CES 2012 Blu-ray Announcement News Round-up

This week sees CES 2012 in full swing, and as always there has been an abundance of new Blu-ray players announced, along with some cool new products related to our favourite disc-based media.  Here's a rundown of the top announcements.

Panasonic.

Panasonic has announced four new 3D Blu-ray players, the DMP-BDT500, BDT320, BDT220 and BBT01, plus two 2D players, the DMP-BD77 and BD87.  They all use an updated UniPhier chip and offer VIERA Connect and support for 3D up-conversion.  The BBT01 and BDT320 both use an unusual slot-drive, while the BBT01 can be mounted either vertically or horizontally.

All the new players offer DLNA support and all but the BD77 have Wi-Fi built-in, plus they all support NTFS-based hard disc drives.

Vizio.

In addition to a standard 3D Blu-ray player, the VBR370, Vizio has introduced the VBR430, a media streaming box complete with a built-in Blu-ray player.  The box streams content from Hulu and Netflix, plus it offers Google TV functionality and integrates with social networking sites.  Once again, like a couple of Panasonic players, the Vizio VBR430 looks to use a slot-loading drive.  Price and availability have yet to be confirmed.

Sony.

Sony has given us three new Blu-ray players this CES, with one of particular interest.  The BDP-S590 is a stock 3D player with Wi-Fi and access to various third-party streaming services along with Sony's own network, while the BDP-SX910 is a portable Blu-ray player with a 9" screen and four hours of battery life.

The BDP-S790 comes with the interesting feature of being able to convert standard HD content into 4K HD content.  Wi-Fi and 3D are also featured, but it's that upscaling-gone-mad spec that makes this one standout.  Now you just need a screen capable of showing 4K resolution material.

Samsung.

Here's a neat little device from Samsung.  The BD-ES6000 is a box just about the same size as a Blu-ray disc, yet it incorporates a 3D player, Wi-Fi, DLNA support and access to plenty of streaming online content and Samsung's app store.  Plus, it can be controlled using an iOS or Android app, or even a wireless keyboard and mouse.  The tiny device happily decodes HD audio too, and won't take up much space alongside your TV.  Pricing and availability has yet to be announced.

Toshiba.

Toshiba brings four new Blu-ray players to CES.  The BDX3300 and BDX5300 both feature Wi-Fi, but only the BDX5300 has 3D support, while the BDX2300 and BDX4300 both need a wireless dongle attached to use a Wi-Fi network.  The BDX4300 does have 3D disc support though.  All players will be released during April and May and feature the usual online streaming abilities, apps and DLNA support.

New BeoVision 7-40 Adds 3D Blu-ray to Gorgeous Package

Bang & Olufsen has added a revised BeoVision television to their range, as the updated BeoVision 7-40 now comes complete with a 3D Blu-ray player inside.  Fans of the super-stylish Danish brand will recall that the 7-40 was updated back in May this year, swapping out the DVD player for a Blu-ray.  As technology has now moved on to include 3D, the company has done the same again this month.

As you would expect now there is a 3D Blu-ray player built-in, the screen itself has become a 3D panel, plus you'll get a pair of active-shutter glasses in the package too.  The 40" screen will likely be the best seller, however a 50" version has also gone on sale at the same time.  B&O has given the specs a slight overhaul, with the screen now boasting a 100hz refresh rate, 3000:1 contrast ratio and a 6ms response time.

Otherwise the spec has remained the same with Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio support from the standard decoder plus an optional built-in DVB-HD decoder, motorised stand and the BeoLab speaker system.

You're going to have to take a deep breath when it comes to handing over the cash though, as the new BeoVision 7-40 is priced at £7,600!

Yamaha Launches First All-In-One Blu-ray, the BDX-610

A latecomer to the All-In-One Blu-ray system party, Yamaha's first attempt has just gone on sale in the USA and the UK.  The BDX-610 was seen during the IFA show back in September and the promised November release date has now been met.

The BDX-610's main unit houses the Blu-ray player along with a 5.1 audio receiver, boasting a total output of 500 watts.  This is transfered to a collection of five speakers and a subwoofer, ready to deliver 80 watts each and 100 watts respectively.  The design used for the speaker boxes is very traditional, with oblong black enclosures for the individual channels and a big black cube for the subwoofer, however the glossy black finish is sure to look good.

The player/receiver is certainly more compact than a separates system would be, plus it benefits from a very simple rear panel layout.  A peak reveals a single HDMI port, a coax or optical audio connection, an Ethernet port and a series of less-than-ideal spring connectors for the speakers.  Even those with limited experience in setting up home cinema systems should find it a breeze.

On to the specs.  The Blu-ray player supports 3D playback, the receiver happily decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio, it's DLNA certified and there's a USB port on the front panel too.

That's about what you'd expect from a mid-range Blu-ray player these days, so when you add in the surround sound audio and speaker system, provided the price is right the BDX-610 looks tempting.  Happily, the price is a good one at around £450 in the UK and $699 in the USA.  Interestingly, Yamaha will also sell the Blu-ray/receiver box separately in the near future, so you'll be able to make use of that speaker set you've got hanging around.  The UK price for this has yet to be revealed, but The Verge say it'll cost $549 on its own in the USA.

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!

Two New Budget Blu-ray Players from Sony and Pioneer

Both Sony and Pionner unveiled new budget Blu-ray players at the recent IFA show in Berlin, and we've got the details for you below.  Of course, these being low-end models there's nothing ground-breaking in terms of new tech, but the spec still impresses considering the price tag.

