Sony's Latest Salvo - Inspiring Innovation
Sony revs up the new year with a fresh supply of CE products under their VAIO, Cyber-shot, Handycam and BRAVIA range. Checkout our article, as we bring you in-depth coverage on Sony's launch today centered around 3D and Internet connectivity from their Southeast Asia media conference.
Sony Integrates 3D Into Consumer Offerings
Brace yourself, for the folks over at Sony South East Asia have kickstarted the new year with a fresh salvo of consumer products. Held at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Center, Sony's "Inspiring Innovation" media conference showcased a whopping total of twelve Cyber-shot compact cameras, eight Handycams, two Bloggies, four VAIO mobile computers (including one HD PC/TV) and twenty-six exclusive BRAVIA models in all. What's most pertinent, however, is the presence of 3D capabilities found in their flagship models tagged under the Handycam, VAIO, Bloggie and BRAVIA suites. As anticipated, Internet-connectivity is also featured heavily in Sony's BRAVIA tellies.
Some models have already been released into the wild, such as a handful of Cyber-Shot cameras and BRAVIA TVs, while the rest of the newcomers will be launched in a staggered timeline for the local market. Here are some key takeaways from Sony's lavish event.
At the heart of Sony's "Inspiring Innovation" launch is a common theme revolving around 3D features and Internet connectivity. Although Sony is still ironing some issues with Google (thus no Google TV), rest assured that Internet entertainment is here to stay on most of the new BRAVIA HDTVs.
VAIO Notebooks
To begin with, the VAIO range will welcome major additives to its F, S, C and L series. Leading Sony's charge is the VAIO F series, a Full-HD laptop capable of delivering a 3D experience on its 16-inch screen with Sony's Disparity Control feature which auto-tunes the 3D depth. Best of all, it also does 2D to 3D conversion on the fly as well. Geared for performance, the 13.3-inch S series will boast of a switchable Dynamic Hybrid Graphics system, SSD drive, and a nifty Full-Flat Extended battery pack. Those of you who prefer striking colors will lean towards the new 14 and 15 inch C series. It comes in five gaudy hues, but what makes it really interesting is Sony's implementation of a light emitting material on its lid and palm rest. The L series is essentially a reborn 24-inch AIO, which comes with a touchscreen display.
Sony VAIO F - Built for 3D and HD entertainment, the VAIO F is supposedly Sony's first 3D VAIO model, and shreds everything in its path with a second-gen Core i7 processor and discrete GeForce GT 540M GPU. Price and availability are unknown at this stage.
Sony VAIO S - Besides carting a 23.9mm slim body, the Sony VAIO S also gives you a choice of Stamina (longer battery life) or Speed (better performance) with its Dynamic Hybrid Graphics system.
Honestly, we've never seen anything quite like Sony's new VAIO C notebooks. Dressed in a light emitting material, the colorful notebook range seems to carry a glow of their own especially on the green and orange models.
By the way, if the VAIO C's colors aren't garish enough for you, there's always a handy keyboard skin you can slap on to raise the funk.
Cyber-shot Cameras
From notebooks, let's move on to the Cyber-shot compact cameras. Out of the twelve models launched, four Cyber-shot models will include Sony's new 16.2MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor such as the TX100V, TX10, HX7V and WX7 models. Besides enabling you to shoot Full-HD vids, the new sensor also allows you to form a 3D picture by shooting with a single lens and imager. Apart from that, models such as the new J10 also sports a built-in USB plug which eliminates the need for cables, while the TX100V series will feature a 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen display with Full-HD 50/60p recording capabilities. Shutterbugs scouting for an affordable model can bet on the entry-level W510 which promises a 12.1MP sensor and 4X optical zoom.
Another show stealer is the Cyber-shot J10. The cutesy point-and-shoot features a built-in USB connector (similar to what you might find on a CISCO Flip MinoHD) which eliminates the need for USB cables.
The DSC-W510 is categorized under Sony's budget Cyber-shot line. The 12.1MP camera will feature basic goodies such as Sony's Sweep Panorama mode and SteadyShot image stabilization. Here's the kicker - it's yours for only S$199.
Handycam Camcorders
The most outstanding Handycam model will have to be the 3D-capable HDR-TD10. Apart from its dual Sony G lenses, the 3D camcorder also comes equipped with two "Exmore R" CMOS sensors and two "BIONZ" image processors which enables you to shoot in "Double Full-HD". Furthermore, users have a choice of viewing 3D clips without glasses on the camcorder's 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD, or with glasses on a compatible 3D-ready HDTV. Based on what we've experienced with the TD10, viewing 3D images on the camcorder's screen didn't impress us much, although the stereoscopic effect offered more depth on a 3D TV. Another plus on Sony's list is the built-in projector found on three Handycam models, the HDR-PJ50, HDR-PJ30 and HDR-PJ10. What about their projection range? Well, they'll land you a display size of 60 inches when projected 3 meters away.
