“Radioactive” is a song by American rock band Kings of Leon (a Sony Music artist), and is the first single to be released from their 2010 album Come Around Sundown. It is the second track on the album. The song, along with its accompanying music video, premiered today on the Kings’ website courtesy of VEVO. The video shows the band engaging with underpriveleged African children, and playing the song while the children represent a gospel choir. The song will start playing in regular rotation on US Alternative Radio stations starting September 13th.

Come Around Sundown will be released on October 19th, but available for pre-order via iTunes starting September 14th. Fans who pre-order the record will receive “Radioactive” immediately as a free download. The album will be available in two configurations- standard as well as a deluxe version that will include bonus tracks.

The tracklisting for Come Around Sundown is:

The End
Radioactive
Pyro
Mary
The Face
The Immortals
Back Down South
Beach Side
No Money
Pony Up
Birthday
Mi Amigo
Pickup Truck

Come Around Sundown was recorded in New York at Avatar Studios and produced by Angelo Petraglia and Jacquire King. Kings of Leon are finishing up their second leg of their 26-date North American tour at the end of this month (September 25th at St. Louis) and will be doing several European Arena shows in Belgium, Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The long wait is nearly over. The PlayStation Move, revealed in June of last year, is now coming to North America on September 17, the PAL region and most Asian markets on September 15, and in Japan on October 21. It’s really exciting to see such an incredible accessory like the very accurate Move controller system coming to the PS3. Move is going to have innovative titles at launch and unlimited potential for the future of the console. In some ways, the PlayStation Move is something that almost reinvents the PS3. It’s a really accurate motion controller attached to a HD-capable powerhouse. Sign me up. For existing PS3 owners, its almost a no brainer to buy this. I’m pretty lucky I won’t have to spend as much as others, as I already have an PlayStation Eye camera.

Want to learn more about the Move? You have to check out the post on PlayStation blog, “PlayStation Move: The Ultimate FAQ.” The information there is really comprehensive and answers so many questions about the PlayStation Move. And it’s not just the usual boring FAQ. There are some gems in there, especially since the majority of the questions are user-submitted from the community. Must read.

I know that some of you may not play your PS3 as much as you used to. I have several friends who are like that and have seen that rhetoric elsewhere. Even I go for little stretches of time and play games on my PC (currently addicted to BF:BC2). I miss console gaming, though, and while I loved the Wii there was something missing in it for me. I wanted something in HD, mind blowing graphics (and long draw distances), online gaming, and had the FPS titles that could keep me locked in and satisfied. So when I saw the Move sub-controller demonstration for SOCOM, where someone played a FPS very accurately, I knew i had to get into it. And the Move it’s something my girlfriend and I can do together.

She’s very competitive, so this will easily tire her out on those certain nights.

The PlayStation Move has received critical acclaim overall with most major sites giving it positive reviews. If you are more of the type to look at a product on video, check out this search link on YouTube that has many video reviews and demos of the PlayStation Move. Be sure to check out the links below as well for more detailed analysis of the whole experience.

Game Informer gave it an 8 out of 10 saying “The PlayStation Eye and motion controller are a killer combination for accurate and highly responsive motion-based gameplay, and we applaud Sony for getting the hardware right the first time.”

Kotaku praised its accuracy, design, use of augmented reality and said that “The Playstation Move is a intuitive, natural feeling way to play games and it brings with it not only a sense of increased immersion to already graphically immersive games, but a new way to play with your reality and a refreshing form of colorful feedback.”

IGN gave the Move an 8.5 out of 10, noting that the launch line-up of games for the controller was insufficient though it summarized by saying “At the end of the day, the PlayStation Move has the potential to be the best motion control system on the current crop of consoles.”

Joystiq praised the Move saying “The hardware’s great, and I can see it being used in a multitude of really cool ways, but of course it’s only as cool as the games that use it” and that the launch line-up was not worth the purchase at launch though it believes that the Move would be worth the purchase in early 2011 due to a stronger line-up of games such as SOCOM 4 and Killzone 3.

