Sony’s Cut-Price Blu-ray Player February 27, 2007
Read more Blu-ray , Consoles , Entertainment , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , HDMI , Home Cinema , Home Entertainment , Movies , Technology
The company with its arm wedged elbow-deep into your wallet has announced plans for a cut-price version of its outrageously expensive – and rarely seen – BDP-S1, Blu-Ray player [above]. Sony’s new BDP-S300 will cost just $599 (£305) later this year, compared to the $999 tag on the BDP-S1. Sony claimed it offers superior features to its big brother, including the ability to playback CDs. It is also about the same size as a normal DVD player which is good, since the BDP-S1 is the size of a small Japanese car.
So, $599 – not bad you’re thinking but let’s perform a little cross-continent, currency wizardry. Right now, I’m not even sure you can buy the BDP-S1 in the UK, although someone is selling one on Ebay for £899 + postage.
The Panasonic and Samsung Blu-ray players, the DMPBD10 and the older BD-P1000 cost over £1,000 and £520, respectively. The Sony BDP-S1 would most likely sit in the £800-900 bracket. That would make the new, cheaper BDP-S300 around £500, a long way from the US price of £305. And, still more expensive than first generation rival HD DVD players.
More importantly, £500 makes it £75 more expensive than the 60GB PS3, due next month. Anyone get the feeling that Sony wants people to buy PS3s first? –Martin Lynch
Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
Contributor | Tamlin Magee
Comments
It might cost £400 when it gets here. We don't know as they haven't announced a price.