CES: Sony launches new BRAVIA 4K TV line up, 4K camcorder and ULTRA streaming

[donaldk]

Sony Electronics (SEL) President and COO Michael Fasulo introduced Sony's upcoming 4K BRAVIA TVs at CES heavily emphasizing picture quality and look, bringing next-generation level visual experiences right into your living room. the BR X930D Series 4K HDR TV comes in 55 and 65-inch and the X940D has a 75-inch diagonal. In a technology demonstration Sony shows its edge lighting that competes with Full Array Direct LED lit backlight, over an 1000 local zones with redirection of power from dark zones to bright zones to allow for peak brightness of upto 4000 nits, and 'OLED like inky blacks'. According to the video introduction:

https://youtu.be/-kYY8puZHWQ

4K BRAVIA

Sony will pursue ever more realistic and immersive visuals, by merging its superb 4K picture clarity technologies together with HDR (High Dynamic Range), which has recently garnered significant attention as a new technology. HDR dramatically expands the range of visual expression possible, by realizing higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colors. 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, in order to clearly convey to consumers that – with these TVs – they are assured of next-generation, emotionally compelling visual experiences. Is this a Sony logo or that of the UHD Alliance?

The new X93D series of BRAVIA 4K LCD TVs is equipped with Sony's brand new Slim Backlight Drive™ technology that takes picture quality to new heights by delivering the best quality from 4K HDR content. With a unique backlight system structure, 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, delivers brighter highlights, deeper blacks and more brilliant colors. This trifecta of technologies unlocks the full potential of 4K HDR content, all the while realizing an even slimmer TV design. When hung against a wall, X93D series BRAVIAs virtually disappear into it, leaving behind nothing but the picture itself. This series also delivers a new intuitive viewing experience, with Sony's seamless user interface and voice search functionality putting a whole world of content a mere click or query away.

At its booth, Sony will also be showing off one of its next-generation technologies, Backlight Master Drive. This technology boosts brightness and contrast even further in order to truly 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 unprecedented dynamic range, dramatically improving visual depth and realism. It recreates incredibly deep blacks and dazzling lights with an ultra peak brightness of 4,000 nits, generating images so convincing that they appear to be real, right before your very eyes.

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 – the best new and classic titles from the 4K digital library of Sony Pictures – directly on your Sony BRAVIA TV.

The new 4K consumer Handycam features a larger pixel size offering higher sensitivity to light. 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*1. The FDR-AX53 also features Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ technology, which suppresses blur during all shooting modes – from wide shots to close-ups – and enables crisp, 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 and faithfully captures the original audio. In every sense, from image clarity to audio quality, the FDR-AX53 is a sizable leap forward.

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 which makes it easier than ever to capture high quality footage, with crisp picture and sound, anytime and anywhere.

[donaldk]

Sony Electronics Unveils New 4K HDR (High Dynamic Range) TV Line. Outstanding Picture Clarity in an Ultra Slim Profile about an inch and a quarter or 4.5 centimeter from the wall when hung. Sony Electronics unveiled its newest lineup of 4K Ultra HD televisions, the XBR-X930D/XBR-X940D and the XBR-X850D series, built to support the highest standard in picture quality with HDR (High Dynamic Range) compatibility and unique backlighting technologies in an ultra-thin design.

Focus is on the HDR functionality; HDR reproduces a greater dynamic range of luminosity or brightness levels, bringing greater contrast to the screen. This increased contrast reveals the subtle nuances of the image, from detailed blacks and shadows to the brightest whites and colors. With HDR compatible televisions, and Sony’s unique X-tended Dynamic Range™ PRO and TRILUMINOS™ Display technologies, viewers will enjoy higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colors, resulting in more depth and detail than ever before.

“Sony knows HDR from the lens to the living room – we were among the first to use cameras that film in 4K and HDR and have been on the forefront of offering consumers technology that can bring the stunning experience of 4K and HDR into their homes,” said Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics. “Our new lineup of 4K HDR televisions is proof of our continuing efforts to bring the latest and greatest technologies to market that will provide the best home entertainment experience.”

