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Welcome

Welcome to PS3SACD.com. This site aims to be the most extensive Super Audio CD resource for PlayStation3 users. Considering it seems to be the only dedicated SA-CD site for PS3, we're confident it actually is. We also cover other aspects of the versatile media player that PS3 is, other SACD-compatible BD players, DSD, audio-only Blu-ray Discs, and other high-resolution multi-channel music formats, especially for pop/rock music.

 


News

January 18, 2012

Several new Sony BD/SACD players

At this year's CES in Las Vegas, Sony has launched it's line-up for this year including a range of Blu-ray Disc players: the BDP-S390, BDP-S590, BDP-S790, plus integrated Home Theater Systems BDV-E390, BDV-N790W, BDV-N890W. At the same time, Sony Europe has announced its range which, as usual, includes some additional models: player BDP-S490 and Home Cinema System BDV-E190, BDV-E290, BDV-E490, BDV-E690, BDV-N590, BDV-N990W.

Sony BDP-S790

Sony BDP-S790 SACD/BD player

The big question of course is whether these units support Super Audio CD, like the 2010 and 2011 range do. Unlike the previous two years, this year's press release and product fact sheet don't mention it but that doesn't mean much: only the most important and new features are specified. Thanks to product leaflets of Sony Germany we know that at least the following models play SACD: BDP-S490, BDV-N790W, BDV-N990W.

Sony BDP-S590

Sony BDP-S590 SACD/BD player

Following the inevitable line logic we can conclude the BDP-S590, BDP-S790 and BDV-N890W will also be SACD-compatible. It could even be that the BDP-S390 and BDV-E390 are based on the same platform and hence also support the format but especially the former looks a lot like the BDP-S185 Sony introduced in Europe at the 2011 IFA which does not play SACD. Probably that's also the case for the Google TV-powered NSZ-GP9 BD player and the portable NSZ-GP9, both of which likely are based on different platforms. Note how also the 2011 BDP-S280 lacks SACD playback. That feature started from the BDP-S380 up.

Sony BDP-S390

Sony BDP-S390 BD player

US
EU
BDP-S790
BDP-S590
BDP-S490
 
BDP-S390
BDV-N990W
 
BDV-N890W
BDV-N790W
BDV-N590
 
BDV-E690
 
BDV-E490
 
BDV-E390
 
BDV-E290
 
BDV-E190
 

New features include upscaling of video content to 4K resolution on the BDP-S790. All models, when online, can connect to the Sony Entertainment Network (providing the Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited streaming services) and services from Netflix, Pandora, HuluPlus, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Crackle and others. They also offer Sony's social viewing application, Socialize, to let you share your media experiences with friends and followers on Twitter and Facebook. All of this will be provided through a new user interface.

Sony BDV-N790W

Sony BDV-N790W with Blu-ray Disc and SACD playback.
The BDV-N990W looks similar but with tall speakers.

We'll update our overview of SACD-compatible BD players with the 'BDP-Sx90' models shortly. Discussion here.

Update: Sony Europe has confirmed: "all new 2012 BD players should play SA-CD." We take it that applies to all European models (including Home Cinema Systems, we assume) and any US models with equivalent or higher type numbers, so all listed in the above table, not necessarily the portable or Google TV models. It may also extend to the new European Home Cinema Systems BDV-EF220, BDV-EF420 BDV-NF620 and BDV-NF720.

That's great news. We'll keep an eye on the specifications as the new models become available in the course of the year. The UK site for instance already lists the BDP-S390 and confirms SA-CD.

 


January 17, 2012

March SHM-SACD batch: Queen, Black Sabbath

Universal Music Japan's March batch of SHM-SACDs includes three more Queen albums (the fourth such set) and two Black Sabbath ones. Besides rock music there will also be several reissues in blues, jazz and classical genres:

Consistently, all of these are stereo-only single-layer SACDs, priced ¥4,286 excluding or ¥4,500 including tax. They are scheduled for March 28.

