Audio Video News

Sony’s CES press conference kicked off in a surprisingly cool manner with a Jimi Hendrix clip, followed by a live (in 3D, that is) performance by Sony music artist Taylor Swift, who was introduced by the company’s apparently smitten head honcho Sir Howard Stringer. What is going on here?

The highlight of Sony’s new product offerings is the BRAVIA LCD HDTV line, which includes the XBR-LX900 series sets. Available this summer in 40- to 60-inch screen sizes, these 240-Hz, edge-lit LED models offer integrated 3D functionality via Sony’s 3D active shutter glasses and built-in 3D transmitter. Beyond that, LX900 series TVs will feature built-in Wi-Fi and a suite of video/music streaming options, including Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, and Pandora. No prices were given for the forthcoming TVs.

Sony also rolled out its XBR-HX900 and KDL-HX800 3D-Ready LCDs (you’ll need to purchase optional shutter glasses and transmitter to get the 3D thing going) that duplicate many of the features found on the LX900 series minus built-in Wi-Fi. HX900 and HX800 TVs will also ship this summer at prices TBD.

Of course, you’ll need 3D content to view on that new 3D-Ready TV. To that end, Sony announced a partnerships with ESPN to create the ESPN 3D channel, and Discovery Channel/Imax to bring you polar bears and other wonders of nature in three dimensions.

3D-capable Sony Blu-ray players are also in the pipeline. Arriving this summer alongside the new TVs is the BDP-S770.  In addition to 3D playback, this model has built-in Wi-Fi and plays DVDs, CDs, and SA-CDs