Sharp BD-HP50U AQUOS Blu-ray Disc Player

[hugh]

edited from Sept 3rd press release

Sharp expands its Blu-ray family with the availability of the AQUOS® BD-HP50U Blu-ray Disc player that provides Full HD 1080p digital output.

The BD-HP50U houses several features that enable custom installations. The player can be managed by external control systems via the built-in RS-232C port. An IR input allows the unit to be controlled wirelessly through a remote sensor. The player can then be placed out of sight in a cabinet or closet for a custom installation. Additionally, a stylish powered front door includes on-unit controls and resonates high style design and quality.

The BD-HP50U supports BD-ROM Profile 1.1, which allows consumers to view additional content available on Blu-ray titles – including movie trailers, special subtitles, and director commentary – without stopping the movie. Additional content available on Blu-ray discs includes games, subtitles and audio tracks.

The player supports next-generation audio and video options available via HDMI 1.3, including x.v.Color, which expands the range of colors available. The BD-HP50U also supports Lip Sync, which automatically adjusts audio and video signal processing times to remove lip synch errors.

The player outputs the most advanced lossless surround-sound formats including Dolby® TrueHD and DTS HD via HDMI digital output. The player also decodes Dolby Digital Plus.

The BD-HP50U is available now for US $449.99

Also announced Sharp BD-HP21U AQUOS Blu-ray Disc Player for $349

[hugh]

Additionally, the BD-HP50U boasts Sharp's proprietary Quick Start feature, which takes viewers from disc loading to viewing in less than 10 seconds. JPEG Viewing lets users view their favorite digital images from their CD collection on screen in a slide show format.

The BD-HP50U outputs 1920 x 1080 video at 24 frames per second, matching the frame rate of the original film. The player is compatible with a wide range of formats including BD-ROM/RE/R, DVD Video, DVD-RW/R, DVD+RW/R and audio CDs.

[hugh]

now in Canada for $480

[jean luc picard]

so it doesn't decode truehd and dtshd to analog outs? guess the panny is STILL the only player to do this (besides the old sammy bd-up5000). finally rs232 tho...

[jernikfra]

I have to say that this is by far the best looking BD player currently on the market, the motorized front panel and illuminated and spinning blue BD and red DVD circles on the front panel are very cool.The slim and sleek styling and clean lines make it stand out from the other players on the market.It is also quite the match for the Bell 9242 PVR.Put them side by side and you will see what I mean, they look very similar, they have the same clean front and the top panel curves downwards and forwards the same way on both units.
On another note, does anyone know if this unit pass bitstream of all formats over HDMI? So that's Dolby Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD and DTS-HD Master Audio? If It does I think I will buy one...

[flynn]

Does anyone know where in the Toronto area it's available? The big box retailers don't have it listed online.
Thanks!