Sony Japan Details New BRAVIA TV’s That Have 3D, Blu-ray/DVD Playback, 500GB DVR

Sony Japan has detailed five new televisions that have compelling features such as a dual HD tuner, built-in Blu-ray/DVD player and a 500GB DVR. Set for release around late November, the 3D capable BRAVIA KDL-HX80R (based on HX800 series) and regular HD KDL-EX30R series (based on KDL-EX300) televisions will continue to remind consumers the USA is oddly far behind.

You have yet to see a TV like this in the USA because cable and satellite companies have made sure that we’re at the bottom of the barrel with this technology. It just doesn’t make any sense to have such incredibly advanced phones, computers, and so forth, yet US television content control is nearly in the stone age compared to the rest of the world. Most 2010 Japanese TV’s have some sort of DVR and massive hard drive, and Europe and Japan have enjoyed a DVR add-on that works brilliantly with the PS3. Maybe GoogleTV and the incoming horde of instant content streaming (from Apple, etc) will finally push the USA in the right direction, but it is still unclear how this will work with major operators, such as Comcast, Verizon FIOS, DirecTV, etc. And in some ways that’s where the problem lies, as there are so many providers that make great revenue off charging the masses for DVR rentals and associated fees.

The recording options on both televisions are pretty standard for what we’re seeing from other manufacturers in Japan, and it has a 500GB hard drive, and the ability to record two programs in AVC at the same time. There is also enhanced editing and chapter integration for recorded movies. Japanese consumers will enjoy the ability to record MPEG-2 TS streams directly to the hard drive, or use MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 encoding at XR (16Mbps), XSR (11Mbps), SR (8Mbps), LSR (4Mbps), LR (3Mbps), ER (2Mbps) modes. We also give a big thumbs up for the ability to import AVCHD content from a camcorder or camera into the television’s hard drive. How cool is that!

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Here are some more pictures of the monolithic design influenced HX80 series which is 1080P HD, HD 3DTV, and Blu-ray (2D/3D) playback. There will be 55″ (KDL-55HX80R, Y440,000), 46″ (KDL-46HX80R, 360,000Y) and 40″ (KDL-40HX80R, Y300,000) models, all of which featuring 240Hz Motionflow Pro on a beautiful dynamic edge-lit LED LCD panel.

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Similar to the HX800, the HX80R will have BRAVIA Engine 3 and the CREAS3 chip for enhanced color and image clarity. Unfortunately, like the HX800 series, the 3D transmitter (TMR-BR100) and active shutter 3D glasses (TDG-BR100, TDG-BR50) will be optional accessories that you’ll have to buy as well. I’m sure local Japanese retailers are offering 3D accessory bundles.

The EX30R (based on the EX300/EX308 series) is a more basic LCD HDTV with CCFL backlighting, and despite that fact, Sony Japan has integrated 500GB hard drives and a Blu-ray Player into this series as well. The 30″ (KDL-32EX30R, Y150,000) and 26″ (KDL-26EX30R, Y145,000) feature a double HD tuner and 720p resolution. It also has BRAVIA Engine 3 and the CREAS3 chip like the HX80R, but does not support MotionFlow Pro and operates at 60Hz.

Real life pictures of the HX80R and EX30R courtesy of AV Watch. More pictures at our Picasa Gallery of the HX80R and EX30R.

Impressions From A NYC Sony Event

Hello fellow readers, here is a scoop of information about Sony Innovation get-together that occurred in NYC. I’d say this is a pretty rare opportunity that bloggers and Sony enthusiasts who attended the event got to experience at the Sony USA Headquarters on 550 Madison Ave. This gig was hosted on the 35th floor at the Sony Club which is not open to public eyes. Mind you the 34th floor is the Chairman’s floor, where sir Howard Stringer’s office is located, I’ll share more about that part at the end of this post.

When one enters the building, a grand lobby greets its visitors outfitted with a number of Sony Bravia TVs mounted on the wall next to each other. I proceeded to the elevator which takes you to the next level where every employee passes security check each morning. From there you take another elevator and the world of Sony Corporate offices is spread out on each floor.

After we reached the 35th floor we were greeted by the catering staff with finger food and lots of drinks available. But since we are mostly interested in the products we went into special room that was set up with products and Sony specialists waiting to answer any of your questions.

