Sony and BD4C boosts for Blu-ray market

Sony has announced that its BDP-S470 Blu-ray disc player is now capable of showing 3D movies following a software download. Meanwhile, the latest in Sony’s range of Blu-ray players, the BDP-S570, unveiled at CES, will be able to play 3D discs with no firmware upgrade.

Sony’s latest range of players are also enabled for connected TV via Sony’s Bravia Internet Video service. Content partners in the UK include BBC iPlayer and DVD rental service Lovefilm. An entertainment database browser based on Gracenote’s technology allows users to search for additional information and related content.

Separately, four companies with Blu-ray intellectual property rights (Mitsubishi Electric, Thomson Licensing, Toshiba and Warner Bros Home Entertainment) have come together to begin a worldwide joint licensing programme for Blu-ray and DVD patents essential for Blu-ray decoders, encoders, players and other equipment. The four, known as the BD4C Licensing Group, said that the move would provide a one-stop shop for Blu-ray licensees and help drive the development of products for the market.