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Sony Bravia HX929 Firmware Available, New Features Abound
Sir Howard Stringer Addresses PSN/Qriocity Customers
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Sony USA has been mum on pricing details for new Sony Bravia HX series TV sets since they showed off the XBR-46HX929 and XBR-55HX929 at CES. We already witnessed European announcement with their price tags, and they did seem pretty promising. As some of you may remember the original HX909 flagship models were pretty pricey (the 52″ model MSRP was set at $3699), so what might the new and improved HX models cost?
Kevin Butler is promoting the latest blockbuster FPS game for the PS3 – Killzone 3, which came out several days ago. And Kevin has a fish in barrel just for you.
Reviews basically state the obvious: incredible gameplay, groundbreaking 3D, exciting PlayStation Move support, and an 84 rating on Metacritic.
IGN gave the game an 8.5, praising the atmosphere, graphics and multiplayer. They also stated “the weak story never develops into anything great.” Destructoid gave the game a perfect 10/10, with reviewer Jim Sterling stating: “I don’t think the PlayStation 3 has ever had quite such a rounded, satisfactory package as this, with this level of polish, refinement and pure, simple, unpretentious action.”
Lets take a look at Sony’s new active shutter 3D glasses for their 2011 range of BRAVIA TV’s. There are two models: TDG-BR200 (large/adult) and the TDG-BR250 (small/child) differ only by size. Both series come in black and white.
With a new design, the glasses are more lightweight and have a less bulky appearance without sacrificing the ability to block out ambient room light. Despite the thinner look, these latest 3D active shutter glasses are durable, unless your chucking them around in an argument.
Definitely one of the best designs on the market.
The new shades have a standard micro USB port. The battery is rechargeable and boasts a very quick recharge time. 3 hours after just 3 minutes of charging. 30 hours use on a 45 minute full charge. Not too shabby!
We all know that CES product extravaganza usually would be a good indicator of what to expect pretty much for all markets and not just the US, however it looks like January 20th was a big day for Sony Europe and Sony Japan, where the company officially revealed the Bravia family line up and also announced some pricing information. It is interesting to note that in the Japanese event in Tokyo has not revealed any information on the high end model – the HX92 series range.
Sony often has interesting exhibits and displays during large trade shows, and during CES 2011 the real gem was a stunning Monolithic Design exhibit. From the primary booth entrance, a row of droolworthy 55″ HX929 series BRAVIA TVs led to the origin of Sony’s TV design inspiration. Amusingly, the sheer size and open layout of Sony’s booth may have left this artistic vision overlooked by many attendees. The large, monolithic black screen was surrounded by thin slate and was something truly reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Sony had many interesting demonstrations of upcoming/concept glasses-free 3D technology at CES 2011. An interesting character in that group was the little “Glasses-free 3D Portable Blu-ray Player,” which allows you to spin 3D movies anywhere, without glasses.
The specifications are pretty straightforward for its small size, as it sports a normal 10.1″ LCD at 1366×768, which can play HD at that resolution. The 3D effect is not as bad as you would think. After spending several minutes watching the various demo footage I was slightly impressed. There was dimensionality around objects, but it wasn’t anything mind blowing. When the character (in the photos below) was walking around the forest I could feel the layers of scene around her, and the trees seemed authentic at certain points. At other points it was lackluster. I think it will still be a really unique device that could appeal to those who have Blu-ray 3D movies.
Could it also be a product that entices someone to get into Blu-ray 3D? Hard to tell. If I had the money to throw around I might get it for the family. Maybe if I traveled a lot.
Would you buy a product like this?
The styling on top of this Blu-ray player was radical and embossed with a high gloss, carbon-fiber ribbon top with a lush shade of subdued neon blue. It, like many other products for Sony at CES 2011, represented even bolder style experimentation than previous generations. There is no doubt this device would attract attention. And fingerprints.
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After spending a considerable amount of time at Sony’s CES 2011 booth, it has become increasingly obvious what product is the true star of the show. We tip our hat towards those futuristic concept 3D head mounted glasses.
These aren’t glasses for watching 3D on your television, but rather 3D directly displayed within. Think of it as your own personal theater.
