Sony reaffirmed its commitment to 3D technology on Wednesday, saying it would provide more content and launch new 3D TVs, Blu-ray players, 3D cameras, camcorders as well as 3D content.
In a presentation at which Chief Executive Howard Stringer appeared on stage in a car from the upcoming 3D action film "The Green Hornet," alongside the film's stars, the company also announced a deal with Time Warner Cable to provide content across a range of Sony's connected products.
Sony also plans to launch a 24-hour 3D television channel in partnership with Discovery and IMAX Corp this year, Stringer said. He reeled off a list of Sony 3D movies to come, including "Men in Black 3" and the next installment of the "Spiderman" series.
Japanese rivals Sharp and Panasonic are beefing up their connected TV offerings in a bid to merge the features of PCs and televisions, but Stringer said the scale of Sony's user base would make its connected TVs a success.
Sony has sealed a deal with Time Warner Cable to provide content, executives said at the presentation.
Sony Products on CES 2011
Sony's CES display ranges from full high-definition, 3D-capable BRAVIA LCD televisions; 3D Blu-ray Disc capable home audio and video systems and Sony Internet Television powered by Google TV to Cyber-shot cameras, Handycam camcorders, VAIO personal computers, Reader Digital books, and much more.
The 2011 BRAVIA LCD HDTV line includes 16 new 3D-capable and 22 Internet-connected models. In all there are 27 new BRAVIA models in the 2011 line.
The new BRAVIA models that feature Internet connectivity for access to over forty free and premium movies, video and music services through the BRAVIA Internet Video platform including Sony's "Video On Demand powered by Qriocity" and "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity," as well as Netflix, Pandora, HuluPlus, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Crackle, Blip.tv, and more.
"Video On Demand Powered by Qriocity" is a video streaming service with instant access to Hollywood blockbusters, and "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity" is a cloud-based, digital music service delivering which gives music lovers access at any time to a catalog of over six million global music tracks from major labels. "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity" launched in the U.K. and Ireland in December 2010, and will be available in the U.S. and Canada as well as the main European markets within the first quarter of this year across 2010 and 2011 models of network-enabled BRAVIA televisions, Blu-ray Disc players, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems and VAIO PCs.
The new models feature Sony's new X-Reality Engine and X-Reality picture engines, which separate incoming video signals by outline, texture, and color/contrast and adds appropriate image enhancements to create the best image possible.
Highlighting the new BRAVIA line is the 3D-capable KDL-HX820 series with brilliant full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight for outstanding contrast. The series, which includes 55 and 46-inch models, features a built-in 3D sync transmitter, integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n), and is Skype-ready. Upgraded processing power is provided by Sony X-Reality PRO Engine, a two-chip digital processor that utilizes a database of "ideal" signal patterns and compares incoming video signals pixel-by-pixel to display vivid and detailed images.
The new line is augmented by Sony Internet TV, the world's first Internet TV, powered by Google TV that was introduced this past October. Sony Internet TV combines integrated web search functionality with diverse television programming. With an infrared (IR) keyboard remote and available mobile device remote app, Sony Internet TV is a simple device that brings the online and broadcast worlds together into one.
For home entertainment enthusiasts, Sony's latest Blu-ray Disc player, the BDP-S780 has been designed for discerning consumers looking for optimal 2D or 3D entertainment experiences. The new model is compatible with Blu-ray 3D as well as DVDs, CDs, and SACDs. It features built-in Wi-Fi wireless (802.11n) with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), as well as an Ethernet jack for easy access to online video content from BRAVIA Internet Video and video chatting via Skype. It can convert 2D content to simulated 3D and improves standard definition and enhances web quality video with Sony's IP Content Noise Reduction technology and Precision Cinema HS Upscaling technologies. It also includes Sony's Super Bit Mapping technology which delivers smoother color reproduction when, connected via HDMI.
