Sony has launched two new Blu-ray Disc players in Europe covering both ends of the market – the 'wide appeal' BDP-S300 (€600) and the high-end BDP-S500 model (€900).

Both models can output HD1080p via a single-cable HDMI interface and support 7.1 channel Linear PCM and Dolby Digital Plus Surround Sound. The BDP-S500 goes further, with Dolby TrueHD decoding and Bit Stream Output for DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD audio signals via HDMI ver 1.3.

Either model incorporates a 1080p upscaling feature that works with HDMI-equipped 1080p-capable HDTVs, enhancing and sharpening a standard-definition DVD picture.

24p True Cinema is provided as well which means that when the BDP-S300 or BDP-S500 is connected to a TV with 24p capability, the original 24 frames per second are played just as the camera first recorded them.

Both models support the new x.v.Colour standard, an international standard defining a colour range for moving images approximately twice that of standard RGB. This means the players can handle AVC-HD discs recorded by new-generation camcorders that use x.v.Colour and reproduce the more natural and lifelike colours in full.

Both models handle CD, BD-ROM, DVD, and DVD video playback from DVD/DVD±R/±RW encoded discs, as well as MP3 audio files and JPEG images stored on DVD±R/±RW discs.

Customers who purchase either player in the UK will receive a copy of the Spider-Man High Definition Trilogy on Blu-ray Disc (upon registration of the product and completion of a customer questionnaire online).

The BDP-S300 – which hit the retailers’ shelves in the US in June, priced at $499 – will be available in Europe mid-September and the BDP-S500 from the end of October. No price given.

Story filed 30.08.07