Sony has announced its first Ultra HD Blu-ray player, due for release through custom installation channels next spring. The new UBP-X1000ES is actually a universal disc player that, in addition to UHD Blu-ray playback, supports SACD, DVD-Audio, CD, and Blu-ray 3D discs, as well as native DSD (at up to 11.2 MHz) and LPCM (at up to 192 kHz) hi-res music files. With a focus on custom integration, Sony plans to have the UBP-X1000ES fully certified by home automation vendors like Control4, Crestron, and Savant, and the player will offer IP, RS-232C, and IR control options. Pricing has not yet been announced.
From Sony
Sony Electronics has unveiled a new reference standard 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player which will be shipping next spring. The new ES Series model (UBP-X1000ES) offers full Custom Installation (CI) compatibility and incorporates a number of features and technologies that will make it the centerpiece of the most advanced home audio-video systems.
According to Yukio Ishikawa, Director of Home Entertainment Systems for Sony Electronics, "The new UBP-X1000ES player has been long awaited by custom installers who desire a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player that provides a "one-stop" solution for their clients' premium entertainment needs. Our new reference model has been specifically designed to deliver the highest quality video and audio possible and will excite the most demanding A/V enthusiasts."
One Player Does It All
The X1000ES Universal Player is compatible with Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, as well as video streaming in full 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR), for greater detail, brightness and contrast that fully captures the content creator's intention. Ultra HD Blu-ray playback with stunning 4K resolution, twice the color range of existing conventional Blu-ray players and HDR technology, up to 100 times dynamic range to enjoy realistic picture quality like never before.
In addition to support for Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, the X1000ES utilizes a Sony developed Precision HD drive to help maintain consistent performance with virtually every optical disc format, including DVD Video and DVD Audio; CD and SACD; and Blu-ray 3D, and BD-ROM media. The player further incorporates a variety of video codecs that can deliver 4K streaming from video streaming services like Amazon Video, YouTube and others.
A dedicated picture mode for HDR content is provided, along with Sony's advanced video processing that upscales 1080p content to near 4K 60p resolution.
Additionally, when playing 4K HDR content on a 4K SDR television, the X1000ES utilizes a unique Sony algorithm to reproduce the proper brightness and color gradations to provide the best picture possible.
The UBP-X1000ES is also a great match to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-oriented audio compatible receivers, for the most immersive home theater experience possible. Plus its 32-bit processing DAC is compatible with both native DSD (at up to 11.2 MHz) and LPCM (at up to 192kHz) Hi-Res Music files, which are available in a number of different formats.
As you would expect from such a quality component, the UBP-X1000ES reflects the legendary build quality associated with the coveted ES brand. Its Frame and Beam (FB) chassis helps to increase structural rigidity and its honeycomb top plate, sf heat sync and offset insulator feet reduce the effects of both airborne and mechanical vibration. Even the player's removable rack-mount ears (to be sold separately) are designed to reduce vibration and electrical noise.
The X1000ES offers a number of other ES refinements, including dual HDMI outputs with separate audio and video signal paths, and its HDMI, 2ch analog and coaxial digital outputs are gold evaporated for better conductivity.
Conceived for Custom Installation
Unlike conventional 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players, Sony plans to have the X1000ES fully certified by such leading home control and automation system vendors as Control4, Crestron, Savant, and others. Furthermore, the UBP-X1000ES provides virtually every connectivity option required for today's complex custom installations, including IP Control over CAT 5 cable or Wi-Fi networks; RS-232C two-way control and IR-IN. A web browser interface is also offered, along with support for ihiji, a cloud-based network management solution used by custom installers for remote maintenance.
Pricing and Availability
The new UBP-X1000ES is being offered exclusively to the custom installer channel and comes with a 5-year limited parts and labor warranty. It will be available from authorized Sony AV dealers and custom installers in spring 2017. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
Additional Resources
• The State of 4K Front Projection at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Sony Introduces Flagship Z Series of UHD TVs at HomeTheaterReview.com.
