Sony leads new era of Internet TV in 2011

Press release

Published April 12th, 2011 - 10:50 GMT

Al Bawaba

In 2010, Sony Gulf set an industry benchmark by making quality 3D entertainment a reality in the Middle East. Today, the company unveiled its 2011 BRAVIA LCD TV line-up, offering consumers smarter, sophisticated and more social entertainment that redefines television experience yet again.

2011 sees integrated Wi-Fi connectivity extended throughout the BRAVIA range – from the cinematic BRAVIA HX925 and slim and stylish BRAVIA NX720. Other Internet TVs such as the essential Full HD CX520 are wireless LAN-ready. Connecting an optional USB Wi-Fi adapter enables access to cable-free connections and online entertainment. Most TVs also feature DLNA and Wi-Fi Direct for quick and easy sharing of photos, music and movies from anywhere in the home.

Consumers can also browse popular video sharing sites such as YouTube and DailyMotion all from the comfort of their sofa, without connecting to a laptop or PC. Real-time updates from sites such as Twitter and Facebook are also available. Users can even visit their favourite websites and search the Internet using an Opera web browser on the TV screen.

Other new features include free iPhone and Android applications to turn the smartphone into a TV remote control.The phone could be used to control clever new features such as TrackID, which can identify a TV music soundtrack at the click of a button. The application also provides a handy way to type using the phone keyboard to browse online. Alternatively, select VAIO notebooks could also be connected for easy remote typing.

The 2011 BRAVIA LCD TV line-up continues Sony's leadership in picture quality and benchmark in minimalist TV design.

The new X-Reality PRO Picture Engine and X-Reality Picture Engine is designed to optimise and process incoming content to deliver brilliant picture quality - whether it's 3D, HD, SD or low resolution Internet content. In selected new models, Sony's Intelligent Peak LED Backlight uses full array local dimming for outstanding on-screen contrast while Sony's OptiContrast Panel creates a rich and vibrant picture, even in well-lit rooms. Sony's Motionflow XR also helps reduce blur caused by quick movements and enhance image sharpness.

The sophisticated and stylish BRAVIA HX and NX Series feature Sony's improved Monolithic Design concept that draws viewers into the picture when the TV is turned on and blends into the room décor when turned off. Designed to suit modern lounge rooms with low-set furniture, an optional Display Stand with Active Speaker System is also available with select BRAVIA HX and NX Series models.

The unique stands complement the Monolithic Design of the range and allow the BRAVIA TV to be set up in a 6-degree upwards tilt for comfortable viewing. The Display Stand with Active Speaker System is also equipped with built-in speakers that, when connected to a BRAVIA TV via a HDMI cable, produce exceptional sound quality.

Other developments in this year's BRAVIA 3D line-up include panel drive enhancements that deliver quicker response time helping to reduce crosstalk, 5:5 pull down for a more realistic cinematic movie experience and built-in 3D emitters on all 3D models.

The new BRAVIA Full HD 3D models can also display 3D images taken with Sony's new Cyber-shot cameras via USB input, increasing the 3D content users can view.

Sony's Active Shutter 3D glasses are now rechargeable and have a new lightweight design for a more comfortable fit. The unique Active Shutter glass technology minimises flicker and enables viewers to enjoy an immersive, Full HD 3D experience for hours. The new glasses are also backwards compatible with the 2010 BRAVIA range, while the 2010 3D glasses will be compatible with the 2011 BRAVIA range.

The 2011 BRAVIA LCD TV line-up includes 11 Full HD 3D models and 19 Internet connected models. In all, the range features 24 TVs - from affordable HD models, to entry level 3D TVs to flagship BRAVIA models offering best-in-class picture quality and the complete entertainment experience.

Currently available across Jumbo Showrooms and other electronics stores are the BRAVIA CX320 series (32-inch), BX320 series (32-inch), EX720 series (32-inch) and the EX520 and CX520 series (46-inch).

All other models will be available in May 2011.

Background Information

Sony

In 1946, Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation, the predecessor of Sony)
started as a small company with capital of just 190,000 yen and approximately 20 employees.
Founder Masaru Ibuka said the purpose of setting up the company was to "establish an ideal factory
that stresses a spirit of freedom and open mindedness that will, through technology, contribute to Japanese culture."
Symbolizing Sony's spirit of challenge to "do what has never been done before,"
the company has continued to release countless "Japan's first" and "world's first" products.