Sony Introduces New Blu-ray Disc Players – BDP-S470 and BDP-S370

(Singapore, 28 April 2010) – Sony Electronics Asia Pacific haveintroduced two new Blu-ray disc players, BDP-S470 and BDP-S370, offering consumers amazing Full HD experience.

Immerse in the next dimension with 3D-ready Blu-ray
The BDP-S470 is Sony’s first 3D ready Blu-ray disc player, capable of playing 3D Blu-ray disc movies on 3D-enabled TVs. 3D from Sony uses advanced picture technology and specialist Active Shutter glasses to create incredibly realistic depth and crisp, vivid Full HD 3D images.

Enjoy extensive multimedia entertainment in Full HD
Expanding the Full HD content available to Blu-ray disc players, the new BDP-S470 and BDP-S370 are able to instantly stream movies, videos and music when connected to a broadband Internet network. Users can enjoy a variety of popular online content from YouTube, DailyMotion, eHow, and over 18 providers through the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video platform. The new models also feature Sony’s Entertainment Database Browser using Gracenote technologies that allow users to conveniently browse details like actor and production information from a Blu-ray disc and access related content found on BRAVIA Internet Video platform. For accessing online content wirelessly, both the BDP-S470 and BDP-S370 require an optional Wi-Fi dongle which is sold separately.

You can alsoplug in an external Hard Disk Drive or USB-enabled device to the front or rear USB ports of the Blu-ray disc players to enjoy movies, music or photos through the TV or home theatre system. With Blu-ray compatibility extended to an even larger range of file types, including DivX HD, SA-CD and MKV format, users will find it easier than ever to share personal entertainment throughout the home.

Indulge in convenience with “BD Remote”, Quick Start, and faster loading speeds
Unique to the BDP-S470 and BDP-S370, the Blu-ray disc players can be easily controlled with an iPhone or iPod Touch device, using a free app called “BD Remote” that can be downloaded from the Apple App store. The app allows an iPhone/iPod Touch to function as a remote control that includes the ability to access a Blu-ray Disc’s details such as jacket artwork, actor, and production information as well as search for additional video clips online.

The new BDP-S370 and BDP-S470 will be available in selected Asia Pacific countries from May 2010 and June 2010 respectively.

Sony Introduces Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX

Available in 8Gb, 16Gb and 32Gb, the Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX memory cards from Sony have a maximum transfer rate of up to 50 Mb/s – the fastest in the world. It is based on the HX Engine controller, operates at 2.7V – 3.6V, and works with "Handycam camcorders, as well as with the Sony-branded digital cameras like the NEX-5". The Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX, covered by a 10 year warranty, is expected to start shipping soon.

News via [Techconnect]

Sony Introduces Giga Juke for Music Lovers

Audio technology has risen to the next level of innovation with SonySingapore’s new HiFi system, the Giga Juke NAS-E35HD. Riding on an 80GB storagecapacity hard disk drive, the Giga Juke player can store up to 15,000 songs fornonstop music playback. In addition, it effectively doubles as a personal musiclibrary with its in-built Gracenote? database software that automaticallycategorises songs, identifies CD albums, music artists, and track names.

Representing an entirely new line of Sony Hi-Fi systems, the Giga Juke playeroffers avid music lovers a perfect solution where they can consolidate theirmusic without hassle. Like a juke box, there is no longer a need to change discswith the Giga Juke as it stores up to 15,000 songs, saving users their preciousfurniture space with the virtual CD library.

“Sony is known for creating quality music players and the Giga Juke embodieshigh-performance features that reinforce this notion,” said Mr. Takeo Kobayashi,Managing Director, Sony Singapore. “Catered for music enthusiasts who ownnumerous albums, the Giga Juke player merges quality music playback and easyvirtual storage for a fuss-free listening experience.”

For greater connectivity, the Giga Juke is equipped with a Digital Media Portinput to allow easy music playback from MP3 players through the system.Featuring USB recording, the Giga Juke player also enables easy transfer ofmusic to MP3 players and PCs offering up to ten times faster file transfers fromhard disk drive to a Walkman, iPod, and Bluetooth device like a mobile phone andup to four times the ripping speed from CD.

As a music player, the Giga Juke also features DSGX Bass Boost Function forquality music enhancement and FM Tuner function on top of MP3 and CD musicplayback. For that added convenience, the Giga Juke features user-friendlythree-line FL display that tells the song title and artist information in thepreferred language of the user.

