CES kicks off today and Sony is showcasing its new lineup of products slated for release in 2016, including 4K BRAVIA TVs, Hi-Res audio and digital imaging products. At the Sony press conference, Sony President and CEO Kazuo Hirai stated, "From the choices we're making to be differentiated and unique, to the curiosity that drives our passion to face challenges, to our commitment as enablers of creativity, it is clear that the philosophical and strategic pillars are in place to continue to build a stronger, better, more profitable Sony. Providing kando continues to be the core focus and goal of our business."

4K BRAVIA

Sony is merging its 4K picture clarity technologies together with HDR (High Dynamic Range). Starting this year, Sony will brand its BRAVIA TVs that are capable of taking full advantage of 4K HDR content with a new "4K HDR" logo.

The new X93D series of BRAVIA 4K LCD TVs is equipped with Sony's new Slim Backlight Drive technology responsible for delivering the best quality from 4K HDR content. The X93D series realizes grid array backlighting, which was previously only achievable with full-array direct LED backlights. Slim Backlight Drive, combined with Sony's X-tended Dynamic Range PRO contrast-enhancing technology and wide color gamut TRILUMINOS Display technology, promise to deliver brighter highlights, deeper blacks and more brilliant colors.

At its booth, Sony is also howing off one of its next-generation technologies, Backlight Master Drive. This technology boosts brightness and contrast even further in order to tap the full combined potential of 4K HDR. The Backlight Master Drive demonstration will feature a 85" prototype that achieves precision backlight boosting with ultra high density direct LED backlights. Paired with X-tended Dynamic Range PRO, Backlight Master Drive attains an even greater dynamic range, improving visual depth. It recreates deep blacks and dazzling lights with an ultra peak brightness of 4,000 nits.

Additionally, at its press conference, Sony unveiled ULTRA, a new app from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to be launched this year in the US. With ULTRA, you can purchase and stream 4K HDR movies and TV shows directly on your Sony BRAVIA TV.

These new televisions support Google's Android TV operating system.

2016 4K HDR Line-up:

XBR-X930D Series 4K HDR LCD TV (55" and 65" Class models) and XBR-X940D (75" Class model)
Available in early 2016

HDR compatibility
X-tended Dynamic Range PRO to produce contrast, enhancing HDR and non-HDR content by boosting and dimming the backlight levels precisely for each zone of the screen with unique backlighting algorithm.
New Slim Backlight Drive technology, which uses a grid array local dimming backlighting structure to distribute the backlight source more precisely to each specific zone of the screen while maintaining a slim display. (X930D only, the X940D is built in with slim full-array direct backlit LED.)
Expanded color with TRILUMINOS Display
4K X-Reality PRO
4K Processor X1
Supports Google's Android TV operating system
Voice Search and Voice Command available through a remote equipped with a microphone.
Sony's exclusive Content Bar

XBR-X850D Series (55", 65", 75" and 85" Class models)
Available in early 2016

HDR compatibility
TRILUMINOS Display
4K X-Reality PRO
4K Processor X1
Supports Google's Android TV operating system
Voice Search and Voice Command available through a remote equipped with a microphone.
Sony's exclusive Content Bar.

Audio

Three new products will be added to the h.ear series, which delivers High-Resolution Audio ("Hi-Res"). "h.ear go" is a portable wireless speaker that is easy to take from place to place. Meanwhile, "h.ear on Wireless NC" and "h.ear in Wireless" are wireless headphones that complement the wired headsets previously released.

In addition to its Hi-Res offerings, Sony is also adding to its lineup of EXTRA BASS (XB) products that deliver powerful sound, with the MDR-XB650BT headphones, SRS-XB3 and SRS-XB2 wireless speakers, and GTK-XB7 high power audio system.

Some of Sony's new audio products will also feature new Wireless Surround functionality, allowing you to achieve a home theater set-up by wirelessly linking Sony sound bars and wireless speakers.

Sony ha salso on display the PS-HX500, a turntable targeted for music enthusiasts who collect and enjoy LP recordings. The HX500 is the first turntable to combine Sony digital technology with a new advanced design. Its built-in A/D converter supports hi-res digital transfers in either native DSD (up to 5.6 MHz) or WAV files (up to 192 KHz/24-bit resolution). This enables users to digitally store their favorite music from vinyl recordings and play them for personal use on virtually any compatible Hi-Res Audio device.

The HX500 comes with a newly developed app with exclusive software that allows simple editing on either PCs or Macs. Users can combine tracks from both sides of an album or multiple tracks can be split and saved. A special driver is also provided for recording compatible DSD streams.

