While Samsung and Panasonic have Blu-ray disc players already fairly widely available in North America, so far the main company behind Blu-ray, Sony, has yet again delayed the launch of its BDP-S1 Blu-ray player going by its SonyStyle website. This time, they have quietly delayed it with an expected launch of December 4th. Originally, it was due for launch in July, then delayed to August 15th and again to October 25th just a few weeks later. However despite all these delays, the recommend retail price will still remain set at US$999.95.
This new delay also affects many studios, as some already have movies on Blu-ray media ready to ship, but are waiting for Sony's Blu-ray player launch before shipping them. This delay also means that the PS3 will be the first to launch, which is due to hit North America and Japan in November and still appears to be on schedule.
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According to the company's SonyStyle Web site, US customers should expect to see the player on December 4, with MSRP remaining set at $999.95 USD. The BDP-S1 had been slated for release next week. As one member of the Forum put it, "Who here really believes that this is finally the real ship date?" |
With how many times Sony has delayed its PS3 and now their Blu-ray player again, hopefully their PS3 will keep its November schedule. Then again, with a shortage of blue laser diodes, it is quite possible Sony likely took the decision to build more PS3 units using its stock of blue laser diodes at a cost of holding back its Blu-ray disc player launch until it gets more diodes to rig enough of these for launch.
Source: BetaNews
