3D | 4:54 February 11, 2010 | Pete Dodd | Print this story

Sony to update BD players for 3D

Sony Corp. is to make a firmware update available in the US this summer to upgrade a range of 3D capable Blu-ray Disc players in time for 3D releases from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation.

The newly announced stand alone BDP-S470 ($200) will join the BDP-S570 ($250) and the BDV-E770W and BDV-E570 home theatre systems. In addition, they will be capable of streaming movies, videos and music from the likes of Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand and YouTube, while offering further content through the Sony’s own Bravia internet video platform, the company said.

Ralph Schackart, a digital media analyst with William Blair & Co, told Home Media Magazine in the US that 3D, which has already passed the £1 billion mark theatrically representing 9% of the total US box office, could generate $1 billion in home entertainment revenues and is developing faster than predicted.

The players will also feature an entertainment database browser, which connects actor and production information from a Blu-ray Disc with content found on the Bravia internet video link. A free Apple app will also transform the iPhone and iPod Touch into a remote control for the players.