Building on the range of Hi-Res Audio product offerings introduced last year, many of new products are being demonstrated at CES for the first time and include Hi-Res capable audio/video receivers, PC audio and home speakers, home theater systems, portable players, speakers and headphones.
High-Resolution Audio delivers much more information and higher fidelity than conventional MP3s.
Playback home audio products released so far will decode MP3s, Hi-Res PCM or the newest DSD files and play the music at the highest quality. They also simplify the file transfer process and make it more convenient by doing it all automatically. In addition, the controls, including the user interfaces, have been designed to make storing, organizing and accessing high-resolution digital music easier than before. Further, Sony's S-Master HXTM digital amp technology which was specifically developed for High-Resolution Audio, reduces distortion and noise at wider frequency ranges allowing the reproduction of high frequency sound in detail. In addition, Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE HX) upscales the existing sound source to near High-Resolution sound quality.
At a special press briefing, Sony joined with Pass Laboratories to demonstrate a high powered (250 watts output into 4 ohms) Class A amplifier which incorporates hand-selected Sony Vertical Field Effect Transistor (VFET) output devices.
This special model was developed specifically to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of VFET technology, which was utilized by Sony and a handful of other companies in a limited series of amplifiers in the late 1970s.
Sony's VFET devices, also known as Static Induction Transistors (SIT), were smaller, less costly and much more efficient than conventional vacuum tube designs and were widely acknowledged for their "Triode-like" sound quality. Additionally, these transistors serve as fast switching devices, which enabled Sony to introduce the first high-powered Class D audio amplifier in 1976.
This exclusive Pass Laboratories commemorative amplifier employs complementary matched pairs (2SK82 and 2SJ28) of Sony VFETs, which were in storage for nearly 40 years. The mono block amp operates in Class A mode, with a balanced circuit from input to output and no feedback required. The amplifier also includes a regulated stable power supply, which enables it to achieve 250 watts peak power into a 4 ohm load, with relatively low distortion (less than 2%).
In developing this product, Pass Laboratories utilized Sony?s highly AR-1 reference loudspeaker.
Sony Electronics will join with Pass Laboratories following CES in sponsoring a select number of demonstrations of this amplifier at Sony and Pass authorized dealers located throughout the U.S.
Sony newest 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 camcorder delivers a compact solution for people who want to capture their moments in the highest possible image quality.
The AX100 is 74% smaller and 66% lighter than Sony's previous FDR-AX1 model. It is the first 4K Handycam to feature a 14.2 effective megapixel back-illuminated 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor. Far larger than the sensor in conventional consumer camcorders, it captures 4K Ultra HD images (3840 x 2160 pixels) while also allowing beautiful "bokeh" background defocusing effects, even in low light conditions.
The new 4K camcorder features Sony's BIONZ X processor that employs area-specific noise reduction and detail reproduction technology. The fast image processor makes it possible to record 24P and 30P movies at the camera's full resolution and play them back with smooth motion. This new image processing technology achieves an even better balance of detail and noise control, while its ability to record at 120p enables slow-motion playback at one-fifth the speed in a 24p environment in post-processing. For even more polished results, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization keeps footage smooth and blur-free when shooting handheld with the compact camcorder.
The Handycam AX100 camcorder comes with a new ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens that is tuned for high resolution image description. Definition is finespun right into the corner of the frame, thanks to the 11 group/17 element lens that incorporates AA (advanced aspherical) and ED lens elements. This 29mm wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing grand landscapes, and also covers a wide-range of image expression thanks to a maximum 12x optical zoom and 24x (HD)/18x(4K) Clear Image zoom.
The FDR-AX100 camcorder records 4K and HD movies in XAVC S, a format based on the XAVC codec developed for 4K/HD and professional use, which uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 for video compression and linear PCM for audio compression, while saving files in a MP4 wrapper. For greater flexibility, Dual Video Recording simultaneously captures in XAVC S or AVCHD movie clips for HDTV and Blu-ray disc burning, as well as MP4 HD video for sharing on the internet.
The new addition of My Voice Cancelling automatically reduces vocals from immediately behind the camera without affecting the subject's voice.
The camcorder also features a 0.39" type OLED Tru-Finder which reproduces rich color and deep blacks. A new optical design of the Electronic View Finder, using four dual-surface aspherical lenses, allows for a 33-degree wide angle view. The camcorder is also equipped with a 3.5" (16:9) WhiteMagic LCD screen (921K).
