Sony rolling out Netflix, Yahoo updates; celebrates internet on TV with a new ad

If you access Netflix on your Sony TV (or Blu-ray player or Streaming Player) you'll probably notice it's been updated with the new HTML5 based UI that allows for search of the entire catalog, among other things. A press release issued recently also mentions Sony will be delivering the Yahoo Connected TV store when it launches "later this spring" selling paid apps through its widget powered TVs. Just to make sure people get the message, Sony's official blog just posted this new ad, embedded above, focusing on its TV products from 1960 on and how it can bring music, movies and apps over the internet in HD (and 3D) to the living room.Give it a peek and let us know if you agree with the vision, the press release about all the new features is after the break.

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Sony's Bravia Line Redefines Television, Providing Consumers an Unparalleled Entertainment Experience


Updated Netflix interface offers example of expanded online offerings

SAN DIEGO, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With its groundbreaking new televisions beginning to ship, Sony is redefining home entertainment, demonstrating its unique ability to combine technology, products, content, and services into the ultimate consumer experience.

"Consumers are getting smarter with their choices for home entertainment," noted Brian Siegel, vice president of TV product marketing for Sony Electronics' Home Division. "Sony is dedicated to delivering customers smart TVs, with unprecedented connectivity and access to online entertainment, superb picture quality, and stunning design, as only Sony can."

Television Redefined

Shipping this month, Sony's latest BRAVIA® HDTV lineup once again redefines the television category, driving relevant, consumer-focused innovation through connectivity, picture quality, and design. Among the 37 models in its 2011 line-up, the BRAVIA LCD HDTV line includes 32 Internet-connected models and 23 with built-in 3D capabilities.

Unprecedented Connectivity

Sony continues to drive the leading edge of Connected TV with a constantly improving offering of seamless Internet entertainment options.

"Sony makes your TV smart by providing an ever-evolving platform for consumers to access online content," said Jeff Goldstein, vice president of Connect Home Products for Sony Electronics' Home Division. "When Sony expands its connected entertainment offerings, both current and legacy products are automatically updated. As an example, in April, an update for all connected Sony BRAVIA Televisions will enhance the Netflix user experience, allowing content selection and instant watching in an easy, one-step process."

In addition to BRAVIA LCD HDTV televisions, online entertainment content and services are available on a wide variety of Sony connected A/V Receivers and Blu-ray Disc Players, as well as Sony's Streaming Player with Wi-Fi®, the convenient and easy way to make most any TV "smart."

Recent and upcoming enhancements to Sony's connectivity platform include:

Netflix: offers an upgraded experience that allows Netflix members to browse and access thousands of TV shows and movies to watch instantly streaming from Netflix using the device remote control.
Crackle: expands its offering to include hundreds of full-length, uncut Hollywood movies and thousands of TV episodes – all available for free.
Yahoo! Connected TV Store: features more than 100 easy-to-use TV apps to complement TV viewing, including content from CBS and Showtime, social networking with Facebook and Twitter, sports and finance from Yahoo!, CNBC and USA Today, and more.
Moshcam: provides hundreds of full-length, live music concerts from acclaimed bands such as Jane's Addiction, Ben Harper, Gary Numan, Blondie and Public Enemy.
Billabong: enjoy snow, surf, skate and wake action from around the globe, featuring Billabong's all-star athletes, swimwear and fashion models.
Hulu Plus: expands its programming to include Celebrity Deathmatch, Punk'd, Reno 911! and Comedy Central Presents.

Sony's line of BRAVIA televisions and other connected home products augment Sony Internet TV, the world's first and only Internet TV powered by Google TV, introduced in the United States last October. Only Sony Internet TV seamlessly combines integrated web search functionality with diverse television programming – resulting in a simple, powerful, and easy-to-use home entertainment device.

Superb Picture Quality

The latest BRAVIA models offer uncompromising picture quality with Sony's new X-Reality® and X-Reality Pro® picture engines. These unique technologies separate incoming video signals by outline, texture, color and contrast, and add appropriate image enhancements to create the best image possible. Utilizing a vast database of ideal signal patterns developed by analyzing and indexing an enormous library of video images, the X-Reality PRO Engine compares incoming signals pixel-by-pixel with ideal scenes to restore lost detail and display sharp and vivid images.

X-Reality PRO is a two-chip digital video processor that allows for multi-frame analysis, optimizing the content displayed, particularly low-resolution content often found on the internet. Only Sony, with X-Reality Pro, can optimize the large screen viewing of low resolution content.

Also new for select models is Sony's Intelligent Peak LED Backlight which uses full array local dimming to produce deeper blacks, while boosting brightness in lighter areas of the image, creating incredible on-screen contrast. Sony's OptiContrast panel elevates the picture to the front surface of the TV and creates a dark background for rich, vibrant, high contrast picture even in well-lit rooms.

Finally, MotionFlow™ XR is Sony's most advanced motion compensation technology yet, helping to reduce blur caused by quick camera movements, enhancing sharpness and creating a clearer picture.

Design

Select BRAVIA television models feature Sony's improved Monolithic Design Concept that draws viewers into the picture when the TV is turned on, and blends into the room decor when turned off. The 2011 Monolithic Design BRAVIA models incorporate Corning®'s exclusive Gorilla® Glass, allowing for thinner, lighter and stronger screen material.

Great HDTV is the Foundation for Great 3D TV

Sony's line of 3D-capable TVs ranges from affordable entry-level models to flagship sets–with all delivering outstanding performance through Sony's active shutter technology. Improvements include quicker response time, reduced cross-talk and built-in 3D emitters on all 3D models.

Television Redefined

To drive the "Television Redefined" messaging to consumers, Sony is launching a year-long, globally integrated campaign supported by broadcast, online, and web media, as well as retail point-of-purchase and interactive displays. The campaign will also include a series of entertaining and informative consumer events, such as "tailgate" viewing parties at sporting events and viewing activations at nightclubs, malls, and movie and music events. Sneak peeks of the campaign's first TV commercial are available now online at http://blog.discover.sonystyle.com/tvcommercial.

Availability

Sony BRAVIA televisions are available at retailers across the country. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, call 1-800-222-SONY or visit www.esupport.sony.com.