Sony is pushing the 3D home entertainment envelope with the announcement of a new 3D Blu-ray Disc player as well as firmware upgrades for a range of 3D-capable BD players already on the market. Upgrades will be available this summer in the US in times for 3D releases from Sony Pictures, Walt Disney and DreamWorks Animation.

The manufacturer introduced the 3D BDP-S470 player which also includes Wi-Fi capabilities and allow multimedia playback via USB port. Hitting the shelves this month, the player retails for $200.

Sony also announced it has added 3D capabilities to existing BDP-S370 and BDP-S570 Blu-ray Disc models, now available for $180 and $250, respectively. Furthermore, the company announced upgrades to the BDV-E770W and BDV-E570 Blu-ray Disc home theater systems, which will be available later this year for $650 and $550, respectively.

Movies based on the Blu-ray 3D specification, which was finalized by the Blu-ray Association in December, can be shown on the players.

Blu-ray 3D DVD players will project 1080p images with additional depth, and special glasses will be required to view movies. The specification also will enable 3D graphic menus and 3D subtitles.

The BDP-S470 model will also allow the iPhone or iPod Touch to function as a remote control through a free application called BD Remote that can be downloaded from Apple's App Store.

At the display end of the 3D home entertainment chain, Samsung is putting into the retail pipeline 3D TVs. Online retailers are already posting details about the new models, which comprise the C7000 line of 240Hz LED-based LCDs. The 46-inch UN46C7000 is available for pre-order at Amazon.com for $2,599.99 with a release date of February 26. Also available on the same day is the 55-inch UN55C7000 for $3,299.99.

Story filed 14.02.10