Sony At CES 2014
Sony is accelerating the expansion of its 4K
compatible product lineup, and increases the range of viewing
environments in which 4K content can be enjoyed.
The company is showcasing the latest
developments at the 2014 International CES.
New televisions, home theater projector and camcorder models have been added to Sony's 4K product lineup. Sony is also increasing the ways in which users can enjoy 4K content, through measures such as increasing compatibility with new codecs as well as allowing users to output 4K images from their digital cameras.
Sony's 4K BRAVIA TV lineup includes three new series comprising nine models ranging from 85 to 49 inches. The latest models incorporate technologies such as Sony's 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine, which can upscale various content to 4K, wide color gamut TRILUMINOS Display, as well as Sony's new X-tended Dynamic Range PRO technology which provides deeper blacks and higher peaks.
The 2014 4K BRAVIA TVs incorporate a decoder compatible with the latest H.265/HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) video compression format, enabling them to display 4K/60p content from internet streams and other sources, without the need for additional devices.
The new TVs are also able to receive 4K/60p signals via HDMI 2.0, enabling them to easily display fast moving 4K/60p content such as sports. These TVs are also compatible with MHL 3.0 which supports 4K output from mobile devices.
2014 XBR 4K Ultra HD TV Line-up
XBR X950B Series 4K Ultra HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- 4K Ultra HD picture quality
- X-tended Dynamic Range PRO driven by direct LED arrays
- 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine
- TRILUMINOS Display
- Motionflow XR 960
- HDMI 2.0 and 4K 60p with newly developed HEVC codec for support of future 4K content
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming connectivity, including Sony Entertainment Network
- Screen Mirroring via NFC OneTouch Mirroring
- MHL 3.0-enabled for mirroring second screens
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 85-inch class (XBR-85X950B) and 65-inch class (XBR-65X950B)
XBR X900B Series 4K Ultra HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- 4K Ultra HD picture quality
- X-tended Dynamic Range driven by Edge LED arrays
- 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine
- TRILUMINOS Display
- Motionflow XR 960
- New Wedge design and front-facing Magnetic Fluid speakers
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- HDMI 2.0 and 4K 60p with HEVC codec for support of future 4K content
- Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming connectivity, including Sony Entertainment Network
- Screen Mirroring via NFC OneTouch Mirroring
- MHL 3.0-enabled for mirroring second screens
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 79-inch class (XBR-79X900B), 65-inch class (XBR-65X900B), and 55-inch class (XBR-55X900B)
XBR X850B Series 4K Ultra HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- 4K Ultra HD picture quality
- 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine
- TRILUMINOS Display
- Motionflow XR 240
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- HDMI 2.0 and 4K 60p with HEVC codec
- Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming connectivity, including Sony Entertainment Network
- Screen Mirroring via NFC OneTouch Mirroring
- MHL 3.0-enabled for mirroring second screens
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 70-inch class (XBR-70X850B), 65-inch class (XBR-65X850B), 55-inch class (XBR-55X850B), and 49-inch class (XBR-49X850B)
Sony also unveiled its 2014 BRAVIA Full HD TV line-up. The new models - W950B-, W850B-, W800B- and W600B-series - omplement Sony' new 4K Ultra HD TV models:
BRAVIA W950B Series LED HD TV - available in Spring 2014
- Full HD (1080p) with X-tended Dynamic Range driven by Edge LED arrays
- X-Reality PRO picture engine
- TRILUMINOS Display
- Motionflow XR 480
- Wedge design accommodates large speakers
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming connectivity, including Sony Entertainment Network
- Screen Mirroring via NFC OneTouch Mirroring
- MHL-enabled for mirroring second screens
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 65-inch (KDL-65W950B) and 55-inch (KDL-55W950B)
BRAVIA W850B Series LED HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- Full HD (1080p)
- X-Reality PRO picture engine
- Motionflow XR 480
- Wedge design
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 70-inch (KDL-70W850B) and 60-inch (KDL-60W850B
BRAVIA W800B Series LED HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality
- X-Reality PRO picture engine
- Motionflow XR 480
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55W800B) and 50-inch (KDL-50W800B
BRAVIA W630B Series LED HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality
- X-Reality PRO picture engine
- Motionflow XR 480
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 60-inch screen size (KDL-60W630B)
BRAVIA W600B Series LED HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality
- X-Reality PRO picture engine
- Motionflow XR 240
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Screen sizes include 48-inch (KDL-48W600B) and 40-inch (KDL-40W600B)
Blu-ray Disc players
Sony's latest Blu-ray Disc players are capable of delivering top quality video from packaged Blu-ray Discs or streaming a wide variety of online movies, videos, TV shows, and music from Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Hulu Plus and more, .