Sony's AX100 camcorder gives filmmakers more control over shutter speed and aperture by offering a choice of selectable Clear, 1/4 filter, 1/16 filter or 1/64 Neutral Density (ND) filters to adjust light levels entering the lens.
The AX100 model has on-board Wi-Fi and features Near Field Communication (NFC) one-touch for simple connection to NFC-enabled Android devices. Wi-Fi also allows wireless playback of content stored in the Handycam on a networked TV (DLNA renderer compatible TV and access point are required; not compatible with XAVC S format). Additionally, a connected smartphone can be used as a remote to control the camcorder.
Playback of video and still photos on a 4K TV is as simple as connecting the supplied HDMI cable.
The Sony Handycam AX100 4K camcorder and its compatible accessories can be ordered via presale and will be available in March for about $1999.99, at http://store.sony.com, Sony retail stores and other authorized retailers.
Below you see Sony's 2014 High-resolution audio and camcorders lineups:
HAP-Z1ES 1TB Hi-Res HDD Music Player
Available now for $1,999
- Stores, plays back and decodes virtually all Hi-Res audio formats
- Built-in 1TB hard drive with expandable storage
- Front panel LCD and HDD Audio Remote mobile app (Android and iOS) for browsing and playback
- Supports virtually all Hi-Res formats including: PCM (44.1kHz/
48kHz/ 88.2kHz/ 96kHz/ 176.4kHz /192kHz in 24 bit depth) ;DSD (DSF,
DSDIFF); MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, ATRAC, ATRAC ADVANCED LOSSLESS,
AIFF
- DSD Re-mastering Engine upscale music files to DSD(5.6) quality
- DSEE restores missing data from compressed files
- HAP Music Transfer software compatible with both Windows and Mac
computers for automatic copy of music files to HDD when new files are
added on computer
HAP-S1 Hi-Res Music Player System
Available now for $999, in black and silver
- Stores, plays back and decodes virtually all Hi-Res audio formats
- Built-in 500GB hard drive with expandable storage
- Front panel LCD and Mobile apps (Android and iOS) for browsing and playback
- 2-channel Class AB amplifier (40 Watts x 2)
- Supports virtually all Hi-Res formats including: PCM (44.1kHz/
48kHz/ 88.2kHz/ 96kHz/ 176.4kHz /192kHz in 24 bit depth); DSD (DSF,
DSDIFF); MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, ATRAC, ATRAC ADVANCED LOSSLESS,
AIFF
- DSEE restores missing data from compressed files
- HAP Music Transfer software compatible with both Windows and Mac
computers for automatic copy of music files to HDD when new files are
added on computer
Camcorders
FDR-AX100 4K Handycam Camcorder
Available in March for about $2000
- 4K/30p video that far exceeds HD resolution
- 1.0? Exmor RCMOS sensor w/ Direct Pixel Read Out
- 14-megapixel resolution video and 20-megapixel still image capture
- Versatile shooting w/ XAVC-S, AVCHD and MP4 codecs
- ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens w/ 12x optical zoom
- BIONZ X Processor enables High Speed Rec 120fps
- Multi-interface Accessory Shoe for system accessories
- Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization w/ Active Mode
- 3.5? (16:9) WhiteMagic LCD screen (921K) & high contrast OLED EVF
- Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi /NFC
- 2ch Linear PCM for XAVC-S & 5.1ch AC3 for AVCHD
HDR-CX900 Handycam Camcorder
Available in March for about $1500
- 1.0? Exmor RCMOS sensor w/ Direct Pixel Read Out
- 14-megapixel resolution video and 20-megapixel still image capture
- Versatile shooting w/ XAVC-S, AVCHD and MP4 codecs
- ZEISSVario Sonnar T Lens w/ 12x optical zoom
- BIONZ X Processor enables High Speed Rec 120fps
- Multi-interface Accessory Shoe for system accessories
- Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization w/ Active Mode
- .5? (16:9) WhiteMagic LCD screen (921K) & high contrast OLED EVF
- Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi/NFC
- 2ch Linear PCM for XAVC-S & 5.1ch AC3 for AVCHD
HDR-PJ810 Projector Handycam Camcorder
Available in February for about $1100
- 1920?1080 Full HD 24p/60p recording w/ 24.5-megapixel Exmor RCMOS Sensor
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- Project up to 200″ videos w/ 50lm built-in projector via HDMI input
- Manual Control (Iris/Shutter/Exposure/White Balance)
- Wireless control, transfer, data backup via NFC/Wi-Fi
- 26.8mm wide angle G Lens to capture more of what you want
- Color Electronic Viewfinder (0.27? 201K) and 3.0? Xtra Fine touch screen LCD display (921K)
- 5.1ch surround sound mic w/ new audio record controls
- Get creative w/ 7 picture effects for video and still photos
- Up to 8 hours of recording with 32GB embedded Flash Memory
HDR-PJ540 Projector Handycam Camcorder
Available in February for about $700
- 1920?1080 Full HD 24p/60p recording w/ 9.2-megapixel still image capture
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- Project up to 100″ videos w/ 25lm built-in projector via HDMI input
- Wireless control, transfer, data backup via NFC/Wi-F?
