The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) took place in Las Vegas last week as manufacturers from across the globe gathered to unveil their latest innovations.
Blu-ray technology was no exception, so we thought we’d compile a mini round-up of the major BD announcements from the show.
Sony
Sony unveiled a new version of its Google TV-powered Blu-ray player, the NSZ-GP9. Set to arrive this summer, it’ll have voice search capabilities and a new touch-pad remote with a backlit keyboard on the reverse side. Handy for navigating those special features on Blu-ray Discs, the new monochrome unit is bound to be a hit amongst movie fans this year.
For more details visit Cnet.com.
Panasonic
Panasonic showcased its latest BD player line-up with four new 3D, and two new 2D models all featuring Panasonic’s new Viera Connect functionality and an improved UniPhier chip processor. The smallest in the new 3D collection is the DMP-BBT01 model. Arriving with Wi-Fi, 2D to 3D up-scaling and a slot-loading mechanism, it can also be stood in four different ways. So however you want to arrange your home cinema system there should be an option for you!
Check out Techradar for more.
Samsung
Samsung revealed its latest 3D Blu-ray player, the BD-ES6000, which arrives with lots of new intuitive features. Buyers will be able to install Samsung Apps, control the device via a USB keyboard, mouse or a Wi-Fi remote control app, connect to the internet and stream content around the house. But perhaps its best feature is its size, coming in at only slightly bigger than the diameter of a Blu-ray Disc. Tempted? We certainly are!
See what Pocket-lint thinks here.
LG
LG announced plans to release four new Blu-ray home theatre systems this year, with all but the BH6720S model featuring wireless rear speakers. Promising to deliver what LG dubs ‘3D sound’, the front and rear speakers in the BH9220BW and BH9420PW models come with top-firing drivers. Bluetooth connectivity is also now included throughout the range, allowing users to stream seemlessly from both iOS and Android devices.
See what Cnet.com has to say.
Sharp
Sharp introduced two new Blu-ray players for 2012, both of which are set to hit the shelves in March. The BD-AMS10U and BD-AMS20U both incorporate features from the SmartCentral interface – a new super picture setting which improves image resolution. Alongside a DLNA and optimised colour palette, the BD-AMS10U also has a USB interface for storage and easy integration with other devices such as digital cameras or camcorders.
Click here for more information.
Toshiba
Toshiba’s 2012 collection comprises of two new 2D and two new 3D models. Wi-Fi is available for all models and the new Aero design includes plenty of smart features. 2D players come with BD-Live functionality, True HD and DTS HD for 7.1 channel surround sound, as well as media streaming and USB video support. 3D players include all the functionality of 2D models, plus 1080p 3D HD playback.
Check out all the details here.
James Bond
It wasn’t just new players that made a splash at CES. To mark the 50th anniversary of the James Bond franchise, 20th Century Fox and MGM announced plans to release a giant Blu-ray box-set all of the previous 22 Bond films – from Dr No to Quantum of Solace – in autumn this year.
A firm date is to be confirmed, but we can expect a colossal 130 hours of special features, in addition to nine films that have never previously been released in high definition. We’ve embedded the trailer for the box set below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFkcp3CB82o
So what do you make of the announcements? Will you be upgrading to a 3D Blu-ray player in 2012? Let us know your thoughts below.
