Sharp, a founding member of the Blu-ray Disc Association, has unveiled its new Blu-ray disc player, the BD-HP21H.

Sharp?s new BD-HP21H embraces the 1080p video signal and a 24-hertz frame rate.

Designed with BonusView functionality, the BD-HP21H offers users the opportunity to take advantage of picture-in-picture; and simultaneous play functions. Also included is the 1.3 version of HDMI and audio compatibility with the latest High-Definition formats including Dolby, True HD and DTS.

As explained by Ning Ning Cheang, Product Manager for Blu-ray and Audio at Sharp UK; "As one of the founding members of the Blu-ray Disc Association we are delighted to announce the arrival of the new BD-HP21H. Backing Blu-ray technology from the beginning, and throughout its introduction into the mainstream market, not only reflects our commitment to its development, but it also means that we are able to produce products such as the BD-HP21H that do justice to the technology."

The BD-HP21H also has a Quick-start mode designed to reduce power consumption ? approximately 10 seconds in standby mode, and a JPEG playback feature so pictures can be viewed in High-Definition quality.