Blu-ray discs (BDs) are now 11 years old as a format and player sales have increased year on year, putting paid to insinuations that physical media is dead in a digital age.
Whilst the arrival of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have seen our home viewing options expand (for the better), the introduction of Smart Blu-Ray players that support them has kept BD sales in high demand.
As one of the first innovators of the Blu-ray format, new players from Sony are always worth getting excited about. The Japanese giants have just released a slew of new ‘500 series models for 2015, becoming one of the first of the big manufacturers to do so.
The new Sony BDPS5500 connects directly to your Wi-Fi network.
So far three models have been announced; the BDPS1500, BDPS4500 and BDPS5500, keeping in line with last year’s product range name. Entry-level model the ‘1500 has Smart features built in, but must be hardwired to your internet connection rather than using Wi-Fi. This goes for the ‘4500 too, but with the added bonus of 3D playback. If you don’t have a near by router to plug into, the ‘5500 is the only one of the three with Wi-Fi compatibility, and with 3D playback too.
As with previous models, the new ‘500 series sees Sony once again adopt design cues from their monolithic style range. These new models are an exercise in minimalism but remain as stylish as ever, with the three models unveiled so far sharing the same swish, half-gloss, half-matte black fascia that’s reminiscent of the Playstation 4.
With just two buttons on show, one for power and one for stop/eject, a USB port makes up the only other noticeable feature on these half-size players. The disc tray is hidden behind a small flap, helping keep up the minimal design.
Sony’s characteristically smooth operating system has had an upgrade, too. This brings it closer into line with their TV sets and AV equipment, making things even easier if you have other Sony gear connected. There’s the standard HDMI port for connecting to TV and AV equipment as well as a digital coaxial.
We’ve got the full range in our stores now. Pop along to your local store to experience any of Blu-ray players in our demo-room today!
Author – Chris, Liverpool Store