The 2014 Sony Blu-ray Disc players -models BDP-S6200, BDP-S5200, BDP-S3200 and BDP-S1200 -will start arriving in stores next month.
The Quick Start/Quick Load feature lets viewers jump right into their entertainment, while Miracast allows viewers to display photos and video from a compatible Android smartphone or tablet on compatible TV screens by wirelessly connecting through their Blu-ray Disc player.
Thanks to improved Wi-Fi capabilities, the new models, with the exception of the entry-level BDP-S1200, deliver more reliable access to home wireless networks. The new players also play movies, music or photos stored locally on a hard disc drive, flash drive or a home network server.
In the top-of-the-line BDP-S6200, Sony has incorporated IP Content Noise Reduction Pro technology to improve the appearance of low-resolution clips streamed from the web, as well as enhancing video from Blu-ray Discs to 4K Ultra HD resolution. In addition, the BDP-S6200 has a Digital Music Enhancer which combines Sony' proprietary audio technologies to restore those subtle high frequency details that get lost when listening to heavily-compressed digital music files and also restores lost dynamics in low-bit rate audio tracks.
BDP-S6200 Blu-ray Disc Player - Available in February
- 4K upscaling and 3D capable, with Dual Core processor
- Full HD1080p Blu-ray Disc playback with 2D to 3D conversion for 3D compatible TVs
- TRILUMINOS Display technology
- Wi-Fi performance with superior wireless reception for streaming over 200 pre-loaded online services
- IP Noise Reduction Pro improves picture quality of streamed content
- Quick Start/Load
- Miracast technology mirrors mobile device on compatible TVs
BDP-S5200 Blu-ray Disc Player - Available in March
- 3D capable
- Full HD1080p Blu-ray Disc playback with 2D to 3D conversion for 3D compatible TVs
- TRILUMINOS Display technology
- Wi-Fi performance
- Quick Start/Load
- Miracast technology
BDP-S3200 Blu-ray Disc Player - Available in February
- Full HD1080p Blu-ray Disc playback
- Wi-Fi performance
- Quick Start/Load
- Miracast technology
BDP-S1200 Blu-ray Disc Player - Available in February
- Full HD1080p Blu-ray Disc playback
- Easy streaming of over 200 pre-loaded online services
- Quick Start/Load
- USB slot
Wireless audio speakers
Sony at CES introduced four new wireless audio products; the SRS-X9 High-Resolution wireless speaker system, SRS-X7 and SRS-X5 wireless speaker systems, and the CMT-X5CD wireless all-in-one audio system.
The new wireless audio systems support aptX and AAC Bluetooth codecs to ensure high quality sound while streaming wirelessly. The speakers easily connect wirelessly to nearly any Bluetooth-enabled device, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, for music streaming at home or on the go. In addition, users with NFC-enabled smartphones and tablets can simply tap the wireless speaker with their device to instantly stream music. In select models, wireless music streaming is also supported through on-board WiFi (for direct access to online music and internet radio services such as Music Unlimited, Spotify,and TuneIn Radio with no PC required), as well as Apple Airplay and DLNA.
All speakers offer a built-in USB charging port as well as an auxiliary input to play music directly from nearly any device with an audio output.
Sony?s flagship model SRS-X9 is the first
wireless speaker in to support High-Res Audio. Converting
live music to digital formats such as MP3 or even traditional
CD results in much of the original audio being irreversibly
lost. High-Res Audio retains far more detail during the
analog-to-digital conversion process.
The premium WiFi-enabled SRS-X9 model incorporates Sony' Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE HX), which upscales the existing sound source to near High-Resolution sound quality. It restores the audio signal to recreate the subtle high-frequency harmonics that are typically lost in heavily compressed MP3 and AAC files. With a 154W of music output power, a bi-amped subwoofer, and dual passive radiators, the premium 2.1 channel system delivers powerful, full-range audio. Its eight-channel S-Master HX Digital Amplifier technology was developed for High-Resolution audio in order to reduce distortion and noise at wider frequency ranges, while reproducing high frequency sound in detail.
