangeably at a higher frame rate. The TV set must be able to handle that higher rate and the shutter glasses must be synchronized with the image frames.

 

[stimpson]

The specification is also designed to allow the PS3 to play back Blu-ray 3D content in 3-D.

That right there makes me think we really don't need anything new and I still think they could work with current displays somehow.

Good point!!!!! Makes one wonder doesn't it?

 

[Ilya]

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to Deliver Blu-ray 3D™ Content
Timed to the Debut of SONY 3D Hardware for the Home

Culver City, CA (January 7, 2010) – (Virtual Press Office) - To coincide with the rollout of 3D electronics hardware from Sony Electronics, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) today announced the studio will begin releasing 3D content on Blu-ray Disc™ worldwide in 2010.

The first planned SPHE Blu-ray 3D release will be the recent animated blockbuster “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs,” timed to the availability of Sony Electronics’ 3D compatible BRAVIA® LCD TVs and 3D compatible Blu-ray disc players in the summer of 2010. More information about the upcoming Blu-ray 3D edition of “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs,” as well as other future SPHE Blu-ray 3D releases, will be announced in the Spring of 2010.

“3D entertainment on Blu-ray is poised to revolutionize the home viewing experience in much the same way that high-definition televisions and Blu-ray Disc have over the past several years,” said SPHE worldwide president David Bishop. “SPHE is proud to lead the way in providing compelling 3D entertainment to complement the new hardware entering the marketplace.”

About Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. SPE is a division of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at Sony Pictures.

 

[charper1]

Good point!!!!! Makes one wonder doesn't it?

Yep and I for one REFUSE to buy a new display or Blu-ray player specifically to gain this feature. If I happen to find myself in the market to buy, then I will evaluate this feature when comparison shopping.

 

[sclaws]

Yeah the PS3 compatibilty thing to me is very fishy. IIRC the PS3's out there are HDMI 1.1 or 1.3(slim)...I'm sure others with more tech brain and time than me will be able to figure out if this is marketing BS, or tech magic from Sony.

I lean toward the BS as my default response unless proven otherwise

 

[pro96]

I see all the 3D going the same route as HDDVD did... never took off.

 

[navychop]

Naw. 3D won't be as successful as HD DVD.

 

[dlange]

Here is a rookie question:

Will you need glasses for the new 3DTVs that are being launched this year? For Avatar 3D you did need them but I recall hearing about a Panasonic (I think) 3DTV a year ago or so but people weren't too impressed with the pic quality. I guess it was meant for B2B though...

Moreover, if you need glasses - will it work with my old Full-HD Flat-TV or do I have to buy a whole new system?

 

[mruk69]

In the UK Sky Sports boadcasted a soccer game Manchester United vs Arsenal in 3D in some pubs. They will be dedicating a 3D channel come this spring.
Al Jazeera has licensed to broadcast the entire Fifa World Cup in HD.
So, it seems it has taken of a lot more in other parts of the world.

I personally will not invest in this technology, I have 7 people in my family, 7 * $150 dollar glasses = Too Much.

 

[meStevo]

Ratings and those channels continuing for any respectable length of time will help determine if it's really 'taken off' anywhere. Some companies just buying into the hype more than others out of the gate.

 

[HD MM]

So everytime you want to watch TV, whether at home or out at a restaurant/bar you have to put on glasses? Enough already! HD is good enough. Let's not get carried away.

 

[meStevo]

The most practical use I think I'll ever see for 3D is on my home computer playing games that are significantly enhanced for it.

May even do it in the next month or two. I don't see this technology making me want to replace one of our LCDs anytime soon though.

 

[Pepper]

Anybody remember the game "Serious Sam" - it has a 3D mode that generates the red/green anaglyph on a standard monitor with no special hardware required, just the cardboard glasses. Amazingly, it is actually pretty good and doesn't induce vomiting (usually). Obviously the bigger monitor, the better.