Up is an upcoming computer-animated 3-D film being produced by Pixar Animation Studios. It will be distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, and is scheduled for release on May 29, 2009 in North America and October 16, 2009 in the United Kingdom. Sony and Pixar showed off an exclusive trailer for ‘Up’ during their CES 2009 Keynote. It is the first Pixar film to be presented in Disney Digital 3-D, a technology Sony has a very heavy hand in as most theaters will show the film through their 4K SXRD projectors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sony’s Contrast* Flex OLED VAIO laptop is a super-thin laptop product concept. We were able to catch footage of its introduction video at Sony’s exhibit during CES 2009. We believe that Sony is assuming OLED will be the preferable choice of display for future laptop devices instead of what we currently use today. The Contrast Vaio laptop uses a foldable seamless OLED for the display and the keyboard, but as the videos show the keyboard can fade away and the whole thing can display something else. This concept has no restrictions on layout and size, and is extremely durable and shock resistant. Like the other Contrast product concepts, it is made of high performance flexible bioplastic.
This is a VAIO laptop that could happen in five to ten years, according to chatter overheard at CES. We have no idea if Sony is going to stay this course, but it is being prototyped in Sony labs so its a good indication that yes, we will have something very similar to this one day. We can assume that such a slim, almost paper thin design like this would be most certainly possible considering flash miniaturization and other component optimization. Enjoy.
* – A seldom discussed portion of Sony’s CES 2009 exhibit is a new series of products that is referred to as Contrast. This product line is the future of Sony, as it incorporates three main technologies: OLED, touch, and physical flexibility. There were three products displayed – a Flex OLED Walkman, Reader, and VAIO laptop. engadget had some real pictures, but they were just mockups. Now we’re bringing video to the table – video we were able to capture after CES was closed on day 2 that shows off the functionality of these new products.
OLED display capabilities in terms of color reproduction are far beyond the average LCD, which means 100% color reproduction across a wider viewing angle. Want to learn more about Flex OLED? Watch this.
Sony’s Contrast* Flex OLED Reader is a super-thin Reader product concept. We were able to catch footage of its introduction video at Sony’s exhibit during CES 2009. We are assuming that Sony is assuming OLED will be the preferable choice of display for future Reader devices instead of E-Ink. Bendable material simulates the flexible reading experience from a book. Could you imagine bending a Flex OLED display to quickly flip pages, or bend the corners of each page to go through more pages? This Flex OLED reader incorporates durable Flex OLED display and high performance bioplastic.
This is an electronic Reader that could happen in five to ten years, according to chatter overheard at CES. We have no idea if Sony is going to stay this course, but it is being prototyped in Sony labs so its a good indication that yes, we will have something very similar to this one day. We can assume that such a slim, almost paper thin design like this would be most certainly possible considering flash miniaturization and other component optimization. Enjoy.
* – A seldom discussed portion of Sony’s CES 2009 exhibit is a new series of products that is referred to as Contrast. This product line is the future of Sony, as it incorporates three main technologies: OLED, touch, and physical flexibility. There were three products displayed – a Flex OLED Walkman, Reader, and VAIO laptop. engadget had some real pictures, but they were just mockups. Now we’re bringing video to the table – video we were able to capture after CES was closed on day 2 that shows off the functionality of these new products. Keep an eye out tomorrow afternoon for the last video in this segment – the Flex OLED VAIO Laptop.
OLED display capabilities in terms of color reproduction are far beyond the average LCD, which means 100% color reproduction across a wider viewing angle. Want to learn more about Flex OLED? Watch this.
During CES 2009, we found a VAIO setup that was showing off some of the various integrated software that comes with most modern VAIO desktops and laptops. The three main softwares included VAIO Movie Story, MusicBox, and MediaPlus. We had a Sony booth attendant at CES 2009 go over some of the functionality of each, so check it out!
Sony’s smart VAIO Movie Story distills complex movie production into three simple steps, freeing you from tedious hours spent mastering difficult and expensive video editing software. Simply import your video and photo data, choose a theme and soundtrack, and click Finish. VAIO Movie Story does the rest, generating a finished movie complete with smooth cinematic transitions, special effects and perfectly timed soundtrack. With support for a wide variety of video formats, VAIO Movie Story makes it easy to share your precious moments with others. You can even save movies in HD video for the ultimate viewing experience.
The intelligent VAIO MusicBox lets you listen only to music that fits (or changes) your mood. Simply select your desired mood from the 24 music channels and VAIO MusicBox automatically plays back the appropriate songs from your collection. VAIO MusicBox integrates with Sony’s SonicStage Mastering Studio Audio Filters, which automatically applies a preset sound enhancer to each song to deliver studio quality sound.
VAIO Media Plus is a software that emulates the XMB found on many Playstation products.
Here’s some other footage of the NWZ-X1050/NWZ-X1060 touchscreen Walkman that I shot at Sony’s exhibit during CES 2009 that didn’t make it in our introduction post. I know that some of you out there will find this interesting, I think? Hopefully we can get a review X-Series unit soon – I am dying to try this thing out. Hey Sony, how about you make up for the whole under the glass thing by sending me one early?
Here’s some cool pictures we took at CES 2009 of the popular VAIO P, which is featured fully dissembled in a glass bubble display. Around the display, a circular shelf featured several VAIO P computers for attendees to play with. Above the laptops were leather-bound cases, which Sony is set to offer in brown, red, etc.
Sony is getting greener each day…with its successful recycling program launched last year- Sony’s National Take Back Recycling Program, we have witnessed some interesting developments in solar energy shown off at CES 2009.
One would never think that Sony may some day sell one of those beautifully designed lamps (don’t quote me on that though, as Sony does not have any business plans to get into lighting market and compete with Phillips, GE…you never know though). These lamps were sitting under the light and generated enough current to shine, I mean provide ambient lighting and power a fan.
Sony Ericsson phone pictured here is pretty green too as it was constructed out of recycled materials.
Sony’s Contrast* Flex OLED Walkman is bracelet style with other form factors possible. We were able to catch footage of its introduction video at Sony’s exhibit during CES 2009. Essentially, this product allows visualization of music while expressing the owner’s personality. The Walkman would be made of high performance flexible bioplastic, which enables the marriage of form and functionality. This is a music player that could happen in five to ten years, according to chatter overheard at CES. We have no idea if Sony is going to stay this course, but it is being prototyped in Sony labs so its a good indication that yes, we will have something very similar to this one day. We can assume that such a slim, almost paper thin design like this would be most certainly possible considering flash miniaturization and wireless headphones capability. Enjoy.
* – A seldom discussed portion of Sony’s CES 2009 exhibit is a new series of products that is referred to as Contrast. This product line is the future of Sony, as it incorporates three main technologies: OLED, touch, and physical flexibility. There were three products displayed – a Flex OLED Walkman, Reader, and VAIO laptop. engadget had some real pictures, but they were just mockups. Now we’re bringing video to the table – video we were able to capture after CES was closed on day 2 that shows off the functionality of these new products. Keep an eye out tomorrow afternoon and the day after for the Reader and the VAIO laptop.
OLED display capabilities in terms of color reproduction are far beyond the average LCD, which means 100% color reproduction across a wider viewing angle. Want to learn more about Flex OLED? Watch this.
Sony Develops “SmartAR” Integrated Augmented Reality Technology
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Sony Bravia HX929 Firmware Available, New Features Abound
Sir Howard Stringer Addresses PSN/Qriocity Customers
PSP®go Phase Out
Music Unlimited Service Coming to Your PSP
