Greg Tarr On Jan 8 2013 - 1:00am

Sony Shows High-Design Blu-ray Line

LAS VEGAS – Sony Electronics is showing at International CES this week a new Blu-ray player line, with advanced Internet connectivity, and a next generation set-top box powered by Google TV.

Meanwhile, Sony has planned a full slate of events for its booth of the four days of the show, with guest appears by rapper/actor LL Cool J, photographer Davd McClain, Washington Nationals baseball star Bryce Harper, and distinguished recording engineer Glen Marchese. (See schedule below.)

In Blu-ray Disc players, Sony is going for substance and style with three new models that put the accent on player design as well as streaming content.

Models BDP-S1100, BDP-S3100 and BDP-S5100 (pricing was not available as this went to press) each have built-in Internet connectivity with the most popular entertainment apps on board, a fully encased optical drive and powerful image processors that are said to boost performance quality.

The S3100 and S5100 players are also equipped with improved Wi-Fi capability offering stronger signal locking capability and expanded range.

The new Blu-ray players also incorporate Sony’s new premium cabinet design that has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

“Consumers have so many choices at retail, and these new players were designed to make a striking first impression the minute you walk into a store,” said Yamato Tanikawa, product management director, Sony Electronics. “Premium is the best way to describe these new models, with their stylish quartz design and high-end performance. They are the perfect example of form following function, delivering all the features consumers want for home entertainment and creating a striking focal point of the living room, making what you’re watching just one part of the entertainment experience.”

The S5100 player is also Blu-ray 3D playbackcapable. All three new models offer access to more than 100 online sources, including Sony’s Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited streaming services, as well as the most popular entertainment services from Netflix, Pandora, HuluPlus, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Crackle and many more.

Sony said the BDP-S1100 player is compatible with the most services of any entry Blu-ray Disc Player on the market. It offers out-of-the-box access to more than 80 video, music and interactive services.

The newest addition to Sony’s connected services portal is a Fitness and Wellness channel, offering a variety of interactive nutrition, healthy cooking and workout services.

For those who don’t want their Internet TV through the TV or a Blu-ray player, Sony is offering a separate Internet player powered by Google TV.

The device delivers: 3D, Wi-Fi, Internet connectivity with access to hundreds of apps, and nearfield communications.

At CES, Sony is also highlighting new features from the recently updated firmware and peripherals for Internet Player with Google TV, such as a remote control with a built-in microphone for voice search.

Meanwhile, the activities planned for Sony’s booth throughout the week include the following:

Tuesday (Jan. 8), 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Digital Imaging with photographer David McClain, who will provide an inside look into fullframe photography.

3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Rap legend LL Cool J and award-winning engineer Glen Marchese will host a special Music Creation session on Boomdizzle.com, featuring their My- Connect Studio software on a VAIO Tap 2 Mobile all-in-one PC.

Wednesday, (Jan. 9) 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.: 4K Content Creation will be explored by experts from Screen Gems, Sony Pictures and 3net Studios, as they demonstrate the latest acquisition, production and post-production 4K techniques on their latest projects.

3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: The expanding world of the PlayStation game play will be examined in a special appearance by Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals.

Thursday, (Jan. 10), 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.: The latest Xperia smartphone will be showcased along with its advanced imaging and display technologies, along with its sleek, waterresistant and durable new form factor.