Sony is unveiling its new product lineup highlighting Sony's 4K Ultra High-Definition technology, High-Resolution Audio ("Hi-Res"), and SmartWear at at the CES. A total of 11 new 4K BRAVIA LCD TVs powered by Sony's 4K Processor X1 will be brought to market this year. In addition, Sony is equipping a wide range of 4K and Full HD sets with Google's latest Android operating system to make cross-functionality between TV and mobile more efficient. Furthermore, Sony's One-Flick Entertainment interface provides an intuitive flick-operation via touchpad remote to access a library of content just a flick away.

The new X9000C series is featuring a new "Floating Style" design concept that is approximately 4.9 mm at its thinnest point.

Sony is also displaying its X9300C series, the first TV sets that support Hi-Res audio, are equipped with Hi-Res compatible speakers, and boast Sony's proprietary DSEE HX technology that upscales compressed audio from broadcast TV and other sources to near-Hi-Res levels (Up to the equivalent of 192 kHz/24 bit).

Sony's new products support the 4K compatible H.265/HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) and WebM VP9 video compression standards, thereby enabling viewers to enjoy a multitude of 4K platforms. And since YouTube employs the VP9 format worldwide, customers can also view user-generated 4K content, such as videos shot with a 4K Action Cam and uploaded to YouTube, on their new BRAVIA TV sets.

Sony's new 4K Ultra HD TV line-up will also expand access to 4K content through its partnership with Netflix. The companies will work together to provide consumers new features including TV Instant On, Fast APP Resume and Fast Video Playback. These partnerships, along with content from providers including Amazon Instant Video, Ultraflix and Toon Goggles, will expand Sony's 4K line-up to include more than 1,300 movies, hit TV shows and other 4K titles, to become available on the new 4K Ultra HD TV line-up.

2015 4K Ultra HD Line-up:

XBR X900C Series 4K Ultra HD TV (55" and 65" Class models) and X910C (75" Class model) - Available in spring 2015

• Sony's thinnest LED TV yet at 0.2 of an inch at its thinnest part (for 55" and 65" Class models); the floating style is virtually frameless and mounts flush to the wall.
• Features new 4K Processor X1
• Support's Google's Android TV operating system, making it easy to stream video, function as a gaming device and provide features like voice-enabled searching through a remote equipped with a microphone.
• Enjoy 4K streaming and upscaling, plus Google Cast built-in feature for seamless smartphone or tablet integration.
• TRILUMINOS display,
• Ready for the latest 4K new spec "HEVC" and "VP9" which can receive 4K distribution services and YouTube in 4K.

XBR-X930C Series (65" Class model) and X940C (75" Class model) - Available in spring 2015

• X-tended Dynamic Range Pro (75-inch model) and X-tended Dynamic Range (65-inch model) enhanced by the new 4K Processor engine
• Features new 4K Processor X1 engine
• Support's Google's Android TV operating system
• Front-facing speakers (tweeters, woofers, and sub-woofers) while also supporting Hi-Res audio
  
• TRILUMINOS display
• Ready for the latest 4K new spec "HEVC" and "VP9" which can receive 4K distribution services and YouTube in 4K.

XBR-X850C Series (55", 65" and 75" Class models) - Available in spring 2015

• Introductory 4K Ultra HD TV series
• Features new 4K Processor X1
• TRILUMINOS display
• Support's Google's Android TV operating system
• Ready for the latest 4K new spec "HEVC" and "VP9"

XBR-X830C Series (43" and 49" Class models) - Available in spring 2015

• Introductory 4K Ultra HD TV series
• Features new 4K Processor X1 engine
• Support's Google's Android TV operating system
• Ready for the latest 4K new spec "HEVC" and "VP9"

Sony also announced new HDTV televisions that feature, for the first time, Google's Android TV operating system. The line-up will range in size from 50" to 75" Class Models include the KDL-75W850C, KDL-65W850C, KDL-55W850C and KDL-50W850C. This line-up with be available spring 2015.

The FDR-X1000V, the first 4K compatible Action Cam, will support high definition, high bitrate video recording at 4K/30p (100 Mbps). It comes equipped with advanced SteadyShot technology and is the first of its line to feature wind noise reduction.

The FDR-X1000V will be sold for about $500 and is packaged with the SPK-X1 waterproof case. The Action Cam FDR-X1000VR bundle adds the RM-LVR2 Live View Remote and will be sold for about $600.

Sony's new FDR-AX33 4K Handycam camcorder is around 30% smaller and 20% lighter than the current modeland is the first 4K Handycam to come equipped with Balanced Optical SteadyShot technology capable of suppressing blur during all modes of shooting, from wide-angle to telephoto.

