UBP-X1000ES 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player

The Sony UBP-X1000ES reference standard 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player not only handles disc playback, but also streams content in 4K along with HDR (high dynamic range) for richer colors and deeper contrast than 4K alone. In addition to the new UHD Blu-ray format, the new player handles a number of other disc types including HD Blu-ray, DVD, CD and SA-CD, with Sony Electronics director of home entertainment systems Yukio Ishikawa saying the player was “specifically designed to deliver the highest quality video and audio possible and will excite the most demanding A/V enthusiasts.”

The UBP-X1000ES features a dedicated picture mode created specifically for HDR content, according to Sony, as well as upscaling that is claimed to bring 1080p content up to near-4K resolution at 60p. As for audio, the player features a 32-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and support for high-resolution audio, including LPCM up to 192 kHz and DSD up to 11.2 MHz. Like some other recent players we’ve seen, this model features dual HDMI outputs — one for audio and one for video.

While other companies are aiming their products at all consumers, Sony is instead aiming at the custom install set with its new 4K UHD player. The company plans to have the UBP-X1000ES certified with vendors like Control4, Crestron, and Savant, and IP control via Wi-Fi or Ethernet is included out of the box. The player is also built to last, with a frame and beam chassis combined with its honeycomb top plate.

Available exclusively via custom installers, the UBP-X1000ES will start shipping in spring 2017, but so far Sony is keeping quiet about pricing.