Additionally, the HX500 incorporates the type of quality analog components associated with reference standard turntables. A new Sony developed straight tone arm designed with the stylus located in the central axis of the arm helps achieve stereo balance. Its integrated lightweight, low resonance integrated head shell also comes complete with moving magnet cartridge and produces three-dimensional sound while ensuring optimum tracking, even on warped records.

A two speed belt drive system is also used which includes an aluminum die cast platter and thick (5mm) rubber mat to help stabilize disc rotation and minimize vibration.

The new PS-HX500 turntable will be available this Spring for about $500.

Digital Imaging

The new FDR-AX53 4K Handycam camcorder is equipped with a new 20x optical zoom ZEISS lens as well as a high-sensitivity image sensor with pixel size approximately 1.6 times greater than in the current 4K Handycam model. The FDR-AX53 also features Balanced Optical SteadyShot technology, which suppresses blur during all shooting modes and enables high resolution image capture in 4K even when shooting from a distance. It is also fit with a new Fast Intelligent AF and a new microphone structure that records high stereo sound.

The new HDR-CX675 HD Handycam is equipped with Balanced Optical SteadyShot technology with an Intelligent Active mode that allows 5-axis image stabilization to engage even while you are running. Both the HDR-CX675 and the lighter, compact HDR-CX455 model come equipped with Fast Intelligent AF. The HDR-CX455 also boasts a 5.1 channel surround microphone.

Sony's line of Action Cams equipped with SteadyShot will be refreshed with the HDR-AS50R, which will come packaged with the Live-View Remote. This Remote, which now boasts new controls, gives you full control over the Action Cam from a distance, including its power functions. New features in this model include 4K time-lapse effects and underwater shooting capabilities up to 60 meters below the surface, when used in conjunction with the underwater housing included in the package.

Home Audio Products

Sony is introducing new audio functionality that will provide the freedom to use various new audio products - sound bars, A/V receivers and wireless speakers and even a new Blu-ray Disc player model that can be used as a playback source.

New advanced technologies for wireless audio playback go beyond wireless Multi-room, the ability to play music simultaneously on multiple connected devices, to the introduction of "Wireless Surround" and "Wireless Stereo." Wireless Surround enables a real surround sound environment by combining a sound bar as front speakers together with two wireless speakers as the rear speakers. Wireless Stereo enables users to set two wireless speakers as left and right stereo speakers to maximum the stereo effect.

The new HT-NT5 2.1ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer continues Sony's lineup of premium sound technology with High-Resolution Audio playback, built-in support of 4K content and High Dynamic Range content from major studios via HDMI HDCP 2.2, Spotify Connect, and Multi-room capability via the SongPal app. And with Google Cast Technology built-in, consumers can cast music apps such as Google Play Music or Pandora straight from their mobile device or laptop to their speakers. It has been designed with six speakers that sit upright.

Like the HT-NT5, the new HT-CT790 2.1 channel sound bar with wireless subwoofer also supports 4K and High Dynamic Range content from major studios via HDCP 2.2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Multi-room capability via the SongPal app. It comes equipped with multiple HDMI inputs.

Two new models join Sony's portable wireless speaker lineup. The new, four-speaker Sony SRS-ZR7 features Hi-Res audio playback combined with S-Master HX technology which reduces noise levels. In addition, the SRS-ZR7 has a built-in HDMI (ARC) connection that connects the speaker to any Dolby Digital/DTS format television. The SRS-ZR7 gives consumers the freedom to listen to the music service of their choice with support for Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Multi-room capability via SongPal app.

As with the SRS-ZR7, the new SRS-ZR5 also features wireless listening with an HDMI (ARC) connection in a slightly smaller form factor. This is a feature to expand usage of these wireless speakers and enhance the sound quality of virtually any TV. In addition, it also simplifies connecting to the music service of a user's preference with support for Google Cast and Multi-room via the Sony SongPal and has full Bluetooth capability with LDAC and NFC support.

Sony continues enhancements to its A/V receiver line with the new STR-DN1070 A/V receiver, which incorporates a new DAC (Digital to Audio Converter) supporting DSD native playback up to DSD 5.6 MHz/5.1ch). The STR-DN1070 comes equipped with LDAC audio coding which allows consumers to sound quality at near to High Resolution Audio by transmitting at the maximum transfer rate of 990 kbps (approximately three times more data than conventional Bluetooth audio). The receiver also supports HDMI (6in/2out) with HDCP 2.2 for 4K/60p (4:4:41) supporting 4K and HDR content from the major studios.

