Sony readies first streaming Blu-ray Disc player

CEDIA: New model will deliver Netflix, YouTube, Slacker

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 9/9/2009
SEPT. 9 | CEDIA: Sony will launch its first Netflix-streaming Blu-ray Disc player, the BDP-N460, this October.

Announced today at consumer electronics installers’ conference Custom Electronic Design & Installation Assn., the model also will offer online content from the company’s Bravia Internet Video platform, as well as access to YouTube and Slacker programming. The BDP-N460 is tagged at $250.

Sony earlier announced that its Bravia HDTV line would carry Netflix streaming starting this fall.

Web-based movie streaming is becoming a standard feature for a number of latest generation Blu-ray players. Samsung and LG have long offered Netflix streaming on its Blu-ray players. Samsung is additionally set to offer Blockbuster on-demand movies through its Blu-ray players this fall. Panasonic launched Amazon Video On Demand for its Web-enabled Blu-ray players earlier this year.

For much of last year, Sony was considered the top seller of Blu-ray stand-alone players. But Samsung edged into the lead in 2009, and its momentum is partly credited to its decision to support Netflix streaming on most of its models.

“Whether it’s full HD 1080p or streaming video and audio from the Internet, entertainment comes in so many flavors that consumers want choice,” said Chris Fawcett, VP of Sony Electronics’ home audio and video business. “Leading the entertainment experience, Sony brings the best of both worlds together in one player that offers more content than other stand-alone devices on the market.”

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6695609.html

The BDP-N460 is the Sony Blu-ray player we've been asking for—almost. It's $250, and streams video through Bravia Internet Video—including Netflix this fall—but instead of including Wi-Fi, it's got "specially designed" software for Linksys's $100 Wi-Fi dongle. Right.

Adding in the $100 for the dongle, it's about as much as LG's packed-to-the-gills BD390 Wi-Fi player (which now has 1080p Vudu streaming), though not nearly as explosive feature-wise. Still, a Sony Blu-ray player with a $250 MSRP that streams video is something we've been waiting to hear for a while.
http://gizmodo.com/5355178/sony-bdp+n460-video-streaming-blu+ray-player-with-netflix-for-250-but-byo-wi+fi

Netflix + Sony is good news, maybe the PS3 will be updated soon to stream Netflix without having to use PlayOn.:thumbsup:

Netflix + Sony is good news, maybe the PS3 will be updated soon to stream Netflix without having to use PlayOn.:thumbsup:

I would really love to see that happen.

I see cable companies having a problem with this as far as bandwidth is concerned, also what if your internet connection go's down in the middle of a movie? I work for Cox Comunications and on a regular basis we are constantly doing repairs, maintenance and upgrading certain areas. During this time customers TV's, internet and phones are dead. We even had a drunk driver smash into a node taking out the neighborhood! :lol:

I would really love to see that happen.

That would be great to see. I tried PlayOn many months ago and I was not impressed whatsoever because of the lags that the software caused. I would imagine that coming straight from Netflix that it would be smoother.

That would be great to see. I tried PlayOn many months ago and I was not impressed whatsoever because of the lags that the software caused. I would imagine that coming straight from Netflix that it would be smoother.
PlayOn has worked pretty good for me so far. I think they've had a few bug along the way but they work em out. The one problem it does have is FF or rewind is about impossible and can lead to the movie freezing up. Then you have to start over, without FF of course.

PlayOn has worked pretty good for me so far. I think they've had a few bug along the way but they work em out. The one problem it does have is FF or rewind is about impossible and can lead to the movie freezing up. Then you have to start over, without FF of course.

That was my main beef with the streaming service and the other issue was all of the constant macroblocking. If I can't FF or RW at will then what is the point?

That was my main beef with the streaming service and the other issue was all of the constant macroblocking. If I can't FF or RW at will then what is the point?

The price is right for NF streaming, free. With that cost you're usually going to be left with some shortcomings. I've found I can live with FF and RW. If they could get the quality up to DVD standards it'd be pretty sweet and I'd be plenty happy with that free service. I've found some Hulu stuff looks pretty damn good. Hulu is a must have for anyone who likes old TV shows.

So, could one substitute any wireless access point device to plug directly into the ethernet connection and get Netflix that way? I was looking at this player as well (would love the Oppo, but already have the 981HD now for multi-channel analog and upsampling abilities and the Oppo doesn't stream - yet??).

Thanks.

Jay S.

So, could one substitute any wireless access point device to plug directly into the ethernet connection and get Netflix that way? I was looking at this player as well (would love the Oppo, but already have the 981HD now for multi-channel analog and upsampling abilities and the Oppo doesn't stream - yet??).

Thanks.

Jay S.

they recommend this model (in fact the player has special software to work with this specific model).

http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-WET610N-Wireless-N-Ethernet-Dual-Band/dp/B001QVQ7JU/ref=pd_sim_e_1

though i don't see why other models wouldnt work

So, could one substitute any wireless access point device to plug directly into the ethernet connection and get Netflix that way? I was looking at this player as well (would love the Oppo, but already have the 981HD now for multi-channel analog and upsampling abilities and the Oppo doesn't stream - yet??).

Thanks.

Jay S.

No. You need a device that is set up to do the Netflix streaming. AFAIK, the 981HD does not have this feature does it?

No. You need a device that is set up to do the Netflix streaming. AFAIK, the 981HD does not have this feature does it?

I think he means the Oppo Blu-ray player doesn't stream from Netflix and other services, not the Oppo DVD player he owns. Obviously it can't stream HD content, Oppo DVD players can't play any HD source and can't stream anything. I don't believe Netflix streaming is going to be added to the Oppo BDP-83 either.

Chris