CVG gave the Move an extremely positive review awarding it 9 out of 10 saying that “Sony’s motion control gets beyond being a gimmick. We found ourselves constantly itching for “one more go”.” The Guardian strongly criticized the Move’s launch line-up, though it noted that the hardware was strong and that after playing with the Move it was “very hard to go back to the relative inaccuracy of the Wii.”

Sony Japan has updated their headphone line for 2010, and one of the most exciting introductions set for release on November 10th is the flagship model MDR-Z1000 (Y61,950). Sony is aiming these stereo headphones towards professionals, and has engineered them to excel in audio post-production. There are several new features in this headphone that have never been integrated in a Sony headphone before. In the official press release, Sony states that the development of the technology within the Z1000 has taken years of expertise in headphone design to accomplish.

The design of the Z1000 is quite unique, but still attractive in its own way. The Z1000 most certainly does not look like headphones Sony have released in the past. The housing component is actually made of magnesium alloy, and is 10% thinner in comparison to conventional models. Portability and ease of use was also kept in mind as the Z1000 has the ability to use 1.2m/3m cords that can be detached from the base of the headphone (as seen above).

One of the biggest features of the Z1000 is the 50mm driver unit and the ability to handle frequencies of 5-80,000 Hz. This is very similiar to the previously released MDR-Z900HD, but a major difference is that the Z1000 can handle a maximum input of 4,000mW.

The Z1000 is also one of the first headphones by Sony to use a liquid crystalline polymer diaphragm, which is nearly five times as strong as conventional designs and reduces inner plate vibration significantly. If you eliminate or greatly suppress vibration in a headphone, it enables a much more accurate listening experience and greater fidelity. Signal purity is almost no question with the integration of oxygen free copper (OFC) wires, which boast a 7N signal grade, and will ensure low distortion and minimal signal loss. There is also a new gasket that covers the gap between the housing and the driver unit to enhance sound isolation from the outside world while preventing sound leakage.

The design of the headphone pads in the Z1000 have been greatly improved in comparison to past models, and after dozen of trials Sony Japan feels they may have the perfect fit. With a wider fit and an improved foam cushion, the Z1000 reduces hair pinching and has less of a squeezing feeling on the ears.

So we were wondering when we finally see any 3D VAIO pop up on the horizon of our scope as Sir Howard Stringer himself mentioned those back in 2009 at CES and a number of slides from Sony showed the VAIO presence in 3D roadmap. Well it looks like Sony put one together in the prototype form and showcased it in Berlin at IFA. It makes sense to incorporate this technology into a desktop replacement notebook with a wide and big LCD. So most likely it won’t be a VAIO like TT series where we first spotted Bluray drive. I think it would have been nice to have a small form factor 3D enabled VAIO, so it sort of becomes a portable 3D player.

Anyways, do you see yourself playing with a 3D enabled notebook? I can definitely see gaming happen, however I am not aware of that many 3D PC games. It will most likely be used as a Bluray 3D powerhouse. In the video below you will learn a little bit more details about this new VAIO. Sony has incorporated the transmitter into the bezel and you can use your Bravia 3D active shutter glasses to view the content. In addition to hardware buttons (ASSIST and VAIO), Sony added 3D button to get you into three dimensional world.

More details will be revealed at CES 2011 and expect to pick one up in late spring.

Sony has unveiled two new digital photo and video frames at IFA 2010: the DPF-XR100 (pictured above) and DPF-VR100 (pictured below), each with 2GB of internal storage that boast a generously-sized 10.2 inch WSVGA (1024×600, 16:10) LED backlight LCD screen for a big, beautiful view of your photos and videos. And it isn’t just lousy video support; Sony has raised the stakes by giving these new models the ability to play HD video with support for various formats.

