Sony revealed at CES 2016 that to eliminate confusion it will start to brand all of its Bravia TVs that are capable of taking full advantage of 4K high dynamic range (HDR) content with a new “4K HDR” logo.
The mark will appear on all of Sony’s higher performing 4K UHD TVs indicating the sets will be able to take advantage of the benefits of HDR, and will have Sony’s latest picture performance technologies.
This will include in some models a new Backlight Master Drive technology that boosts brightness and contrast to deliver the full potential of 4K HDR, the company said. Sony is demonstrating the system at CES using an 85-inch prototype that achieves precision backlight boosting with ultra-high density direct LED backlights.
Sony said it will pair the technology with X-tended Dynamic Range PRO, to “dramatically improve visual depth and realism.” This is said to produce deep blacks and ultra-peak brightness of 4,000 nits for great HDR reproduction.
HDR dramatically expands the range of visual expression possible, by realizing higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colors.
More on Sony’s CES 2016 press-day announcements after the jump:
Among the Sony 2016 4K HDR TV models is the X930D series, which adds Slim Backlight Drive technology that is said to be “a unique backlight system structure,” using grid array backlighting that was previously only achievable with full-array direct LED backlights, to distribute the backlight source more precisely to each specific zone of the screen while maintaining a slim display.
Sony said Slim Backlight Drive, combined with X-tended Dynamic Range PRO contrast-enhancing technology and wide color gamut Triluminos Display technology, delivers brighter highlights, deeper blacks and more brilliant colors, producing better 4K HDR pictures in a slim-design television, that maintains a low-profile while hung from the wall.
Sony will also have a 75-inch X940D series model in 2016 that will add a built-in slim full-array direct backlit LED system for even deeper black level performance.
The 2016 Sony 4K HDR television offering will include: the X930 and X940 XBR series including the 75-inch XBR-75X940D, the 65-inch XBR-65X930D, and 55-inch XBR-55X930D. Pricing and availability will be announced later.
The 2016 XBR X850 will include the: 85-inch XBR-85X850D, XBR-75X850D, XBR-65X850D, and XBR-55X850D.
Meanwhile, Sony said it is supporting its HDR displays with a new “ULTRA” app from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The app, which will launch in the U.S. this year, will let consumers purchase and stream 4K HDR movies and TV shows (both new releases and library classics) from Sony Pictures’ 4K digital library through the Bravia TVs with Android smart TV systems.
Sony is also pushing Hi-Res Audio here, by introducing three new products that will be added to the “h.ear series,” which the company said “makes a memorable fashion statement with eye-catching color schemes. Sony’s “h.ear on Wireless NC” and “h.ear in Wireless” are wireless headphones that complement the wired headsets previously released.
Sony also unveiled its new Extra Bass (XB) products including the MDR-XB650BT headphones, SRS-XB3 and SRS-XB2 wireless speakers, and GTK-XB7 high power audio system. All are designed to add extra dimension to the bass range of music.
Sony said some of its new audio products will also feature Wireless Surround functionality, for linking to Sony sound bars and wireless speakers.
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Wireless Surround compatible models will include the: HT-NT5, HT-CT790, and HT-XT2 home theater systems; STR-DN1070 AV receiver; h.ear go, SRS-ZR7, and SRS- ZR5 wireless speakers.
In digital imaging Sony introduced its FDR-AX53 4K Handycam camcorder which is equipped with a new 20x optical zoom Zeiss lens as well as a high-sensitivity image sensor with pixel size approximately 1.6 times greater than in the current 4K Handycam model.
FDR-AX53 also features Balanced Optical SteadyShot technology to suppress blurring in all shooting modes and captures 4K video when shooting from a distance. It is also fit with a new Fast Intelligent AF and a new stereo microphone.
The HDR-CX675 HD Handycam will be equipped with Balanced Optical SteadyShot technology and an Intelligent Active mode with 5-axis image stabilization. Both the HDR-CX675 and the lighter, compact HDR-CX455 model come equipped with Fast Intelligent AF. The HDR-CX455 also features a 5.1-channel surround microphone.
New Sony Action Cams with SteadyShot include the HDR-AS50R, which will come packaged with the Live-View Remote. This Remote includes intuitive controls for full control over the Action Cam from a distance. New features include 4K time-lapse effects and underwater shooting capabilities up to 60 meters below the surface, when used in conjunction with the underwater housing included in the package.
By Greg Tarr
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