The STR-DN1070 A/V receiver provides a flexible speaker solution. In addition to 7.1 ch surround sound the receiver supports wireless Multi-room and Sony's new technologies for Wireless Surround and Front Surround. It is also built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, AirPlay, Bluetooth, Google Cast and Spotify Connect.

Sony is introducing two new Blu-ray Disc players. Both the UHP-H1 and the BDP-S6700 Blu-ray players feature technology that automatically upscales Hi-Def content to near 4K quality. And both can be connected via SongPal to other Sony audio products to playback CDs and other music files stored on USB memory for Wireless Multi-room listening.

The UHP-H1 Premium Audio & Video Player is Sony's first Hi-Res certified Blu-ray player so consumers can enjoy SA-CD, DVD-Audio, Hi-Res Audio, as well as MP3s. The UHP-H1 Premium Audio & Video Player also offers Bluetooth connectivity with LDAC support.

Like the UHP-H1, the BDP-S6700 offers Bluetooth connectivity. Built-in Wi-Fi allows for network connectivity and with the PlayStation Now (PS Now) application users can stream and play select PlayStation3 games directly on a TV, without a console, connecting up to two DUALSHOCK 4 controllers wirelessly.

The new UHP-H1 Hi-Res Premium Audio and Video Player will be available in May 2016 priced at approximately $400 and the BDP-S6700 4K Upscale Blu-ray Player will be available from March 2016 priced at approximately $160.

Life Space UX

Already available in Japan is the LED Bulb Speaker, which blends right into any living space. Just by screwing it into a light bulb socket, you can enjoy music wirelessly anywhere in your home. The LED Bulb Speaker will be released in the US in the first half of fiscal 2016. Sony will also be launching the 10cm cubic Portable Ultra Short Throw Projector, equipped with internal speakers and battery. The projector is capable of throwing a 22" to 80" image onto walls, tables, or any other adjacent surface, in spite of its compact size. Finally, Sony will release the Glass Sound Speaker, which fills every corner of the room with clear sound through the tube-shaped organic glass that envelops the LED source. It also showers the room with a warm glow that harmonizes with any interior. Both the Portable Ultra Short Throw Projector and the Glass Sound Speaker will launch in Japan in the spring and in the US in the first half of this fiscal year.

Sony CES 2016 porduct outline

Television

XBRX930D Series 4K HDR LCD TV (55" and 65" Class models) and X940D (75" Class model)
Available Early 2016

• HDR compatible
• X-tended Dynamic Range PRO
• New Slim Backlight Drive technology (X930D only).
• TRILUMINOS Display
• 4K X-Reality PRO
• 4K Processor X1
• Supports Google?s Android TV
• Voice Search and Voice Command available through a remote equipped with a microphone.
• Sony?s exclusive Content Bar allows customers to access content quickly and intuitively without any disturbing while watching TV by enhancing and shortening content direct access.
• Ultra-thin design

XBR-X850D Series (55", 65", 75" and 85" Class models)

Available Early 2016

• HDR compatible
• TRILUMINOS Display
• 4K X-Reality PRO
• 4K Processor X1
• Supports Google?s Android TV operating system
• Voice Search and Voice Command available through a remote equipped with a microphone.
• Sony?s exclusive Content Bar

Sound

h.ear on Wireless NC (Wireless Noise cancelling headphones)

Available Spring 2016

• Expanded Hi-Res audio to include wireless technology through LDAC for Wireless listening with near Hi-Res sound quality
• Bluetooth Audio and One-touch listening with NFC
• Dual noise sensor technology featuring Digital Noise Canceling software reduces a variety of ambient sound
• 40 mm HD driver unit that supports Hi-Res, up to 40 kHz reproduction while offering augmented bass reproduction through a high-compliance implementation
• Reproduces natural sound with DSEE
• Beat Response Control improves the transient characteristic in bass reproduction and delivers accurate rhythm
• Features a compressed body shape, a smooth, compact design

h.ear in Wireless (Wireless in-ear headphones)

Available Spring 2016

• Expanded Hi-Res audio to include wireless technology through LDAC for Wireless listening with near Hi-Res sound quality.
• Bluetooth Audio and One-touch listening with NFC
• Compact 9 mm driver unit, the h.ear in Wireless achieves broadband playback through optimization of the diaphragm shape
• Enhanced driving power from an outer magnetic path-type magnetic circuit
• Beat Response Control improves the transient characteristic in bass reproduction and delivers accurate rhythm
• Clear voice hands-free calling with built in microphone and HD Voice support is also include
• Wireless gently fits around the neck for optimum comfort and portability

h.ear go (Wireless Speaker)

