Sony Ups The Ante With HDR-XR520V, A 240GB Consumer HD Camcorder

Shoot like a pro and record your memories directly to a massive 240GB hard disk drive with the HDR-XR520V Handycam camcorder. This impressive camcorder is capable of recording up to 92 hours of high definition (HD) video in HD LP mode. Equipped with an advanced ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor-R technology, you can capture stunning 1920×1080 HD video and 12.1 megapixel still images. Additionally, a built-in GPS receiver helps you keep track of your current location and even remembers where you shot your videos while the professional-quality Sony G Lens delivers superior optical performance. This will retail for $1,499 and be available at SonyStyle and other electronic retailers soon.

1920 x 1080 high definition resolution lets you record your memories in exceptional quality. 12.1 megapixel still image capture lets you take stunning, high resolution digital photos. A built-in 240GB hard disk drive can record and store up to 101 hours of high definition video footage in long play mode (HD LP, 2ch Dolby mode). In addition, “HDD Smart Protection” gives you peace of mind by helping to prevent any recorded video and images from being lost if the camcorder is accidentally dropped.

HDR-SR12 vs. HDR-XR520V Exmor-R Sensor from Sony Insider on Vimeo.

1/2.88″ Exmor R CMOS sensor delivers bright, vivid, spectacularly detailed video footage – a total improvement over last year’s model, which is demonstrated in the video above. With 6 megapixel (effective) video resolution, the image sensor actually captures video at four times the density of high definition resolution resulting in a sharper and more detailed 1920 x 1080 HD picture. In addition, “Exmor R” technology captures images with high resolution and high sensitivity, while the advanced Sony BIONZ™ image processor improves camera response time and screens out noise to help ensure that the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible.

Experience stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain with the newly developed, back-illuminated “Exmor R” sensor. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the “Exmor R” sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, maximizing the light-gathering area per pixel so you can shoot with better results in lower lighting conditions.

Geotagging with built-in GPS receiver:

A built-in GPS receiver makes the HDR-XR520V an ideal choice for travelers. In addition to automatically adjusting your camcorder’s clock to the proper time zone, the GPS receiver also gives you the ability to view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as “tag” your shooting locations. Tagged videos and still images can be reviewed and played back using the Map Index function on the camcorder or once downloaded to your PC using the supplied PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software. We question why Sony didn’t include some sort of GPS software as well, which would give this product extra value by also working as a navigation device. It is a perfect idea if you think about it – a large, vivid touchscreen would work quite well.

Map Index function:

Map Index uses the geotagging capabilities of the built-in GPS receiver to “tag” your shot locations on a map in the camcorder, offering a new way to easily search and find a desired scene by location or view where a scene was captured.

Face Detection technology for Video Footage and Digital Still Photos:

Made possible by the BIONZ™ image processing engine, Face Detection technology recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and by selecting the most prominent, automatically controls focus, exposure, and color to help capture smiling faces brightly and clearly. Face Detection technology also helps make skin tones look natural without affecting other colors in the image. On AVCHD models, the camcorder allocates encoding bits on detected face areas prior to encoding other parts of the picture, making them sharper and clearer. In still picture mode, Face Detection technology sets the flash level to optimize picture clarity.

Smile Shutter™ technology for still and dual capture:

Smile Shutter™ technology lets the camcorder automatically take still photos when your subject smiles, even while shooting high definition video. You can also set the sensitivity and choose child, adult, or auto priority.

Sony Shows Off Optical SteadyShot from Sony Insider on Vimeo.

Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode represents the next step forward in Sony® image stabilization technology. Active Mode improves on existing Optical SteadyShot image stabilization by allowing the camera lens to shift over a greater range of motion. This allows the HDR-XR520V to compensate for greater degrees of camera shake and deliver a stunning level of image smoothness. The video above shows the HDR-SR12 and the HDR-XR520V on a shaking platform – the results are quite noticeable.

3.2” wide touch panel Xtra Fine LCD™ display (921K pixels):

The 3.2” wide (16:9) touch panel Xtra Fine LCD™ display renders sharp, bright, photo-quality images, letting you compose and share video and still images more easily — even outdoors. With nearly 1 megapixel (921K pixels) resolution and a wide viewing angle, the Xtra Fine LCD™ screen is like having a high-resolution video and photo viewer built into your camcorder. The convenient touch panel allows easy access to menus and additional functionality such as spot focus and spot metering. You can also power on your camcorder by simply opening the LCD display.