The more compact SRS-X7 wireless speaker is a 2.1 channel system with WiFi and Bluetooth. The SRS-X7 wireless speaker shares many of the audio features of its larger sibling including DSEE -Digital sound enhancement, ClearAudio+, an S-Master Digital Amplifier, and built-in NFC technology. Its built-in rechargeable battery offers up to 6 hours of play time.
The 2.1 channel SRS-X5 Bluetooth wireless speaker is packed with 20W of audio. As with the other wireless speaker models, the SRS-X5 wireless speaker includes DSEE, ClearAudio+ and S-Master Digital Amplifier technology, NFC tap-to-play, and aptX codec support. In addition, the SRS-X5 features a built in hands-free speaker phone. The SRS-X5 wireless speaker offers up to eight hours of continuous playback.
The new CMT-X5CD compact all-in-one wireless audio system is a component stereo that delivers wireless audio. Packed with 40W of output power, the CMT-X5CD audio system also includes SongPal compatibility, aptX codec support, DSEE, ClearAudio+, and an S-Master Digital Amplifier. It comes with full range speakers and a passive radiator. In addition to Bluetooth, this all-in-one wireless audio system offers the opportunity to enjoy alternative sources including CD, USB, and FM radio.
Sony has also on display a new media player compatible with Sony's 4K distribution service "Video Unlimited 4K." The player is capable of playing back content at a maximum bit rate of 100 Mbps.
In addition to H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (Advanced Video Coding), this new 4K media player incorporates a decoder compatible with the advanced HEVC compression format. allowing users to enjoy 4K/60p content and anticipated new 4K streaming services.
The player also includes a XAVC S decoder, which will allow users to save 4K video taken using "FDR-AX100" and "FDR-AX1" 4K Handycam s on the 4K media player's internal HDD and replay these videos on a 4K TV.
Sony has also added the compact "FDR-AX100" model to its consumer 4K Handycam lineup.
Approximately one quarter the size of the current "FDR-AX1" model, the "FDR-AX100" features a 14.2 effective megapixel back-illuminated 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor, and captures 4K images and video.
The handycam records in the XAVC S format, enabling approximately 130 minutes of 4K video recording (when using a 64GB SDXC memory card Class 10).
In addition to recording 4K footage, the FDR-AX100 is capable of down-converting 4K images to very high quality 2K (Full HD), using the enormous amounts of data in every 4K frame for great results. It also allows the user to freely select and cut out part of a 4K image to be "trimmed" and then enjoyed on a Full HD 2K TV.
Sony is engaged in various initiatives, some together with its partners, such as the introduction of 4K video and photo image services, and also supports and adoption of new codecs. Furthermore, Sony will be providing technical support to enable FIFA to produce the 2014 FIFA World Cup final in 4K.
Since its launch in September 2013, Sony has continued to add new and library titles to its 4K content distribution service "Video Unlimited 4K", and as of January 1st 2014, users can now purchase more than 140 titles. Sony plans to continue increasing the number of titles available.
The service plays back content at a maximum bit rate of 100 Mbps.
During Sony's press conference at CES 2014, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Netflix, Reed Hastings, described Netflix collaboration with Sony and expressed the company's intention to be among the first to deliver 4K UltraHD entertainment to consumers.
Netflix plans to start providing 4K UltraHD content in the first half of 2014 in all territories where Netflix is available.
Sony is also working with YouTube on future delivery of YouTube content in 4K resolution via VP9 format.
Sony's "PlayMemories Online" cloud-based service for photos and videos which can be used to display 4K photo images on 4K BRAVIA TVs, continues to evolve. It allows users to view photo collections built up over the years and albums that have been shared by friends and family in a 4K slideshow format with background music right from the home screen, just like watching a TV program.
The availability of the service, which started from 6 countries at launch in April 2012, will be expanded to 27 countries and regions starting in January, 2014.
Sony's 2014 4K BRAVIA models will also have access to the premier photo community "500px," enabling BRAVIA customers to access 4K photos from around the world through their TV.
Sony Mobile
CES is also featuring an array of Sony mobile technologies. The Xperia Z1 will now be available in the United States, in association with Sony?s partner T-Mobile. A new addition to the Xperia series is the Xperia Z1s, which features Sony' camera technologies found in the Xperia Z1 including "G Lens," "Exmor RS for mobile" and "BIONZ for mobile."