A summary of Sony's five new camcorders is included below:

Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX33 - Available in February for about $999

• 4K (QFHD 3860x2180 @ 30p) video recording capability at high bitrate 100Mbps utilizing XAVC S format
• Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
• Custom manual ring for advanced videographers
• Compatible with "Highlight Movie Maker" to create quick highlight videos for social media sharing
• Multi Camera Control utilized Wi-Fi to control up to 5 devices simultaneously
• USTREAM live streaming functionality

Sony HD Handycam HDR-PJ670 - Available in January for about $700

• Full HD (1080 @60p) video recording capability at high bitrate 50Mbps utilizing XAVC S format
• Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
• Built-in projector (25 lm) for on-the-spot HD video playback
• Compatible with "Highlight Movie Maker"
• Multi Camera Control utilized Wi-Fi to control up to 5 devices simultaneously
• USTREAM live streaming functionality

Sony HD Handycam HDR-PJ440 - Available in January for about $400

• Full HD (1080 @60p) video recording capability at high bitrate 50Mbps utilizing XAVC S format
• Optical SteadyShot Intelligent Active model
• Built-in projector (13 lm) for on-the-spot HD video playback
• Compatible with "Highlight Movie Maker"
• Multi Camera Control utilized Wi-Fi to control up to 5 devices simultaneously
• USTREAM live streaming functionality6

Sony HD Handycam HDR-CX440- Available in January for about $300

• Full HD (1080 @60p) video recording capability at high bitrate 50Mbps utilizing XAVC S format
• Optical Steady-Shot Intelligent Active model
• Compatible with "Highlight Movie Maker"
• Multi Camera Control utilized Wi-Fi to control up to 5 devices simultaneously
• USTREAM live streaming functionality

Sony HD Handycam HDR-CX405 - Available in January for about $230

• Full HD (1080 @60p) video recording capability at high bitrate 50Mbps utilizing XAVC S format
• Optical SteadyShot Intelligent Active model
• Compatible with "Highlight Movie Maker"
• 30x optical ZEISS lens

Sony also unveiled the new full 4K VPL-VW350ES projector whiich uses Sony’s 4K SXRD panel technology to achieve high resolution images. It also incorporates Sony’s exclusive TRILUMINOS technology. This works in conjunction with the projector’s 1,500 lumens brightness to engineer a wider color space for more vibrant tones and increased precision. Motionflow picture technology also delivers clearer images when watching fast-paced, sporting action. Additionally, the projector also comes with low latency mode for gamers.

The VPL-VW350ES supports the latest connectivity standards through HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2, enabling users to enjoy the latest 4K content services from Sony, Netflix and Amazon Instant Video.

It provides added installation flexibility thanks to its compact size and front air exhaust cooling system. The projector uses a powered 2.06x zoom lens with a wide shift range, which removes the requirement for additional platform extensions in ceiling mounts. A built-in RF 3D transmitter makes it easy to provide further adaptability with a strong wireless signal for wider coverage, 3D synchronization stability and coverage.

VPL-VW350ES Main Specifications

• Display System: SXRD panel
• Resolution: 4K (4096 x 2160 up to 60p)
• Brightness: 1,500lm
• Reality Creation 4K Upscaling: YES w/ "Mastered in 4K"
• Lens Shift (Powered): V +85%, 80%H +- 31%
• Interface: HDMI x 2
• Dimensions (w/o protrusion): 19 ½ x 7 11/16 x 18 ¼ inches495.6 x 195.3 x 463.6 mm
• Weight: 31 lb / 14 kg

In the realm of audio, Sony is introducing a total of ten new devices, including a Hi-Res compatible top-of-the-line Walkman, headphones, wireless speakers, home theater systems, and multi-channel integrated amplifiers. With Sony's newly developed LDAC codec technology, which enables the transmission of approximately 3 times the amount of audio data as is currently possible with existing technologies, users can now listen to higher quality music wirelessly over Bluetooth than ever before. Sony's exhibit will also feature the power of SongPal Link, a new functionality available in Sony's new products that enables simultaneous audio playback through multiple connected devices.

The NW-ZX2 Hi-Res compatible Walkman is a new high-end model in the ZX series.

Milled from solid aluminum alloy and packed with gold-plated copper wiring and circuitry to cut electrical impedance, the Walkman NW-ZX2 supports all of the major 24-bit audio formats including FLAC and Apple Lossless for offering better than CD-quality playback. And there's 128GB of disk space on board plus a MicroSD slot for adding up to 128GB more.

