Samsung shows its most advanced player

Although Samsung had comparatively little news about TVs, it introduced the BD-P2500, a BD-Live Blu-ray player that includes Silicon Optix's Reon HQV video processing and 7.1-channel analog audio outputs, which are useful for those with an older receiver that lacks an HDMI input. The player (Click on the image at left for a closer look) also comes with 1GB of internal flash memory (with some brands, users must separately add that memory, which is required by the BD-Live specification, via an SD memory card) and a USB port for memory expansion. The player decodes Dolby TrueHD out of the box, and will support DTS-HD Master audio via a firmware update later this fall. The BD-P2500, priced at $500, will be available next month.

Sharp doubles down

Sharp showcased two new Blu-ray models, the $350 slim-profile Aquos BD-HP21U, and a $450 step-up model, the BD-HP50U. (Click on the image at right for a closer look at the BD-HP50U.) Both are Profile 1.1 players with BonusView, but not BD-Live, capability. Both models have a "Quick Start" feature that lets a movie start playing within 10 seconds, according to company claims, and they can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD internally. The BD-HP50U differs adds several features, such as an RS232 control jack, for custom installers. Both models are now available at retail.

Pioneer unveils its flagship Elite Blu-ray player

One of the most interesting players at the show, Pioneer's new BD-Live-enabled Elite BDP-09FD, comes with a price tag as substantial as its construction: $2,200. But it appeals to geeks like me with state-of-the-art internal components such as Marvell's high-def QDEO video processor and eight Wolfson digital-to-analog converters. Features include the ability to output even standard DVDs as 1080p at 24 frames per second (the native frame rate of films), both internal decoding and bitstream output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master audio, and an aluminum chassis and a solid steel bottom plate. The player (Click on the image at left for a closer look) ships later this fall.

Sony bows a high-end Blu-ray player, HTIBs

Sony introduced a $2,000 model under its flagship ES brand. The BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray player (Click on the image at right for a closer look) is a BD-Live model that features a quick-start mode for a six-second boot-up time, 1GB of memory (via a 1GB Sony Micro Vault flash card), and Sony's "HD Reality Enhancer" technology that continuously analyzes source content and sharpens edges and detail, according to the company's literature. The player, which ships in November, also includes internal decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master audio, plus 7.1-channel analog outputs.

Sony also introduced two Blu-ray-based home theater in a box (HTIB) systems, the $1,000 BDV-IS1000 (Click on the image at left for a closer look) and the $2,000 ES series BDV-IT1000ES, which debut next month. Both have BD-Live Blu-ray players, 5.1-channel audio output, and Sony's S-AIR wireless audio technology. The lower-priced system uses Sony's small, golf-ball-size speakers, while the ES system comes with tall cylindrical speakers.

Yamaha introduces high-end BonusView player

Yamaha's new BD-S2900 (Click on the image at right for a closer look) is a $1,200 BonusView (Profile 1.1) model that includes RS-232C and IR (infrared) In/Out ports for custom installers. The player can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master audio internally, and includes 5.120channel analog audio outputs. The brightness of the unit's front-face display can be adjusted to minimize distraction.

— James K. Willcox