Sony Releases First Portable Blu-ray Player, the SX1

It seems there is enough demand for on-the-move HD video that Sony feels the need to release a portable Blu-ray player of its own, joining other manufacturers such as Panasonic.  The BDP-SX1 was announced earlier this year and has recently gone on sale in the UK and around the world.  So what do you get for your money?

Like other similar products, the SX1 looks like a chunky laptop, but in place of a keyboard there's a disc tray.  The screen measures 10.1" and has a 1024 x 600 pixel resolution, which as most will understand is considerably less than true HD - although you'd hardly notice any difference on a screen this size anyway. 

In addition to playing discs, a USB socket lets you play digital media (including pictures and music) from a memory stick, however there's no Wi-Fi to enable streaming video while out and about.

The SX1 has a remote control and an HDMI-out, so it could be used as a regular Blu-ray player in your home and it supports the usual DTS Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD audio feeds, plus it happily plays DVDs and CDs too.  It's not 3D compatible though.

Sony quote a battery life of 5 hours and the player is driven by Sony's excellent XMB menu system, making it very easy to use. 

The Sony SX1 is available through Sony for the full retail price of £299, but if you shop around it's possible to reduce this by £50-£70.  The only thing is, a small amount more could net you a Blu-ray player in a laptop, a far more versatile product than the SX1.

Primare's New BD32 Blu-ray Player is Pricey, But Impressive

If you've got £3250 burning a hole in your pocket and are keen to spend it on a new high-end Blu-ray player, then take a look at the new Primare BD32, a universal player with an extensive feature list and a very sleek design.

While 'universal' is a phrase usually attached to players with the ability to play SACD and DVD-A discs as well as Blu-ray and DVD, the BD32 supports these and other formats too, so it really could be the only player you'll need.

In addition to those mentioned above, it'll also spin 3D Blu-ray and CD, plus a USB port will accept various video, music or image files from a memory stick or eSATA drive.  All audio formats are also supported and clever circuitry will convert them to PCM ready for D/A conversion on another component if you'd prefer.

Around the rear of the player you'll find two 1.4a HDMI ports, both of which are 3D capable, composite and component video, 7.1 analogue audio outputs, an RS232 port and space for a Wi-Fi dongle which unusually, is included in the package. 

The chassis is absolutely gorgeous too, with a brushed aluminium finish, subtle buttons and a small display.  All the components used inside are reference quality - as they should be for this price - and should ensure the BR32 produces the best audio and video possible.  But with a price tag of over £3K, only a few will get to see what it can do!

HMV Announces Exclusive Limited Edition Lion King Trilogy

The Lion King is sure to be a popular Blu-ray release on its own, but fans of the movie or limited Disney collector's editions may want to reserve a copy of this impressive, exclusive Blu-ray set coming from HMV.  Released on the 7th November, The Lion King Trilogy: Collectors Edition has been made available for pre-order with HMV in the UK at a price of £64.99.  What do you get for that price?  This:

• The Lion King: Diamond Edition.
• Lion King 2: Simba's Pride.
• Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata.
• Lion King Special Edition Official Soundtrack.
• 2-disc Special Edition of the Original Broadway Cast Recording.
• Behind the Scenes Bonus DVD.

All this will be presented in a stained wooden box, limited to just 3000 copies.  I think you'll agree it looks really special too!  The Lion King: Diamond Edition includes the following special features:

• Bloopers & Outtakes
  
• Interactive Blu-ray Gallery
  
• Audio Commentary By Co-Directors Roger Allers And Rob Minkoff And Producer Don Hahn (original Version)
  
• Backstage Disney: Diamond Edition
  
• Pride Of The Lion King
  
• The Lion King: A Memoir - Don Hahn
  
• Deleted & Alternate Scenes With Introductions by Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff Music & More
  
• Play Movie With Sing-Along Mode
  
• The Morning Report: Extended Scene
  
• LK2- Timon & Pumbaa's Insectapedia
  
• Classic DVD Bonus Features
  
• "One By One"
  
• Timon & Pumbaa: Find Out Why
  
• Proud Of Simba's Pride
  
• "Love Will Find A Way" Music Video
  
• LK3- Timon & Pumbaa's Vacation Safari
  
• Classic DVD Bonus Features
  
• Deleted Scenes
  
• Intro To "Scurry, Flinch, Sniff"
  
• Timon & Pumbaa look for Oasis
  
• Timon: Behind The Legend
  
• Before The Beginning: The Making of The Lion King 1 1/2
  
• Grazin' In The Grass" Music Video

If you're a Lion King fan, will you be pre-ordering this set?