The Walkman runs Android and has a touchscreen interface -- weighs in at 235g and is 131.2mm tall, 65.1mm wide and 18mm thick -- so, it's not the sort of device that can be slid simply into your pocket. However, the device's battery is good for 33 hours of high-resolution 24-bit music playback.

As well as lossless formats, the Walkman will also support standard MP3 formats and ripped CDs. And, thanks to the S-Master digital internal amplifier plus a new type of processing, the Walkman should be able to boost the quality and reduce the compressed sound of some of these files, too.

Other features that show Sony has really thought about potential owners and their needs, is support for the LDAC codec. The Walkman can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to headphones, speakers or a full hi-fi system without a drop in music quality. The LDAC codec make transferring data wirelessly three times more efficient.

The device also supports USB audio output for connecting to headphone amplifiers and DAC amps for wired use at home and can connect via wi-fi for listening to tracks via music streaming services.

Sony said that the new Walkman will be launching this spring, initially in Europe.

Sony will continue to expand its Hi-Res compatible lineup of products for the home, including the SRS-X99 and SRS-X88 Wireless Speakers, the HT-ST9, HT-NT3, and HT-XT3 Home Theater Systems, and the STR-DN1060 and STR-DN860 Multi-Channel Integrated Amplifier. These will all support wireless operation via SongPal Link, thereby enabling simultaneous playback through multiple connected devices, as well as playback of multiple songs on devices throughout separate rooms. Finally, Sony is also exhibiting a prototype Hi-Res car audio player during CES.

Among its SmartWear prototypes, Sony is introducing the Smart B-Trainer, an all-in-one, lightweight, headset-style device made for runners and equipped with essential running sensors and music playback capabilities.

The concept gadget consists of two rather clunky headphones joined by a loop around the back of the head. This device encourages a sustainable running routine, facilitating progress by automatically selecting songs with tempos to match the user's heart rate and offering audio guidance for a variety of training programs. I t can’t take calls like some smartwatches and it is dedicated to combining music and running. It’s equipped with a heart rate monitor and a GPS module to track performance and location as well as on-board music storage. Aside from automatically selecting songs with tempos that match a runner’s heart rate, the unit plays prerecorded "vocal advice" that sounds like a female coach to get runners to give it their all.

The Sony booth will also feature the first ever public exhibition of the SMARTEYEGLASS Attach! concept model for sports use, an attachable Single Lens Display Module that was announced in December 2014. This eyewear module ( 640 by 400 pixels) leverages Sony's OLED technology and can be integrated into the eyewear products of cooperating third parties, providing users with essential information through a high-resolution color display. The module is suited for both indoor and outdoor use, and it joins the SmartEyeglass transparent lens eyewear – designed for developers and targeted for release later this fiscal year – as early Sony entries into the world of wearable smart devices.

A number of other products will be brought to market this year, including the LED Bulb Speaker – a bulb-shaped speaker that doubles as a functional light bulb. It blends right into any living space and enlivens it with music via a wireless connection. Also planned for release is the Portable Ultra Short Throw Projector, a compact cube-shaped projector measuring approximately 10 cm per side. It is capable of throwing up to a 50 inch image, allowing the user to watch a movie wherever the unit is set up, whether on the kitchen table or by the bathtub. Finally, Sony will be exhibiting, for the first time, three models of its Symphonic Light, yet another type of audio-emitting light fixture that can fill a room with clear sound.

Sony hack

CEO Kazuo Hirai opened a press event at the International CES trade show in Las Vegas by saying he "would be remiss" if he didn't mention the controversy over the Sony comedy, "The Interview."

Hackers calling themselves the "Guardians of Peace" managed to cripple the computer systems of Sony Pictures Entertainment in late November, before subsequently releasing a trove of sensitive corporate and employee records. The FBI has since blamed the North Korean government of orchestrating the attack, apparently over the film's portrayal of an attempt to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Hirai did not offer any new information about the hack, but said Monday evening that freedom of speech and expression are "very important" to Sony and its entertainment business. He went on to thank the telecommunications and Internet companies who helped with the release, and "most importantly the people who have gone out to see the movie in theaters or through various online venues."

PlayStation 4 Sales Surpass 18.5 Million Units

Seperately, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) announced that the PlayStation 4 system has cumulatively sold through more than 18.5 million units worldwide as of January 4, 2015, and that the holiday season retail sales exceeded 4.1 million units globally.

In addition, over 10.9 million users have been taking advantage of the features and benefits of the PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) membership service, as of January 2, 2015.

PS4 software sales also remain strong with more than 81.8 million copies sold in retail stores globally and through digital downloads on PlayStation Store as of January 4, 2015, including 17.8 million sold during the holiday season, according to Sony.