Pioneer introduces Elite BDP-05FD / BDP-51FD Blu-ray players

[gadgtfreek]

While most consumer electronics companies choose to unveil new products at CES, Pioneer prefers to buck the trend and pick a day that it can keep all to itself. The other trend Pioneer isn't following with these new players is BD-Live, as neither the new Elite Blu-ray player nor the outfit's first non-Elite player features the latest interactive features. Instead, it's choosing to focus on picture and sound quality, as both Summer-bound decks will internally decode every next-gen multi-channel lossless codec (DTS-HD with firmware update) or bitstream any of them to your AVR. The other new focus is speed, as Pioneer seems confident that both players will be some of the fastest in the industry, boasting 15-second eject from off times and 22-second disc load times. The BDP-51FD will set you back $599 -- almost half as much as Pioneer's previous model -- while the Elite BDP-05FD will demand $799.

Pioneer introduces Elite BDP-05FD / BDP-51FD Blu-ray players - Engadget HD

 

[allargon]

Pioneer's pricing isn't as stratospheric as expected. However, they, Denon, Philips, etc. all need to be pimp slapped for this profile 1.1 crap. Profile 1.1 had a short window. It's over. It's BD-Live's time to shine--period.

 

[nonrev]

I agree whoever buys 1.0 and 1.1 will have an obsolete player shortly. Based on most early reviews BD-Live is not ready to shine either. Maybe that’s what’s scaring manufacturers from doing 2.0 they may feel BD-Live isn’t worth the added expense. How can a BD manufacturer justify an $800 or $600 player that isn’t even 2.0? We are now 2 years into the format and prices are skyrocketing!!! Wait till these manufacturers start to release 2.0 we could be back up to $1000!!!!!