DVD players 
By John P. Falcone (March 8, 2005) 
Sony's 2005 DVD lineup focuses squarely on HDMI compatibility. All but the two lowest-priced players feature the cutting-edge, all-digital interface, which provides the ability to display upscaled DVD video, yielding a sharper picture on certain HDTVs. Most play Sony's Super Audio CD format as well (but not the rival audiophile format, DVD-Audio). On the recording front, the options range from the affordable RDR-GX315--which burns longer-playing dual-layer discs--to the high-end, hard drive-equipped RDR-HX715. Meanwhile, we're still waiting to see the HD CableCard DVR that Sony's been touting since last year's show.

Model	Price & availability	Specifications	What's cool about it
Sony DVP-NS50P  Check prices	$80 Spring 2005	DVD player; progressive-scan playback; lip-sync adjustment	The DVP-NS50 is Sony's entry-level DVD player, an update to last year's DVP-NS575P. Black and silver versions will be available.
Sony DVP-NS70H  Check prices	$150 Summer 2005	DVD player with 720p/1080i HDMI output; lip-sync adjustment	The $150 DVP-NS70H represents the least-expensive player in the company's line to boast the ability to upscale DVDs to HD-friendly 720p and 1080i resolutions via its all-digital HDMI connection.
Sony DVP-NC80V  Check prices	$140 Summer 2005	Five-disc SACD/DVD changer; progressive-scan playback; optical and coaxial digital audio output	The DVP-NC80V delivers multidisc SACD and DVD playback at an affordable price. Black and silver versions will be available.
Sony DVP-NS90V  Check prices	$200 Summer 2005	SACD/DVD player; 720p/1080i HDMI output; lip-sync adjustment	The 2005 update to last year's DVP-NS975V, this single-disc upscaling DVD player adds SACD playback and lip-sync adjustment to the bag of tricks found on less expensive models in the lineup.
Sony DVP-CX995V  Check prices	$400 Summer 2005	400-disc CD/DVD changer with 720p/1080i HDMI output; custom parental controls and playback memory for all 400 discs	Sony's 2005 update to its popular DVP-CX985V 400-disc DVD megachanger now includes the ability to upscale movies to 720p and 1080i HD resolution via its HDMI interface. The changer also features a new onscreen interface designed to ease the hassle of dealing with 400 DVDs and CDs.
Sony DVP-NS3100ES  Check prices	$500 Summer 2005	SACD/DVD player; 720p/1080i HDMI output; lip-sync adjustment	The most affordable player in Sony's premium ES line can scale DVDs to high-def resolution via its all-digital HDMI output.
Sony DVP-NS9100ES  Check prices	$1,300 Summer 2005	SACD/DVD player; 720p/1080i HDMI output; two FireWire/iLink audio ouputs; RS-232 interface; lip-sync adjustment; IR input	In addition to the HD upscaling of the NS3100ES, the 9100ES adds FireWire audio outputs and an RS-232 interface for additional remote control options.
Sony RDR-GX315  Check prices	$300 Summer 2005	DVD recorder; records on dual-layer DVD+R discs; FireWire input; slim-line chassis	Replacing 2004's RDR-GX300, Sony's new entry-level DVD recorder adds dual-layer recording capability and a more affordable price tag.
Sony RDR-VX515  Check prices	$400 Summer 2005	DVD/VHS recorder; records on dual-layer DVD+R discs; one-touch dubbing from VHS to DVD; FireWire input	The 2005 update of last year's RDR-VX500 VCR/DVD model adds the ability to record on dual-layer DVD+R media.
Sony RDR-HX715  Check prices	$700 September 2005	DVD/hard disk recorder; 160GB hard drive; 720p/1080i HDMI output; records on dual-layer DVD+R discs; includes free TV Guide EPG	This update of the RDR-HX900 DVD/hard disk recorder now includes an HDMI output. It also features a FireWire input, a 160GB hard drive, and the TV Guide electronic program guide (EPG).