The new Giga Juke will be available in Singapore from August 2008 onwards andretails for S$ 699.00 inclusive GST.

Sony introduces BDV-3985WH 5.1 3D Blu-ray Home Theatre System

Sony has introduced their latestBDV-3985WH5.1 3D Blu-ray Home Theatre System which offersimmersiveexperience with sleek and attractive aesthetic stylings.You can enjoy your favoritemovies in3D, while its Surround Sound modeprovidesgreat audio from the Full-tallboy system.

The BDV-3985H isdesigned for users whowanthigh-quality entertainment in the comfort oftheir homes. It also comes with a wide variety of music and video contents which are made available right out-of-the-box,and withmore than 15 channels of BRAVIA Internet Videos, and much more with thebuilt-inweb browser. The BDV-3985H also features a newly developed Omni-Direction sound mode, wider directional speakers andDigital Cinema Auto Calibration (D.C.A.C) for superb audio experience.

The SonyBDV-E985W is now available at all Sony authorised retailersat S$1,599, and comes withSony Highspeed HDMI Cable,D.C.A.C Calibration Mic, andiPod/iPhone dock for accessories.

Sony introduces 3D monitor and 3D glasses

The 24-inch full high definition (HD) LCD display features a 5000:1 contrast ratio, 176-degree wide viewing angle, 4ms response time and a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. It also hastwo-channel stereo speakers on the sides and a subwoofer at the rear of the screen. Thedisplay uses edge-LED lighting whichhas apower consumption of 45W during normal 2D viewing mode.The pair of 3D glasses come with an internal battery which allows 30 hours of use after a 45 minute charge and only weighs about 45g.

The 3D Display will be bundled with a pair of 3D glasses, HDMI cable and a copy of the game, Resistance 3 (PS3 version), for U$499.99. Additional pair of 3D glasses can be purchased for U$69.99. It will be available in North America this fall.

Source and Press Release: Engadget

Sony Introduces "make.believe"

(SINGAPORE, 3 September 2009) – Sony Electronics Asia Pacific today announced “make.believe” (make dot believe), a new Group-wide brand message that unites Sony’s communication initiatives across electronics, games, movies, music, mobile phones and network services. The introduction of make.believe symbolizes Sony’s spirit of creativity and innovation and marks the first time the Company has introduced a unified brand message encompassing both entertainment and electronics.

“As we move to transform Sony and integrate the very best in electronics, entertainment and technology into the homes of our customers, the importance of an all-encompassing and unified brand image is more important than ever,” said Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation. ”In addition to reigniting the innovative spirit of our employees and our products, make.believe will differentiate us from countless competitors and inspire consumers around the world to embrace all that is Sony.”

“Believe” represents Sony’s ideas and ideals – the ability to think, imagine and dream – while “make” signifies the Company’s unique ability to turn these ideas into reality. The “dot” is where inspiration meets creativity and creativity meets reality, and symbolizes Sony’s role in bringing imagination to reality. make.believe will manifest itself through the introduction of breakthrough products, game-changing technologies, compelling new content and new network services that deliver unparalleled user experiences.

Over the coming months, make.believe will begin to appear in Sony advertising, promotional materials, sports sponsorship, product packaging, retail outlets, online content and more in a phased roll-out across the globe, beginning with IFA in Berlin and culminating with its worldwide debut at CES in January 2010.

“Asia is the ideal market for make.believe as Asians are early adopters of entertainment and technology. make.believe is about translating ideas into reality; the make.believe innovations to be rolled out in Asia will perfectly align technology to consumer lifestyle needs in this region.” says Mr. Narihiko Uemura, Managing Director, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific.

Sony’s diverse range of businesses extends from electronics hardware including professional and consumer products to entertainment such as movies, music, and games, as well as network services such as PlayStation Network. By aligning all its external communication efforts and delivering a consistent, unified message to consumers, Sony will seek to enhance the strength and reach of its brand across countries and cultures, and continue to change how people experience the world through its full spectrum of products and services.

Sony expands Handycam offerings with 12 new additions

Sony Singapore has introduced 12 new Handycams to the market – HDR-CX100 AVCHD Memory Stick series; DCR-SX60SD and DCR-SX40 Memory Stick series; HDR-XR520, HDR-XR500, HDR-XR200 andHDR-XR100 AVCHD Hard Disk Drive series; DCR-SR87, DCR-SR67 andDCR-SR47 SD Hard Disk Drive series; and DCR-DVD850 and DCR-DVD650 SD DVD series.