Queen - A Kind of Magic (SHM-SACD)

 


January 2, 2012

DSotM again best-selling SACD in 2011

Now that 2011 is over, it's time to make up the balance so here are some statistics we like to share. Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, as far as we know the best-selling SACD of all time (selling nearly a million units in the US alone soon after its release in 2003) is again the most popular title in the past year as far as this site is concerned. The next Pink Floyd SACD, Wish You Were Here, which we've written about extensively, is not found in this chart because it's available on Amazon only from January 10, 2012.

Here are the definitive top 10 music albums of 2011 sold via this site through Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, etc., CD Japan not included (last year's positions between brackets):

  1. (2) Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon (30th Anniversary Edition) [Hybrid SACD]
  2. (9) Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms (20th Anniversary Edition) [Hybrid SACD]
  3. (6) Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Damn The Torpedoes [Blu-ray Audio + Bonus Download]
  4. (10) Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral (Deluxe Edition) [Hybrid SACD]
  5. (-) Rush - Moving Pictures (Deluxe Edition) [CD + Blu-ray]
  6. (-) King Crimson - Starless & Bible Black (40th Anniversary Edition) [DVD-Audio]
  7. (-) The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds [DVD-Audio DTS Surround Sound]
  8. (-) King Crimson - Discipline (40th Anniversary Series) [DVD-Audio]
  9. (-) Rush - Moving Pictures (Deluxe Edition) [CD + DVD-Audio]

Runners-up were: King Crimson's In the Court of the Crimson King (Deluxe) [DVD-Audio], Steely Dan's Gaucho [Hybrid SACD], Peter Gabriel's New Blood - Live in London 3D [Blu-Ray / DVD], Nine Inch Nails' Pretty Hate Machine (2010 Remaster) [CD] and Mark Knopfler's Shangri-La [Hybrid SACD].

The most popular A/V hardware sold through this site in the year past was:

Items # 1, 4 ,5, 7, 9 and 10 are SACD-compatible BD players.

Gaming gear purchased through us ranks as follows:

Not surprisingly perhaps, items #1-4 are all SACD-compatible PS3s. The likely reason for the sudden love of the 20GB unit is probably obvious.

Here is a graphical overview of these charts; comparable charts of previous years you can find for 2008, 2009 and 2010.

 


January 1, 2012

SACD title release rate picking up speed

According to authoritive website SA-CD.net, the number of SACDs released in 2011 amounted to 773, significantly more than the year before and in fact more than any of the preceding 5 years. It represents a 22% rise over the previous year, when the rise was 8%, so the speed is apparently accelerating.

SACD title releases 2004-2011

The only sideline remark we could make is that a series of SACDs by The Absolute Sound from previous years (2004-2010) was included in 2011 that should have been added in earlier years but even when adjusting for this correction, the numbers show a healthy and impressive increase by all accounts.

total number of SACD titles 2004-2011

A few more statistics: The CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of the number of titles per year 2004-2011 is just -2% while the CAGR of the cumulative number of titles 2004-2011 stands at +16%.

We wish you a great 2012 with lots of new interesting SACDs.

 


December 12, 2011

February SHM-SACD batch: more Queen, Dire Straits and Mike Oldfield

Universal Music Japan's SHM-SACD roster for February includes lots of albums that will appear on SACD for the first time:

Olivia Newton John - Physical SHM-CD

These titles are slated for February 22, 2012. We'd almost forget to mention the albums listed for January 25, 2012:

It almost seems our suggestion for Some Girls on SACD (when the album was reissued as a 2-CD Deluxe Edition last month) has been heard.

Most of these albums are now listed on CD Japan. Just follow the links above.

 


December 10, 2011

MoFi to reissue Bob Dylan on SACD

Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) is going to reissue six Bob Dylan albums on hybrid SACD. Five of them have been issued on SACD before, four of those in multichannel.

All are labeled as 'Numbered Limited Edition'. Availability through Music Direct is 'TBA'.

Bob Dylan and the Band - The Basement Tapes SACD

Another Side Of Bob Dylan, Blonde On Blonde, Blood On The Tracks and Bringing It All Back Home are already available on multichannel hybrid SACD, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan on hybrid stereo SACD. (Blonde on Blonde has even been issued early on single-layer stereo SACD). Only The Basement Tapes will be out on SACD for the first time.

