Sony today announced that it is bringing out a cheaper Blu-ray player early this summer, a crucial step in its battle to make the high-definition format the replacement for DVDs.
The
BDP-S300 will cost $599, yet will have the same capabilities as the $999
BDP-S1 Sony is currently selling, said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of the home products division of Sony Electronics.
The BDP-S300 is a smaller unit than the BDP-S1, and is about the same size as a DVD player. Like the current model, it will be able to output a signal in the highest high-definition format, known as 1080p. It will also be able to play CDs, which the BDP-S1 does not.
Stan Glasgow, president of Sony Electronics, told reporters at a meeting that by Christmas, prices for Blu-ray players should be down below $500.
Sony has previously complained that DVD players became a commodity product too soon, and that it was hard to make a profit in a market dominated by $50 units. Glasgow predicted that Blu-ray players would take the same route.
"Over time, I think it will be just like DVD," he said.