Highlight Playback:

Why spend hours editing your movies when you can let your camcorder do it for you? Highlight Playback uses several criteria – including Face Index, Smile Shutter™ technology, Dual Capture and time range – to identify and compile key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions.

Professional-quality Sony® G Lens:

Designed specifically to complement the “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor with ClearVid™ array the professional-quality Sony® G Lens delivers superior optical performance. Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass reduces chromatic aberration for more accurate color reproduction with less “fringing”, and precision ground optics offer stunning resolving power to bring you sharp, amazingly detailed images.

12X Optical / 150X Digital Zoom:

12X optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that digital zooming (up to 150X) is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Dedicated Mic and Headphone inputs:

The HDR-XR520V features dedicated mic and headphone inputs (external microphones and headphones sold separately).

Dolby® Digital 5.1ch recording with Built-in Zoom Mic:

Dolby® Digital 5.1 channel recording captures active sounds coming from all directions, so you can experience your home movies the way you experienced them while recording. The Built-In Zoom Mic focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera’s zoom lens.

Dual Record with 8.3MP still image capture:

Dual record capability lets you capture 8.3MP still images while shooting high definition video, so you can capture those special moments without having to switch recording modes.

Smooth Slow Record:

The Smooth Slow Record mode increases the record rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps, allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is a great tool for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, you record an audio track to narrate the video footage.

Assignable Dial:

An assignable dial on the front of the camcorder can be programmed to control a variety of settings, including focus, exposure, AE (Auto Exposure) Shift, and WB (White Balance) Shift.

HDMI™/USB connection:

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. HDMI connects digital audio/video sources such as a compatible camcorder, Blu-ray Disc player, a personal computer, a video game console, or an AV receiver to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor such as a digital television (DTV). A USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a compatible PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing.

BIONZ™ Image Processor:

The BIONZ™ Image Processor works in conjunction with the “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor with ClearVid™ array technology for pristine imaging. The BIONZ image processor provides Data Noise Reduction, Faster Image processing, and Data compression to preserve videos and images. In addition, the BIONZ™ image processor enables Face Detection technology and Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer for both video and still image capture. The higher processing speed also allows Dual Recording to capture still images while recording video.

..and more – check out the HDR-XR520V at SonyStyle.

Incoming: PS3 Firmware v2.60 Update

The PS3 firmware update (v2.60) is designed primarily to enhance the system’s media capabilities. The key feature is a new Photo Gallery application, which delivers a suite of tools for sorting through and displaying your digital photo collection. Digital pictures can be organized in groups according to various criteria, including the camera used to take the photos, the event date and time, colors in the photos, as well as the number, ages, or facial expressions of the people pictured. You can also create slideshows set to music and build photo playlists with an easy-to-use interface. The Photo Gallery application will need to be installed separately from the XMB after you update your PS3’s firmware. To install the Photo Gallery application, go to the Photo section on the XMB, select Photo Gallery and press the X button.

The 2.60 update also includes:

• Guest access to PlayStation Store – This enables non-PlayStation Network members to browse through the storefront to check out the latest games, demos, videos, etc.
• DivX 3.11 support – Videos in this format can now be played on PS3.

Here’s a video walk-through of firmware 2.60 that shows off some of what the Photo Gallery can do.

Sony To Detail Specifics Of Layoffs This Week

Sony Corp is preparing to announce on Wednesday or Thursday details of its December restructuring plan, including where job cuts will fall, the Financial Times reported. The newspaper said Chief Executive Howard Stringer was facing resistance to cutting jobs in the electronics division and in Japan.

A Sony spokesman declined to comment on the report. Article courtesy of Reuters.

SOE Acquires PoxNora From Octopi, LLC

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) now owns the ground-breaking, critically acclaimed PoxNora online collectible strategy game and the other key assets for future game development from Tucson-based Octopi, LLC. As part of the acquisition, members of the Octopi development team will form the core of SOE’s new Tucson studio, focusing on the continuing support of PoxNora as well as working with SOE’s Denver studio on new trading card and strategy game projects. The transaction closed Friday, January 16, 2009.