Available Spring 2016

• World?s smallest Hi-Res compatible, portable wireless speakers
• Supports Google Cast, Spotify Connect and multi-room capability via Sony SongPal link
• Equipped with all new Hi-Res compatible φ35mm gauge full-range speaker unit and Sony?s own unique DSP signal processing to achieve powerful bass notes.
• LDAC compatible

NW-A26HN Walkman with matching h.ear in headphones
Available in Spring 2016

• Hi-Res Audio Compatible Digital Noise Cancelling Walkman
• S-Master HX performs full digital processing of the audio signal to support playback of Hi-Res Audio.
• Filled VIA in Printed circuit board to achieve firm bass sound, bright high range and clear vocals
• Lead-free solder reduces the noise level to improve sound resolution over the entire frequency range
• DSEE HX which upscales the quality of compressed sound sources to surpass CD quality
• LDAC-compatible
• Provides around 30 hours of Hi-Res audio playback or 50 hours of MP3 audio playback

EXTRA BASS MDR-XB650BT (Headphones)

Available Spring 2016

• Updated Bluetooth headphones to include bass booster
• Has 30mm driver exclusive to EXTRA BASS
• Has 'NFC' One-touch Bluetooth connection and music playback
• Compatible with AAC, aptX, SBC and AAC music codecs
• Provides approximately 30 hours of continuous music playback with four hours of recharge
• Available in black, blue and red.

SRS-XB3 (Wireless Speaker)

Available Spring 2016

• Water resistant (IPX5)
• Provides around 24 hours of continuous wireless listening with four hours of recharge
• USB connection and charging port
• LDAC-compatible
• Use the speaker stand-alone or as a pair: the built-in Speaker Add feature enables music playback to be enjoyed by wirelessly connecting two speakers of the same type.

SRS-XB2 (Wireless Speaker)

Available Spring 2016

• Water resistant (IPX5)
• Provides around 12 hours of continuous wireless listening with four hours of recharge
• USB connection and charging port
• LDAC-compatible
• Use the speaker stand-alone or as a pair: the built-in Speaker Add feature enables music playback to be enjoyed by wirelessly connecting two speakers of the same type.

GTK-XB7 (Speaker)

Available Spring 2016

• Has two large gauge 16cm woofers
• DSP signal processing technology achieves punchy bass notes and rich acoustic pressure
• Includes flexible two-way setup
• LDAC-compatible
• Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (?DSEE?) reproduces the high acoustic range of compressed sound sources
• Light feature includes line lights, strobe flashes, and speaker lights that operate in time to the music
• Has 'NFC'One-touch Bluetooth connection and music playback
• Syncs multiple speakers with Speaker Add function
• Has USB playback and charging port
• Is compatible with SongPal App
• Available in black, blue and orange red
  

SRS-ZR5 (Wireless Speaker)

Available Spring 2016

• Wireless UX multi-room solution for a music listening experience with more freedom and enjoyment
• 2 way speakers + dual passive radiators for immersive sound
• Best for Music Streaming with Google Cast & Spotify Connect
• HDMI (ARC) connection to TV with Dolby Digital/ DTS format

HT-NT5 (TV Sound Bar)

Available Spring 2016

• 1 channel sound bar with wireless subwoofer
• HDMI with HDCP2.2 capability for perfect 4K content pass through
• Six speaker unit driven by 6 amplifiers for immersive surround sound
• Upright speakers deliver Hi-Res sound
• Music Streaming with Google Cast & Spotify Connect
• Multi-room capable with ability to stream music to multiple speakers throughout the house.
• Hi-Res Audio playback
• Enhanced Bluetooth streaming and transmitting quality with Sony?s LDAC technology

STR-DN1070 (A/V Receiver)

Available Spring 2016

• Has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, AirPlay, Bluetooth, Google Cast and Spotify Connect, which gives a myriad of options for a quality listening experience

BDP-S6700 (Blu-Ray Player)

Available Spring 2016

• Features technology that automatically upscales content to spectacular 4K quality to provide remarkable viewing
• Equipped with Built-in Wi-Fi for easy network connection and the PlayStation Now (PS Now) application
• Enjoy games, movies or music with headphones connected by Bluetooth

UHP-H1 (Premium Audio & Video Player)

Available Spring 2016

• Provides high quality sound with Hi-Res and Rigid structure
• Has wide content coverage including Streaming service
• Enjoy movie and music with headphones by Bluetooth with LDAC
• Supports Wireless multi-room for playback CD and USB sound in any room

