Like with all products in EU vs US, US products are dirt cheap vs EU equivalents in euro, especially with today exchange rates. I simply do not comprehend this marketing approach taking into account that they would sell it here at 300euro per unit making a premium over US market.
So maybe it really has to do something with book licensing?? Still I think this whole reasoning stinks & reminds me off their BETA video license approach. I would love to have a bit of near my house support from SONY

It is a pain to go through the US INS for shopping every time