Before we've even seen a single Sony Blu-ray player in the UK, Sony has revealed plans to introduce a cheaper version of the BDP-S1 in the US this Summer. The BDP-S300 will apparently offer the same specifications as the S1 but in a slimmer form and at a substantially reduced price. The US$ 599 Player will feature the same 1080P high quality output and the added ability to replay CD audio discs, (something lacking from the S1).

The player is seen as a response to Toshiba's low-cost HD-DVD unit, the HD-E1. With its "budget" pricing and big-name credentials the Sony S300 promises to be just what the High Definition DVD market is crying out for, but unfortunately UK buyers can expect a long wait before it's finally available here. Meanwhile the release of the PS3 in the UK has provided one Mid-range option for Blu-ray buyers in the UK. Panasonic have also revealed their plans for a low-cost player with the planned US release this Summer of the DMP-BD10A.

BDP-S300 Key Features (US Model)

Full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema Video Output
DVD Upscaling to 1080p via HDMI
BRAVIA Theatre Sync (HDMI-CEC)
BD/DVD/CD playback and AVC-HD with x.v.Color output
Multi Channel Linear PCM & Dolby Digital Plus Decoding

Technologies

BD-ROM Playback
DVD Video, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW, CD Playback
AVC-HD Media playback with x.v. Color output
Video Codec Format : MPEG2/MPEG4-AVC/VC-1
BRAVIA Theatre Sync (HDMI-CEC)
Full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema Video Output
DVD Upscaling to 1080p via HDMI
Cinema Tuned Picture Presets
Uncompressed Multi Channel Linear PCM Output
Dolby Digital Plus decoding capability
Dolby Digital and dts 5.1 channel Output
Multi Channel 192KHz/24bit Audio D/A Converters
BD-Java Interactive Capability
Popup Menu
Quick Set Up
FL Off/Dimmer Mode
Screen Saver
MP3 and JPEG Playback from DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW
Parental Control

Features

Video
Screen Saver: Yes
DVD+R Read Compatibility: Yes
DVD+RW Read Compatibility: Yes
DVD-R Read Compatibility: Yes
DVD-RW Read Compatibility: Yes
High Definition: Full HD 1080/24p and 60p

Audio
Analog-to-Digital Converter: 192KHz/24bit
Inputs and Outputs
HDMITM Connection Output(s): 1 (Rear)
Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s): 1 (Rear)
S-Video Output(s): 1 (Rear)
Optical Audio Output(s): 1 (Rear)
Coaxial Audio Digital Output(s): 1 (Rear)
Analog Audio Output(s): 2 ch; 1 (Rear)
Composite Video Output(s): 1 (Rear)

No availability of the BDP-S300 in the UK or US at present. All specifications relate to US models