The Xperia Z1s smartphone comes with new social camera applications including the newly added Background Defocus to give photos an added creative edge. This is the first smartphone to come with the new PlayStation App pre-loaded for remote and second-screen PlayStation 4 gaming experiences.
The Z1s has an improved water resistant rating, from IP57 to IP58, so that it can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, rather than just dunked. Specs include a Snapdragon 800 2.2 GHz quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, 3,000 mAh battery, and 20.7 megapixel camera. The Xperia Z1s will be available from T-Mobile on 22 January.
For a smaller size option, Sony' new Xperia Z1 Compact model brings all the features and technology of the Z1 into a palm size, available in four colors with a family of 132 NFC-enabled products.
The 20.7 megapixel camera phone is matched with 1/2.3-type CMOS image sensor Exmor RS for mobile, Sony's G Lens and intelligent BIONZ for mobile image processing engine.
Xperia Z1 Compact is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPU and 4G LTE. It also includes a 2300 mAh battery and incorporates a 4.3" TRILUMINOS HD Display for mobile.
Sony also introduced the Sony Z Ultra Google Play edition, released on the latest Android version (4.4; KitKat). Available now through the Google Play store in the United States, the device is based on the original Xperia Z Ultra - 2.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor, 6.4" Full HD TRILUMINOS display for mobile, LTE, NFC, all contained in a dust-resistant and waterproof (IP55 & IP58) 6.5mm body, weighing 212 grams.
In addition to smartphones, Sony is outlining its new SmartWear Experience vision, including an upcoming range of SmartWear products, with Sony Xperia smartphones, and a new Lifelog application.
The first product in the range will be "SmartBand," which lets users log daily activities that are represented visually in Sony' Lifelog application.
"The SmartWear Experiences shows that life is more than the number of steps you take; it's about emotion as well as motion. Entertainment and information; how you feel, as well as what you do. It' about moving, and most important, being moved," Sony said.
Using open software and hardware, Sony is forging new partnerships to offer consumers more choice.
Though the company did not mention specific dates or prices, it revealed that the main component of the SmartWear Experience concept will be called the Core, which is the primary sensor device that can be worn in multiple fashions. One method will be housed in a waterproof wristband device called the Smartband.
The devices will enable consumers to track physical activities but also, by connecting to a smartphone, allow consumers to track entertainments activities. The devices connect to a smartphone via a new app called Lifelog.
Sony Mobile Communications president and CEO Kunimasa Suzuki mentioned the Core along with other major Sony brands such as Bravia, Vaio, Cybershot and others leaving the audience with the impression that Sony has big plans for the wearable category of devices.
4K Ultra Short Throw Projector
Sony has developed a 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector featuring a furniture-like design. Utilizing space itself, it can be placed near most walls and has the ability to cast a 4K Ultra High-Definition image up to 147-inches, turning unused space into a display.
The new projector requires no special tools or construction to install and operate. Simply set it right next to a wall that would not yield any shadows of people into a screen, and plug it in to enjoy 4K Ultra HD images. Furthermore, it has the ability to display current video content services from IP, satellite or cable providers as well as 4K content sources including Video Unlimited 4K, Netflix and 4K content shot on Sony's expanding range of 4K Handycam camcorders.
The 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector will be available in the U.S. by summer of 2014 for approximately $30,000 to $40,000.
Cloud-based TV service
Sony will start an Internet-based TV service in the U.S. this year, offering a mix of live TV programming and video on demand.
Andrew House, group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., says the service will have personalized channels catered to the viewer's tastes. It will enable viewers to see what their friends are watching. Sony plans to start testing the service in the U.S. this year.
PS4 sales reach 4.2 million units
Sony has sold 4.2 million Playstation 4 game consoles as of December 28, a senior executive said on Tuesday at CES.
Microsoft has announced that it has sold more than 3 million Xbox One devices as of end-2013.
Sony also announced a hotly-anticipated streaming game service. PlayStation Now, set to begin a test phase this month and launch in the United States mid-year, promised to let gamers access blockbuster titles in the Internet "cloud" and play them on an array of devices intended to expand over time.
The new streaming game service will provide PlayStation gamers access to games they love from prior generation consoles and grow to extend play to other Internet linked devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Sony's service will begin by providing hit titles for play on PS4 and PS3 consoles, and then the Japanese entertainment titan's handheld Vita game devices.