PS?HX500 Turntable

Available Spring 2016

• Record vinyl through the new Hi-Res digital output to native DSD 5.6M (via USB B port) and the DSD Native AD converter
• Newly developed "Hi-Res Audio Recorder" free app makes for simple recording and editing on a Mac or PC
• With the Hi-Res recording feature, enjoy the recorded Hi-Res music files through Sony?s Hi-Res players anywhere
• PS-HX500 includes specialized DSD features for recording, specifically the DSD Native AD converter and a special driver for compatibility with DSD recording
• Fully equipped with high audio quality in its tone arm, cabinet and turntable and features the Sony original straight tone arm with the integrated lighter-weight shell design creating a good stereo balance, along with the reproduction of an acoustic field with well-focused three-dimensionality and high trade performance in bass ranges with superior tracking in warped records
• Includes a round shell and eccentricity insulator for preventing resonance, PHONO equalizer using high sound quality parts and stable belt system for natural sound and the aluminum die cast platter or superb balance
• Features a glass epoxy circuit board which provides better sound quality and structural stability
• Includes a thick 5mm rubber mat for high sound quality, and a high density luxurious t30mm MDF cabinet

Projectors

VPL-VW5000ES 4K Home Theater Projector

Designed specifically for home theater use to provide full 4K resolution

Available in Spring 2016 for $60,000

• Has laser light source that provides 5,000 lumens of brightness
• Complies with High Dynamic Range
• Emulates the new ITU-R BT2020 color gamut on top of the full DCI-P3 color space
• Provides up to 20,000 hours of virtually maintenance-free operation

Digital Imaging 

Sony HDR-AS50 Action Cam

Available in February  2016

• Features an 11.1 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor with a ZEISS? Tessar lens
• Utilizes SteadyShot image stabilization to keep footage steady and smooth
• Users can now adjust the field angle of a shot with "wide" and "narrow" options available
• Enhanced 3x smooth zoom and field angle adjustability
• Compatible with the high-bitrate XAVC S video format
• Images can be turned into a stunning 4K time-lapse movie utilizing the Action Cam Movie Creator software
• Kit model HDR-AS50R includes new Live-View Remote that acts as an extension of the camera with the ability to control its capabilities including start/stop recording, power on/off and more.

Sony FDR-AX53 4K Handycam Camcorder

Available in March 2016

• Features a newly developed 20x optical zoom lens with advanced aspherical (AA) and Extra-low Dispersion lens elements
• Fast Intelligent AF and a new microphone structure ensuring high-quality sound
• Equipped with a unique 16.6 MP image sensor with large pixels that delivers beautiful low-noise images
• Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization technology ensures smooth video output
• Enhanced AF algorithm that achieves approximately 40% faster autofocus speed and more accurate subject tracking
• Full HD 120fps high-speed recording allows the creation of detailed slow-motion movies

Sony HDR-CX675 Handycam Camcorder

Available in February  2016 for $549.99

• Features a new and improved form of Balanced Optical SteadyShot with motion analysis
• Utilizes a motion analysis system to intelligently optimize the 5-axis image stabilization based on the level of external motion
• Inherits several convenient features from previous models including XAVC S high bit rate recording, a 5.1 channel microphone and My Voice canceling

Sony HDR-CX455 Handycam Camcorder

Available in February 2016 for $399.99

• Features standard Optical SteadyShot stabilization
• Equipped with Highlight Movie Maker, Multi Camera Control and much more

LED Bulb Speaker

Available in the first half of fiscal 2016

• Blends right into any living space.
• Screwing it into an E26 Screw Base light bulb socket, you can enjoy music wirelessly anywhere in your home. (not water-proof)
• Easily connect the LED bulb with your smartphone, tablet and PC with Bluetooth? and enjoy the contents inside it.

Portable Ultra Short Throw Projector

Available in the first half of fiscal 2016

• Simply place it by the wall or on the table, and it projects images from 22" to 80".
• Wireless, portable, built-in battery and speaker all in one 10cm cubical unit
• Nothing left when turning off as there are no frames or displays.
• Enjoy variety of viewing experiences with your smartphone or HDMI devices
• Always play your favorite contents on your wall.

Glass Sound Speaker

Available in the first half of fiscal 2016

• Fills every corner of the room with crystal clear sound through the tube-shaped organic glass that envelops the LED source.
• Showers the room with a warm glow that harmonizes beautifully with any interior.
• Portable and wireless, so you can enjoy music from your smartphone etc. using Bluetooth in different rooms.