CES Report: Sony Highlights Ultra-Thin 4K XBR X900C TV Series
In a curiously subdued Sony CES press conference, the company talked up its 4K TVs, but didn't have a lot to say. The showpiece of Sony's Bravia 4K TV lineup is the XBR X900C series, which Mike Fasulo, president and COO of Sony Electronics, showed via live video (the XBR X900C wasn't on stage, was but elsewhere in the Sony booth). The sets in this series are 0.2-inches thick, he noted, which is thinner than a Sony Xperia smartphone.
Sony will offer four TV lines for 2015 and 10 new models. A new 4K processor, the X1, promises to improve contrast, color, and clarity in UHD video. The processor improves the image quality of any source, Fasulo said, emphasizing how it displays skin tones and textures, and shows less noise.
Sony's Bravia connected TVs will all run on Google's Android TV operating system, Fasulo said, letting owners enjoy the same interface they use on their phones. The OS offers voice search, understands 42 languages, and includes access to apps and games through the Google Play store. The OS is Google Cast ready, letting viewers flick video from their phones. Sony is also offering an app for its smart watch that controls its TVs.
Providing a repeat performance for anyone who was at the LG press conference earlier today, Greg Peters, chief streaming and partnership officer for Netflix, took the stage to talk about the just-announced Netflix Recommended TV program, which will highlight TVs that make streaming fast and easy. Peters again mentioned that Netflix will add high-dynamic range colors to some videos this year (he didn't say how many). Netflix will work with Sony to deliver HDR video this year, Peters said, adding that the increased color spectrum will blow viewers away.
Sony was the victim of a massive hacking in November, and Kazuo Hirai, Sony's president and CEO, began the press conference by talking about "one of the most vicious and malicious cyber attacks we've known in recent history." Hirai thanked the partners and media that supported The Interview's online and independent theater release. He called the release a "great event."
Skateboarder Tony Hawk brought some star power to the event, dropping by to talk up a low-priced 4K video camera.
Tony Hawk on stage
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