Gamers will be able to rent titles at Play/Station Now or pay for monthly subscriptions to the service, according to House.
New televisions, home theater projector and camcorder models have been added to Sony's 4K product lineup. Sony is also increasing the ways in which users can enjoy 4K content, through measures such as increasing compatibility with new codecs as well as allowing users to output 4K images from their digital cameras.
Sony's 4K BRAVIA TV lineup includes three new series comprising nine models ranging from 85 to 49 inches. The latest models incorporate technologies such as Sony's 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine, which can upscale various content to 4K, wide color gamut TRILUMINOS Display, as well as Sony's new X-tended Dynamic Range PRO technology which provides deeper blacks and higher peaks.
The 2014 4K BRAVIA TVs incorporate a decoder compatible with the latest H.265/HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) video compression format, enabling them to display 4K/60p content from internet streams and other sources, without the need for additional devices.
The new TVs are also able to receive 4K/60p signals via HDMI 2.0, enabling them to easily display fast moving 4K/60p content such as sports. These TVs are also compatible with MHL 3.0 which supports 4K output from mobile devices.
2014 XBR 4K Ultra HD TV Line-up
XBR X950B Series 4K Ultra HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- 4K Ultra HD picture quality
- X-tended Dynamic Range PRO driven by direct LED arrays
- 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine
- TRILUMINOS Display
- Motionflow XR 960
- HDMI 2.0 and 4K 60p with newly developed HEVC codec for support of future 4K content
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming connectivity, including Sony Entertainment Network
- Screen Mirroring via NFC OneTouch Mirroring
- MHL 3.0-enabled for mirroring second screens
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 85-inch class (XBR-85X950B) and 65-inch class (XBR-65X950B)
XBR X900B Series 4K Ultra HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- 4K Ultra HD picture quality
- X-tended Dynamic Range driven by Edge LED arrays
- 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine
- TRILUMINOS Display
- Motionflow XR 960
- New Wedge design and front-facing Magnetic Fluid speakers
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- HDMI 2.0 and 4K 60p with HEVC codec for support of future 4K content
- Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming connectivity, including Sony Entertainment Network
- Screen Mirroring via NFC OneTouch Mirroring
- MHL 3.0-enabled for mirroring second screens
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 79-inch class (XBR-79X900B), 65-inch class (XBR-65X900B), and 55-inch class (XBR-55X900B)
XBR X850B Series 4K Ultra HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- 4K Ultra HD picture quality
- 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine
- TRILUMINOS Display
- Motionflow XR 240
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- HDMI 2.0 and 4K 60p with HEVC codec
- Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming connectivity, including Sony Entertainment Network
- Screen Mirroring via NFC OneTouch Mirroring
- MHL 3.0-enabled for mirroring second screens
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 70-inch class (XBR-70X850B), 65-inch class (XBR-65X850B), 55-inch class (XBR-55X850B), and 49-inch class (XBR-49X850B)
Sony also unveiled its 2014 BRAVIA Full HD TV line-up. The new models - W950B-, W850B-, W800B- and W600B-series - omplement Sony' new 4K Ultra HD TV models:
BRAVIA W950B Series LED HD TV - available in Spring 2014
- Full HD (1080p) with X-tended Dynamic Range driven by Edge LED arrays
- X-Reality PRO picture engine
- TRILUMINOS Display
- Motionflow XR 480
- Wedge design accommodates large speakers
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming connectivity, including Sony Entertainment Network
- Screen Mirroring via NFC OneTouch Mirroring
- MHL-enabled for mirroring second screens
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 65-inch (KDL-65W950B) and 55-inch (KDL-55W950B)
BRAVIA W850B Series LED HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- Full HD (1080p)
- X-Reality PRO picture engine
- Motionflow XR 480
- Wedge design
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 70-inch (KDL-70W850B) and 60-inch (KDL-60W850B
BRAVIA W800B Series LED HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality
- X-Reality PRO picture engine
- Motionflow XR 480
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included
- Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55W800B) and 50-inch (KDL-50W800B
BRAVIA W630B Series LED HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality
- X-Reality PRO picture engine
- Motionflow XR 480
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 60-inch screen size (KDL-60W630B)
BRAVIA W600B Series LED HD TV - Available in Spring 2014
- Full HD (1080p) picture quality
- X-Reality PRO picture engine
- Motionflow XR 240
- ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Screen sizes include 48-inch (KDL-48W600B) and 40-inch (KDL-40W600B)
Blu-ray Disc players
Sony's latest Blu-ray Disc players are capable of delivering top quality video from packaged Blu-ray Discs or streaming a wide variety of online movies, videos, TV shows, and music from Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Hulu Plus and more, .