Sony's HDR-TD10 enables you to shoot in "Double Full-HD" with its dual recording system. If watching 3D videos on its 3.5-inch Xtra Fine screen isn't your cup of tea, you can always flash its contents onto a 3D-capable HDTV instead.
Some may think it's pure gimmicky. But a built-in projector can come in handy on a Handycam when you'd like to share your recorded clips without a TV to connect it to.
BRAVIA HDTVs
Last but not least, Sony has souped up their BRAVIA HDTV range with more 3D-ready models, which includes the HX925, NX720 and EX720 series. The 2011 line-up will also witness new video processing engines from Sony, such as X-Reality PRO and X-Reality which separate incoming video signals by texture, outline, and color to recreate the best picture possible. The Japanese CE giant is also making a leap back into full-matrix LED backlighting and local dimming features with the introduction of the improved "Intelligent Peak LED" backlighting found in the HX925. In addition, Sony's focal push into Internet TVs is evident during the launch as well. Twenty of the announced models will offer Internet connectivity and access to online entertainment. Besides integrating social networking widgets such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, users can also look forward to a built-in web browser as well as Android and iPhone remote-control apps for compatible BRAVIA models.
Besides pushing ahead into the expensive 3D spectrum, Sony did not forget the entry-level models as well, as seen in the introduction of the CX520 (CCFL) and EX420 (LED) LCD series.
From the flagship BRAVIA HX925 down to the budget range, Sony is offering an extensive choice of LED backlighting technology on their new suite of BRAVIA HDTVs. Of course, their new and improved full-array "Intelligent Peak LED" yields the best blacks as far as we can see.
Besides focusing on their TVs' visual performance, Sony is putting a great deal of effort into their BRAVIA's Internet muscle too. Look out for more Internet-flavored applications such as videos widgets, social networking apps and "media remotes" which transforms your iPhone or Android phone into a remote control.
Now that you are briefly acquainted with some of Sony's new faces, it's time to hit the jumps for a detailed look at the rest of the clan.
The Future is 3D and Internet Connectivity
With Sony's new catchphrase "Television Redefined" and their push towards their "3D World", users could already foretell that Internet Connectivity and 3D capabilities were going to be main features of the new BRAVIA series of televisions. The new lineup includes 11 new 3D models and 20 new internet connected models. In total, consumers can choose from a grand total of 24 new LCD HDTVs ranging from 22 inches to 65 inches.
Sony was demoing the Skype capabilities of their new BRAVIA TVs.
The BRAVIA HX925 Series 3D LED-backlit TV is the new flagship model. It retains Sony's classic BRAVIA monolithic design and also has the X-Reality PRO engine which boosts picture quality. The Intelligent Peak LED backlight has a full array of local dimming for providing deeper blacks and purer whites. The series comes in 46, 55 and a massive 65-inch version. Other goodies include the fact that it is Skype Ready, allowing users to make calls while watching television, and the fact that you can use your smart phone, such as your iPhone, to function as a media remote.
For those still looking for a top of the line, premium HDTV at a slightly more palatable price, Sony has also launched the BRAVIA NX720 Series 3D Capable HDTV. Equipped with Dynamic Edge LED backlights, the series also stays true to Sony's goal of providing Full HD 1080p along with 3D capabilities and greater Internet connectivity.
Complete specifications for the new additions are as follows:
BRAVIA HX925 Series 3D LED-Backlit HDTV
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 | BRAVIA NX720 Series 3D LED-Backlit HDTV
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 | BRAVIA EX720 Series 3D LED-Backlit HDTV
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New Entry-Level BRAVIAs
Ensuring that the medium to entry level markets do not feel left out, Sony has also refreshed their televisions in those categories. The BRAVIA BX320-Series LCD HDTV with LED backlighting for entry level users comes in 22-inch, 26-inch and 32-inch screen size and provides 720p High Definition picture quality while the medium range BRAVIA CX520-Series HDTV offers Full HD1080p with CCFL backlight. Moving further up are the EX series that offer LED backlighing. Also, the energy saving presence sensor which was once the domain of Sony's premium TVs has now propagated down to the most of their entry-level sets.
Continuing with the trend set by their new premium models, these televisions too offer a mix of high picture quality along with the ability to connect to the internet so as to access and utilize services such as YouTube and Skype.
Following are the exact specifications for the new models.
 | BRAVIA EX520 Series LCD with LED Backlight HDTV
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 | BRAVIA EX420 Series LCD with LED Backlight HDTV
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 | BRAVIA CX520 Series HDTV
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 | BRAVIA BX320 Series HDTV
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Sony's New Clan Of Handycams & Bloggie Cameras
At the event, Sony introduced a whole slew of Handycam camcorders that offer some quite unique digital imaging solutions, including a flagship Full HD 3D Handycam camcorder, and a built-in projector series (HDR-PJ50, HDR-PJ30, HDR-PJ10). Of course, there are also models for consumers of all tiers, ranging from the HD/SD models for the average video enthusiasts to the pocket-friendly Bloggie HD cameras.