 


November 30, 2011

Firmware v4.00

There's a new system software version update out: version 4.00. As SCEA writes, it enables PS3 to service as a content management device but this function appears to be meant squarely for PS Vita the next-generation PlayStation Portable. More details here.

 


November 25, 2011

Wish You Were Here now available on Amazon.com

Available for pre-order, that is. It's come a long way, via two years of mere rumors, to an official announcement, to exclusive availability through Analog Productions, to availability on European Amazon sites, to eventual listing on US Amazon.com today. The second hybrid SACD of Pink Floyd will be out there January 12, 2012.

WYWH SACD back cover WYWH SACD front cover

In all sorts of gamer forums we've often read about PS3 owners who own just a single SACD -- Dark Side of the Moon. No wonder, it's probably the best-selling SACD in history thus far. Some who've heard the new 5.1 mix of WYWH say it even beats DSotM. We'd say: if you own just one SACD and it's DSotM, this is your next must-have title on multichannel hybrid SACD.

 


November 23, 2011

Wish list suggestions

It's almost Thanksgiving in the US, the official start of the holiday season, so this looks like a good time for our preliminary bestseller list. In music, the top 10 year-to-date looks as follows:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Runner-up is King Crimson's In the Court of the Crimson King (Deluxe) [CD + DVD-Audio].

Best-selling AV hardware this year thus far is the OPPO BDP-93 Universal Network 3D Blu-ray Disc Player. Outside of that, the list is too mixed up to draft any meaningful chart.

For gaming gear, the top 5 looks as follows:

1
2
3
4
5

The above chart is based purely on Amazon.com sales. The UK and other sales could alter positions slightly. For CD Japan sales, the picture looks very different. More about that soon.

If you want to thank someone or us, why not order them or yourself a gift? Other gift ideas you may find here:


November 20, 2011

DSD over USB

We reported a number of times lately about a couple of recent DSD DACs such as the Mytek Digital and Fostex HP-A8. Like all asynchronous DACs, these come equipped with USB ports. So far, however, there was no standard for DSD on USB. Now dCS, the company behind audiophiles DACs and SACD transports carrying names like Scarlatti, Paganini, Puccini and Debussy, in cooperation with Amarra and Pure Music has proposed an open standard for this, Audiobeat reports.

principle for packing pure DSD in PCM signal for USB transmission

Confusingly, the same publication in another blog entry suggests the format somehow magically lets PCM DACs handle the signal but that's not the case. Reading the white paper, we can see the cause of the confusion, but a PCM DAC will not decode the DSD signal correctly. The stream is merely created such that PCM DACs will not blast your speakers while interpreting DSD as PCM but instead produce the typical noise at a strongly muted level -- it really does need a DSD DAC to decode it properly. The format basically describes a way for packaging a pure DSD signal inside a PCM stream.

Is this relevant for PS3 owners? Not immediately. Where i.LINK/FireWire/IEEE1394 has '5C' DTCP and HDMI has HDCP there is no copy protection defined for DSD over USB, so it cannot be used for SACD playback. Playback of DSD discs via USB might be a nice feature to support but surely this isn't high on SCE's priorities. Of course a hack could change matters but given the fact that PS3s are technically unable to pass DSD through HDMI one can wonder whether it's feasible at all to do so via the USB ports. It is an interesting development however for audiophiles using an external DSD DAC for playback of DSD downloads on for instance a PC.

 


November 15, 2011

Wish You Were Here lands at Amazon... Germany

The multichannel SACD of Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here which finally came out recently is now available for the first time at Amazon, but thus far only at German daughter Amazon.de (at 42 euro). We're expecting other European daughters to follow suit soon but are not quite sure when the US site will. We'll keep you posted about any developments though.

Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here SACD cover   Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here SACD contents

Other multichannel options for this same album are available in the Immersion Box Set.

 


October 30, 2011

Second trio of Queen SHM-SACDs now also listed

Shortly after the first three Queen SHM-SACDs (scheduled for November) becoming available for pre-order, the second such batch (slated for December 14) is now also listed at CD Japan.

