Sony rolls out first Blu-ray 3D-ready player

Sony is at the forefront of things yet again with the launch of its first Blu-ray 3D-ready player in the market, known as the BDP-S470 for those of you who absolutely love memorizing gizmos by their names. This model is not ready to display Blu-ray 3D content just yet, but it will be able to do so later this summer via a firmware upgrade, and we do believe that this is the same firmware which will enable the Sony PS3 to handle 3D playback over Blu-ray as well. Apart from that, Sony has also made known that its BDP-S570 Blu-ray Disc model and the BDV-E770W and BDV-E570 Blu-ray Disc home theater systems will be able to support Blu-ray 3D as well via their respective firmware updates this summer.
It was at the most recent CES where we were treated to a plethora of 3D TVs, including a live 3D performance by Taylor Swift before being whisked away to Los Angeles to attend another awards show. I digress – all the new models will not only be able to handle 3D playback support, but can also instantly stream movies, videos, music and more from Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Pandora (this Spring), NPR, Sony Pictures, Sony Music, and over 25 total providers through the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video platform as long as you have a decent broadband Internet connection.
Another unique selling point of these new models would appeal to iPhone and iPod touch owners, as long as they decide to control the players thanks to a free app called “BD Remote” which is downloadable via the Apple App store. This app will enable the iPhone or iPod touch to double up as a remote control, letting one access the Blu-ray Disc’s details including jacket artwork, actor, and production information from a highly portable device. All of Sony’s new stand-alone Blu-ray Disc players can start-up from power off in about three seconds, which makes it pretty speedy in comparison to its rivals. The Sony BDP-S470 Blu-ray Disc Player ought to hit the market sometime this month for around $200.