Sony Electronics has dropped the price of their new BD-Live (Profile v2.0) Blu-ray Disc player - the Sony BDP-S350 - to $299, and have lowered the price of the upcoming Sony BDP-S550 BD-Live Blu-ray Disc player to $399. These reductions represent a discount of $100 off the previous MSRP, and match those reductions set in place by Panasonic a couple weeks ago.
The main difference between the two players is that the S550 has 1GB of storage internally, 7.1 analog outs, and support to decode DTS-HD Master Audio. Those opting for the S350 will have to purchase their own external memory (which is a minimal cost these days) in order to take advantage of BD-Live features.
The BDP-S350 is available now, while the BDP-S550 is expected to ship around the end of the month.
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1846
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According to industry sources in Taiwan, U-Tech Media - the largest producer of pre-recorded optical disc in Taiwan - has completed installation of their first Blu-ray Disc production line and is ready to accept orders for volume production of Blu-ray movies. Pilot runs in July and August were successful, followed by an equally successful trial production in September.
The company hopes that with its new production ability well established, they can now begin competing for orders from top Hollywood studios.
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1858
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Matrix:
Warner Home Video has revealed that they will bring 'The Matrix' and 'Amadeus: Director's Cut' to Blu-ray in the first quarter of next year. Both titles will receive digibook treatment, meaning they will come packaged with a hard cover book containing exclusive pictures and essays. Additionally, 'Amadeus' will come a CD sampler.
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Mamma Mia! :
Universal Studios Home Entertainment has revealed that they will bring the hit musical 'Mamma Mia!' to Blu-ray on December 16th, day-and-date with the DVD release. No technical specs have been revealed at this time, but you can expect the usual Universal treatment with 1080p video accompanied by a DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack.
