Sony has unveiled a new entry-level Blu-ray player, the BDP-S360. With all the usual features you’d expect from a modern high definition disc player, such as 7.1 channel HD audio decoding for DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD, BD-Live functionality and a USB port, the S360 also trades in the ill-advised Blu(e) bezel of predecessor the S350 for a nice sleek black finish. Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Analysts at Futursource Consulting have projected global shipments of almost 12 million Blu-ray players for 2009. Futuresource Research Consultant Jack Wetherill, said: “Sales of HD-capable LCD and plasma TVs, and continued dramatic reductions in BD player prices also continue to fuel interest. In the last quarter of 2008, average retail prices for standalone Blu-ray players fell by 15% in most major markets and we’re going to see them fall by another 25% during the course of this year. Add to that the raft of movie titles being issued on Blu-ray – over 1,100 at the end of last year, on track to more than double this year – coupled with the increase in promotional activity and the continued benefit of growing PS3 ownership, and we’ll see Blu-ray continue to gather momentum in all major markets across the globe.”

The BBC’s head of digital media technology, Anthony Rose, has confirmed the iPlayer’s jump to HD. The updated online service will detect a users internet connection speed, before automatically switching to the highest quality image. “Introducing HD streams [enables] users to enjoy BBC programmes in HD without a set-top box,” said Rose, adding: “The new adaptive bitrate technology and speed diagnostics page help optimise the viewing experience, while the resizable window gives users flexibility to switch between different quality streams, hopefully leading to a more satisfying experience overall.” Shows to get the HD treatment include Doctor Who, Kerwhizz, and Dragons’ Den, but no date has yet been set for planned updates to PS3 and Virgin Media versions of the service.

Amazon.com has offered customers the chance to pre-order Peter Jackon’s fantasy epic the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Although a release date has yet to be confirmed, rumours suggest that the boxset will hit in time for the 2009 holiday season - complete with packaging art, the box-set currently retails on the site at $69.99 which will bag you all three theatrical editions of the film. No official UK details from Warner just yet, but as always we’ll keep you updated.

Unit sales of Blu-ray Discs in the US during the opening three months of the year are nearly double the same period of 2008, according to Adams Media Research. Selling 9 million units up until March, in comparison to the 4.8 million last year, revenue has seen a slightly less dramatic rise, with the $196.6 million generated in 2009 up nearly 68 per cent on the $117.2 million from the same period last year. “At least twice as many homes have a BD player, so it is very expectable that it would double or more,” the firm said.