09.10.2009 — Sharp’s new BD-HP52U Aquos Blu-ray Player will feature Netflix streaming.

The BD-HP52U, which is displayed in Sharp's CEDIA Expo 2009 booth, will ship in October.

Sharp expects Netflix streaming to be available in November. “We’re in the midst of signing a contract with Netflix,” says Sharp spokesperson Melissa Non.

The BD-HP52U models that ship in October will be able to get the Netflix "watch instantly" feature through an update, while the ones shipped after the contract is signed will be Netflix-ready.

Other features:

• RS-232 port
• BD Live support
• HDMI 1.3 digital output
• Deep Color
• AQUOS link
• Surround-sound formats include Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio via HDMI digital output
• Decodes Dolby Digital Plus
• Anti-vibration chassis

Sharp will join a growing list of manufacturers that have partnered with Netflix to offer its “watch instantly” library of 17,000 movies and TV titles. MSRP: $379