Queen - A Night at the Opera SHM-SACD

 


October 29, 2011

The Doors on SACD

Several years ago, Warner released a number of Doors albums on DVD-Audio. As part of Warner Japan's effort to reissue these on multichannel SACD, at least one of them recently became available on SACD. More are now coming as part of a reissue program by Analogue Productions:

  • The Doors
  • Strange Days
  • Waiting for the Sun
  • L.A. Woman

Why The Soft Parade and Morrison Hotel in this program are issued on vinyl but not on SACD is a small mystery to us.

The Doors - Analogue Productions SACD reissue program

The blurb that AP put out states:

Cut from the original masters by Doug Sax, with the exception of The Doors, which was made from the best tape copy. Sax and Doors producer/engineer Bruce Botnick went through a meticulous setup to guarantee a positively stunning reissues series.

This is an all-tubes process. These masters were recorded on tube equipment and the tape machine used for transfer for these releases is a tube machine, as is the cutting system. Tubes, baby! A truly authentic reissue project.

Like Wish You Were Here (but unlike most SACDs from Analogue Productions) these will be multichannel SACDs!

Also out shortly (by January) is Mr. Mojo Risin': The Story of L.A. Woman on Blu-ray Disc and DVD.

 


October 17, 2011

First Hong Kong BD-Audio title

Canto-pop artist Bondy Hok-Yee Chiu (趙學而), Hok-E for short, has released an album, Trinity, that's made its way onto Pure Audio Blu-ray Disc (and HQCD), msm-studios write in their latest newsletter.

Bondy Hok-E Chiu - 'Trinity' BD-Audio

It's available here but don't be shocked by the $350 price tag -- those are Hong Kong dollars. HKD 350 equates to USD 45. More about the album and the artist on the blog of Design w Sound (in Chinese).

There seems to be no mention of 5.1/multichannel/surround sound so we suspect that, like so many audiophile SACDs from Hong Kong, this album is stereo only.

The disc is made with msm's mShuttle functionality, which makes additional files available online, in this case including DSD, 24/96 FLAC & AIFF and 320-kbps MP3 files plus album cover, booklet and bonus images. We're surprised to see 1-bit/5.6-MHz DSD -- that's double the regular sampling rate i.e. 128 times that of CD, also known as DSD128. Not every DSD DAC or DSD-capable receiver may be able to handle that.

msm-studios mShuttle functionality for Pure Audio Blu-ray Discs

 


October 15, 2011

DSD DAC with USB and FireWire input

We're getting closer to what we've been waiting for. No HDMI input yet (and no DXD either) but New York-based Mytek Digital has developed a range of PCM/DSD DACs with a host of inputs, including USB 2.0 and FireWire/i.LINK/IEEE1394. They accept DSD through this, so there's no limitation like with the Fostex HP-A8 that only will playback DSD from SD card. The DAC handles stereo PCM of up to 32-bit/192 kHz.

Mytek DSD DAC

There is also a more minimalist looking version intended for audiophiles rather then recording professionals.

 


October 12, 2011

Headphone Amp with DSD DAC

Headphone amplifiers with asynchronous Digital-to-Analog Converters, usually with USB input, are all the rage lately, especially in Japan. From that country comes the first such product with a DSD DAC: The Fostex HP-A8 (datasheet here).

Fostex HP-A8 headphone amp with DSD DAC

The D/A Converter inside is the AK4399, a 32-bit/192 kHz DAC (datasheet here) by Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM). It supports 32/192 PCM and 1-bit 2.8 MHz DSD in DSF flavor -- both just in stereo, naturally.

AKM AK4399 PCM/DSD DAC

Many recent SACD players (such as these) will output DSD or high-resolution PCM (88.2 or 176.6 kHz) depending on what the sink device can handle. PS3 only will output the latter. This amp, decoding all of these streams, would be a great peripheral for either -- if it had HDMI input. As far as we can see however it only has optical and coaxial digital input and a high-speed USB port; no HDMI (or even i.LINK/FireWire). To use this for playing SACDs you would first need to rip them, then play the files back on a PC. (Sure, PS3 has USB ports too but it will not output SACD audio through them.) Of course, what you can use it for is playing DSD Discs and DSD downloads.