Now bear with us for a moment if owning a product like this seems silly to you. We don’t blame you for thinking that way. In reality, there’s a couple of considerations that make this product seem completely impractical, such as comfort, price, and so on.
According to Sony, these glasses are a 3D “cinematic experience” with integrated surround sound. But what does that really mean? Well, with a built in OLED screen and a 1280×720 resolution, it means these concept glasses ooze quality. Sure, it’s not 1080p, but these glasses are just an early concept and the potential is certainly there. The color reproduction is very high, thanks in part to OLED’s 24-bit RGB spectrum.
The aesthetics of the glasses is something straight out of Tron. The design is a reminder of Sony style and innovation from years ago when the company experimented. The glossy shell exterior is truly stunning, and is complimented by soft blue LED lighting on the front and near the built-in headphones with an illuminated logo on each side.
When I first picked up the glasses, it wasn’t as heavy as I expected. The internal design still looked like a prototype, but overall not too far different than a final product. Putting them on was relatively easy, but unfortunately you had to hold these in place and were not self supported. If and when these glasses come to market I assume that won’t be an issue.
I’ve been a moderate critic of 3D. I think that it was launched too early, but it does offer something different and compelling in selected media experiences, such as live sports, gaming, and so forth. My only gripe has been cross talk, which is that issue where motion doesn’t appear fluid. Cross talk occurs largely because of the high millisecond (ms) response time found in most LCD panels, which only grows worse during 3D playback.
OLED (and Plasma) do not suffer from cross talk issues because the response time is far less than a millisecond. This means that motion appears very fluid, eliminating a common source of headache and eyestrain that people usually associate with 3D. When I put the glasses on, it only reassured me OLED was the ultimate display for 3D consumption. The colors in the demonstration video were vivid, and the brightness was excellent in a demo nature scene with a woman walking through a forest. The 3D effect finally felt natural, especially since its most noticeable issues were gone. An added bonus was the fact that the enclosure of the glasses blocked out nearly all ambient light, which made the experience feel like I was in a theater. Sound quality was difficult to judge.
I spoke to a representative and he noted the glasses would most likely utilize a HDMI connection, meaning it could work with a variety of content sources, including 3D Blu-ray players, PS3, PC, and so forth. The glasses also defeat a major problem the company faces with OLED, as large screen OLED displays are difficult to sell at reasonable prices because of the high manufacturing cost.
There is no timetable for the release of the 3D head mounted glasses, but with a concept as advanced as this I can’t imagine it would take longer than a year or two. Then again Sony has teased concepts at CES numerous times, many of which never came to market.
Among other new VAIO refreshed models, VAIO F series definitely stands out as its first 3D VAIO enabled notebook. As you may remember it was first introduced in its prototype stage at IFA and today Sony unveiled this monster desktop replacement. It packs a second generation Intel® CoreTM i7 Processor with 4 cores and supports Intel Hyper-Threading and Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 delivering the premium performance needed for powerful PC gaming. It comes with Windows® 7 Home Premium operating system. Beautiful full HD 1080p 16″ LCD will deliver unprecedented immersive experience into the 3D world. With a touch of the 3D button you will also be able to convert 2D HD videos to 3D (however 2D pictures are not convertible). A built-in 3D sync transmitter and included 3D active glasses let you enjoy 3D movies wherever you are.
Another feature that was known to Sony AV products has been introduced to a VAIO for the first time. It is Sony’s own S-Force® Front Surround 3D system you do not need a home theater system to get vibrant sound. The unit’s extended stereo effect plus simulated 5-channel surround sound provide the perfect accompaniment for viewing 3D content.
Effortlessly connect the PC and transmit in 3D to a compatible HDTV with 3D via its HDMI™ output for a larger viewing experience.
A NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 540M with 1GB dedicated VRAM card provides high-definition graphics processing for intense gaming action without placing huge demands on the unit’s CPU.