This is truly the display for those of you who use high end cameras and video equipment and want to proudly show off your multimedia within the home or office. In a first by Sony, the S-Frame XR100 and VR100 can show your camcorder, camera, and DSLR AVCHD clips with clear, rich stereo sound. Maximum file size for AVCHD video playback is 2GB, which is quite impressive. The XR100 also has support for the Motion JPEG, MPEG-4, and MPEG-1 video formats and can display nearly any picture format. Pretty amazing this device can play HD and SD video.

An advanced image processor (BIONZ) inside the frames scales and displays content up to 256 megapixels, making these frames capable of handling footage taken with even the most advanced digital cameras or HD camcorders. Enjoy your video’s soundtrac or a choice of pre-installed background music tracks. Both models can play back the popular music formats MP3, AAC, and WAV through built-in stereo speakers. Alternatively, you can further enhance the mood of videos and slideshows by transferring your favorite music tracks to the frame’s internal memory.

The flagship XR100 adds TruBlack technology for even richer, high-contrast images with practically no reflection. Both products also feature an extra-wide viewing angle (160° x 160° degrees) which ensures that your photos and videos will be viewable nearly anywhere in the room. Sony has also brought back the popular auto orientation sensor, which automatically displays your pictures at the right angle when you change how the display stands.

Sony Professional announced today a revolutionary new display product during IFA 2010 in Berlin. The new VPL-VW90ES is Sony’s first 3D home projector, and gives movie fans the opportunity to enjoy an unrivaled 3D cinematic experience in the comfort of their own home. Based on the active shutter glasses technology used in Sony’s 3D TV range, the VPL-VW90ES has been designed to deliver an optimal 3D experience that feels natural on the eyes.

To achieve the excellent image quality required in a home theater environment, including true depth of color and brightness, the VW90ES is equipped with Sony’s Advanced Iris 3 technology. This enables a dynamic contrast ratio of 150,000:1.

With the ability to project 3D in Full HD 1080p, the VPL-VW90ES features an upgraded SXRD 240Hz Panel which minimizes image distortion or “crosstalk.” The projector is also capable of taking 2D video and simulating 3D images, bringing new life to classic movies from the past and allowing a wide variety of video content to be enjoyed.

“The launch of our first 3D home projector marks the latest step in Sony realizing its 3D World vision,” said Tak Nakane, product manager at Sony Professional. “From capturing images in 3D, through to the production and delivery stages, Sony is uniquely placed to deliver an incredible 3D viewer experience both at home and in the cinema. The projector also opens up another dimension for gamers too. People will be able to play a rapidly increasing number of 3D titles such as Gran Turismo 5, and Wip3out in crystal clear high definition, something we believe is going to appeal hugely to the gaming community.”

Key to the VPL-VW90ES is customization. The projector is simple to setup and ideally suited to meet a wide range of installation configurations. Customers can personalize the projector depending on the content they are showing and the size of the room they are in, whether it be a small living room or large home theater. The projector is quiet too, thanks to its incredibly low fan noise of just 22db0.

The projector will be available across Europe in November 2010, and most likely an announcement in the USA later this month during CEDIA 2010.

Qriocity is a network service platform that connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices and allows consumers to enjoy high quality entertainment across multiple devices. Through Qriocity, Sony will deliver a variety of digital entertainment content and services that are “powered by Qriocity”, including video, music, game applications, and e-books over time, and through these services, and in combination with its networked devices, Sony aims to bring new and exciting entertainment experiences to customers.

Today at the IFA 2010 show in Berlin, Sony announced plans to introduce “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity”, a new, cloud-based, digital music service. Available by year’s end, “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will give music lovers access to millions of songs stored and synchronized through the cloud. “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will initially be available across Sony’s 2010 models of network-enabled BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theater systems, as well as PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems and VAIOs and other personal computers, and will become increasingly available on a range of Sony’s portable devices.

“Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” brings together the features cited as most important by music enthusiasts. With access to a huge library of songs through the cloud, users can discover new music through channels personalized to their tastes on multiple devices and without the requirement to manage digital music files. The convenience resulting from this new consumer music experience will further enhance the value of music, thus creating new opportunities for the industry. Details of the service plan will be announced in the future.