So what impressed me among the Sony gadgetry that I got to play with you may ask? Since I was hoping to see a Google integrated Bravia TV and maybe something new in the VAIO area, and as you know that did not happen, I got to spend some time with the Sony employees and have a good candid talk with some of them about current, past and upcoming products. One of them even mentioned in a polite but fun way that we “blew the embargo” when we posted a story on the not yet released Sony readers. But we would not be a Sony Insider site if we don’t share some of the juicy info from time to time, don’t you agree?

Let’s talk a little about Bravia, I spent a good amount of time discussing 3D, OLED and what Sony is doing in order to gain more share in this competitive market. I mentioned that I believe for 3D to take off, people need more 3D content which is pretty scarce at the moment. Sony rep gave a good response and analogy on how HDTV was also a slow starter and it took some time for it to be adopted and be available to the users. So with 2011 around the corner, let’s hope consumers will be flooded with 3D content from providers as well as Bluray 3D offerings. There is a good possibility that Sony may even consider streaming 3D content through its Bravia Internet Video service available now on all Bravia sets. To which I would say, go for it! Bring us 3D downloadable content from PSN or Qriocity services.

The upcoming Google integrated Bravia is going to be interesting and the sets are being assembled and shipped as we speak. So stay tuned for the announcement and availability this fall. This joint effort of Sony and Google has been praised on techy blogosphere and Sony is very excited about it. I believe if this is done right and most importantly user friendly, it will be an amazing product. I cannot say enough that well-done GUI and Internet features implemented within Bravia would make it or kill it. After asking about design, whether or not it’s going to be 3D ready, I got an answer that this new Bravia is going to be different. The rep felt like it is a good term to describe this upcoming TV, so we will see it and be judges of that.

The new NX810 models were displayed at the event and the 60 inch model drew some attention of course. Its slim design and 3D demos running definitely make the experience fun, but those folks who are neat-picky as far as PQ and want their blacks to be black may still want to wait until Intelligent LED Backlighting reaches the 60 inch mark. For some reason Sony has not yet come up with such a monster and I know many AV enthusiasts are disappointed and jumping the ship to Vizio and Sharp or Samsung 65” plus 3D LCDs. Shortage of panels was one of the main culprits this year.

As far as new monolothic design, I wanted to mention that I like it, but I’d say it’s OK though. I think when XBR10 series were released last year, it was already designed with this monolithic approach in mind as the screen was flush. XBR10 was also a beautiful set. I just think that something is still missing in the design department of the current models and they seem to be just plainly beautiful not striking enough in my opinion (the HX909 model I own is cutting close to being a beauty with its optional aluminum stand it is sitting in, but the panel itself is still on the thick side, I know I am very picky).

The NX810 are available in 46, 55 and 60 inch full HD resolution of course, all models share Dynamic Edge LED Backlighting with local dimming, Motionflow Pro 240Hz (watch the vid below where we discuss difference between 240Hz vs 480Hz).

The Sony NEX-VG10 was another product that drew attention of many. The interchangeable and first of its kind in the world camera will be available this September. There were also TX9 and a pair of NEX-3,5 as well as presentation of several 3D pictures taken by those Cybershots.

Anyways, check out the videos that will be posted soon (they are being uploaded).

As I mentioned in the very beginning the floor below the event was the Chairman’s floor and at that point I did not know that, I needed a lil break and I walked the marble stairs that led to the 34th floor, and as I wondered around, I passed the conference room outfitted with 2 Sony professional monitors where most likely videoconferencing takes place with Tokyo. As I proceeded further, I spotted Bravia HX909 hanging on the wall and a number of pictures and after talking to a lady sitting there, I realized that it was sir Howard’s office! Of course, he was not in, but being in the area where a lot of Sony decisions take place was pretty awesome!  I also got to talk to one of the Sony Club employee who has interfaced with Mr. Stringer on many occasions and that the CEO is a real true English gentleman with an awesome sense of humor.

All in all, it was a remarkable event and I was happy to catch up with a couple of my good Sony friends – Sukhjit  – the social media butterfly that has a huge passion for Sony and loves what she does there, Marcy Cohen and Jon Piazza.

Win An Imperial Lime VAIO W Series Netbook Or Billabong Boardshorts From Sony

For those of you in the USA, if you want a chance to win 2 Imperial Lime W Series PCs and 10 Billabong boardshorts, simply answer all 3 pop quiz questions below correctly by leaving your answers in the comment section of this Sony Blog post.  If you get stuck you can find hints to the answers by clicking the link to the related story. Next Friday, September 3^rd, Sony will close the contest and randomly select 2 grand prize winners and 10 boardshort winners from the lot of those who answered all 3 questions correctly. They’ll announce the winners as a follow up to this post shortly thereafter. Good luck!