The 2014 Sony Blu-ray Disc players -models BDP-S6200, BDP-S5200, BDP-S3200 and BDP-S1200 -will start arriving in stores next month.
The Quick Start/Quick Load feature lets viewers jump right into their entertainment, while Miracast allows viewers to display photos and video from a compatible Android smartphone or tablet on compatible TV screens by wirelessly connecting through their Blu-ray Disc player.
Thanks to improved Wi-Fi capabilities, the new models, with the exception of the entry-level BDP-S1200, deliver more reliable access to home wireless networks. The new players also play movies, music or photos stored locally on a hard disc drive, flash drive or a home network server.
In the top-of-the-line BDP-S6200, Sony has incorporated IP Content Noise Reduction Pro technology to improve the appearance of low-resolution clips streamed from the web, as well as enhancing video from Blu-ray Discs to 4K Ultra HD resolution. In addition, the BDP-S6200 has a Digital Music Enhancer which combines Sony' proprietary audio technologies to restore those subtle high frequency details that get lost when listening to heavily-compressed digital music files and also restores lost dynamics in low-bit rate audio tracks.
BDP-S6200 Blu-ray Disc Player - Available in February
- 4K upscaling and 3D capable, with Dual Core processor
- Full HD1080p Blu-ray Disc playback with 2D to 3D conversion for 3D compatible TVs
- TRILUMINOS Display technology
- Wi-Fi performance with superior wireless reception for streaming over 200 pre-loaded online services
- IP Noise Reduction Pro improves picture quality of streamed content
- Quick Start/Load
- Miracast technology mirrors mobile device on compatible TVs
BDP-S5200 Blu-ray Disc Player - Available in March
- 3D capable
- Full HD1080p Blu-ray Disc playback with 2D to 3D conversion for 3D compatible TVs
- TRILUMINOS Display technology
- Wi-Fi performance
- Quick Start/Load
- Miracast technology
BDP-S3200 Blu-ray Disc Player - Available in February
- Full HD1080p Blu-ray Disc playback
- Wi-Fi performance
- Quick Start/Load
- Miracast technology
BDP-S1200 Blu-ray Disc Player - Available in February
- Full HD1080p Blu-ray Disc playback
- Easy streaming of over 200 pre-loaded online services
- Quick Start/Load
- USB slot
Wireless audio speakers
Sony at CES introduced four new wireless audio products; the SRS-X9 High-Resolution wireless speaker system, SRS-X7 and SRS-X5 wireless speaker systems, and the CMT-X5CD wireless all-in-one audio system.
The new wireless audio systems support aptX and AAC Bluetooth codecs to ensure high quality sound while streaming wirelessly. The speakers easily connect wirelessly to nearly any Bluetooth-enabled device, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, for music streaming at home or on the go. In addition, users with NFC-enabled smartphones and tablets can simply tap the wireless speaker with their device to instantly stream music. In select models, wireless music streaming is also supported through on-board WiFi (for direct access to online music and internet radio services such as Music Unlimited, Spotify,and TuneIn Radio with no PC required), as well as Apple Airplay and DLNA.
All speakers offer a built-in USB charging port as well as an auxiliary input to play music directly from nearly any device with an audio output.
Sony?s flagship model SRS-X9 is the first
wireless speaker in to support High-Res Audio. Converting
live music to digital formats such as MP3 or even traditional
CD results in much of the original audio being irreversibly
lost. High-Res Audio retains far more detail during the
analog-to-digital conversion process.
The premium WiFi-enabled SRS-X9 model incorporates Sony' Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE HX), which upscales the existing sound source to near High-Resolution sound quality. It restores the audio signal to recreate the subtle high-frequency harmonics that are typically lost in heavily compressed MP3 and AAC files. With a 154W of music output power, a bi-amped subwoofer, and dual passive radiators, the premium 2.1 channel system delivers powerful, full-range audio. Its eight-channel S-Master HX Digital Amplifier technology was developed for High-Resolution audio in order to reduce distortion and noise at wider frequency ranges, while reproducing high frequency sound in detail.
