The Highs and Lows of New Blu-ray Players at CEDIA

Blu-ray players made news at CEDIA this week, the Custom Electronic Design & Installation show in Atlanta. Pioneer introduced the first THX-certified device, the Elite BDP-09FD with a price tag of $2200.

Russ Johnston, EVP for home entertainment business solutions group for Pioneer said, “We’re having trouble keeping it in stock at retailers.” I’m not sure who’s rushing out to buy a $2200 Blu-ray player. Maybe each store only gets one, a savvy marketing strategy used by Microsoft for the Xbox 360.
For those who demand the best in their home theater equipment, here are the specs for Pioneer’s BDP-09FD:

• True 24fps at up to 1080p resolution
• 3D Noise Reduction circuit that monitors the four blurring effects that make up 3D Noise (chrominance, luminance, block and mosquito)
• New Marvell® QDEO™ Processor
• HDMI® 1.3
• Video Adjust menu, which provides a series of image modifications (LCD, PDP, Pioneer® PDP, Projector and Professional) to optimize the picture displayed on a connected high-definition television
• Advanced Picture Control Suite, which is made up of an additional 13 video adjustments that allow viewers to fine-tune small picture details

Granted, the Elite BDP-09FD offers sophisticated technology to deliver the highest viewing quality from a Blu-ray disc, but if you’re new to Blu-ray, you’ll be happy to know Sony introduced a Blu-ray player at about 1/10 of the cost of Pioneer’s new player. Priced at $250, Sony’s networked, wireless BDP-N460 arrives in stores in October. This is full HD 1080p, 24f and internet streaming through Sony’s Bravia Internet Video platform to watch on-demand movies and other content. Put that one on your holiday list.

Need a TV to go with your new Blu-ray player? TopTenREVIEWS just released a review of the best LED TVs. And here’s a new pair just released from Sony in their XBR 10 line.