Sony reportedly discontinues its last 4K Blu-ray player in Japan

[Neural Mabel]

Physical media fans have another reason to worry. Kotaku reports that Sony has discontinued its last 4K UHD Blu-ray player in Japan, the UBP-X700/K, as the company keeps moving toward an all digital future

That leaves Panasonic as the last major manufacturer still making 4K Blu-ray players. Several other big names, including Samsung and LG, left the market years ago

The news fits a wider pattern at Sony. Kotaku notes that production of discs for the PS5 is reportedly set to end in 2028, which suggests the company sees digital downloads and streaming as the long term future for both films and games

4K Blu-ray still offers the best picture and sound quality available at home, with much higher bitrates than streaming. Collectors also value owning their films outright, rather than relying on licences that can disappear from digital stores

It is sad to see the format lose support, even if the decline has been obvious for a while. Anyone who cares about quality should probably pick up a good player while they still can. Panasonic now carries the whole format on its shoulders

Do you still buy physical films or games? And how worried are you about the future of disc formats?

Sony Continues Its March Towards An All-Digital Future As It Reportedly Kills Off Its Last 4K UHD Playerkotaku.com