Sony's BD-S185 has an unusual design which deviates from their previous super-slim slabs.  The disc tray remains on the left-hand side of the player, but the controls now sit on the top of the casing, which has a a slight curve to it and is thicker at the rear than at the front.  It's still only 290mm thick though, and the brushed aluminium chassis is sure to win it a few fans.

A single HDMI socket sits on the rear, sending 1080p images to your TV and upscaling DVD to 'near HD quality' according to the blurb on Sony's site.  A USB port will play digital media plus there's access to a variety of online content too.  It'll also decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD.  Sony has the player up for £99, but online retailers seem to be selling it for around £80.  A bargain for Sony's quality.

Pioneer's new Blu-ray is really only budget by their standards, as it wears a £170 price-tag, but it does have a more varied feature set than the Sony.  In addition to Blu-ray and DVD, Pioneer's BDP-140 will also play 3D Blu-ray and SACD, plus it can be controlled by iOS and Android devices thanks to a free application.  Like the S185, there's only an Ethernet connection for the Internet, but Pioneer's online services are restricted to YouTube and Picassa. 

Both the BDP-140 and BD-S185 are available now.

Yamaha add A1010 Blu-ray Player to Aventage Range

Hot on the heels of their Aventage line of A/V Receivers, Yamaha has added the Aventage BD-A1010, a 3D-capable Blu-ray player to the range.  Of course, Yamaha are pushing it as a perfect companion to the 3D receiver range, but judging by the specification and surprisingly reasonable price (for a Yamaha player), a lot of other people are going to be picking the A1010 up too.

The A1010 is a universal player, so accepts 3D Blu-ray, DVD, SACD and DVD-A discs, plus it has a wide-range of digital codecs to its name, including AVCHD, DivX Plus, WMV, WMA, MP3 and AAC file types.  Both DTS-HD and Dolby True-HD are supported, and the HDMI sends 1080p/24Hz images to your screen, and x.v Color and Deep Color enhancements are onboard for a great-looking image.  There's a front and a rear mounted USB socket, plus an RS232C port too.

Although you'll need to plug in an Ethernet cable, the A1010 has an extensive library of online content ready to stream from providers including Netflix, Blockbuster-on-Demand and the living room-friendly YouTube Leanback service.

The Yamaha Aventage BD-A1010 should be on sale soon with a retail price of $499.

Sony Launch New 3D Blu-ray BDV-3985WH All-in-One System

Anyone wanting to start out in home cinema, but doesn't want to break the bank by going down the all separates route, is well-advised to look at an all-in-one system.  While they were once a cheap and cheerful way of bringing surround sound into your home, they've evolved to challenge many entry-level speaker/amp combinations; and this new Sony BDV-3985WH is a great example.

The set consists of four tall speakers, a horizontally mounted centre speaker, a subwoofer and an iPod/iPhone docking station; plus the main control box.  The Blu-ray player incorporated here can play 3D discs, plus there are two HDMI inputs to attach other devices too.  The rear speakers are wirelessly connected to the main unit, and you can plug in a Wi-Fi adaptor to gain access to the Bravia Internet Video content and other online video sources.

The system is said to be available now from Sony dealers in the USA for $1599, but it has yet to appear on Sony's website, therefore some key information is missing from the spec list - namely the power output.  We'll update here when Sony makes the information available.

New Onkyo BD-SP809 Announced, Will Wear £499 Price Tag

Despite the cost of Blu-ray players falling all the time, Onkyo obviously believe there's still plenty of people willing to stump up a little more cash for a high-end player; hence the announcement of the BD-SP809.  It's the follow-up to the SP807 and like that player has been certified by THX, one of several reasons for the hefty price-tag.

It's a big brute too, weighing 6kg, and comes with a vibration-reducing top cover, gold-plated analogue audio outputs and that super-cool minimalist design Onkyo have favoured recently.  Around the back of the machine you'll find dual-HDMI ports, a USB port and an Ethernet connection, plus the SP809 has DLNA 1.5 certification allowing users to stream content from other devices with the minimum of setup.

Onkyo has squeezed in plenty of playback options too, including 3D Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD and file formats such as DivX HD, MP3 and WMA.  Of course, both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio are supported, plus the player makes use of Qdeo processing to upscale DVD to the very highest quality.

The BD-SP809 will be available in black or silver from August in the UK.

Macgo Software Provides Native Blu-ray Playback for Macs

Seeing as Apple are unlikely to start offering standard Blu-ray drives or their own Blu-ray playback software anytime soon, it's time to start looking elsewhere for help.  There are many external and internal Blu-ray drives available, but what about dedicated Mac software?

Macgo has released the Mac Blu Ray Player, a native Mac OS X player, which they claim is the very first universal media player for both Mac and PC owners to offer Blu-ray support.  The player comes with a free 90-day trail, so you can give it a go without committing early on, and it'll cost you a reasonable $39.99 to continue using - forever - after the trial expires.

So is it any good?  I've not got a Blu-ray drive for my Mac so can't give it a try, but a TUAW writer indicated the software could do with a few tweaks, as the playback often resulted in some image problems.  Over at CNET, their coverage points out that Macgo needs an Internet connection to validate Blu-ray disc playback, so don't expect any offline HD fun.

Still, as it has a generous trial period, if you've got a Blu-ray drive for your Mac it's probably worth a download to see how it performs.