Pop Quiz:

1. What charity did this year’s Design for Humanity event benefit?  Hint:  Watch this video
2. What’s the official color name of the VAIO / Billabong collab?  Hint: Read this story
3. Name the first fan to win the new VAIO / Billabong PC in our 3 stop homestretch?  Hint: Read/Watch this story

Be sure that when you post your comment on the related Sony blog post, you enter your real e-mail address in the e-mail field below (not in the comment area). Without a valid e-mail address in that field, you won’t be able to win!

Sony BRAVIA NX810 HD 3DTV Soon To Be Available Worldwide

When the gorgeous Sony BRAVIA NX Series edge-lit LED LCD TV was introduced earlier this year, it was presented as a HDTV with some really advanced features, but lacked 3D capability. Sony Europe and Sony USA are set to offer the BRAVIA NX810 series HD 3DTV to consumers this September. The series, available in 46″ (KDL-46NX810, $3,000), 55″ (KDL-55NX810, $3,700), and 60″ (KDL-60NX810, $4,700) inch screen sizes feature full HD (1080p) resolution with 2D and 3D capability. Your favorite show or movie will come alive with the 240Hz Motionflow PRO technology, enabling a clear picture when watching content that has fast-moving sequences.

Sony’s most advanced processing system for superior image detail, BRAVIA Engine 3, offers exceptionally vibrant, life-like images, reduced noise and optimized contrast and color. There is also dynamic edge-lit LED backlighting that features local dimming for crisp blacks and exceptional colors. However, some have found that direct LED backlit panels may look better. In fact, it is rather odd that this model is priced higher than the HX909 series, which does offer direct LED backlighting and what some consider a superior picture to the NX810.

Connectivity is pretty well rounded on the NX810 series with a plethora of HDMI inputs, as well as USB, Ethernet, built-in Wi-Fi, BRAVIA Internet Video & Widgets, and much more. Unfortunately, the 3D Sync Transmitter (TMR-BR100) and 3D Active Shutter glasses (TDG-BR100, TDG-BR50) are sold separately.

To complement the NX810, Sony Europe says “..an optional designer stand offers an even more elegant way to set your TV at the perfect 6° viewing angle. And with a 2.1 sound system mounted in the base, you’re guaranteed not just effortless style but enhanced sound quality too.”

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Sony Europe also goes on to detail a NX710 HD 3DTV (identical in appearance and similar to the NX700) that will be available for a lesser price, smaller screen sizes and 120Hz MotionFlow Pro technology, but there is no word if this model will come to the USA.

Sony’s New Alpha A55/A33 DSLR Cameras Already Receiving Accolades

Sony has really captured the attention of the consumer photography world with the recent introduction of the Alpha A55 and A33 DSLRs, which will become available over the next several months around the world. The cameras, especially the A55, are being raved about on DPreview (the A55 even won a Gold Award), imaging-resource, Digital Camera Review, Pop Photo, and many other sites. Make sure you check out the sample pictures in those links.

In fact, its hard to find anyone saying anything bad about these two new cameras. It’s not really surprising, either, because the A55 and A33 are full to the brim of innovative technology. They have an ultra precise focus that works incredibly well, and boasts the world’s first 15-point phase detection AF system for an interchangeable lens camera. They are lightning quick, with the A55 capable of 10fps and the A33 capable of 7fps. The camera can maintain focus on subjects that move quickly towards or away from the camera even in a shallow depth of field. Other features introduced on some of these new Sony DSLR’s include HD video recording, GPS, Panoramic Pictures (2D/3D), and much more.

One of the major factors contributing to the popularity of the A55 and A33 is the new Translucent (pellicle) Mirror technology, which as Debbie Grossman from Pop Photo describes, “In place of a mirror, there’s a fixed film that’s reflective enough to direct light to the autofocus sensor while simultaneously transmitting light to the image sensor behind it. That means that phase detection autofocus can be in effect the entire time you’re shooting, with no interruptions when you click the shutter.”

The results of this translucent mirror system (picture above from AV Watch) are stunning for the price, and there is quality and features in these new DSLR’s that are usually found in cameras that cost thousands of dollars. The A55 and A33 push the bar in the sub-$1,000 price market, which is a healthy arena for Sony to compete especially as more and more amateur photographers become present in the digital world. Easily put, these are incredible cameras for a beginner and/or a surprising contender as a secondary camera for any type of established photographer.

