PS3 System Details
Sony PlayStation NGP Rumours
Sony Introduces 27 New Bravia Models for 2011, Most with Internet and 3D Built In!
During CES, Sony made it apparent that they want to give their Bravia lineup a refresh across the board and pack them with features not found on other sets. This is in part, the evolution of the Bravia televisions that began their internet connectivity over two years ago and the 3D expansion that Sony started a year ago. Now for their 2011 lineup, a whopping 27 new models across 9 lineups is being released. 22 of the models will be gaining full internet TV connectivity (only the 5 starting models don’t gain this feature) while the top 16 models will be getting transmitter free 3D built in. Some of the internet TV services will Sony Music Unlimited Streaming Service and Video on Demand ; Qriocity, as well as Netflix, Pandora, HuluPlus, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Crackle, Blip.tv. Other features to set the Bravia lineup apart from others will be Skype connectivity for select devices which with a Sony 720p camera (CMU-BR100) will give you access to any other user out there with Skype. Having played with the feature during CES, I can happily report that the features works effortlessly and smoothly.
While in middle of watching a show, if somebody contacts you while you are logged into your Skype account via your Bravia set, a small notification will appear on the TV which you can then choose to accept or decline the call. Once accept, your TV show will get muted and reduced to the bottom corner and the video call will go live, full center on the screen. Here, you will also have full Skype functionality, meaning you can call other numbers and connect to any other Skype enabled device.
Sony also debuted the XBR-HX929, their new flagship model with some great industry firsts. Besides having the built in 3D, 720p Skype calling and internet TV functionality, Gorilla Glass will be making it’s way into the model as the new screen, allowing for thinner, lighter, and stronger screen material. Like it’s predecessor, full-array local dimming LED backlight is back with Sony’s new Bravia engine, the X-Reality PRO Engine which has been built from the ground up to offer better color and image accuracy. To top off all these features, Sony is also introducing what they call MotionFlow XR960. Those who are familiar with MotionFlow will know that first we started off with 120hz and higher end TV’s later gained 240hz to match the quality of Plasma TV’s by reducing the ghosting effect that LCD televisions can have and this can be more apparent with 3D content. Now the XBR-HX929 will offer 960hz, almost quadrupling previous offerings and having witnessed it, it’s damn impressive. The XBR-HX929 will come in a 65-inch (XBR-65HX292, which is available in August 2011), 55-inch (XBR-55HX929), and 46-inch (XBR-46HX929) and will be out in April.
LG attempting to stop the sale of PS3 in U.S.
Life’s NOT good for Sony right now. LG Electronics wants the U.S. International Trade Commission to bar the import of the PlayStation 3 into the United States, according to a complaint.
LG Electronics Inc., facing patent- infringement claims brought by Sony Corp., fired back with complaints seeking to block sales of Sony Bravia televisions and PlayStation 3 consoles in the U.S.
LG claims Sony’s high-definition TVs infringe four patents, while products with Blu-ray players including the PlayStation infringe four others, according to two complaints filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington on Feb. 4.
The case increases tension that began when Sony, Japan’s biggest exporter of consumer electronics, brought cases to the ITC on Dec. 28 against Seoul-based LG, the world’s third-largest maker of mobile phones. The two companies each get more than 20 percent of their revenue from North America. The ITC has the power to block imports of products that violate U.S. patents.
The ITC is investigating claims that LG mobile phones are infringing seven Sony patents. The LG phones named include the Lotus Elite, Neon, Remarq, Rumor 2 and Xenon. A civil lawsuit Sony brought targets LG Blu-ray disc players.
LG also filed civil suits against Sony in federal court in California, making similar claims and seeking cash compensation for the unauthorized use of its inventions. The ITC doesn’t have the power to order financial damages. LG and Sony are the world’s second- and third-largest TV makers, trailing Samsung Electronics Co.
Blu-ray Technology
The patents in the TV case relate to high-definition receivers, and receiving and processing signals. The Blu-ray patents are for a way of dealing with multiple data streams, such as different camera angles, as well as a system to reproduce data that’s stored on a read-only device.
The ITC cases are In the Matter of Certain Digital Televisions, Complaint No. 2785 and In the Matter of Certain Electronic Devices Having a Blu-Ray Disc Player, Complaint NO. 2786, both U.S. International Trade Commission (Washington).
Sony’s ITC case is In the Matter of Certain Mobile Telephones and Modems, 337-758, U.S. International Trade Commission (Washington). The civil suit is Sony Corp. v. LG Electronics USA Inc., 10cv9967, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California Los Angeles).
