Sony Electronics Unveils New 4K HDR (High Dynamic Range) TV Line

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- (CES, Booth #14200) -- Today, Sony Electronics unveiled its newest lineup of 4K Ultra HD televisions, the XBR-X930D/XBR-X940D and the XBR-X850D series, built to support the highest standard in picture quality with HDR (High Dynamic Range) compatibility and unique backlighting technologies in an ultra-thin design.

HDR reproduces a greater dynamic range of luminosity or brightness levels, bringing greater contrast to the screen. This increased contrast reveals the subtle nuances of the image, from detailed blacks and shadows to the brightest whites and colors. With HDR compatible televisions, and Sony's unique X-tended Dynamic Range™ PRO and TRILUMINOS™ Display technologies, viewers will enjoy higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colors, resulting in more depth and detail than ever before.

"Sony knows HDR from the lens to the living room – we were among the first to use cameras that film in 4K and HDR and have been on the forefront of offering consumers technology that can bring the stunning experience of 4K and HDR into their homes," said Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics. "Our new lineup of 4K HDR televisions is proof of our continuing efforts to bring the latest and greatest technologies to market that will provide the best home entertainment experience."

HDR content is becoming increasingly available on video services, with Amazon becoming the first video provider to offer titles in HDR. Amazon Original Series include the most-streamed Amazon original show ever: The Man in the High Castle and the 2016 Golden Globe nominated series Transparent and Mozart in the Jungle, as well as movies including After Earth, Fury, Salt, Elysium and more. Netflix was the first to roll out 4K content to the mainstream market and has made a commitment to providing HDR content to its subscribers. Additionally, at its press conference, Sony unveiled ULTRA, a new app from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to be launched this year in the US. With ULTRA, consumers can purchase and stream 4K HDR movies and TV shows – the best new and classic titles from the 4K digital library of Sony Pictures – directly on their Sony 4K HDR TV.¹

Starting in 2016, Sony 4K televisions that are capable of fully taking advantage of HDR content, from the XBR-X850D series and up, will be branded with a new "4K HDR Ultra HD" logo. This logo will be used across Sony's 4K HDR Ultra HD compatible products from content production, to display devices and services. Logoed televisions meet the Consumer Technology Association's (CTA) HDR definition and support compelling next-generation visual experiences.

Outstanding Picture Clarity

The new XBR-X930D models feature Sony's new Slim Backlight Drive with precision grid array backlighting. The Slim Backlight Drive, combined with Sony's enhanced backlight control X-tended Dynamic Range PRO, boosts and dims the backlight to create deeper blacks and brighter peak highlights. This technology manages the light source more accurately in each specific zone while still maintaining a slim profile.

All of these premium 4K HDR televisions utilize Sony's 4K Processor X1 to enhance color, contrast and clarity, improving the quality of 4K images. This is combined with a TRILUMINOS Display to reproduce a wider color range with accurate color details at any brightness level. Further enhancing the picture quality, these televisions are also equipped with 4K X-Reality PRO to bring stunning picture detail using a reality creation database for everything from TV broadcasting to Internet video.

Usability and Design

To support an enhanced viewing experience that goes beyond the screen, the XBR-X930D and XBR-X940D Sony 4K HDR Ultra HD models will have an ultra-thin design that creates an expansive, borderless picture and mounts flush to a wall. When hung against a wall, the television is so close, and the bezel is so thin, that it can appear to be flush with the wall. When the television is set on a TV stand or a cabinet its clean cable management keeps wires out of view and looks equally elegant when viewed from the back or front.

These new televisions support Google's Android TV™ operating system, making it even easier to watch broadcast and cable TV, stream video, download entertainment, or use as a gaming device. Android TV brings the world's most popular mobile platform to Sony's TVs, providing a tailored and intuitive entertainment experience. TV lovers can watch hit shows and timeless movies from Google Play™, Amazon Video, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, PBS and PBS KIDS. Users can also access a huge selection of games and additional apps from the Google Play store right on the TV. Additional popular apps available via Android TV include HBO NOW, EPIX, Starz Play, iHeartRadio, Fusion, PlutoTV and Vevo.

In addition, Android TV's voice-enabled searching feature has been enhanced to support natural language voice actions and longer, more complex sentences. And with Google Cast™², users can cast their favorite entertainment apps such as HBO GO from their Android or iOS device, Mac or Windows computer or Chromebook to the TV.

Beyond streaming content, Sony's Android TV platform allows Home Automation control directly from the TV's UI using a Logitech Harmony Hub. More than 270,000 home entertainment products and IoT (internet of things) devices, such as lights, shades and thermostats can be controlled and automated at the push of a button on the TV's remote.

Sony is exhibiting at the CES Sony Booth #14200. For more information, please visit www.sony.com/ces. To follow the online conversation use #SONYCES

2016 4K HDR Line-up:

XBR^-X930D Series 4K HDR LCD TV (55" and 65" Class models) and XBR-X940D (75" Class model)
Available in early 2016

• HDR compatibility to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colors.
• X-tended Dynamic Range PRO to produce ideal contrast, enhancing HDR and non-HDR content by boosting and dimming the backlight levels precisely for each zone of the screen with unique backlighting algorithm.
• New Slim Backlight Drive technology, which uses a unique grid array local dimming backlighting structure to distribute the backlight source more precisely to each specific zone of the screen while maintaining a slim display. (X930D only, the X940D is built in with slim full-array direct backlit LED.)
• Brilliant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for color accuracy.
• 4K X-Reality PRO brings stunning detail using a unique algorithm from a reality creation database for TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital still photos.
• 4K Processor X1 to improve color accuracy, contrast and clarity of HD, 4K and 4K HDR video.
• Supports Google's Android TV operating system, making it easy to stream video, functions as a gaming device and providing enhanced features. Google Cast will provide users with greater connectivity than ever before by enabling them to cast content from mobile devices.
• Voice Search and Voice Command available through a remote equipped with a microphone. With access to Google Play, consumers can enjoy what they like to do on a smartphone or tablet, from their television.
• Sony's exclusive Content Bar allows customers to access content quickly and intuitively without disturbing while watching TV by enhancing and shortening content direct access.
• Features an ultra-thin design that creates an expansive, borderless picture and mounts flush to a wall. When hung against a wall the television is so close, and the bezel is so thin, that it can appear to be flush with the wall.
• When the television is set on a TV stand or a cabinet its clean cable management keeps wires out of view and looks equally elegant when viewed from the back or front.

XBR-X850D Series (55", 65", 75" and 85" Class models)
Available in early 2016

• HDR compatibility to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colors.
• Brilliant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for color accuracy.
• 4K X-Reality PRO brings stunning detail using a unique algorithm from a reality creation database for TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital still photos.
• 4K Processor X1 to improve color accuracy, contrast and clarity of HD, 4K and 4K HDR video.
• Supports Google's Android TV operating system, making it easy to stream video, functions as a gaming device and providing enhanced features. Google Cast will provide users with greater connectivity than ever before by enabling them to cast content from mobile devices.
• Voice Search and Voice Command available through a remote equipped with a microphone. With access to Google Play, consumers can enjoy what they like to do on a smartphone or tablet, from their television.
• Sony's exclusive Content Bar allows customers to access content quickly and intuitively without disturbing while watching TV by enhancing and shortening content direct access.

¹ Available on select Sony Android TVs.
² Google Cast is a trademark of Google Inc.

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SOURCE Sony Electronics