For the longest time, we’ve been living in a 4K UHD Blu-ray player drought. New models have been relatively few and far between, with only a select number of tech companies still producing models as of late.
Most recently, however, we’ve seen a notable resurgence in new 4K UHD players hitting the scene, including the budget-friendly Laser BLU-BD4K-384, the flagship-class Panasonic DMR-4X1010, and the reference-grade Magnetar ULTIMA.
While the Magnetar model is indeed available in the US, the Panasonic and Laser units are currently confined to Japan and Australia, respectively. This has put a damper on things, as the North American 4K UHD Blu-ray market has been in serious need of revitalization for ages.
…Chinese-based tech brand Krovatar is here to imbue some livelihood into the domestic 4K UHD Blu-ray player market.
Thankfully, Chinese-based tech brand Krovatar is here to imbue some livelihood into the domestic 4K UHD Blu-ray player market. The company is planning to launch a new flagship stationary player — the KBU-500 — in the US this December for a yet-to-be disclosed asking price, while also launching a pair of portable units — the KB-100X and the KB-100XH — in the near future for $330 and $360, respectively (via HDTVTest).
The high-end KBU-500 features an aluminum enclosure, an OLED front display panel, and the ability to connect at between 100 volts or 240 volts at 50Hz and 60Hz (which is good news for those who like to import gear). It also features Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, dual HDMI, USB 3.0, RJ45, 5.1 channel audio, and support for a variety of disc formats both mainstream and obscure.
The portable KB-100X and KB-100H are near identical to one another, save for the H variant including a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack and a 4.4mm balanced audio jack. These players feature a premium, compact design, with Bluetooth compatibility for pairing with headphones, USB-C power input, HDMI, and full support for 4K UHD discs.
I have my eyes set on the KB-100XH
I love a good portable disc player
Personally, I’m extremely hyped for Krovatar’s KB-100XH portable 4K UHD player. I’ve always had an appreciation for miniature-sized tech products, and I have fond memories of using a portable DVD player while on road trips as a child. 4K UHD Blu-ray players of the portable variety are quite rare, particularly in North America, and so I’m ready to embrace the KB-100XH.
The relative affordability of the KB-100XH is delightful, as are its four colored finishes (orange, blue, black, and grey). The device is made of aluminum for a premium look and feel, and it includes an anti-shake mechanism, Hi-Fi audio with its dedicated ESS9020 digital to analog converter (DAC), and other niceties.
The relative affordability of the KB-100XH is delightful, as are its four colored finishes.
Uniquely, both the KB-100XH and its KB-100X cousin lack a built-in rechargeable battery pack. This might sound like a drawback on the surface, and in some ways it is, but it does allow for a smaller build on the whole. Plus, with USB-C power input on deck, you can power either unit with just an external battery pack, which is certainly neat.
The flagship Krovatar KBU-500 also looks incredibly enticing, though I wouldn’t be surprised to see it land with a commanding price tag that’s upwards of $500. In any case, I’m just glad to see more companies competing in the North American 4K UHD Blu-ray space, and I welcome any and all new players with open arms.
