San Diego – Sony Electronics this week revealed pricing and availability on its 2014 Bravia 4K Ultra HD TV and supporting product lines that were previously unveiled at International CES.
The product announcements also included a reminder that Sony’s second-generation 4K media player (FMP-X10) will be coming later in the summer at a price to be announced. The player supports new 4K content options including the ability to download, stream and store the latest 4K titles. Hundreds of 4K movies and television programs will be available through the device using the Video Unlimited 4K download service, and by streaming 4K content from forthcoming 4K over-the-top services including Netflix.
The Media Player, which is compatible only with past and current Sony 4K Ultra HDTVs, offers 1TB of built-in storage and also supports Triluminos Color for rich and deep color.
“We continue to be the only company that offers a complete line-up of consumer 4K products, including TVs, front projectors, cameras and camcorders, while also leading the industry in providing 4K content. Sony’s new 4K Ultra HD TVs, 4K media player and new 4K content offerings continue to strengthen our growing ecosystem,” said Mike Fasulo, president at Sony Electronics. “We strongly believe 4K is the future for entertainment and we remain committed to leading the 4K movement, from lens to living room, in a way that only a company like Sony can.”
The new line-up of 4K Ultra HD TVs includes nine models across three model series, all of which are available now for pre-sale and will be in the market this June, Sony said.
The XBR-X950B series includes the 65 ($7,999 suggested retail) and 85-inch ($24,999) models.
The XBR-X900B series includes 55-inch ($3,999), 65-inch ($4,999) and 79-inch ($8,999) models.
The XBR-X850B series, includes 49-inch ($2,099), 55-inch ($2,999), 65-inch ($3,999) and 70-inch ($5,499) models.
All models include streaming services and HDMI 2.0 and HEVC-codec support to play up to 4K/60p quality content.
The TVs are also compatible with MHL 3.0 which supports 4K output over tethered HDMI connections from smartphones and tablets.
For 2014, 4K Ultra HD picture quality has been further enhanced by a combination of Sony developed technologies that process and upscale a variety of levels of video source material for playback on the new 4K Ultra HD screens. These include: Sony’s 4K X Reality PRO picture engine that can upscale a variety of content regardless of source; a Triluminos Display offering a wide color spectrum to reproduce lifelike color and shading, and Sony’s X-tended Dynamic Range PRO technology (in select models) that provides higher peak brightness and deeper black levels.
The new 4K Ultra HD TVs also include Sony’s ClearAudio+ digital signal processing for improved audio reproduction. ClearAudio+ combines a variety of techniques to create an immersive sound with clear vocals and a wide frequency range.
An optional wireless subwoofer (model SWF-BR100) is also available.
Gamers can also use the new PlayStation Now App with the sets to discover and play PlayStation3 games streamed directly to the TV. Sony Dualshock3 controllers can connect directly to the sets to manipulate the onscreen action.
Flagship XBR-X950B series models include Sony’s X-tended Dynamic Range PRO technology, driven by direct LED arrays arranged in the backside of the panel to present a wider dynamic range of brightness, with higher peaks and deeper blacks, using a unique backlighting algorithm.
The XBR-X900B series uses the X-tended Dynamic Range technology driven by Edge LED arrays arranged along the side of the panel, as well as a new “Wedge” form factor structural design. The shape is said to accommodate larger speakers. It also maintains a slim profile that works with traditional wall mounts, or the slim, adjustable TV stand, Sony said.
The new TVs also have access to PlayMemories Online and 500px. Photos uploaded to PlayMemories from a smart phone, tablet, and PC are automatically organized and presented on screen for easy 4K viewing selection.
A new 4K “One-Flick Entertainment,” system available to the sets offers a new style quickly selecting content, including TV shows, movies, network content and personal photos.