The more compact SRS-X7 wireless speaker is a 2.1 channel system with WiFi and Bluetooth. The SRS-X7 wireless speaker shares many of the audio features of its larger sibling including DSEE -Digital sound enhancement, ClearAudio+, an S-Master Digital Amplifier, and built-in NFC technology. Its built-in rechargeable battery offers up to 6 hours of play time.
The 2.1 channel SRS-X5 Bluetooth wireless speaker is packed with 20W of audio. As with the other wireless speaker models, the SRS-X5 wireless speaker includes DSEE, ClearAudio+ and S-Master Digital Amplifier technology, NFC tap-to-play, and aptX codec support. In addition, the SRS-X5 features a built in hands-free speaker phone. The SRS-X5 wireless speaker offers up to eight hours of continuous playback.
The new CMT-X5CD compact all-in-one wireless audio system is a component stereo that delivers wireless audio. Packed with 40W of output power, the CMT-X5CD audio system also includes SongPal compatibility, aptX codec support, DSEE, ClearAudio+, and an S-Master Digital Amplifier. It comes with full range speakers and a passive radiator. In addition to Bluetooth, this all-in-one wireless audio system offers the opportunity to enjoy alternative sources including CD, USB, and FM radio.
Sony has also on display a new media player compatible with Sony's 4K distribution service "Video Unlimited 4K." The player is capable of playing back content at a maximum bit rate of 100 Mbps.
In addition to H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (Advanced Video Coding), this new 4K media player incorporates a decoder compatible with the advanced HEVC compression format. allowing users to enjoy 4K/60p content and anticipated new 4K streaming services.
The player also includes a XAVC S decoder, which will allow users to save 4K video taken using "FDR-AX100" and "FDR-AX1" 4K Handycam s on the 4K media player's internal HDD and replay these videos on a 4K TV.
Sony has also added the compact "FDR-AX100" model to its consumer 4K Handycam lineup.
Approximately one quarter the size of the current "FDR-AX1" model, the "FDR-AX100" features a 14.2 effective megapixel back-illuminated 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor, and captures 4K images and video.
The handycam records in the XAVC S format, enabling approximately 130 minutes of 4K video recording (when using a 64GB SDXC memory card Class 10).
In addition to recording 4K footage, the FDR-AX100 is capable of down-converting 4K images to very high quality 2K (Full HD), using the enormous amounts of data in every 4K frame for great results. It also allows the user to freely select and cut out part of a 4K image to be "trimmed" and then enjoyed on a Full HD 2K TV.
Sony is engaged in various initiatives, some together with its partners, such as the introduction of 4K video and photo image services, and also supports and adoption of new codecs. Furthermore, Sony will be providing technical support to enable FIFA to produce the 2014 FIFA World Cup final in 4K.
Since its launch in September 2013, Sony has continued to add new and library titles to its 4K content distribution service "Video Unlimited 4K", and as of January 1st 2014, users can now purchase more than 140 titles. Sony plans to continue increasing the number of titles available.
The service plays back content at a maximum bit rate of 100 Mbps.
During Sony's press conference at CES 2014, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Netflix, Reed Hastings, described Netflix collaboration with Sony and expressed the company's intention to be among the first to deliver 4K UltraHD entertainment to consumers.
Netflix plans to start providing 4K UltraHD content in the first half of 2014 in all territories where Netflix is available.
Sony is also working with YouTube on future delivery of YouTube content in 4K resolution via VP9 format.
Sony's "PlayMemories Online" cloud-based service for photos and videos which can be used to display 4K photo images on 4K BRAVIA TVs, continues to evolve. It allows users to view photo collections built up over the years and albums that have been shared by friends and family in a 4K slideshow format with background music right from the home screen, just like watching a TV program.
The availability of the service, which started from 6 countries at launch in April 2012, will be expanded to 27 countries and regions starting in January, 2014.
Sony's 2014 4K BRAVIA models will also have access to the premier photo community "500px," enabling BRAVIA customers to access 4K photos from around the world through their TV.
Sony Mobile
CES is also featuring an array of Sony mobile technologies. The Xperia Z1 will now be available in the United States, in association with Sony?s partner T-Mobile. A new addition to the Xperia series is the Xperia Z1s, which features Sony' camera technologies found in the Xperia Z1 including "G Lens," "Exmor RS for mobile" and "BIONZ for mobile."