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The A55 and A33 also have an very strong HD movie mode (1080-60i AVCHD/1440 x 1080 MPEG4) with the ability to record up to 29 minutes in one instance. Sony Europe describes in further detail, “The α55 and α33 also mark the debut of Quick AF Full HD movie shooting. Translucent Mirror Technology enables AVCHD 1080i video shooting with smooth, precise phase detection AF tracking of moving subjects. Real-time video image preview is now possible via the viewfinder – in contrast with DSLR cameras where the raised mirror prevents light from reaching the optical viewfinder during video shooting.”

We are still working to find some good video (on YouTube) shot with the A55 or A33. So far, I have seen some impressive examples of the A55 video of a rodeo (HD) at Luminous Landscape, and firebreathers on Vimeo (low quality). DPreview also has some nice HD MTS files.

Here is a video from one of our new content partners, Diginfo, of the Sony Japan press event for the A55/A33:

There are many other features found in the A55 and A33, which are officially called the SLT-A55V and SLT-A33. Both cameras offer built-in flash, and are compatible with Sony A lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens. The A55 has a 16.2 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS, while the A33 has a lesser 14.3 version. The BIONZ image processor compliments the ISO 100- 12800 range, and the Multi Frame NR mode enables an extended ISO of 25600.

Like most DSLR’s, the A55/A33 shoot JPEG (fine, standard), RAW, and RAW + JPG and you’ll be able to enjoy seeing what you shoot on the 3 inch LCD that is an 100% frame coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF). The great part about this viewfinder is the Quick AF live view, which means you no longer have to see the screen black out when taking a picture. There also isn’t that familiar shutter sound you hear in most DSLR’s.

They have an electronic viewfinder that is dead-on with the sensor. In fact, it’s so good that imaging-resource.com said, “I’ve long been an avowed EVF-hater, but the viewfinder display on the Sony A55 is good enough that I found myself sorely missing it when I returned to shooting with a conventional sub-frame SLR with a typically small optical viewfinder.”

As we stated earlier, the A55 and A33 also shoot panoramic pictures in 2D or 3D. If you thought this style of picture was a cool feature in a point-and-shoot camera, just look at the results implemented in a DSLR. How unbelievable does the picture (from Pop Photo) above look?

For users who enjoy geotagging, the A55 is the first α camera with a built-in GPS that can tag images with the geographical coordinates of the location where they were taken, recorded as EXIF data. When viewed on a computer using the bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software or on a compatible BRAVIA TV equipped with the Photo Map function, the geotagged images are beautifully displayed on a world map.

For greater convenience, both cameras support Memory Stick and SD cards. With the Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, movies and photos can be transferred up to 4 times faster than when using the Memory Stick PRO Duo Mark2.

Sony Insider is Going to NYC

Yup, you heard it right. We have visited San Diego Sony Electronics Headquarters earlier this summer and tomorrow we are heading to New York City where Sony will be hosting a special event for those who are enthusiastic about the brand and its achievements. We are also hearing Sony will be showing some new fall products, maybe get a glance of what we may see at CEDIA. We are armed with an HD camera and a Cybershot G1 to capture whatever will be thrown at us and will report to you our readers. Will we see new Google Bravia, 3D VAIOs or something else? You can find out all about it tomorrow,  so stay tuned!

The Essential Lena Horne Is Scintillating And Seductive

Sony Masterworks released The Essential Lena Horne today, which spans thirty years of the legendary artist’s career, from her first recordings in 1941 to her live recordings of the 1950s and ’60s. This 39-song, 2-CD collection of golden standards includes six tracks previously unavailable on CD and begins and ends with irreplaceable versions of her signature song, “Stormy Weather.”

Horne’s skills as a performer were sharpened over the years before nightclub audiences around the world. Two such performances are featured extensively in this collection: Horne’s February 1957 appearance at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, and a 1960 Las Vegas performance at the Sands Hotel. The medleys of tunes by Cole Porter, Jules Styne and Duke Ellington highlight the multiple facets of Horne’s delivery.

Horne’s sole appearance in a Broadway musical came in 1957, when she starred in Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg’s Jamaica.  The New York Times critic Brooks Atkinson made special note of Horne’s four songs in the show:  ”[These] are songs that know they have been sung by the time Miss Horne gets through with them.”

The song most identified with Horne is “Stormy Weather,” composed in 1933 by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler.  She recorded it for RCA in 1941, and the song became the title track for the first film in which she had a starring role in 1943. The 1957 version recorded at New York’s Webster Hall with Lennie Hayton and His Orchestra is considered by many to be her definitive recording of the song.

