Sony announced its BDP-S780 Blu-ray Disc player is Blu-ray 3D capable and compatible with DVDs, CDs, and SACDs. The model features built in Wi-Fi wireless (802.11n) with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) as well as an Ethernet jack for easy access to BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE.
Compatible with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) devices, the model serves as a DLNA client and allows you to wirelessly share digital photos, music, and video media from your PC using your home network. It also includes a front USB input for convenient access to photo, music, and video playback. The model is also compatible with Sony's new HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speakers.
The player also has Skype embedded. When connecting a USB TV camera, purchased separately, users can enjoy free widescreen Skype-to-Skype video calls with friends and family from the comfort of their living rooms.
The model also features an Entertainment Database Browser, using Gracenote technologies, that allows users to browse details like actor and production information from a Blu-ray disc and access related content found on BRAVIA Internet Video content.
Users with an iPhone, iPod touch, or Android mobile device can control Sony's entire Blu-ray line-up using a free application that can be downloaded from the app stores. The updated Sony “Media Remote” app allows the mobile device to function as a remote control that includes the ability to access a Blu-ray Disc's details such as jacket artwork, actor, and production information as well as search for additional video clips online. With an Android phone, consumers can also use the app to control their Sony Blu-ray and BRAVIA products with their voice. The app is also compatible with select new BRAVIA HDTVs announced today.
With the press of a button, the BDP-S780 can up convert 2D content to simulate 3D and improves standard definition and web video quality with Sony's IP Content Noise Reduction technology and Precision Cinema HD Upscaling technologies.
It also includes Super Bit Mapping, Smoothing, and Chroma Processing technologies which deliver smoother color gradation when connected via HDMI.
Building on industry leading fast load times, the model features an improved start up and disc loading performance. When the quick start feature is turned on, the start-up time is quicker and disc loading is faster than previous models.
The BDP-S780 will be available in April for about $250.