Sony Handycam? AVCHD Memory Stick series: HDR-CX100

Featuring three colour variations, the sleek and compact hybrid CX100AVCHD Memory Stick Handycam? features 1920 x 1080i Full HD recording on its 8GB internal memory and direct movie recording on Memory Stick. The camcorder also incorporates Smile Shutter and Face Detection technology, Auto Backlight Correction, and the BIONZ image processor combined with “Exmor” CMOS Sensor to deliver 4.0-megapixel still image recording and Smooth Slow Recording at 240 fields per second.

Sony Handycam? SD Memory Stick series: DCR-SX60, DCR-SX40

The slim Handycam? SX-series is designed with portability and style. The compact DCR-SX40 is available in silver, blue and red, and the new series allows direct movie recording on either its internal memory of up to 16GB or Memory Stick, with a maximum recording time of approximately 11 hours . The SX-series also features a high-magnification 60x zoom lens to capture faraway subjects as well as one-touch disc burn when connected to the optional DVDirect Express (VRD-P1) DVD Writer.

Sony Handycam? AVCHD Hard Disk Drive series: HDR-XR520, HDR-XR500, HDR-XR200, HDR-XR100

The Handycam? XR-series is Sony’s latest range of AVCHD HDD models. The flagship Handycam? HDR-XR520 boasts a 240GB HDD storage capacity for up to 101 hours of Full HD movie recording, crowning it the largest capacity camcorder in the market today. The HDR-XR520, HDR-XR500 and HDR-XR200 feature 12.0-megapixel still image recording, a Dual Recording mode that allows users to shoot up to 8.3-megapixel still images while recording video, and Smooth Slow Recording.

Integrating new “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor and BIONZ image processor technologies, the AVCHD HDD camcorders also incorporate Sony’s unique G Lens – a sophisticated, high-performance lens that has been optimized to perfectly complement this advanced image sensor and processing technology. In addition, users can shoot smoother footage while walking or running with the new Optical SteadyShot (Active Mode), thanks to its 10 times wider camera shake correction angle than conventional Optical SteadyShot technology which significantly reduces camera shake in footage even when on the move.

Sony Handycam? SD Hard Disk Drive series: DCR-SR87, DCR-SR67, DCR-SR47

Available in silver, blue and red, the DCR-SR47 allows users to choose the camcorder that complements their personal style best. In addition, the DCR-SR87 and DCR-SR67 feature Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator and a built-in zoom microphone, enabling realistic and clear surround sound during playback. A key featureof the Handycam? SR-series of HDD camcorders is its 60x high-magnification zoom lens which allows you to close-up to the subject easily.

Supported by a large storage capacity of up to 80GB, users can enjoy lengthy shooting as the SR-series allows for up to 61 hours of recording time.

Sony Handycam? SD DVD series: DCR-DVD850 and DCR-DVD650

The HDR-DVD850 features HYBRID Pluswhich allow movie recording on its 16GB internal memory, Memory Stick and on DVD. The HDR-DVD650 features HYBRID convenience of recording on both DVD and Memory Stick. High-magnification 60x zoom lens and built-in zoom microphones are incorporated in both models, and they feature touch panel LCDs with simple to use menus.

The Sony Handycams will be available before the IT Show 2009 next month.

Sony Ericsson’s Xperia ray shows up in Japan

Does Sony Ericssons Xperia ray smartphone ring a bell? We really will not be surprised if it does; after all, information about this particular smartphone was first announced by the company way back in June this year, although details about its eventual release date, operating system and specifications were kept tightly guarded. That is all set to change though, for Japans NTT DOCOMO has just announced the launch of the Xperia ray in Japan, where it is expected to hit the countrys retail shelves come August 27.

According to NTT DOCOMO, the new Xperia ray smartphone sports a thin and lightweight aluminum body, a trait which we believe will greatly appeal to fashion-conscious consumers. In addition, NTT DOCOMO has confirmed that the Xperia ray will be shipped with version 2.3 of the Android operating system preloaded into it, while its main processing muscle will be provided by a “fast 1GHz CPU”, although the company has conveniently chosen not to provide any details about the aforementioned processor.