HDR content is becoming increasingly available on video services, with Amazon becoming the first video provider to offer titles in HDR. Amazon Original Series include the most-streamed Amazon original show ever: The Man in the High Castle and the 2016 Golden Globe nominated series Transparent and Mozart in the Jungle, as well as movies including After Earth, Fury, Salt, Elysium and more. Netflix was the first to roll out 4K content to the mainstream market and has made a commitment to providing HDR content to its subscribers. 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, consumers can purchase and stream 4K HDR movies and TV shows – the best new and classic titles from the 4K digital library of Sony Pictures – directly on their Sony 4K HDR TV.1

Starting in 2016, Sony 4K televisions that are capable of fully taking advantage of HDR content, from the XBR-X850D series and up, will be branded with a new “4K HDR Ultra HD” logo. This logo will be used across Sony’s 4K HDR Ultra HD compatible products from content production, to display devices and services. Logoed televisions meet the Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) HDR definition and support compelling next-generation visual experiences.

Full specs:

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 to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colors.
X-tended Dynamic Range PRO to produce ideal 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 unique 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.)
Brilliant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for color accuracy.
4K X-Reality PRO brings stunning detail using a unique algorithm from a reality creation database for TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital still photos.
4K Processor X1 to improve color accuracy, contrast and clarity of HD, 4K and 4K HDR video.
Supports Google’s Android TV operating system, making it easy to stream video, functions as a gaming device and providing enhanced features. Google Cast will provide users with greater connectivity than ever before by enabling them to cast content from mobile devices.
Voice Search and Voice Command available through a remote equipped with a microphone. With access to Google Play, consumers can enjoy what they like to do on a smartphone or tablet, from their television.
Sony’s exclusive Content Bar allows customers to access content quickly and intuitively without disturbing while watching TV by enhancing and shortening content direct access.
Features an ultra-thin design that creates an expansive, borderless picture and mounts flush to a wall. When hung against a wall the television is so close, and the bezel is so thin, that it can appear to be flush with the wall.
When the television is set on a TV stand or a cabinet its clean cable management keeps wires out of view and looks equally elegant when viewed from the back or front.


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

Available in early 2016

HDR compatibility to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colors.
Brilliant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for color accuracy.
4K X-Reality PRO brings stunning detail using a unique algorithm from a reality creation database for TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital still photos.
4K Processor X1 to improve color accuracy, contrast and clarity of HD, 4K and 4K HDR video.
Supports Google’s Android TV operating system, making it easy to stream video, functions as a gaming device and providing enhanced features. Google Cast will provide users with greater connectivity than ever before by enabling them to cast content from mobile devices.
Voice Search and Voice Command available through a remote equipped with a microphone. With access to Google Play, consumers can enjoy what they like to do on a smartphone or tablet, from their television.
Sony’s exclusive Content Bar allows customers to access content quickly and intuitively without disturbing while watching TV by enhancing and shortening content direct access.
Fore press images please go here:

XBR-X930D – images

XBR-X940D – images

XBR-X850D – images

1 Available on select Sony Android TVs.

2 Google Cast is a trademark of Google Inc.

“Sony knows HDR from the lens to the living room – we were among the first to use cameras that film in 4K and HDR and have been on the forefront of offering consumers technology that can bring the stunning experience of 4K and HDR into their homes,” said Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics. “Our new lineup of 4K HDR televisions is proof of our continuing efforts to bring the latest and greatest technologies to market that will provide the best home entertainment experience.”

HDR content is becoming increasingly available on video services, with Amazon becoming the first video provider to offer titles in HDR. Amazon Original Series include the most-streamed Amazon original show ever: The Man in the High Castle and the 2016 Golden Globe nominated series Transparent and Mozart in the Jungle, as well as movies including After Earth, Fury, Salt, Elysium and more. Netflix was the first to roll out 4K content to the mainstream market and has made a commitment to providing HDR content to its subscribers. 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, consumers can purchase and stream 4K HDR movies and TV shows – the best new and classic titles from the 4K digital library of Sony Pictures – directly on their Sony 4K HDR TV.1

Starting in 2016, Sony 4K televisions that are capable of fully taking advantage of HDR content, from the XBR-X850D series and up, will be branded with a new “4K HDR Ultra HD” logo. This logo will be used across Sony’s 4K HDR Ultra HD compatible products from content production, to display devices and services. Logoed televisions meet the Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) HDR definition and support compelling next-generation visual experiences.