“We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony’s network-enabled devices,” said Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products & Services Group, Sony Corporation. “Services ‘powered by Qriocity’ will revolutionize the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content.”

Sony has detailed an incoming update to its existing Reader Library software, which will soon be known as Reader Desktop Edition (for OS X and Windows). There is also word that a Reader Mobile Edition app is coming soon for Apple iPhone and Google Android-based smartphones, enabling users to synchronize their reading among multiple devices. This is most certainly a response to Apple’s iBook and Amazon’s Kindle app which has proven to be a popular strategy for those companies. These free Sony applications, available later this year, will offer an intuitive digital reading experience with an elegant interface and access to Sony’s Reader Store for browsing and purchasing content. Reader Desktop Edition also includes the ability to easily manage content for the non-wireless Reader models.

Picture of the new Sony Reader devices announced today, courtesy of engadget.

Aside from the recent introduction of three new Sony Reader devices, the Japanese company has strengthened its digital reading strategy with several changes and improvements to Reader Store. Aside from some upcoming changes, Sony is now stating they offer a vast catalog of over 1.2 million titles available for download in the USA.

Sony remains committed to providing an extensive offering of newspaper and magazine content for single issue purchase or subscription within the newsstand area of the store.Soon to be available titles include The Guardian, The Harvard Business Review, Newsday, Publishers Weekly, San Diego Union-Tribune and more. The store’s Library Finder application continues to provide easy access to local public libraries to borrow eBooks for free. To make choosing a book easier, the New York Times Bestsellers list will be featured alongside the Reader Store’s bestsellers. By next month, integration with Goodreads will permit the inclusion of reader reviews from that site and a new web-based architecture for the store will allow standard browser access to accounts.”

Sony Europe’s press conference at IFA 2010 has revealed a real stunning update to the Bloggie camera and video recorder with the introduction of a stylish touchscreen based model. If you compare the bloggie released more than half a year ago, this new version is just simply a giant leap forward in aesthetics and features.

The Bloggie Touch (incredible Bloggie Touch site at SonyStyle USA), available this November, boasts a new sexy slim design thanks to the aluminum finish. while shedding many of the buttons you’ve seen in the past. Storage capacity is pretty generous, allowing the user to hours of HD video on the $199 8GB (MHS-TS20), or the $179 4GB (MHS-TS10) versions of the Bloggie Touch, but we were a little disappointed that there was no storage card slots. The device is quite powerful, with full 1920x1080p (30p), 1280x720p (60p, 30p) HD MP4 video recording and also a 12.8-megapixel camera. The camera system has a Exmor CMOS image sensor inside for excellent low light performance, which was an issue with previous models. You can a clearer shot of the intended subject with the 4x digital zoom, Face Detection, and a handy Auto Macro function which is an incredible feature that takes the hassle out of switching camera modes.

The big upgrade in this device is the nice three inch capacitive touchscreen and a new interface for easier usability. SonyStyle USA says that there is a “touch & slide method for searching through your videos and pictures.” As we stated before, there are few buttons except for one on the front for recording, and a dedicated camera button and on/off switch. Sony has brought back the hidden USB port that flips out and is capable of charging the battery.

According to Sony Europe, “Bloggie Touch also records amazing 360-degree panoramic videos and photos to capture everything that’s happening around you – just clip on the supplied lens adaptor. 360 Videos are now twice the resolution of previous-generation Bloggie. In addition to fun 360 Video, Bloggie Touch features “free-style shooting” which allows you to capture movie both in landscape and portrait.”

Here is a hands-on video with the Bloggie Touch courtesy of Techlicious:

A new season brings new gadgets and one of them is a refreshed line up of Sony Readers (the ones we have uncovered earlier this summer). If  you tend to go through your electronic toys like you exchange your cars or gloves (old saying I know), Sony wants you to pick up a lighter, E-Ink Pearl improved Reader that will have a very nice refresh rate and you won’t need to wait a whole second to turn your page. Oh yea, touch functionality is now adopted on all three models from Pocket Reader to the Daily version (PRS-350, 650 and 950). According to Rachel Meltz of the AP, “The new e-reader uses an infrared sensor to read finger swipes or taps from an included stylus. Before, the device’s screen needed a special overlay, which reduces clarity.”