Additional information about the Xperia ray provided by NTT DOCOMO reveals that that the smartphone will incorporate several well-known Sony technologies, such as the implementation of xLOUD audio technology for enhanced sound quality and an EXMOR R camera capable of capturing still images at a maximum resolution of 8.1 megapixels. Last but definitely not least, NTT DOCOMO has also confirmed that the Xperia ray will sport a “high-resolution, 3.3-inch touchscreen Reality Display utilizing the Mobile BRAVIA engine”, as well as Sonys POBox Touch 4.3 predictive text-input system which reportedly allows for quicker and easier text input in either English or Japanese.

And contrary to earlier rumours, it seems that the Xperia ray is not designed to be waterproof, so users might want to ensure that they do not accidentally give their new smartphone a shower of sorts under any circumstances.

No information about the Xperia rays pricing or contract plans has been revealed by NTT DOCOMO, although the company has claimed that it will be accepting preorders for the phone from as early as August 12, 15 days before the smartphone officially goes up on sale in Japan.

Source: NTT DOCOMO

Sony Ericsson unveils Xperia Arc Android 2.3 smartphone

Sony Ericsson has launchedtheir new Xperia arc smartphone thatis builtwith exceptional multimedia experience on the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) platform.

The Xperia arcsports astunning design. Itis super slim and light, measuringjust 8.7mm at its thinnest part and has a 4.2-inch multi-touch screen. Created from premium materials and with a stunning arc body, this smartphone is sleek, strong and designed to fit perfectly in the user’s hand.Incorporating the Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine, the phonedelivers exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image which enhances the overall entertainment experience. Furthermore, Sony Exmor R for mobile sensor with the f/2.4 lens enables the capture of high quality pictures and high definition (HD) videos even in low light. All pictures and videos can be sharedto your living room TV via the built in HDMI-connector.

Key features

– Slim, lightweight and strong, with perfect ergonomics
– Extra wide 4.2-inch multi-touch Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine to ensure ultimate multimedia and viewing experiences
– Sony Exmor R for mobile: for best-in-class low-light photography and video capture
– 8.1-megapixel camera andhigh definitionvideo recording capability
– Android Market – thousands of applications to keep you entertained

Sony Ericsson Xperia arc will be available globally in selected markets, including Japan, from Q1 in the colours Midnight Blue and Misty Silver.

Technical specifications

Processor: 1GHz Qualcomm
Phone memory: Up to 512 MB
Memory card support: up to 32 GB
Memory card included: microSD 8 GB
Operating system: Google Android 2.3
Display: 4.2 inches capacitive multi-touch
Display resolution: 854 x 480 pixels
Size: 125 x 63 x 8.7mm
Weight: 117g

Source: Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson’s Xperia mini and Xperia mini pro goes on sale, in Taiwan

Although Sony Ericssons new mini Xperia handsets have only just passed through the FCC certification, both of the new models went on sale in Taiwan this week. The two models in question are the Xperia mini and Xperia mini pro, of which the latter sports a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

Sony Ericssons website is still listing the two models as coming soon, but apparently its duo of compact smartphones has already arrived, at least in some parts of the world. The two handsets were announced back in the beginning of May and have arrived very quickly compared to some of Sony Ericssons other models, in fact both models are actually ahead of Sony Ericssons scheduled Q3 launch. Were still waiting for the Xperia pro though, which was announced in February and was delayed due to the disaster in Japan, although were now starting to question if itll ever launch.

A quick recap of the spec, the two new Xperia mini models feature a 1GHz Qualcomm QSD8255 SoC with Adreno 205 graphics, 512MB of RAM, 320MB of user accessible storage, a 480×320 3-inch display, a 720p video capable rear camera that shoots 5 Megapixel stills, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, DLNA support, Bluetooth 2.1, HSDPA speeds of up to 7.2Mbit/s and HSUPA speeds of up to 5.76Mbit/s and of course Android 2.3. The Xperia mini weighs in at 99g and measures 88x52x16mm while the Xperia mini pro is slightly heavier at 136g and slightly larger at 92x53x18mm.

The retail price in Taiwan for the Xperia mini is NT$7990 (S$333/US$277) whereas the Xperia mini pro is slightly more expensive at NT$8990 (S$375/US$311). Seems pretty reasonable to us, especially considering that you get a very capable processor in both models. The only thing were hoping to see from Sony Ericsson in the future is more user accessible storage memory, as 320MB just doesnt cut it today.