The Xperia Z1s smartphone comes with new social camera applications including the newly added Background Defocus to give photos an added creative edge. This is the first smartphone to come with the new PlayStation App pre-loaded for remote and second-screen PlayStation 4 gaming experiences.
The Z1s has an improved water resistant rating, from IP57 to IP58, so that it can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, rather than just dunked. Specs include a Snapdragon 800 2.2 GHz quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, 3,000 mAh battery, and 20.7 megapixel camera. The Xperia Z1s will be available from T-Mobile on 22 January.
For a smaller size option, Sony' new Xperia Z1 Compact model brings all the features and technology of the Z1 into a palm size, available in four colors with a family of 132 NFC-enabled products.
The 20.7 megapixel camera phone is matched with 1/2.3-type CMOS image sensor Exmor RS for mobile, Sony's G Lens and intelligent BIONZ for mobile image processing engine.
Xperia Z1 Compact is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPU and 4G LTE. It also includes a 2300 mAh battery and incorporates a 4.3" TRILUMINOS HD Display for mobile.
Sony also introduced the Sony Z Ultra Google Play edition, released on the latest Android version (4.4; KitKat). Available now through the Google Play store in the United States, the device is based on the original Xperia Z Ultra - 2.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor, 6.4" Full HD TRILUMINOS display for mobile, LTE, NFC, all contained in a dust-resistant and waterproof (IP55 & IP58) 6.5mm body, weighing 212 grams.
In addition to smartphones, Sony is outlining its new SmartWear Experience vision, including an upcoming range of SmartWear products, with Sony Xperia smartphones, and a new Lifelog application.
The first product in the range will be "SmartBand," which lets users log daily activities that are represented visually in Sony' Lifelog application.
"The SmartWear Experiences shows that life is more than the number of steps you take; it's about emotion as well as motion. Entertainment and information; how you feel, as well as what you do. It' about moving, and most important, being moved," Sony said.
Using open software and hardware, Sony is forging new partnerships to offer consumers more choice.
Though the company did not mention specific dates or prices, it revealed that the main component of the SmartWear Experience concept will be called the Core, which is the primary sensor device that can be worn in multiple fashions. One method will be housed in a waterproof wristband device called the Smartband.
The devices will enable consumers to track physical activities but also, by connecting to a smartphone, allow consumers to track entertainments activities. The devices connect to a smartphone via a new app called Lifelog.
Sony Mobile Communications president and CEO Kunimasa Suzuki mentioned the Core along with other major Sony brands such as Bravia, Vaio, Cybershot and others leaving the audience with the impression that Sony has big plans for the wearable category of devices.
4K Ultra Short Throw Projector
Sony has developed a 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector featuring a furniture-like design. Utilizing space itself, it can be placed near most walls and has the ability to cast a 4K Ultra High-Definition image up to 147-inches, turning unused space into a display.
The new projector requires no special tools or construction to install and operate. Simply set it right next to a wall that would not yield any shadows of people into a screen, and plug it in to enjoy 4K Ultra HD images. Furthermore, it has the ability to display current video content services from IP, satellite or cable providers as well as 4K content sources including Video Unlimited 4K, Netflix and 4K content shot on Sony's expanding range of 4K Handycam camcorders.
The 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector will be available in the U.S. by summer of 2014 for approximately $30,000 to $40,000.
Cloud-based TV service
Sony will start an Internet-based TV service in the U.S. this year, offering a mix of live TV programming and video on demand.
Andrew House, group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., says the service will have personalized channels catered to the viewer's tastes. It will enable viewers to see what their friends are watching. Sony plans to start testing the service in the U.S. this year.
PS4 sales reach 4.2 million units
Sony has sold 4.2 million Playstation 4 game consoles as of December 28, a senior executive said on Tuesday at CES.
Microsoft has announced that it has sold more than 3 million Xbox One devices as of end-2013.
Sony also announced a hotly-anticipated streaming game service. PlayStation Now, set to begin a test phase this month and launch in the United States mid-year, promised to let gamers access blockbuster titles in the Internet "cloud" and play them on an array of devices intended to expand over time.
The new streaming game service will provide PlayStation gamers access to games they love from prior generation consoles and grow to extend play to other Internet linked devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Sony's service will begin by providing hit titles for play on PS4 and PS3 consoles, and then the Japanese entertainment titan's handheld Vita game devices.
Gamers will be able to rent titles at Play/Station Now or pay for monthly subscriptions to the service, according to House.
