Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 20, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The new Blu-ray players offer benefits beyond Blu-ray Disc playback. Upscaling also reproduces existing DVD collections at a previously unavailable level of quality.
A great film also needs impressive sound. The BDP9100 and BDP7300 decode 7.1-channel lossless audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for surround sound. Advanced video artifact-removal algorithms and 3D noise reduction complete the home-cinema package.
Philips is introducing a new television format with the Cinema 21:9, its first cinema-format television. The BDP9100 is designed as the matching player. It is the only player in the range that can move subtitles into the image during 21:9 playback. Blu-ray subtitles would normally appear in the lower black bar, which is not displayed on the Cinema 21:9.
All new Philips Blu-ray players are DivX Ultra certified and compatible with common formats including WMV, MP3, WMA, and JPG. The BDP5000, BDP7300, and BDP9100 provide convenient playback through a high-speed USB 2.0 port on the front. Camcorder users can play their AVCHD recordings in full HD quality on the BDP9100 and BDP7300.
BD-Live Included
The new Philips Blu-ray players support BD-Live. With BD-Live and an internet connection, users can access the additional functions and services offered by compatible Blu-ray Discs. These include online content such as bonus features, documentaries, and games. The BDP9100 and BDP7300 also have one gigabyte of internal storage for downloading BD-Live applications. Software for every model can be updated conveniently over the internet.
Ease of Use and Elegant Design
The Philips Blu-ray players feature a newly developed high-resolution on-screen menu and convenient EasyLink control, allowing several devices to be operated with a single remote control.
The new series’ rounded edges and restrained glossy-black front panel suit a range of living rooms. The players complement Philips flat-panel televisions as well as other models.
Blu-ray Starter Package
For customers who want to begin watching immediately, Philips offers a starter package. Every BDP7300 includes an HDMI cable and two Warner Bros. Blu-ray films, “I Am Legend” and “Batman Begins.”
Eco-Friendly
The entire series has very low standby power consumption. The BDP9100, BDP7300, and BDP5000 consume 0.25 watts in standby, which Philips describes as a benchmark for their device class.
Prices and Availability
The BDP9100 will be available from June at a recommended retail price of €449.99.
The BDP7300 will be available from May at a recommended retail price of €349.99.
The BDP5000 will be available from May at a recommended retail price of €299.99.
The BDP3000 will be available from June at a recommended retail price of €249.99.