Horne was a unique figure in American culture during the 20th century.  Though often identified as an actress, and frequently cited as one of the first black stars to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio, Lena Horne made just eight films and appeared in only five shows on Broadway.  Winner of four Grammys and a Tony, Horne made some of her finest recordings for RCA Victor in the 1940s and ’50s.

The following selections appear for the first time on CD:

• If You Can Dream recorded January 20, 1956 with Lennie Hayton and His Orchestra
• Give Me Love recorded June 13, 1958
• Push de Button recorded August 27, 1957 with Neil Hefti, His Orchestra and Chorus
• Speak Low recorded June 3, 1958 with Lennie Hayton and His Orchestra
• Take It Slow, Joe recorded August 27, 1957 with Neil Hefti, His Orchestra and Chorus
• I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart recorded July 1, 1962 with Marty Paich, conductor

More Pictures Of The New Attractive Sony PC Gaming Headsets

The Sony DR-GA500/DR-GA200 high-end PC gaming headset is a phenomenal new offering that Sony Europe/Asia Pacific showed off last week made specifically for gamers. The design of the headset is one of the best looking I’ve ever seen because of its open ear design. Many of the high-end PC gaming headsets currently out there have a closed-ear design that becomes quite uncomfortable after extended use. As the current standard for expensive PC gaming headsets is to have advanced sound, the DR-GA500 meets that challenge with incredible audio quality due to the Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoder with unique Sony Virtual Phones Technology (VPT) to create convincing 7.1ch 3D surround effects. The signal processing hardware is contained in a compact external unit.

With such sound capabilities, gamers have the ability to hear things in games they may have not heard before with lesser headsets. Maximum audio performance is ideal for first person shooter (FPS) games that require your absolute attention. Having great sound means that you can hear enemies in games sneak up on you, or hear greater detail in explosions, gunfire, and other tactical sounds.

Here are some more pictures of the headset, starting with the mic extended:

..and here is the mic withdrawn:

Inside Job Movie Exposes The Truth Behind American Financial Crisis

Inside Job is a 2010 documentary from Academy Award nominated filmmaker, Charles Ferguson (“No End In Sight”), and is the first film to expose the shocking truth behind the economic crisis of 2008. The global financial meltdown, at a cost of over $20 trillion, resulted in millions of people losing their homes and jobs. Through extensive research and interviews with major financial insiders, politicians and journalists, Inside Job traces the rise of a rogue industry and unveils the corrosive relationships which have corrupted politics, regulation and academia.

Narrated by Academy Award winner Matt Damon, the Inside Job was made on location in the United States, Iceland, England, France, Singapore, and China. The movie was screened at Cannes in May 2010 and is scheduled to be released in the USA by Sony Pictures Classics on October 8th, 2010. One of the first catchy marketing lines being used is that this is “The film that cost over $20,000,000,000,000 to produce.” Be sure to also check out the Inside Job official website and Facebook page.

Sony’s Single Wire Interface Could Revolutionize Cell Phone Design

Sony is showing off a new cable they have under development for cell phones, officially called “single wire interface” technology, which dramatically condenses audio, video and power transmission into a single cable. Of course, this applies to flip (aka clam shell) phones, which have fallen behind in popularity in the USA to large screen solitary devices like the iPhone, and various Android handsets. However, in Japan, many people still use flip phones, as you can see on one of their largest cell carriers NTT docomo.

Sony boasts that normal clamshell cell phones can have up to 22 wires to transmit data and power, consisting of a power wire, an audio wire, fifteen misc. wires, and five differential wires. With this new technology, all of that can be transmitted through one differential wire capable of 940Mbps transmission speeds. Could this mean a new revolution in handset design? Amazing to think of the possibilities.

How did they do it? Well, according to the press release,

“Sony developed a unique time division duplex and multiplex method that enable packets of data, including video (display, camera), audio, and control signals to be transmitted over a single cable. Furthermore, Sony has enabled the bi-directional transmission of different signals, such as display and camera signals, by incorporating a mechanism that retains individual synchronization.

The newly-developed hardware is composed of a digital portion that performs multi-level encoding, an analog portion that transmits and receives signals, and another portion that combines signals with DC power or separates signals from DC power. A unique multi-level encoding that has no DC component enables both high speed transmission with limited frequency bandwidth and DC power supply on a single common cable.”

What’s next? Sony is working with a company called ROHM, which has a track record in peripheral tech and they will co-develop and work on the analog portion of the chip. ROHM will then get the IP license for the digital portion of the single wire technology in order to make a chip that has the analog and digital aspects within.