Sharp will leap into the next-gen optical disc player arena this coming autumn with a machine it claims is ready play Blu-ray Discs within seconds of the media tray closing.

The consumer electronics company doesn't appear to have formally announced the player, called the BD-HP205, yet, but according to a Hi-Def Digest story, the machine will incorporate an HDMI 1.3 port, Dolby TrueHD audio and 24fps playback for displays that can operate at the true cinema speed.

The fast-start feature will appeal to many consumers who've seen how incredibly long it takes almost all other Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD players to reach the point at which you can push Play after inserting a disc.

Actually, allowing users to skip through all the tedious studio, mastering house, production company and technology supplier logo animations would help too...