Sony To Produce PS3-Priced Blu-Ray Player

The format war has begun, and early indications are that Blu-Ray is outpacing HD-DVD in terms of popularity. Furthermore, one of the biggest appeals of the PS3 is its Blu-Ray capability and it's relatively cheap price. Most Blu-Ray players cost in the vicinity of $1000, and they can't play games or DVDs, which makes the PS3 quite a bargain for true HD hounds. But outside of the PS3, the consumer outcry has been simple- Blu-Ray players are too expensive.

Therefore, Sony has responded with the announcement of the BDP-S300, the cheapest standalone Blu-Ray player to date. It's supposed to have all the same capabilities of any other player, but it just costs less. Now, this almost seems like it could hinder PS3 sales, but in looking at the bigger picture, it should serve to further the interest and expansion of Blu-Ray. And besides, Sony stands firm in their conviction that the PS3 is primarily a video game machine.

Head of PR for Sony Computer Entertainment America, Dave Karraker, provided this official statement to Next Generation-

"Yesterday's announcement from Sony broadens options for movie lovers and will help to further expand Blu-ray adoption, so it is a benefit to consumers and the company. Our research shows that the number-one purchase driver for the PS3 is the ability to play high-definition, next-generation games. PS3 has always been about gaming first and foremost."

We'd be inclined to agree with that assessment, and it will be proven if the PS3 produces the great games, and Blu-Ray catches on...and both seem very likely to happen at this point.