This page contains information on all of the upcoming announced U.S. model Blu-ray A/V players. Use the Terms/Specs link above to view a detailed explanation of what all of the player specs mean.
Upcoming players:
Sharp Aquos BD-HP21 (Due in September -- MSRP: $349)
Sharp's second Blu-ray disc player improves on their first with BonusView features and bitstream audio output of all HD audio formats.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | ? |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | ? |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| Quick Start | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Sharp Aquos BD-HP50 (Due in September -- MSRP: $449)
The higher end sibling of the HP21, the BD-HP50 adds custom-install features such as RS232 and ir input, while maintaining the features found in the lower-priced sibling.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | ? |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | ? |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| Quick Start | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Sony BDP-S550 (Due in September -- Expected MSRP: $599)
The step-up model to the BDP-S350 adds in-player advanced audio decoding to the already fantastic feature list of its lower-end sibling.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 2.0 (BD-Live) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | ??? | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Sherwood Newcastle BDP-6003 (Due in September – MSRP: $499)
Sherwood releases their first Blu-ray Disc player aiming it at audio enthusiasts who need multi-channel analog outputs.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | 5.1 | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
LG BD300 (Due in October – Expected MSRP: $399)
Like LGs earlier “combo” players, the BD300 isn’t content simply playing back Blu-ray disc movies… it has to do more, MORE. The latest iteration drops the no longer relevant HD DVD playback capability, and adds networked downloading of video rentals from Netflix.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | No |
| BD Profile | 2.0 (BD-Live) | DTS-HD HR | No |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | ??? | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| Playback of Netflix | online rentals | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Denon DVD-1800BD (Due in October -- MSRP: $749)
With two Profile 1.1 Blu-ray disc players already on the market, Denon is leading the way among high-end equipment manufacturers. But given the rapidly expanding market, they are bringing out yet another player later this year, at a pricepoint lower than either of their existing models.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | No |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | No |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | 2 channel ?? | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Sherwood Newcastle BDP-5003 (Due in October – MSRP: $299)
Coming right on the heels of the BDP-6003, Sherwood will be releasing the BDP-5003 to a mass-market audience. The only featuring seemingly lacking compared to its older sibling is the multi-channel analog outputs, making the $200 price difference for the higher end model rather questionable.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.1 (BonusView) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | 2.0 | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Netlogic BDP810 -- (Due in October – Pricing unknown)
Another “value” player set to hit this fall, featuring BonusView capability and 5.1-channel analog outputs. More information to follow.
Pioneer Elite BDP-09FD (Due this fall – Expected MSRP: $2199)
Pioneer’s long-rumored “super player” has finally been officially announced, with a feature list and build quality to give Denon a run for the high-end consumer dollar. Featuring some of the best DACs on the market, a very high end video scaling solution, and 16-bit color upconversion, the BDP-09FD should make for an amazing machine.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 2.0 (BD-Live) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | 7.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Samsung HT-BD2E Home-Theatre-in-a-Box (Due this fall – Expected MSRP: $799)
While Samsung deserves credit for getting the first BD HTIB out last year (the HT-BD2T) they should be completely ashamed of themselves for continuing to release this same Profile 1.0 BD player/receiver combo with different speaker systems. If you really must have an all-in-one device, get the Panasonic that is BonusView capable and has DTS-HD MA decoding, both lacking in the Samsung units.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 2 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 1.0 | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | ??? | DTS-HD MA | No |
| Analog Outputs | N/A | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | N/A | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | N/A | |
| Built in receiver | 5.1 channel speakers | DTS-HD MA | N/A |
Panasonic DMP-BD35 (Release date and pricing unknown)
Though the DMP-BD50 was only recently released, two successors have already been announced. The BD35 will be the new base model, though it lacks only in analog outputs versus its more expensive sibling.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 2.0 (BD-Live) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | 2 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Panasonic DMP-BD55 (Release date and pricing unknown)
The older brother the the upcoming BD35, the BD55 adds full 7.1-channel analog outputs to the already VERY impressive feature set.
| Specs | Internal Decoding | ||
| Generation | 3 | Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| BD Profile | 2.0 (BD-Live) | DTS-HD HR | Yes |
| 1080p24 Output | Yes | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
| Analog Outputs | 7.1 channel | Bitstream Output | |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | ||
| Special Features | DTS-HD HR | Yes | |
| None | DTS-HD MA | Yes |
Sony BDP-S5000ES (Release date and pricing unknown)
Sony’s latest ES-series Blu-ray disc player promises to provide some of the best audio, video, and build quality available. Of course, that will come at a price. The player is also set to be BD-Live ready out of the box. More information to follow.
Funai B1-M110 (Release date and pricing unknown)
More information to follow.
Sony BDV-IT1000 Home-theatre-in-a-box (Release date and pricing unknown)
Early word indicates full HD audio decoding, HDMI inputs, and BD-Live capability. Full specs to follow.
JVC NX-BD3 Home-theatre-in-a-box -- (Release date and pricing unknown)
Home theatre system featuring Bonus-view Blu-ray disc player and DNLA compatibility. Full specs to follow.
Oppo BDP-S83 -- (Release date and pricing unknown)
Oppo, best known for their very popular (among enthusiasts) line of upscaling DVD players, has started showing off prototypes of their upcoming BDP-S38 Blu-ray disc player. Oppo is promising BD-Live capability and audio decoding of all advanced codecs.
Sony Unnamed ES-series 400-disc Blu-ray / DVD / CD changer -- (Expected in Spring, 2009; pricing unknown)
Not much is known yet about Sony's upcoming mega-changer, though it sports a 400-disc changer mechanism, is Profile 2.0 compliant, and is part of Sony's higher-end ES series (meaning it likely will not be available for less than $1500-2000.
Cambridge Audio Unnamed Blu-ray Player -- (Expected in Spring, 2009; expected MSRP: $995)
Cambridge has announced their first Blu-ray player, a BD-Live capable model, with 7.1 channel analog outputs and support for decoding True HD and DTS HD HR (but not MA) soundtracks.
Latest Update: 9/7/08
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