M2Tech 'Young' DXD DAC

If you're interested in a DSD DAC, you may also be interested in a DXD DAC like the M2Tech 'Young' discussed here. For now, we will wait for a manufacturer to launch a headphone amp that supports DSD input via HDMI, and perhaps even DXD.

Update: We've been informed about some apparent restrictions. Not only does the Fostex HP-A8 lack HDMI and FireWire, it may not even play DSD via USB. The Japanese leaflet seems to indicate it will only play DSD from SD cards -- much like the Korg DSD recorders.

 


October 9, 2011

Many new multichannel options with Pink Floyd

Dark Side of the Moon is out on SACD since 2003 and is probably the best-selling SACD ever, so far. It contains a 5.1 mix by James Guthrie made newly for this 30th Anniversary Edition.

Like we reported in May, in 2009 he also remixed Wish You Were Here in 5.1 and EMI has finally issued this mix on SACD this year. We're still waiting for it to show up on Amazon and CD Japan, which should happen any time soon now, but in the meantime there are various other options to explore, all part of the Why Pink Floyd? 2011 reissue program.

Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon (Immersion Box Set) cover   Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon (Immersion Box Set) contents

First of all, the DSotM Immersion Box Set, out since September 27, contains six discs plus many other goodies. One of them is an audio-only DVD (but not a DVD-Audio disc) with the following contents:

  • James Guthrie 2003 5.1 Surround Mix (previously released only on SACD) in standard resolution audio at 448 kbps and 640kbps
  • Quad Mix (engineer Alan Parsons, previously released only on vinyl LP/8 track tape in 1973) in standard resolution audio at 448 kbps and 640kbps
  • PCM Stereo mix

That 448 kbit/second track is simply Dolby Digital. We're not sure about the 640 kbps track, referred to by some sites as 'high resolution'. It's not DTS (which on DVD-Video uses 755 or 1510 kbps) so it's probably higher-bitrate Dolby Digital -- not conforming to the DVD-Video standard but still decodable by just about any (current) AV Receiver. The quad mix was never officially issued on SACD or DVD but has been circulating as a DVD-Audio download in the online bootleg circuit.

Another disc is a Blu-ray Disc which besides several films (some in 24/48 5.1!) contains the following audio tracks:

  • James Guthrie 2003 5.1 Surround Mix (previously released only on SACD) in high resolution audio at 96kHz / 24-bit
  • original stereo mix (1973) 96kHz / 24-bit
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (Immersion Box Set) cover   Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (Immersion Box Set) contents

With the other album the situation is comparable: The WYWH Immersion Box Set, due November 8, contains five discs including one audio-only DVD:

  • James Guthrie 2007 5.1 Surround Mix (previously unreleased) in standard resolution audio at 448 kbps and 640kbps
  • Quad Mix (previously released only on vinyl LP/8 track tape) in standard resolution audio at 448 kbps and 640 kbps
  • James Guthrie 2011 High Resolution Stereo Mix

and a Blu-ray Disc with several films/clips and this audio track:

  • James Guthrie 2007 5.1 Surround Mix (previously unreleased) in high resolution at 96kHz / 24-bit

Now if only we could see for a similar treatment of The Wall, scheduled for February 28, 2012. We can hope, and you can sign this petition on Facebook.

 


October 5, 2011

Apple news

Yes, we've got Apple news today but it doesn't involve any iPhone, iPad or iOS. It's about Korg's AudioGate DSD playback/recording/conversion software. The latest version, Korg AudioGate v2.2, now also works on Apple Mac OS X Lion. You can download it for free from Korg.

  Korg AudioGate  

 


October 4, 2011

First 3 Queen SHM-SACDs now listed

A little belated, the first trio of Queen SHM-SACDs is now available for pre-order from CD Japan. These are the November (23rd) releases. The December ones are still pending.