Sony 3D Handycam HDR-TD10 Camcorder
The new Sony’s 3D Handycam camcorder, the HDR-TD10, not only brings 3D content creation to consumers, but also boasts of an integrated dual lens system (Double Sony G Lens,"Exmor R" CMOS sensors, "BIONZ" image processors) which allows users to capture full 1080p resolution from both lenses to provide the highest quality 3D playback possible. It will also playback 3D content in 2D automatically on non-3D displays. In line with Sony's expanding 3D ecosystem, users can also view 3D footage without glasses on the camcorder’s screen as well as with glasses on any 3D capable HDTV.
Journalists taking a stab at the HDR-TD10.
 | Key highlights of the Sony Handycam HDR-TD10
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Sony Built-in Project Handycam Camcorder Series
Next up, a unique built-in projector series of camcorders take center stage. These allow for a convenient playback experience without the excessive bulk as the projector itself is compactly built into the 3-inch LCD panel and allows for a projection size of up to 60-inches (provided that the room is sufficiently dark). The Sony representative mentioned that on a full battery charge, the camcorders can last for at least an hour and a half of continuous projection. Three models are available - the HDR-PJ50 with a 220GB HDD and 7.1-megapixel still image capture, HDR-PJ30 with 32GB of flash memory and 7.1-megapixel still image capture, and HDR-PJ10 with 16GB of flash memory and 3-megapixel still image capture. All models come with SD card slots, so there's the option for memory expansion.
 | Key highlights of the HDR-PJ50 (top model)
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Sony Handycam HDR-XR160 & CR Series
The video enthusiasts will have a varied selection from Sony's new lineup of entry-level HD camcorder models, from the hard drive (HDR-XR160) or flash memory (HDR-CX130/CX700) formats. Depending on your preference, the CX series will allow for customizable memory capacity with a memory card (note: the CX series do not come with the 5.1-channel microphone and stereo speakers). If you find a fixed 160GB capacity sufficient, the XR160 will be the one to look out for.
 | Key highlights of the Sony Handycam HDR-XR160
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Sony Bloggie HD Cameras
For consumers looking for an affordable and portable alternative, the Sony Bloggie HD cameras might catch their fancy. The two new portable devices introduced to the Bloggie line-up include the Bloggie Duo and 3D. The Duo offers a quick solution to those who like to snap self-portraits as it comes with two LCD screens - a rear 2.7-inch screen and a 2-inch screen on the front. On the other hand, the 3D offers new ways to create content - the slim device features a dual lens system accompanied with two image sensors for easy 3D capture. Like the newly announced HDR-TD10, you can view 3D content on the camera's screen or with glasses on any 3D capable HDTV.
 | Key highlights of the Sony Bloggie MHS-FS3 3D
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Joining the Cyber-shot Family
A total of 12 new compact camera series for you to choose from!
There are plenty of options for every shutterbug during the Sony's Southeast Asia Media Conference - unsurprisingly of course, given that the entire spectrum was covered with a total of twelve new compact camera series announced. If you are looking for high-quality video recording, the flagship HX series, TX10 and WX7 support FULL HD AVCHD video recording, which features clearer video footage than the regular HD 720p movie recording. If you are looking for a handy screen for viewing of pictures, the TX100V is up for consideration as it comes with a 3.5-inch OLED touch screen display. Or if 3D photos are up your alley, you can rely on the TX100V, TX10, HX7V for WX7 as they come equipped with a 3D Still Image mode. Other models like the innovative J10 allows for the ease of photo uploading with its built-in USB plug. Without further ado, we take a sneak peek at some of the camera highlights during the event.
 | Key highlights of the Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V
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 | Key highlights of the Cyber-Shot DSC-TX100V
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 | Key highlights of the Cyber-Shot DSC-W510
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 | Key highlights of the Cyber-Shot DSC-J10
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Bringing Extra Goodies to your Lap
Sony upgraded its VAIO brand with the addition of the new S, F, C and L series. The new additions also diversify the line-up with fresh features such as 3D capabilities, touch screen functions, performance management and exciting new designs.
The new flagship S series brings with it, as mentioned before, a performance switch which toggles the laptop between fast performance and longer lasting battery life increases the portability. The S series also has a sleek add-on additional battery which latches on to the entire underside of the laptop. It adds a few centimeters to the profile but provides an additional 6 hours of battery life.
The sleek add-on battery shown is ergonomic and provides six hours of extra usage.
3D Capabilities are introduced into the VAIO laptops by the F series which utilizes the frame detection methods from the BRAVIA televisions. The series also provides 2D to 3D conversion for movies as well. The C Series introduces verve through its splash of color. In fact the tag line for the C Series is “brightening up your life” which it does through its new light emitting material of which the top and palm rest are made of.
Finally, the L Touch HD PC/TV introduces the new concept of utilizing touch screen functions in the screen bezel thereby reducing the number of smudges on the parts of the screen most viewed.
More details on each series can be found below.
 | VAIO S Series Laptop
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 | VAIO F Series 3D Laptop
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 | VAIO C Series Laptop
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 | VAIO L Touch HD PC/TV
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