RED sets Redray 4K Cinema Player available to pre-order
updated 02:45 pm EST, Tue December 4, 2012
Media player plays 4K .RED content, upscales H.264 files
High-end cinema camera manufacturer Red has opened up pre-orders for its previously teased media player. The Redray 4K Cinema Player is being offered as a comprehensive media source for cinema purists and owners of the high-resolution 4K HDTVs, and filmmakers using the company's 5K-capable line of cameras.
As well as being able to play 4K .RED files, the Redray can also play back H.264-based HD files, upscaling them to a resolution of 3840x2160. The system also expands on Blu-ray's 8-bit, 4:2:0 color precision, upping it to 12-bit 4:2:2 color. Media can be loaded onto its 1-terabyte drive via a network connection or a USB flash drive, while the low 4K data rate average of under 2.5MB/s lets a feature film stored as a .RED file to be stored on a USB flash drive, and for the internal storage to hold up to 100 hours of 4K content.
Connectivity is provided by two HDMI 1.3 ports and four HDMI 1.4, allowing for a 4K TV or projector to be hooked up by either a single HDMI 1.4 or all four of the 1.3 variety, and leaving a dedicated HDMI output for 7.1 channel 24-bit 48KHz surround sound audio. It is also possible for a single Redray device to run on two 4K displays or up to four HD panels at the same time, allowing it to be used for digital signage. System navigation is performed by using the supplied IR remote or the dedicated iOS app, allowing users to select and manage stored content via the Wi-Fi connection.
A source of content for the Redray has yet to be revealed, which if not worked on soon enough, will see Red's efforts eclipsed by Sony and the 4K media server it is offering to buyers of its 4K HDTVs.
Volume shipments of the Redray are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2013, with customers needing to pay $1450 to secure one.
