Sony has announced availability of the new FMP-X10 4k Media Player. But the player carries at a hefty price. When it hits stores in July, the FMP-X10 will cost $699. That’s the same price as the FMP-X1 released about a year ago, for which Sony offered discounts with the purchase of a select Bravia 4k TV. To peak interest in the FMP-X10, Sony is offering $200 off the player for those who pre-order through July 15, 2014.
Sony has squared off its FMP-X10 4k media player, now resembling a more common streaming media box, only twice the size at almost 10″ x 10″. The player includes two USB 2.0 ports (one in the front and one in rear), ethernet up to 3840 x 2160/60p, HDMI Audio Output (rear), HDMI Video/Audio Output (rear), and built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n).
But where the FMP-X10 differs from its predecessor is a smaller internal hard drive. The newer FMP-X10 includes a 1TB hard drive while the 1st-generation FMP-X1 featured a 2TB hard drive. The FMP-X10, however, can be expanded to hold video from the Unlimited 4k service via USB to an external hard drive.
The FMP-X10 supports Sony’s XAVC S 4k UHD format, AVC (H.264), HEVC (H.265), and Dolby Digital Plus. And, a nice feature of the FMP-X10 is support for TRILUMINOS color rendition of content created with xvYCC expanded color.
For software, the FMP-X10 includes the Sony Video Unlimited 4k service, Netflix (in 4k), and the X10 Music and Media Player. You also get 50 titles free of charge with the purchase of the player.
The FMP-X10 is only compatible with several 2013 Sony 4K ‘Ultra HD’ TVs including the XBR-X850A, XBR-X900, and XBR-X900A.
