When Sony kicked off its 4K initiative over 2 years ago, it did with by bringing to market a monstrous 84-inch 4K television that make your local cinema jealous. Not resting on its laurels, the company also released FMP-X1 4K Media Server which was included with the purchase of each 84-inch 4K XBR. The futuristic-looking device, when connected to your network, would allow for films, TV shows, and other native 4K content to be streamed to Sony’s 4K flagship TV. The company would eventually release the FMP-X1 as a standalone product for Sony’s growing line of 4K televisions. Now, Sony has released the 4K Ultra HD Media Player (FMP-X10), a successor of the X1 which the company teased during CES 2014 with a more streamlined design and lower price point.

The 2014 Sony 4K Ultra HD Media Player gives you the ability to download, stream, and store 4K content from Sony’s Video Unlimited service, which can be stored on the server’s 1TB hard drive. Users will have access to over 200 4K titles which include American Hustle and The Monuments Men. Sony is also announced the future titles like The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Annie after their exist in cinema. If that’s not enough, then the 4K Netflix app should keep you busy with shows like The Blacklist, House of Cards, and Breaking Bad, all in native 4K. Of course, if a show isn’t available in 4K, keep in mind that your 4K set will up convert them to 4K with some amazing results.

Unlike its predecessor, the FMP-X10 also supports TRILUMINOS Color for rich and deep color. The 4K Ultra HD Media Player will retail for $699 but if you pre-order between May 15, 2014 and July 15, 2014, Sony will shave off $200 from that price. The Sony 4K Media Player is compatible with all Sony 4K Ultra HD TVs or 4K Ultra HD projectors.

If there is one caveat I have with the FMP-X10, it’s that it has ditched the beautiful space age design of its predecessor. However, the more streamlined and smaller design (which looks like the PS4, right?) is likely a more practical product.

Discuss:

Besides television price points, what would nudge you to get into 4K?

[Via Sony]