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Sony announces $699 FMP-X1 4K media player for summer release, 4K downloads slip to fall

Sony announces $699 FMP-X1 4K media player for summer release, 4K downloads slip to fall

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Sony FMP-X1
Sony FMP-X1

Along with announcing pricing and a release date for its new 4K LED televisions, Sony has announced more details about its previously-unnamed 4K FMP-X1 media player at NAB 2013. The device looks like the same puck-like prototype that the company showed off at CES 2013, and will become available sometime this summer for $699. The FMP-X1 will be bundled with a bizarre assortment of 10 films, including Bad Teacher, Battle: Los Angeles, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Salt, 2010's The Karate Kid, Taxi Driver, That's My Boy, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Other Guys, and 2012's Total Recall. While that's not a thrilling bundle for the price, Sony will offer existing owners of its 84-inch XBR TV the chance to exchange their home servers for the FMP-X1 player.

Unfortunately, early adopters of Sony's new 4K lineup will have to wait longer than expected for the company's "industry first" 4K video distribution service. Sony notes that FMP-X1 owners will have to wait until fall for paid 4K movie downloads -- and there's still no word on how many titles will be available in Sony's lineup, except a note that the library will include films from Sony Pictures and "other notable production houses."