- Up to 8 hours of recording with 32GB embedded Flash Memory
- 3.0? Clear Photo Plus touch screen LCD display (460K)
- 5.1ch surround sound mic w/ new audio record controls
- Get creative w/ 7 picture effects for video and still photos
- 26.8mm wide angle Sony G lens to capture more of what you want
- 30x Optical/60x Clear Image Zoom to get even closer to the action
HDR-PJ340 Projector Handycam Camcorder
Available in February for about $480
- 1920?1080 Full HD 60p w/9.2-megapixel Exmor RCMOS Sensor
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Intelligent Active Mode
- Project up to 100″ videos w/ 13lm built-in projector via HDMI input
- Wireless control, transfer, data backup via NFC/Wi-Fi
- 26.8mm wide angle Sony G lens to capture more of what you want
- 30x Optical/60x Clear Image Zoom to get even closer to the action
- 2.7? Clear Photo LCD display (230K)
- Up to 3 hrs and 55 min of recording with 16GB embedded Flash Memory
- AVCHD and MP4 dual recording for high quality and Internet ready files
- Get creative w/ 7 picture effects for video and still photos
HDR-PJ275 Projector Handycam Camcorder
Available in February for about $400
- 1920?1080 Full HD 60p w/ 9.2-megapixel Exmor RCMOS Sensor
- Project up to 100″ videos w/ 13lm built-in projector via HDMI input
- Wireless control, transfer, data backup via NFC/Wi-Fi
- 29.8mm wide angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar Lens
- 27x Optical/54x Clear Image Zoom to get even closer to the action
- 2.7? Clear Photo LCD display (230K)
- SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active Mode
- Up to 1 hr and 55 min of recording with 8GB embedded Flash Memory
- Get creative w/ 7 picture effects for video and still photos
- AVCHD and MP4 dual recording for high quality and Internet ready files
HDR-CX330 Handycam Camcorder
Available in February for about $330
- 1920?1080 Full HD 60p w/ 9.2-megapixel Exmor RCMOS Sensor
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization reduces blur
- Wireless control, transfer, data backup via NFC/Wi-Fi
- Wide Angle G lens to capture more of what you want
- 30x Optical/60x Clear Image Zoom to get even closer to the action
- 2.7? Clear Photo LCD display (230K)
- Face Detection with voice enhancement and noise reduction
- Get creative w/ 7 picture effects for video and still photos
- AVCHD and MP4 dual recording for high quality and Internet ready files
HDR-CX240 Handycam Camcorder
Available in February for about $230
- 1920?1080 Full HD 60p w/ 9.2-megapixel Exmor RCMOS Sensor
- 29.8mm wide angle Carl Zeiss Lens
- 27x Optical/54x Clear Image Zoom to get even closer to the action
- 2.7? Clear Photo LCD display (230K)
- SteadyShot image stabilization w/Active mode
- Face Detection with voice enhancement and noise reduction
- Get creative w/ 7 picture effects for video and still photos
- AVCHD and MP4 dual recording for high quality and Internet ready files
- Intelligent Auto (60 different scene combinations possible)
HDR-AS100V Action Cam POV Video Camera
Available in March for about $300
- Advanced image stabilization adjusts to vibration
- New splash-proof body with tripod mount
- View and control via smartphone / Live View Remote
- Shoot pro quality video in XAVC-S 60p(50 Mbps)
- Plot location and display telemetry with built-in GPS
- Built-In stereo mic for quality sound recording
- Exmor RCMOS sensor for superb low light shooting
- Ultra wide 170° pro quality Carl ZeissVario-Tessarlens
- Capture high quality 13.5-megapixel still images in photo mode
- Intelligent Auto (60 different scene combinations possible)
- Will also be offered as a bundle with the Live-View Remote ? HDR-AS100VR ? for about $400 in March