Sony just announced the FMP-X1 4K Media Player to complement their new 4K Ultra HD LED TVs ($5,000+). Since no broadcast 4K content is currently available you will need the 4K player to realize the maximum potential (3840 x 2160 resolution) from a 4K TV. What Sony is essentially saying, is buy our 4K TVs now, but wait up to half a year to realize the TVs full capability. An odd offering, since Sony is likely to release updated 4K TV models in their annual line-up refreshes.
In the fall of 2013, 4K media player owners will be given access to a fee-based video distribution service offering a library of 4K titles from Sony Pictures Entertainment and other notable production houses. The feature films included with purchase of the 4K Media Player are Bad Teacher, Battle: Los Angeles, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Karate Kid (2010), Salt, Taxi Driver, That’s My Boy, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Other Guys and Total Recall (2012).
Making good on its promise to periodically update and add content to the system, Sony recently began delivering new 4K content to 84-inch XBR owners with the home server. Along with a slew of new 4K video shorts, the classic film Lawrence of Arabia has been added to their libraries, which was recently remastered in 4K resolution by Sony Pictures Colorworks. Owners of the first generation video server will be able to exchange that device for the FMP-X1 4K Media Player, once the distribution service launches in the fall.
To coincide with the availability of Sony’s new 4K Ultra HD TVs, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is also bringing to market a lineup of “Mastered in 4K Blu-ray Discs. With 1080p high definition picture that’s derived from the highest quality 4K source materials with new expanded color, consumers will enjoy a dynamic and vibrant picture that’s both optimized for the 4K Ultra HD TVs and plays back on all existing Blu-ray players and HDTVs. As an added bonus, consumers who purchase the XBR-55X900A or XBR-65X900A 4K Ultra HD TV will also receive Spider-Man (2002), Ghostbusters and Angels & Demons “Mastered in 4K” Blu-ray Discs (while supplies last).
Sony UHD 4K TV – Key Features:
- Images become lifelike with a resolution of four-times that of Full HD TV (3840 x 2160) delivers lifelike images
- All content is viewed at the highest resolution possible with enhanced images reaching near 4K with Sony’s proprietary two-chip 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine
- All colors, including difficult blues, greens and reds, are delivered naturally and accurately through TRILUMINOS Display
- An immersive picture draws in viewers with blacker blacks and excellent contrast produced with dynamic edge-lit, LED backlighting
- Amazing sound from the integrated 65 Watt, front-facing, magnetic fluid speaker system complements the stunning picture
- A cinematic experience is brought to life through Full HD 3D and passive glasses
- Entertainment choices are endless with WiFi connectivity, including access to the full Sony Entertainment Network suite of services
“Our TVs deliver a vibrant and natural picture that is four-times clearer than high definition. As for content, these new sets enhance all of the video people are watching today, and this summer our 4K media player, followed in all by the video distribution service will demonstrate how Sony continues to lead in bringing the 4K entertainment experience to viewers,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president, Sony Electronics Home Division.
Price and Availability
The Sony FMP-X1 4K Media Player will be available summer 2013 for $699, which will come bundled with 10 feature films and video shorts in true 4K resolution.
