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While the huge price erosion of Bonus View™ (Profile 1.1) Blu-ray™ players has been a blessing for those consumers still waiting to buy into the high-definition optical disc format, it may effectively price smaller manufacturers out of the Blu-ray player manufacturing business, in the short term. We have learned that Sherwood America, who showed the Newcastle-branded BDP-6003 at the CEDIA EXPO in September, is re-evaluating their plans to release the player. Specifically citing the price decreases from their major competitors, Sherwood has put production of the player on hold and is not sure if it will ever come to market. Similarly, OPPO Digital, who showed the BDP-83 Blu-ray player at CEDIA, may be delaying its release. With Profile 1.1 players now selling for $199 and lower at major retailers, OPPO is debating whether they should release a Profile 1.1 player in time for the holiday season that will be firmware-upgradable to BD-Live™ (Profile 2.0) sometime in January 2009, or simply wait until January to sell it as a BD-Live player out of the box. My guess is they will choose to wait, considering BD-Live players are still selling in the $300 to $400 range on the low end. It is beginning to look like our weakened economy, combined with the commodity-driven practices of major electronics manufacturers, is having a serious effect on smaller, performance-oriented manufacturers trying to release high-quality equipment for the lowest possible price. Hopefully, they can weather the storm and the performance home theatre segment can survive.
Tags:
- equipment -
- Blu-ray -
- Sherwood -
- OPPO -
- Bonus View -
- BD-Live -
- CEDIA -
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Reason #45 Why Readers Love Widescreen Review:
I read WSR because I enjoy configuring my home entertainment system myself. I don't have enough disposable income to buy all new components and hire an installer to set it all up. So, I have relied on WSR to guide me in almost all aspects of the (continual) upgrade process. I have always stayed glued to the reviews so that I can choose where my dollar is going to affect the greatest impact in my system. When you have a tight budget to work with, even the smallest purchase decisions make a difference. - Todd Lawrence
