Big Picture Big Sound

At the "Open House" show in Las Vegas, Sony Electronics displayed and announced a timeline for introduction of their first Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) products in the U.S., along with details on suggested pricing for many of the new offerings.

These next generation devices include a home player, VAIO® desktop and notebook computers, an aftermarket internal computer drive, and recordable/rewritable media.

"We're in a unique position to be unveiling a full line of HD products that capitalize on Blu-ray Disc's technological advantages," said Hideki "Dick" Komiyama, president and chief operating officer of Sony Electronics Inc. "Blu-ray Disc will set the bar for the high-definition lifestyle that consumers have been anticipating."

Headlining Sony's new product debuts are the BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc player (as covered in our 2006 CES show report) and the VAIO RC desktop computer. The player is targeted to ship in July for about $1,000. The VAIO PC with Blu-ray Disc will be available for about $2,300. Both the VAIO RC desktop and notebook with a Blu-ray Disc drive are expected to be available by early summer.

In April, Sony plans to begin shipping 25GB BD-R (write once) and BD-RE (rewritable) blank discs for about $20 and $25 respectively. The 50GB BD-R and BD-RE dual-layer discs will come in subsequent months for about $48 and $60 respectively.

BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc Player

The BD player is designed to deliver 1920x1080 progressive (1080p) output, the highest HD signal output currently available through an HDMI™ connection. The player supports various video codecs, including MPEG2, MPEG4-AVC and VC1. Analog component output for 1080i has been included so people who own HD-capable televisions without HDMI can enjoy the Blu-ray Disc experience (and there was much rejoicing!).

By using dual pick-up mechanisms, the BDP-S1 model is compatible with standard DVDs with the added benefit of 1080p upscaling of standard definition DVDs through HDMI. This can help make your existing library of DVD movies look better than you would expect on 1080p-enabled HDTVs and HD-enabled projectors. Enhancing the BD entertainment experience further, BD-Java interactivity has been incorporated, allowing for the design of advanced interactive features.

The BDP-S1 player offers uncompressed multi-channel linear PCM digital audio output via HDMI, delivering optimum surround sound to an HDMI-equipped receiver with both the video and audio signal carried on a single cable. The player also has optical digital audio out and 5.1 channel decoding capability for backward compatibility with existing receivers. In addition, the unit borrows design features from Sony's high-end "ES" line of audiophile-quality components, with a separate audio circuit board, finely tuned audio components, rigid beam chassis construction, drive brackets and off center insulator feet.

The player supports all BD formats (BD-ROM/R/RE) as well as standard DVD playback from DVD/DVD+R/+RW encoded discs, plus playback of MP3 audio files and JPEG images stored on DVD+R/+RW discs.

VAIO BD-Enabled PCs

The VAIO RC Series computers, Sony's first Blu-ray desktops, combine BD recording technology with high-octane performance, allowing aspiring moviemakers and videographers to capture and burn their high-definition content.

Consumers can edit high-definition footage with a comprehensive suite of software applications. They can then archive and share it on Sony high-capacity BD-R and BD-RE Blu-ray Discs or downconverted to standard definition DVD+R/+RW dual layer discs, capitalizing on flexibility in storage, playback and recording.

"These new VAIO PCs marry eye-catching aesthetics with powerful cutting-edge technology," said Komiyama. "Our new Blu-ray enabled computers will empower people to unleash their creativity and experience entertainment in a whole new realm."

The VAIO RC Series will be shipped with a 25GB Blank BD-RE (rewritable) blank disc (MSRP: $25).

Aftermarket Internal Blu-ray Disc Recordable/Rewritable Drive

The BWU-100A, an aftermarket internal Blu-ray Disc drive for computer use, will support recording of 25GB and 50GB BD-R (write once) or BD-RE (rewritable) discs at 2X max speed. It is capable of burning a full 25GB disc in about 30 minutes. The drive will also support recording of standard single layer 4.7GB DVD+R/+RW, Double/Dual Layer 8.5GB DVD+R, DVD-RAM and CD-R/-RW media, making it a true all-in-one "tri-mode" recorder/reader.

The new drive can be installed in a standard half-height computer bay with a parallel ATAPI (P-ATA) interface. Authoring software will be included for capturing, editing, and burning high-definition personal content captured by an HDV format camcorder, keeping the video in native 1080i HD format for playback on a Blu-ray Disc player. Video can also be "down-converted" to standard-definition (SD) resolution for burning onto a DVD disc.

The BD drive will be available this year with pricing to be announced prior to product shipments.

More details on BD Media

The BD recordable and rewritable media will offer:

° Scratch Guard - hard coating that resists scratches, dust and static
° Archival Reliability - special material design that prevents data and image corruption and deterioration to ensure quality playback
° Stable Writing - a uniform and precise cover layer that reduces fluctuation as the disc spins
° Temperature Durability - for the disc structure helps prevent warping during severe changes in temperature and humidity.

Blu-ray Disc is designed to be an ideal format for recording and sharing personal content captured by an HDV format camcorder. The original high definition content can be recorded to BD-R or BD-RE discs and played by a compatible Blu-ray Disc player connected to a TV, or a BD-equipped personal computer.

Sony Style Stores and SonyStyle.com go "Blu"

On the SonyStyle.com Web site, Sony Electronics is currently running a pre-launch campaign designed to educate early adopters and enthusiasts about Blu-ray Disc technology.

Throughout the summer months, all 32 Sony Style retail stores across the country will go "Blu" - Blu-ray, that is. With in-store product seminars by trained Blu-ray experts and the opportunity to see BD high-definition content on Sony's high-end HDTVs, the stores will be ideal venues for people to experience the impact of Blu-ray Disc.

And because seeing is believing, the stores will prominently display Blu-ray Disc banners, informational materials and even blue-tinted windows in select locations to ensure that even the casual passers-by understand that Blu-ray Disc is the next significant leap in digital entertainment.

Consumers can receive more information about Blu-ray Disc products, technology and related events by signing up at www.sony.com/bd.

Additionally, pre-orders for the BDP-S1 player will be available through Sonystyle.com and Sony Style retail stores, beginning on March 17. The player will also be available for pre-order at the same time through authorized internet dealers, including (but not limited to): Best Buy, CircuitCity.com, Amazon.com, ABT Electronics, and JandR.com.

Blu-ray Disc Movies

Sony Pictures' Home Entertainment division recently announced it will be shipping eight movies on BD-Rom discs beginning on May 23 with an additional eight titles being released in June, spanning from recent hits to classic favorites. In total there is expected to be close to 100 titles made available by all of the Blu-ray Disc supporting studios by the end of 2006.