Outstanding Picture Clarity

The new XBR-X930D models feature Sony’s new Slim Backlight Drive with precision grid array backlighting. The Slim Backlight Drive, combined with Sony’s enhanced backlight control X-tended Dynamic Range PRO, boosts and dims the backlight to create deeper blacks and brighter peak highlights. This technology manages the light source more accurately in each specific zone while still maintaining a slim profile.

XBR-X930D_hero

All of these premium 4K HDR televisions utilize Sony’s 4K Processor X1 to enhance color, contrast and clarity, improving the quality of 4K images. This is combined with a TRILUMINOS Display to reproduce a wider color range with accurate color details at any brightness level. Further enhancing the picture quality, these televisions are also equipped with 4K X-Reality PRO to bring stunning picture detail using a reality creation database for everything from TV broadcasting to Internet video.

Usability and Design

To support an enhanced viewing experience that goes beyond the screen, the XBR-X930D and XBR-X940D Sony 4K HDR Ultra HD models will have an ultra-thin design that creates an expansive, borderless picture and mounts flush to a wall. When hung against a wall, the television is so close, and the bezel is so thin, that it can appear to be flush with the wall. When the television is set on a TV stand or a cabinet its clean cable management keeps wires out of view and looks equally elegant when viewed from the back or front.

These new televisions support Google’s Android TV™ operating system, making it even easier to watch broadcast and cable TV, stream video, download entertainment, or use as a gaming device. Android TV brings the world’s most popular mobile platform to Sony’s TVs, providing a tailored and intuitive entertainment experience. TV lovers can watch hit shows and timeless movies from Google Play™, Amazon Video, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, PBS and PBS KIDS. Users can also access a huge selection of games and additional apps from the Google Play store right on the TV. Additional popular apps available via Android TV include HBO NOW, EPIX, Starz Play, iHeartRadio, Fusion, PlutoTV and Vevo.



In addition, Android TV’s voice-enabled searching feature has been enhanced to support natural language voice actions and longer, more complex sentences. And with Google Cast™2, users can cast their favorite entertainment apps such as HBO GO from their Android or iOS device, Mac or Windows computer or Chromebook to the TV.

Beyond streaming content, Sony’s Android TV platform allows Home Automation control directly from the TV’s UI using a Logitech Harmony Hub. More than 270,000 home entertainment products and IoT (internet of things) devices, such as lights, shades and thermostats can be controlled and automated at the push of a button on the TV’s remote.

[DCI forum]

Lucas Shaw
June 28, 2016 — 9:25 PM CEST

Playstation network has dozens of TV channels live, on-demand
Disney, Time Warner, Viacom have all licensed their programs

PlayStation Vue, the web-TV service for owners of Sony Corp.’s video-game consoles, has signed up more than 100,000 subscribers since its March 2015 debut, people with knowledge of the matter said, good news for entertainment companies that are losing pay-TV subscribers.

The service has been adding customers at a faster rate since Sony began a nationwide rollout in the U.S. three months ago, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private figures. Sony, based in Tokyo, declined to comment on the number. One person put the total near 120,000.

Media companies like Walt Disney Co. and Time Warner Inc. are looking to internet services to counter or slow the decline in traditional pay-TV subscribers for channels like ESPN and TNT. Shrinking audiences have sapped growth at many cable networks, which are the primary contributors to sales and profit at most major media companies.

Sony created Vue to give owners of its PlayStation consoles the option to watch live and on-demand TV without switching away from their gaming systems, an effort to make the device the centerpiece of the living room. Sony sells different programming plans nationally, in part depending on the availability of the major broadcast networks. Where they are provided on Vue, prices range from $40 a month for about 60 channels to $55 for about 100.