The company also introduced the BDP-S580, BDP-S480, and BDP-S380 BD palyers as well as its first portable Blu-ray Disc player, BDP-SX1000, which features a 10.1-inch WSVGA screen. The model plays back both Blu-ray and DVD discs, as well as USB media. It features 180-degree swivel display, five hour battery life from the built-in, rechargeable battery and offers built-in speakers and a headphone output. The model will be available this spring for about $300.
Televisions
BRAVIA XBR HX929-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in March
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality with full-array local dimming LED backlight
- Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
- Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n)
- Skype ready in 720p high definition
- BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
- X-Reality PRO Engine
- MotionFlow XR 960
- Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
- Screen sizes include 65-inch (XBR-65HX929, available in August 2011), 55-inch (XBR-55HX929), and 46-inch (XBR-46HX929)
BRAVIA HX820-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
- Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
- Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n)
- Skype ready in 720p high definition
- BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
- X-Reality PRO Engine
- MotionFlow XR 480
- Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55HX820), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX820)
BRAVIA NX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
- Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
- Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n)
- Skype ready in 720p high definition
- BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
- MotionFlow XR 240
- X-Reality Engine
- Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60NX720), 55-inch (KDL-55NX720), and 46-inch (KDL-46NX720)
BRAVIA HX729-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
- X-Reality PRO Engine
- MotionFlow XR 480
- Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n)
- Skype ready in 720p high definition
- BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
- Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
- Screen sizes include 65-inch (KDL-65HX729), 55-inch (KDL-55HX729), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX729)
BRAVIA EX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in February
- Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
- X-Reality Engine
- MotionFlow XR 240
- Wi-Fi ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
- Skype ready in 720p high definition
- BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
- Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60EX720, which is available in April), 55-inch (KDL-55EX720), 46-inch (KDL-46EX720), 40-Inch (KDL-40EX720), and 32-inch (KDL-32EX720)
BRAVIA EX620-Series LED LCD HDTV
Available in February
- Full High Definition (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
- X-Reality Engine
- MotionFlow 120
- Wi-Fi ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
- Skype ready in 720p high definition
- BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
- Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55EX620), 46-inch (KDL-46EX620), and 40-Inch (KDL-40EX620)
BRAVIA EX520-Series LED LCD HDTV
Available in February
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
- X-Reality Engine
- Wi-Fi ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
- Skype ready in 720p high definition
- BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
- Energy saving Presence Sensor minimize power consumption
- Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46EX520), 40-inch (KDL-40EX520), 32-inch (KDL-32EX520)
BRAVIA BX420-Series HDTV
Available in February
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality with CCFL backlight
- Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices
- USB input for photo, music and video playback
- Scene select customized picture and sound settings
- Ambient Light Sensor
- Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46BX420), 40-inch (KDL-40BX420), and 32-inch (KDL-32BX420)
BRAVIA BX320-Series HDTV
Available in February
- High Definition (720p) picture quality with CCFL backlight
- Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices
- USB input for photo, music and video playback
- Scene select customized picture and sound settings
- Ambient Light Sensor
- Screen sizes include 32-inch (KDL-32BX320), and 22-inch (KDL-22BX320)
Blu-ray Disc Players
BDP-S780 Blu-ray Disc Player
Available in March for about $250
- Full HD 1080p playback with Blu-ray 3D, DVD, CD and SACD compatibility
- Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n) with WPS
- 2D to 3D up conversion technology
- Skype ready
- Instant access to online movies, videos, and music from Qriocity and BRAVIA Internet Video
- Database Browser with Gracenote technology
