Sony delays Blu-ray set-top again

High-definition player now expected in December

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 10/24/2006

OCT. 24 | The launch of Sony Corp.’s first standalone Blu-ray Disc player has been further delayed to early December, a company spokesman confirmed.

Originally expected in spring, and then most recently on Oct. 25, Sony’s Blu-ray player needs fine-tuning with the functioning of its software, according to the company.

As of Tuesday, the Web site of Sony retail hub SonyStyle listed the player as being available around Dec. 4.

Hardware specialist Ultimate Electronics believes its shoppers will be able to get their hands on the player by mid-December.

Sony is readying its player at the same time the company perfects its PlayStation 3 videogame console, which launches on Nov. 17 and includes Blu-ray capability.

But the Sony spokesman insisted that PS3 concerns are not trumping production issues for the standalone Blu-ray player.

“The hardware for [the player] has been completed,” the spokesman said. “We are in essence addressing a software function in the player to help meet our expectations. It’s just operational.”

In contrast to Panasonic’s limited launch this month, Sony plans to bow its player at large and small retailers nationwide.