 


September 29, 2011

Integra: high-end AVR with DSD

Onkyo has introduced an AV Receiver with DSD input via HDMI under its high-end home theater brand, Integra. That may not be of use with PS3 but it is with many recent SACD players. Perhaps it's surprising then that there is no SACD-compatible BD player in the Integra range at this moment. In the past, the brand has had several universal players supporting SACD, DVD-Audio and DVD-Video such as the DPS-8.3, DPS-6.7 and DPS-6.5.The current DPS-6.9 is the last one in that series. The Integra DBS-50.3 Blu-ray Disc player however supports neither SACD nor DVD-A.

Onkyo Integra DTR-70.3 9.2ch AVR

Anyway, the new AVR is called Integra DTR-70.3 and it's got 9.2-channel output. It's available in Japan as well as the US. The US has also got a more advanced model, the Integra DTR-80.3 with somewhat more output power and 192kHz/32-bit DACs instead of 192/24-bit.

In other news, Sony has introduced the TA-DA5700ES AV Receiver -- the Japanese sibling of the STR-DA5700ES. One apparent difference to the western model, as with all of its predecessors, is the dual remote controls bundled. It's ¥27,300.

Sony TA-DA5700ES

 


September 25, 2011

SHM-SACD: November/December batches to include Queen

Universal Music Japan has got the following albums lined up for re-issue on SHM-SACD:

November 23:

December 14:

As per UMG's definition, SHM-SACDs are strictly stereo-only single layer. For Tubular Bells therefore we must recommend the earlier SACD edition, which contains a transfer of the original quadrophonic mix. It's a 4.0-channel hybrid disc.

Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells quadrophonic 4.0ch SACD

The Queen SHM-SACDs do not show up yet on CD Japan but they do at Universal's site. We'll keep you updated on their availability.

Oh, and yes, also for October a batch of SHM-SACDs has been announced but only classical titles so we skipped reporting on those. For completeness' sake, here the are. Due date: October 19/26.

As usual, the net price is ¥4,286. Including 'Consumption Tax' (CT, as VAT or Sales Tax is called in Japan) of 5% that's ¥4,500.

 


September 19, 2011

JVC's latest RBCD technique

We've previously written about attempts to let RBCDs sound better. Our coverage of Blu-spec CD lists a number of approaches, each aimed at different parts of the production chain. Some of those have since been combined, others imitated. JVC, who's behind the XRCD and K2 HD mastering system has now launched a new feature that we think emulates Sony's Blu-spec idea: a more precise cutting of the physical disc master. JVC calls it: HR Cutting.

HR Cutting logo

We must insist: We wish all of these techniques were applied to media like Super Audio CD that inherently provide higher fidelity through greater resolution, sampling rate, accuracy in the timing domain, etc.

 


September 18, 2011

More Asian models

By today, Tokyo Games Show 2011 is over. We didn't see any booth babes posing with good-looking PS3 consoles, even though quite a few new variants were launched:

Blue PS3 CECH-CH3000B SB
'Splash Blue' PS3 CECH-CH3000B SB
 
Red PS3 CECH-CH3000B SB
'Scarlet Red' PS3 CECH-CH3000B SR
-- unfortunately does not support Scarlet Book
PS3 Ninokuni Magical Edition
PS3 Ninokuni Magical Edition CEJH-10019
 
PS3 'Tales of Xillia' bundle
PS3 Tales of Xillia bundle
 
PS3 Final Fantasy XIII-2 bundle
PS3 Final Fantasy XIII-2 bundle CEJH-10020

While searching the web however we did come across some pictures we missed earlier, when we reported on Korean and Japanese models. Here then is a picture of PS3's 2009 launch in Malaysia, thanks to blogger 1mytomyam. More pictures on his blog.

2009 launch of PS3 (Slim) in Malaysia

 


September 17, 2011

Seeing and hearing in 3D

IFA and CEDIA 2011 are over. Sony's announced some 3D vizors and headsets. So many different types in fact, we're still working to make sense of it all. Here's a quick rundown:

1. The MDR-DS7500 - a pair of (virtual) 7.1-channel headphones. These could be regarded the successor to the MDR-DS7100 (rather than to the DR-GA500 headset which has got a microphone and is aimed squarely at gaming). They come with a pair of 3D glasses, it seems from this article in AV watch (Japanese). As it turns out however the goggles are sold separately. There's even no mention of them in Sony's related press release.