“Our strategy and trading card games have been successful beyond our wildest dreams,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “Expanding with a great product like PoxNora and the outstanding development team from Octopi gives us a chance to extend our strategy game offerings and enhance the ones we already field.”

“We could not be more excited about becoming part of the Sony Online Entertainment family,” said Dan Kopycienski, president of Octopi. “We have always been passionate about developing unique and creative games for our customers, and now with the support of SOE, we will have the opportunity to take our products to that next level.”

Based in Tucson, Arizona, Octopi, LLC. are the developers of PoxNora, a successful online game that combines aspects of traditional card games with turn-based strategy games to give players a unique game experience. Seven successful expansions provide a strong base for current success, as well as building a sturdy foundation for the future.

The new SOE Tucson studio will work closely with SOE’s Denver studio on maintaining and expanding SOE’s lineup of strategy games, as well as pushing into new genres and developing new projects. More information on Octopi and its titles can be found at www.octopi.com.

Cnet Takes a Look at VAIO P Lifestyle PC

For all of you who pre-ordered VAIO P, saw some lucky dudes unbox the baby and just can’t wait to get your FedEx tracking number, here is a piece of info that came from Cnet to wet your tech appetite even more. You know you are getting a really slick, light weight VAIO and Cnet agrees with you all that it is not a bad purchase you made. OK, we won’t hold you any longer here, check out the pros and cons below and hit the link for more.

The good: Elegant, thin design; large keyboard; multiple networking and connectivity options; high-resolution screen; less expensive than Sony’s UMPC experiments.

The bad: Stuck with Windows Vista (for now); trackpoint navigation isn’t ideal.

The bottom line: Sony’s upscale Atom-powered Lifestyle PC has the components of a cheaper machine but the design of a more expensive one. The end result will be a useful travel PC for some and a conversation piece for others.

Oh and by the way, VAIO P is coming without any crapware preinstalled on it! Yes, you heard it right. Sony listens, you know.

NWZ-S730 Series Firmware Update 1.11 Arrives

Sony has updated the firmware of the NWZ-S730 series to version 1.11 and resolves an issue where, while playing any music files, the player may stop responding and then may automatically power off and on. This firmware update is only for use with the products identified and sold in the United States, Latin America, Canada, or Brazil – we cannot verify if it will work for other countries. Read more at Sony eSupport.

Forum user Zizone has reported that the download location at the eSupport page is NOT working. Download the NWZ-S730 firmware 1.11 update here.

Thanks, Zizone!

This firmware update is intended only for NWZ-S736F and NWZ-S738F Sony Walkman Digital Music players that have firmware version 1.10 or lower installed. Please follow the steps below to check the model and firmware version of your player.

1. Press and hold the “BACK/HOME” button until the “Home” menu appears.
2. At the “Home” menu, use the arrow buttons () to select “Settings” (), and then press the “Play/Pause” button ().
3. At the “Settings” menu, use the arrow buttons to select “Common Settings”, and then press the “Play/Pause” button.
4. At the “Common Settings” menu, use the arrow buttons to select “Unit Information”, and then press the “Play/Pause” button.
5. Confirm that the model is NWZ-S736F or NWZ-S738F and that the firmware version is 1.10 or lower.

If the firmware version is 1.11 or higher do not attempt to install this update. It is strongly recommended that you transfer all tracks and data from the player to the computer before performing this update. Tracks and data that remain on the player may be damaged or deleted during the update process. In order to install this update, there must be at least 30 MB free space on the player.

Sony Will Find Success With “Webbie” Line Of Youtube/etc-friendly Camcorders

Social networking is all the rage with Sony’s new stylish cameras that make it easy to capture and upload MP4 video and still photos directly to the Web. The MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1 Webbie HD cameras capture daily events in high definition video (1440×1080/30p) and 5-megapixel still photos. Embedded software makes it possible to quickly upload content online to Youtube, Vimeo, etc in a few simple clicks. Two portable designs in three stylish colors—eggplant, orange and silver—reflect your personal style while capturing every wish-you-were-here moment.

“Webbie HD cameras are perfect for youth culture, who love to share moments on social networks as they happen,” said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “It’s exciting to see these new customers embracing video to share their experiences and we’ve expanded our camcorder line to meet their needs.”