The company also recently began offering the service on other devices, including Roku players, Amazon.com Inc. products, and iPhones and iPads.

Younger Viewers
Media companies are banking on web services to attract younger viewers, those less likely to have cable or satellite TV, and are encouraged by the early results from Sony and Dish Network Corp.’s Sling. Sling has more than 700,000 subscribers, according to one of the people. The company declined to comment.

That means participating media companies are close to reaching 1 million new customers with their web services. While that doesn’t make up for the subscribers lost over the past few years, it may quiet some of those more pessimistic about the future of TV.

“They haven’t been public with their numbers, so I can’t be specific. But what we’ve been told is that their numbers in terms of sub-adoption has gone up tremendously,” Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger said of Vue at an investor conference in May.

AT&T Inc., owner of DirecTV and the largest U.S. pay-TV service, has said it plans to have three web-based services operating later this year. Hulu has said it is working on such a product, while Apple Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and Google Inc.’s YouTube are all exploring the idea as well.

Vue rolled out more slowly than Sling TV. Sony introduced Vue in three markets, adding a few more last summer before making it available in more than 200 markets around the country in March. Live feeds of broadcast networks are only available on Vue in select markets for now.

[donaldk]

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) and Intel Corporation just announced that ULTRA, Sony's 4K movie streaming service, will debut on computers powered by 7th Gen Intel Core processors beginning Q1 in 2017.

Coinciding with the availability of the service on Intel CPU PCs, ULTRA will add new features like 48 hour rentals and free 10 minute previews, allowing customers to experience a sample of any film on the service in full 4K resolution before buying.


       

With its new 7th Gen Intel Core processor, Intel is bringing 4K content to mainstream PC users. This latest processor sets a higher bar for richer experiences and incredible performance and responsiveness, with long battery life and true 4K entertainment. More than 100 stunning new devices powered by 7th Gen Intel Core will be available this holiday season, and some will be available as early as September.

By leveraging new hardware security technologies in its processor, computers powered by 7th Gen Intel Core will be the first PCs to provide secure access to premium 4K movies and television content through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's ULTRA 4K service.

The new Kaby Lake processors do not offer a full new architecture, nor a smaller die process, continuing those of the current Skylake generation of processors, but they do include a new media engine developed for 4K video. The first devices with Kaby Lake CPUs from the Y and U series three in each core i3, i5 and i7 are being launched at the Internationale Funk Ausstelling in Berlin that starts this week.The Core i3 and i5´s are prices at $281, the Core i7s $393. These CPUs are designed for ultra thin laptops and devices. Desk Top and High Performance series are to be launched in January, ie. at CES.

"More and more people are turning to their PC as their main movie viewing device. At the same time, studios like Sony Pictures Home Entertainment are leading the way in producing beautiful 4K content," said Navin Shenoy, general manager of Intel's Client Computing Group. "The combination of the amazing technology in our 7th Gen Intel Core processors combined with the fantastic 4K titles on ULTRA means that anyone with these new computers will be immersed in a 4K viewing world."

"Audiences have shown a strong and growing appetite for premium 4K content, and ULTRA takes advantage of the latest industry innovations – high dynamic range, digital movie extras, and now the 7th Gen Intel Core with Intel hardware security technologies – so viewers get the most out of their movie collections," said Pete Wood, SPHE's Senior Vice President, Digital Distribution.

ULTRA offers a variety of movies for purchase and streaming in 4K, many with Digital Extras, taking full advantage of the latest display technologies and interactive capabilities.

"By enhancing our ULTRA streaming service with the addition of rental and free preview options, and teaming with Intel to provide users greater access to their collections, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is making ULTRA an even more flexible, user-friendly destination for consumers who demand a premium 4K viewing experience," added Richard Berger, SPHE's Senior Vice President, Worldwide Digital Strategy and Advanced Platforms.

ULTRA initially launched in early 2016 on Sony 4K Televisions. Films available on the service for purchase, rental, and streaming on ULTRA include new releases as well as a library of classic films. New releases are priced at $29.99 to own in 4K with HDR, and will be $7.99 for 48 hour rental. Library titles are priced at $25.99 to own.