Launch directly into Sony’s own Media Gallery™ software, by pushing the designated VAIO button on the keyboard, and rediscover your favorite music and photos with the software’s intuitive filing system. Developed with design in mind, the software includes a stunning user interface with easy-to-use features that take the work out of enjoying your media. We will confirm later on if this version of VAIO Media Gallery has Bravia Internet Video functionality.
Hands on experience with video is coming up later, so stay tuned for more specs.
Today Sony released a new line up of Blu-ray disc players, introducing four stand alone models (BDP-S780, BDP-S580, BDP-S480, and BDP-S380) and three integrated home theater systems (BDV-E780W, BDV-E580, and BDV-E280), as well as a 5.1 channel home theater audio system (HT-SS380). All of the models play back DVD, CD and SACD discs in addition to Blu-ray Discs.
The company also introduced its first portable Blu-ray Disc player, BDP-SX1000, which features a 10.1-inch WSVGA screen.
The high end model BDP-S780 brings a number of new features to the market like Skype videoconferencing, HomeShare Wi-Fi Network compatibility as well as Super Bit Mapping borrowed from previous ES Blu-ray player.
Sony’s BDP-S780 Blu-ray Disc player is Blu-ray 3D capable and compatible with DVDs, CDs, and SACDs. The model features built in Wi-Fi wireless (802.11n) with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) as well as an Ethernet jack for easy access to BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE™.
Compatible with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) devices, the model serves as a DLNA client and allows you to wirelessly share digital photos, music, and video media from your PC using your home network. It also includes a front USB input for convenient access to photo, music, and video playback. The model is also compatible with Sony’s new HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speakers.
The player also has Skype™ embedded. When connecting a USB TV camera, purchased separately, users can enjoy free widescreen Skype-to-Skype video calls with friends and family from the comfort of their living rooms.
The model also features an Entertainment Database Browser, using Gracenote™ technologies, that allows users to browse details like actor and production information from a Blu-ray disc and access related content found on BRAVIA Internet Video content.
Users with an iPhone®, iPod touch®, or Android™ mobile device can control Sony’s entire Blu-ray line-up using a free application that can be downloaded from the app stores. The updated Sony “Media Remote” app allows the mobile device to function as a remote control that includes the ability to access a Blu-ray Disc’s details such as jacket artwork, actor, and production information as well as search for additional video clips online. With an Android phone, consumers can also use the app to control their Sony Blu-ray and Bravia products with their voice. The app is also compatible with select new BRAVIA HDTVs announced today.
With the press of a button, the BDP-S780 can up convert 2D content to simulate 3D and improves standard definition and web video quality with Sony’s IP Content Noise Reduction technology and Precision Cinema HD Upscaling technologies.
It also includes Super Bit Mapping, Smoothing, and Chroma Processing technologies which deliver smoother color gradation when connected via HDMI.
Building on industry leading fast load times, the model features an improved start up and disc loading performance. When the quick start feature is turned on, the start-up time is quicker and disc loading is faster than previous models.
Also new to Sony’s Blu-ray Disc player line is the BDP-S580 Blu-ray Disc player featuring built in Wi-Fi (802.11n) with WPS. Other features found on this model include:
Rounding out the line, other new Blu-ray Disc players include:
BDP-S480 Blu-ray Disc Player
BDP-S380 Blu-ray Disc Player
Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Systems
Sony’s new Blu-ray Disc home theater line feature three models that are Blu-ray 3D capable and all offer access to Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE™ technology.
The flagship BDV-E780W is a full HD 1080p 5.1 channel 1000 watt Blu-ray Disc home theater system that features built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n), wireless rear speakers, 2-way front speakers that can deliver a wider audio sweet spot ideal for family viewing and an improved subwoofer.
The model also features a universal remote, as well as the “Media Remote” control app available for iPhone/iPod touch and Android devices.
It includes Sony’s Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote® technology to access disc cover art, actor, and production information, as well as IP Content Noise Reduction technology and Precision Cinema HD Upscaling to improve standard definition and web video quality.
Serving as a DLNA client, the model is compatible with DLNA devices and includes a front USB input for photo, music, and video playback and is compatible with Sony’s new HomeShare Wi-Fi Network Speakers.
The model also comes with an iPhone/iPod dock and offers two HDMI inputs and will be available in May for about $600.