Please make sure you check out those links or at least read the press release below as there has been many improvements to this latest generation of Readers.

Another item of interest in this launch is where Forbes notes that Steve Haber, “who spearheaded digital reading at Sony, proudly referring to Amazon chief exec Jeff Bezos’ comments to USA Today that the Kindle doesn’t use a touchscreen because capacitive technology increases glare on the device’s display–a problem that Sony has apparently solved. “Amazon said it was impossible. Clearly that’s not the case,” says Haber. “It can be done.”

Pictures courtesy of engadget.

The only 3G model is your Daily Reader which now has a WiFi connectivity and even a browser for light internet inquiries of yours. A basic web browser is finally a response Each Reader features new E Ink Pearl with 2 Gigs of on board memory. Pricing is still not too competitively logical (starting from $179 to $299), however remember you are paying a premium for a piece of nice hardware. Anyways, check out the press release below and Sony we expect you to wow us maybe later for CES with a new Reader that has amazing OLED display (black n white E Ink is so 90s don’t you think?) with super awesome and dynamic touch GUI (nothing boring, remember we like flashy stuff). We will love you forever more after we have one like that in our hands…we will keep dreaming for now.

The new Reader Pocket Edition and the new Reader Touch Edition are available immediately, and the new Reader Daily Edition will be available this November in time for the holidays. The Reader Pocket and Touch Editions, as well as available accessories such as AC adapters, cases and covers with reading lights, are available now at SonyStyle.com and SonyStyle stores. Check out this gallery of new Sony Reader photos courtesy of Sony Electronics.

We found excellent hands-on perspectives, galleries, and musings about the latest Sony Reader strategy at engadget, PC Magazine, Forbes, Financial Times, TWICE, and the NY Times. Please leave comments with any other reviews of interest.

Edit: Further additions by Christopher MacManus.

Press Release

SONY BRINGS DIGITAL READING EXPERIENCE TO LIFE WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS NEW LINE OF READERS

New Readers Feature Sony’s Unique Touch Screens with Anti-Glare Technology for the Optimal Digital Book Reading Experience

SAN DIEGO, September 1, 2010 ⎯ Continuing to provide book lovers with the most natural, immersive digital reading experience, Sony today announced the launch of its beautifully-designed new line of Reader digital books, including the new Reader Pocket Edition™, Reader Touch Edition™ and, in the US, the wireless Reader Daily Edition. The new line of Readers features a host of new design and technology enhancements that make them the perfect device for any reader’s lifestyle.

With Reader™ Desktop Edition (formerly Reader Library) for Apple’s Mac OS X and Microsoft® Windows® and Reader™ Mobile Edition for Apple iPhone and Google Android-based smartphones, users can now synchronize their reading among multiple devices. These free applications, available later this year, will offer an intuitive digital reading experience with an elegant interface and access to Sony’s Reader Store for browsing and purchasing content. Reader Desktop Edition also includes the ability to easily manage content for the non-wireless Reader models.

Sony Japan has detailed five new televisions that have compelling features such as a dual HD tuner, built-in Blu-ray/DVD player and a 500GB DVR. Set for release around late November, the 3D capable BRAVIA KDL-HX80R (based on HX800 series) and regular HD KDL-EX30R series (based on KDL-EX300) televisions will continue to remind consumers the USA is oddly far behind.

