Future BD Players: Will they get smaller in '09?

[betona]

I just put a 42" HDTV in the bedroom and wouldn't mind a small and inexpensive BD player in there (I already have a 65" TV & LG player downstairs--this was a second HD set). Currently I have an older Philips DVD player in the bedroom that's very small and stands vertically to boot--taking up very little space.

Right now, all of the BD players are great big full-size units for home theaters. Does anyone have a bead on when we'll begin to see smaller sized Blu-ray players with a lower footprint? '09? Not until '10?

[singhcr]

They will be smaller because they are already smaller this year compared to last year.

My first player was a Samsung 1400. It was the size of my old 1980's VCR.
I got a refund from Samsung and got a Panasonic BD55, which is significantly smaller. It's about 5 pounds lighter, and half the height of the Samsung.

Compare DVD players at launch in 1997 to today and you can get an idea of how small BD players can become.

[Centauri]

Right now, all of the BD players are great big full-size units for home theaters. Does anyone have a bead on when we'll begin to see smaller sized Blu-ray players with a lower footprint? '09? Not until '10?

You must not be aware of the S350 or BD35.

[betona]

You must not be aware of the S350 or BD35.

Of course I am. They're thinner, but they're both still a full 17" wide. I seek less footprint.

singhcr, I'm certain they will as you are--probably see a portable one day. I was hoping someone here might know about forthcoming units under development.