Other new Blu-ray Disc home theater systems include:
BDV-E580 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System
Available in March for about $500
BDV-E280 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System
Available in April for about $400
Portable Blu-ray Disc Player
Sony’s new BDP-SX1000 is the company’s first portable Blu-ray Disc player. The 10.1-inch wide, WSVGA model plays back both Blu-ray and DVD discs, as well as USB media.
It features 180-degree swivel display, five hour battery life from the built-in, rechargeable battery and offers built-in speakers and a headphone output.
The model will be available this spring for about $300.
Home Theater Audio System
Sony also announced the HT-SS380 5.1 channel home theater audio system with Blu-ray Disc player matching design. The 1000 watt model includes three HDMI inputs and one output featuring an HDMI repeater (3 inputs/1 output), stand-by pass through, 3D pass through, and audio return channel allowing the television to send audio signals back to the unit for playback.
The models ships with an iPhone/iPod dock included for payback of audio, video, and photos.
The HT-SS380 will be available this spring for about $350.
Music Unlimited, powered by Qriocity, is a cloud-based music service by Sony that allows consumers to access millions of songs for a small subscription fee. Major labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and EMI Music as well as leading independent labels and major publishers worldwide are on board for a combined initial offering of over six million songs (with promise to expand over time).
Content can be played on a variety of devices, including “Sony’s 2010 (and surely 2011) models of network-enabled BRAVIA TV, Blu-ray Disc player, Blu-ray Disc Home Theater system, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system as well as VAIO and other personal computers. It will also become available on a wide range of Sony’s portable devices, as well as on Android-based mobile devices and other portable devices.”
Music Unlimited sure seems like an interesting alternative to Pandora and other streaming solutions, but then again it isn’t free. Hard to tell if it can beat my trusty Wunderradio, though.
Prices are reasonable, coming in with Basic (￡3.99 in the U.K. and 3.99 Euros in Ireland) and Premium (￡9.99 in the U.K. and 9.99 Euros in Ireland) options. There’s a load of features in the premium service, such as Top 100 channels for many genres, personal playlists, ability to listen to songs on-demand, and more. It also adapts to your listening habits and offers better music through analyzing your collection, ratings, and so forth.
The service is currently only available in the UK and Ireland, but will come to the USA, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and New Zealand “during 2011.” I would image it will be all over CES 2011.
We have some high resolution screenshots of Qriocity Music Unlimited courtesy of Sony global press. I think the images are worth looking at (in addition to our initial coverage of the Music Unlimited launch) and show how the service looks on the PS3, BRAVIA devices, and even the player built on their website, music.qriocity.com.
The Music Unlimited interface for web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, IE, etc) look pretty polished for its first version. You can see here in the channel view a rather coherant interface. Controls are at the top, including repeat or random options, and the ability to like/dislike. I would like to see larger, easier to use like/dislike buttons. Other controls include volume, search, previous track, next track and pause. Below that is the album art, and recommendations as well as Music Sync, which allows you to add your music collection and listen across all supported devices. Nice.
Then we have the channel listing itself, where you see a varity of genres, including tabs for premium, genre, SensMe, and Era. I love the option of Era, that means you will see channels such as 1940, 1950, 1960, etc..
Then there is the interface for BRAVIA products such as TV’s, Blu-ray players, home theater systems, etc which is not as glamorous as the PS3 version, but is functional across the board. The interface is consistent with the Qriocity Video service. I like the “How It Works” touch..
The channel listing in Music Unlimited for BRAVIA Devices.
Here is a stunning (and resized) 1080P grab of Music Unlimited’s album view for PS3, which is also displaying high resolution album covers and an excellent looking, easy to use interface. This would be nice to have on for a party.
The following image is a taste of the menus in Music Unlimited full of gloss and reflection in the PS3 version.
The Music Unlimited channel selection screen on the PS3, showing many genres. We can see already thatt they will have Jazz, Rock, Dance & House, Pop, Latin, Blues, Punk, Electronic, Alternative, Rap, R&B, Reggae, Classical, and New Age just like the website.
