LAS VEGAS – With signs of a successful turnaround in the air, Sony Electronics will kick off 2015 with a big emphasis on 4K Ultra HD TV, offering a streamlined lineup of expanded-color-gamut sets, including ultra-thin 4K Ultra HD LED smart TVs running the new Android TV platform.
Sony will also continue to ramp up its expertise in camcorder technology with compact consumer-targeted 4K Handycams and an Action Cam.
High resolution will take center stage in Sony’s CES audio department, as the company unveils its first Hi- Res Audio Walkman; a Hi-Res Audio car head unit, a Hi-Res portable headphone DAC/amplifier and Bluetooth headphones optimized for high resolution.
The highlighted Hi-Res Audio Walkman, model NWZX2 ($1,199 suggested retail), will be equipped with Android 4.2 and the GooglePlay store and supports DS, WAV, AIFF, FLAC and other high-res file formats. It will pack 128GB of built-in memory, a MicroSD card slot and up to 60 hours of music playback support. Also included is Bluetooth with LDAC high-fidelity wireless music streaming and built in Wi-Fi.
New for Sony U.S. Bravia TVs only this year will be the flagship XBR-X900C 4K UHD LED LCD TV series with 55-, 65- and 75-inch models.
The sets will employ Sony’s new “Floating Style” design concept, measuring just 4.9mm (0.19 inches) at its thinnest part and featuring a virtually frameless border around a screen. Sony said the style is ideal for wall mount placements.
The sets also include Sony’s new 4K Processor X1, which upgrades the picture quality of any 4K source with enhanced dynamic range and color.
A new picture quality enhancement engine will further enhance color, contrast and clarity, Sony said.
Also added is “an unique” One-Flick Entertainment user interface and an Android TV platform with 4K streaming content support, and a built-in Google Cast feature for seamless smartphone or table integration.
The company is also expanding its home theater projector assortment with a new 4K Ultra HD SXRD unit, equipped with two HDMI 2.0 ports and HDMI 2.2 capability, enabling use with currently 4K movies and other content. Model VPL-VW350ES will output 1,500 lumens of brightness and will include Sony’s proprietary Triluminos Display technology and enhanced optical engine, to produce a rich, expanded color gamut with more vibrant tones and increased precision.
In camcorders, Sony is showing its first 4K Action Cam, model FDR-X100V, which is scheduled for March delivery at a $500 suggested retail.
The point-of-view video camera features 4K 3,840 by 2,160/30p/15p resolution with 100Mbps 4K recording enabling high-bit-rate, high-resolution shooting of fast action shots.
In also includes an advanced SteadyShot in FullHD model and wind-noise reduction. A Highlight Movie Maker function automatically analyzes selects and creates edited short movie files with highlighted points of footage, keyed to moments like a smile, trick or stunt.
The company is also showing its palm-sized HDR-AX44 4K Handycam camcorder, featuring a new Balanced Optical Steady- Shot system, high data rate XAVC S recording format, and a 26.8mm wide-angle G lens. The AX44 will carry a $1,100 suggested retail.
