New Sony BDP-s300 Blu-ray Player $499 & Less!

[dominica]

Crutchfield has it for $499. I think on the net it should be $430-450 when it comes out and $399 at the end of the summer: I still think it needs to be cheaper and some more features, but its a start!. Its not out yet, so I am not sure if thats 100% on the players specs.


From Crutchield web site:"

The Sony BDP-S300 takes full advantage of Blu-ray Disc's superb picture and sound quality to deliver top-notch performance for your high-definition home theater system. It can output video in ultra-high-def 1080p resolution, for extraordinary depth and detail with compatible TVs. It's also one of the first components that can display images at 24 frames per second — the same frame rate used by film — for the most faithful and accurate reproduction of your favorite movies

Future-ready color technology
The 'S300 supports new x.v.Color technology, which offers the potential of up to 80% more colors than you get with current high-definition programs. In the future, you'll be able to enjoy an even more vibrant, lifelike image with compatible TVs and movie discs.

A new disc format designed for a better picture
The BDP-S300's top-notch video performance is largely due to the Blu-ray Disc format itself. High-capacity Blu-ray Discs can each hold up to five times as much information as a regular DVD. A Blu-ray player can send this digital information to your TV at a much faster rate than a DVD player. The result is picture quality with flawless clarity and true-to-life texture and depth.

Better sound, too
The 'S300 also sports built-in decoding for Dolby® Digital Plus — a new audio format recorded at a higher bitrate than regular Dolby Digital — for even richer, more dynamic wraparound sound. You can take advantage of this state-of-the-art format using any receiver with multichannel analog inputs. When you're in the mood for music, pop in a CD or a home-burned DVD loaded with MP3 tunes. And Sony's Bravia™ Theatre Sync gives you quick and easy control of compatible Sony components via the HDMI connection.
Details:
» plays Blu-ray high-definition discs (selectable output resolution: 1080p signals available through HDMI output only; 720p/1080i signals available through HDMI or component video)
» plays DVD-Video, DVD-R & DVD-RW, and DVD+R & DVD+RW
» plays high-def AVC-HD files on home-burned DVDs
» plays MP3 and JPEG files recorded to DVD
» plays CDs
» selectable 720p/1080i/1080p video upconversion for DVD
(upconverted video available through HDMI output only)
» built-in audio decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, and multichannnel uncompressed PCM
» BD-Java interactive capability
» Bravia Theatre Sync for control of compatible Sony TVs and components via HDMI
» HDMI digital output (combines video and multichannel audio with HDCP copy protection)
» HDMI version 1.3 with x.v.Color (xvYCC) support
» 1 set of A/V outputs (composite video, S-video, and component video)
» stereo and 5.1-channel audio outputs
» coaxial and optical digital audio outputs
» remote control (multibrand for TVs)
» 16-7/8"W x 2-13/16"H x 14-3/4"D
» warranty: 1 year
"

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-CifI3ZP...158BDPS300#Tab

[Pisto]

Originally Posted by dominica

Future-ready color technology
The 'S300 supports new x.v.Color technology, which offers the potential of up to 80% more colors than you get with current high-definition programs. In the future, you'll be able to enjoy an even more vibrant, lifelike image with compatible TVs and movie discs.

What movie discs? BDs are not encoded in xvYCC.

They should work on BD-J 1.1 instead of supporting xvYCC.

[dominica]

Originally Posted by Pisto

What movie discs? BDs are not encoded in xvYCC.

Thats similar to 1.3 spec Deepcolor. xvYCC, It's the new standard for wider color space supported in devices using HDMI 1.3 connectors, future spec of hdmi 1.3 video. I think that was one of the futures that was included in the PS3 1.8 update. However you need a TV that has HDMI 1.3 to support it.

[mmmmDoNut]

Originally Posted by Pisto

They should work on BD-J 1.1 instead of supporting xvYCC.

Thats the truth. But lets look on the bright side, you can now play CD's.

[Cyborg]

This player can output 1080i on Component ? I thought High Def resolutions were restricted using analogue outputs due copyright reasons ?

Anyway, once it drops down to $399 it will be a good buy. I hope they have equivalent prices in the UK - unlike HD DVD players. Currency conversions comes to around £202, which is a good deal.

This has a HDMI 1.3 pt - wll it work with my HDMI 1.2 TV ?

[illegalprelude]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

This player can output 1080i on Component ? I thought High Def resolutions were restricted using analogue outputs due copyright reasons ?

Anyway, once it drops down to $399 it will be a good buy. I hope they have equivalent prices in the UK - unlike HD DVD players. Currency conversions comes to around £202, which is a good deal.

This has a HDMI 1.3 pt - wll it work with my HDMI 1.2 TV ?

yes. HDMI 1.3 is backwards compatible

[mmmmDoNut]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

This player can output 1080i on Component ? I thought High Def resolutions were restricted using analogue outputs due copyright reasons ?

Studios have the option to use the image constraint token which would reduce the resolution across analogue outputs but the studios aren't ready to shoot themselves in the foot.

[resevilfan86]

Any news if this player will be able to send out the bitstream lossless audio through the HDMI 1.3?

[taygan315]

Have'nt heard. I would almost have to assume so. Please Sony, make it so!!!

[mmmmDoNut]

Originally Posted by vooswing

Has anyone heard what version of BD-J this will support?

Sorry dont have a link but I remember reading it will be profile 1.0.

[gkarris]

Great! Puts it in line with the fact that a stand-alone player SHOULD BE cheaper than it's game console system...

This holiday season will be cut-throat for the high def disc wars... good for us consumers!

[fryinpan1]

Will this player be able to handle picture in picture bonus features like In Movie Experience?

[earl22]

*vooswing

from what i've heard this player does not support BD-J but not sure.

[dominica]

Originally Posted by earl22

*vooswing

from what i've heard this player does not support BD-J but not sure.

Yes it supports BD-J "BD-Java interactive capability"

[soulcriminal]

Does anyone know of a company that will ship this player to the UK, But at US prices?