Sony MDR-DS7500 7.1ch headphones -- 3D glasses sold separately

Sony MDR-DS7500 7.1ch headphones -- 3D glasses not included
Picture credit: AV Watch

2. The HMZ-T1 Personal 3D Viewer - a virtual 150" 3D HDTV with simulated 5.1-channel surround sound. It's a head-mounted display (HMD) containing two 1280x720 resolution OLED panels, 0.7"/18mm each. More details in the press release.

Sony HMZ-T1 Personal 3D Viewer

Sony HMZ-T1 Personal 3D Viewer

It reminds us -- and not only us, also AV Watch -- of the Virtual Reality (VR) headset prototype Sony presented at this year's CES, although we thought that one (looking quite different but seemingly based on the same technology) had motion sensors that you need for an immersive, interactive VR experience. That would be for gaming application though, not for passive 3D movie watching like this commercial Home Cinema product.

Sony VR HMD at CES 2011

Sony VR HMD prototype at CES 2011
Picture credit: AV Watch

We're not surprised to see VR technology making a comeback. It failed to live up to overhyped expectations in the nineties mainly for four reasons: (1) Too heavy headsets, causing discomfort and the constant need to adjust the HMD on one's head. (2) Too low resolution. (3) Too high latency, causing a sense of nausea or 'VR sickness'. (4) Too high cost. In all four areas, substantial progress has been made in the past twenty years. We expect a directionally-sensitive version of the Sony HMD in the near future, still within the lifespan of PlayStation 3. Clearly, such a device fits very well with Sony's current emphasis on 3D.

3. The CECH-ZEx1J, if we may use this wildcard -- a combination of the CECH-ZED1J dual view/3D display and associated CECH-ZEG1J glasses. These products are actually launched by Sony Computer Entertainment and targeted specifically at PS3 users, hence the PlayStation logos on them.

Sony CECH-ZED1J 3D display   Sony CECH-ZEG1J 3D glasses

More details here (Japanese).

4. The Full HD 3D Glasses standard. Sony, Panasonic and Samsung have agreed upon a standardized technology and interface for glasses you can use for viewing high-definition three-dimensional screens at home. Toshiba, Sharp, Philips and TCL have joined this initiative, announced at IFA. It's not clear however to what extent the 3D glasses above conform to this new standard.

Full HD 3D Glasses standard logo

 


September 12, 2011

What's happened to Sony's ES range?

At CEDIA last week Sony announced two new AV Receivers in its upmarket ES Series: the STR-DA5700ES and STR-DA3700ES.

Sony STR-DA5700ES AV Receiver

Also on offer: a range of ES-branded front projectors -- do rear projectors still exist actually? -- including the 4K/3D SXRD VPL-VW1000ES. Nice stuff. But it's been exactly three years since the company introduced the last ES Series Blu-ray Disc and SACD player, BDP-S5000ES and SCD-XA5400ES. Sure, these are great products and in this segment products don't need to be replaced every 6 months or even 12 months but aren't they due for an update? Aren't Blu-ray Disc and Super Audio CD technology worthy of an up-to-date ES Series component?

Oh sure, there's the 2011 BDP-S1700ES, the top-of-the-range BD/DVD/SACD player in Sony's mid-range segment that some US marketing manager slammed an ES Series designation onto but like its predecessors BDP-S1000ES and BDP-S2000ES it's not a real ES Series product, with a 'cascade design' solid die-cast brushed aluminium front panel, a ridid frame-and-beam chassis and all the other characteristics that made these components so great.

With virtually all Sony's 2010 and 2011 BD players supporting SACD a new ES Series BD player can't stay behind. We understand it can be daunting to design and develop a single device that does both of these formats (and many others) justice -- especially if the financial situation is less than desirable -- but even in this segment of the market three years is a tad long. Sony, what's keeping you? Why make video and audiophiles wait this long?

 


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