Sharp Corporation of Australia has released its latest Blu-ray Disc player (model BD-HP21X) with Final Standard Profile for Picture in Picture function, to add yet another dimension to home theatre entertainment.
Sharp’s $499 BD-HP21X Blu-ray is described as ‘Final Standard Profile for Picture-in-Picture (PinP) function’, however it’s far from final. The player meets the Profile 1.1 standard, meaning it has the PinP feature, but no BD-Live compatibility, which only comes with Profile 2.0. Sharp informed us that a firmware update to Profile 2.0 is not being made available for this player.
One of the nifty features of Blu-ray and the BD-HP21X is the PinP function which pops a second video window up onscreen allowing you to view additional content such as actors or directors commentary and cast/crew interviews – all while the main feature is playing. Its specifications boast full HD 1080p24 HDMI video output as well as x.v.Colour support, and the layer’s audio decoding includes Dolby True HD and Dolby Digital Plus. DTS HD-Master Audio needs to be output digitally in bitstream via HDMI to an AV receiver with the appropriate decoders.
Connections include a single HDMI 1.3 output, plus the usual composite, S-Video and component video outs. The player also comes equipped with Sharp’s Aquos Link which allows it to integrate with the company’s Aquos LCD TVs, allowing both can be controlled from one remote handset.
Price and availability
The Sharp BD-HP21X is available now from leading electrical retailers at the RRP of $499.
Specifications
- Disc compatibility: BD-ROM/R/RE, DVD video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, Audio CD, CD-R/RW
- Video characteristics: Full digital high-definition 1080p video output via HDMI
- Audio characteristics: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio (by Bitstream through HDMI)
- Connections: HDMI out, Component-out, Video out, Audio out L/R, Optical digital audio output
- Power consumption: 28W (standby: 0.6W)
- Power requirements: AC 110-240, 50/60 Hz
- Dimensions: 430 x 68 x 335 mm (W x H x D)
- Supplied accessories: Remote control, battery for remote control, user manual, A/V cable, power cord