The MHS-CM1 camera sports a slim horizontal design that fits naturally in your palm with a large 2.5-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen that swivels up to 270 degrees. It also has 5X optical zoom to snap a detailed close-up of your subject. Recording modes include 1080i, 720p, 3:2, and more. I assume that 720p will be the most popular mode for most consumers.

The four-ounce MHS-PM1 camera is (very) lightweight and can be taken virtually everywhere—just stash the vertical chassis in a pocket or purse to catch that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. A rotating swivel lens with 4X digital zoom flips over so you can see yourself while shooting video and taking photos.

By connecting the camera to your computer via the supplied USB cable, the embedded PMB Portable software quickly transfers content to video and photo sharing websites. It includes direct upload to Shutterfly™ and Picasa™ Web Albums photo sharing sites, YouTube™ and Dailymotion™ video sharing sites and Photobucket™ video and photo sharing site. You can also simply drag and drop video files from the camera to your personal computer folders.

Five scene selection modes—such as low light, sports and landscape— help you capture the best picture possible in any situation. Both cameras record directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately).

The MHS-CM1 camera is available today for about $200 and the MHS-PM1 model will be available in April for about $170. The Webbie HD cameras will be sold at Sony Style® retail stores, online at www.sonystyle.com/webbiehd and through authorized dealers nationwide.

SOE To Distribute Games On Steam

Valve Corporation and Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announce the availability of some of SOE’s extensive library of Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) titles on Steam, a leading platform for the delivery and management of PC games and digital content with over 15 million accounts around the world.

The SOE developed and/or published titles now available include the complete EverQuest® (EQ) and EverQuest® II (EQII) collections, as well as Vanguard: Saga of Heroes® and Pirates of the Burning Sea™. To kick off this monumental event, Pirates of the Burning Sea, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, EQ Secrets of Faydwer and EQII Rise of Kunark are being offered by Valve at a special introductory price for the first 10 days the games are available for purchase on Steam. New SOE game accounts for the game purchased will also receive 30 days of gameplay included with purchase (this offer excludes existing game and Station Access accounts).

In addition, the recently released expansions EverQuest® Seeds of Destruction™ and EverQuest® II The Shadow Odyssey™ are available for purchase.

“Sony Online Entertainment propelled the MMO genre and PC gaming into new era with the launch of EverQuest,” said Jason Holtman, director of business development at Valve. “SOE continues to evolve the genre and PC gaming with new universes such as Vanguard and Pirates of the Burning Sea, while continuously expanding the EverQuest and EverQuest II worlds with over 20 total expansions delivered electronically since the first EQ was released in March 1999.”

“We are always looking for additional ways to introduce our great catalog of games to new audiences. It’s hard to think of a larger group of PC gamers interested in multiplayer games than those connecting to Steam,” said John Smedley, president of SOE. “We’ve long been a leader in MMOs and this agreement will help bring our exciting content to millions of additional online gamers around the world.”

For more information, please visit steamgames.com

SOE Hosting Fundraising Drive For Child’s Play Charity

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is making it easier for players of its popular online video games to support charity in its Child’s Play 2009 Winter Charity Drive – and get cool new in-game items in the process. In a month-long fundraising campaign beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, SOE will donate $10 each time an EverQuest or EverQuest II player buys a specific Child’s Play item on the Marketplace with Station Cash (SC), SOE’s recently introduced in-game currency.

To support the ongoing efforts by Child’s Play to improve the lives of hospitalized children worldwide, EverQuest players will be able to buy the Child’s Play Guktan Shield Ornamentation, and EverQuest II players can purchase the Child’s Play Bouncing Baby Bear Cub.

“SOE and our players have been staunch supporters of this charity since 2003, and with the integration of Station Cash into our online games, teaming up with Child’s Play for this online campaign was an easy decision,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment.

Founded in 2003, Child’s Play is a game industry charity that is dedicated to providing children with toys and age-appropriate games at more than 40 hospitals worldwide.

For more information, visit www.childsplaycharity.org and www.station.com.

Video: Viewing Sony Insider On iPhone/iTouch

We made a short introduction video of viewing Sony Insider on the iPhone/iTouch (skin also compatible with Android and Playstation 3). It is a completely different look in comparison to the regular site thanks to the awesome WPTouch plugin for WordPress. Please excuse my shaky hands at the beginning.

Sony Insider On iPhone/iTouch from Sony Insider on Vimeo.