- DLNA Client and photo, music, and video playback
- Photo, music, and video playback via front USB
- HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speaker compatible
- Media Remote application (compatible with iPhone/iPod touch/Android mobile devices)
- Quick start and loading
BDP-S580 Blu-ray Disc Player
Available in March for about $200
- Full HD 1080p playback with Blu-ray 3D, DVD, CD and SACD compatibility
- Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n) with WPS
- Instant access to online movies, videos, and music from Qriocity and BRAVIA Internet Video
- Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
- DLNA Client and photo, music, and video playback
- Photo, music, and video playback via front USB
- HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speaker compatible
- Media Remote application (compatible with iPhone/iPod touch/Android mobile devices)
- Quick start and loading
BDP-S480 Blu-ray Disc Player
Available in March for about $180
- Full HD 1080p playback with Blu-ray 3D, DVD, CD and SACD compatibility
- Wi-Fi ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
- Instant access to online movies, videos, and music from Qriocity and BRAVIA Internet Video
- Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
- DNLA Client and photo, music, and video playback
- Photo, music, and video playback via front USB
- HomeShare Wi-Fi? Network Speaker compatible
- Media Remote application (compatible with iPhone/iPod touch/Android mobile devices)
- Quick start and loading
BDP-S380 Blu-ray Disc Player
Available in February for about $150
- Full HD 1080p playback with Blu-ray 3D, DVD, CD and SACD compatibility
- Wi-Fi ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
- Instant access to online movies, videos, and music from Qriocity and BRAVIA Internet Video
- Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
- Photo, music, and video playback via front USB
- Media Remote application (compatible with iPhone/iPod touch/Android mobile devices)
- Quick start and loading
BDP-SX1000 Portable Blu-ray Disc Player
Available this spring for about $300
- 10-inch WSVGA (1024 x 600) display
- Blu-ray Disc and DVD playback
- 180-degree swivel
- Five hour rechargeable battery life
- USB media playback
- Built-in speakers and headphone output
Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Systems
BDV-E780 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System
Available in May for about $600
- 1000 watt, 5.1 channel home theater system
- Full HD 1080p playback with Blu-ray 3D, DVD, CD and SACD compatibility
- Two HDMI inputs
- Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n) with WPS
- Instant access to online movies, videos, and music from Qriocity and BRAVIA Internet Video
- Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
- DNLA Client and photo, music, and video playback
- Photo, music, and video playback via USB
- HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speaker compatible
- Media Remote application (compatible with iPhone/iPod touch/Android mobile devices)
- iPhone/iPod touch dock included
- Quick start and load
BDV-E580 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System
Available in March for about $500
- 1000 watt, 5.1 channel home theater system
- Full HD 1080p playback with Blu-ray 3D, DVD, CD and SACD compatibility
- Two HDMI inputs
- Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n) with WPS
- Instant access to online movies, videos, and music from Qriocity and BRAVIA Internet Video
- Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
- DNLA Client and photo, music, and video playback
- Photo, music, and video playback via USB
- HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speaker compatible
- Media Remote application (compatible with iPhone/iPod touch/Android mobile devices)
- iPhone/iPod touch dock included
- Quick start and load
BDV-E280 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System
Available in April for about $400
- 1000 watt, 5.1 channel home theater system
- Full HD 1080p playback with Blu-ray 3D, DVD, CD and SACD compatibility
- Two HDMI inputs
- Wi-Fi ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
- Instant access to online movies, videos, and music from Qriocity and BRAVIA Internet Video
- iPhone/iPod touch dock included
- Quick start and load
DVDirect
VBD-MA1 DVDirect Blu-ray/DVD recorder
Available in March for about $300
- Transfer HD AVCHD home videos and digital photos to BD/DVD.
- Transfer Standard Video, such as home videos on tape media to DVD without using a computer
- 2.7-inch built-in color LCD screen for previewing video/photos
- Wide compatibility with Handycam, Cyber-shot, alpha, select non-Sony camcorders and almost all video tape devices such as VHS, miniDV and Hi8
- Connect to a PC via USB2.0 and be used as an external BD writer
- Up to 19 hours and 20 minutes of HD video or up to 6,000 digital pictures can be recorded on a 50GB double layer BD