You have yet to see a TV like this in the USA because cable and satellite companies have made sure that we’re at the bottom of the barrel with this technology. It just doesn’t make any sense to have such incredibly advanced phones, computers, and so forth, yet US television content control is nearly in the stone age compared to the rest of the world. Most 2010 Japanese TV’s have some sort of DVR and massive hard drive, and Europe and Japan have enjoyed a DVR add-on that works brilliantly with the PS3. Maybe GoogleTV and the incoming horde of instant content streaming (from Apple, etc) will finally push the USA in the right direction, but it is still unclear how this will work with major operators, such as Comcast, Verizon FIOS, DirecTV, etc. And in some ways that’s where the problem lies, as there are so many providers that make great revenue off charging the masses for DVR rentals and associated fees.

The recording options on both televisions are pretty standard for what we’re seeing from other manufacturers in Japan, and it has a 500GB hard drive, and the ability to record two programs in AVC at the same time. There is also enhanced editing and chapter integration for recorded movies. Japanese consumers will enjoy the ability to record MPEG-2 TS streams directly to the hard drive, or use MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 encoding at XR (16Mbps), XSR (11Mbps), SR (8Mbps), LSR (4Mbps), LR (3Mbps), ER (2Mbps) modes. We also give a big thumbs up for the ability to import AVCHD content from a camcorder or camera into the television’s hard drive. How cool is that!

Here are some more pictures of the monolithic design influenced HX80 series which is 1080P HD, HD 3DTV, and Blu-ray (2D/3D) playback. There will be 55″ (KDL-55HX80R, Y440,000), 46″ (KDL-46HX80R, 360,000Y) and 40″ (KDL-40HX80R, Y300,000) models, all of which featuring 240Hz Motionflow Pro on a beautiful dynamic edge-lit LED LCD panel.

Similar to the HX800, the HX80R will have BRAVIA Engine 3 and the CREAS3 chip for enhanced color and image clarity. Unfortunately, like the HX800 series, the 3D transmitter (TMR-BR100) and active shutter 3D glasses (TDG-BR100, TDG-BR50) will be optional accessories that you’ll have to buy as well. I’m sure local Japanese retailers are offering 3D accessory bundles.

The EX30R (based on the EX300/EX308 series) is a more basic LCD HDTV with CCFL backlighting, and despite that fact, Sony Japan has integrated 500GB hard drives and a Blu-ray Player into this series as well. The 30″ (KDL-32EX30R, Y150,000) and 26″ (KDL-26EX30R, Y145,000) feature a double HD tuner and 720p resolution. It also has BRAVIA Engine 3 and the CREAS3 chip like the HX80R, but does not support MotionFlow Pro and operates at 60Hz.

Real life pictures of the HX80R and EX30R courtesy of AV Watch. More pictures at our Picasa Gallery of the HX80R and EX30R.

Hello fellow readers, here is a scoop of information about Sony Innovation get-together that occurred in NYC. I’d say this is a pretty rare opportunity that bloggers and Sony enthusiasts who attended the event got to experience at the Sony USA Headquarters on 550 Madison Ave. This gig was hosted on the 35th floor at the Sony Club which is not open to public eyes. Mind you the 34th floor is the Chairman’s floor, where sir Howard Stringer’s office is located, I’ll share more about that part at the end of this post.

When one enters the building, a grand lobby greets its visitors outfitted with a number of Sony Bravia TVs mounted on the wall next to each other. I proceeded to the elevator which takes you to the next level where every employee passes security check each morning. From there you take another elevator and the world of Sony Corporate offices is spread out on each floor.

After we reached the 35th floor we were greeted by the catering staff with finger food and lots of drinks available. But since we are mostly interested in the products we went into special room that was set up with products and Sony specialists waiting to answer any of your questions.

So what impressed me among the Sony gadgetry that I got to play with you may ask? Since I was hoping to see a Google integrated Bravia TV and maybe something new in the VAIO area, and as you know that did not happen, I got to spend some time with the Sony employees and have a good candid talk with some of them about current, past and upcoming products. One of them even mentioned in a polite but fun way that we “blew the embargo” when we posted a story on the not yet released Sony readers. But we would not be a Sony Insider site if we don’t share some of the juicy info from time to time, don’t you agree?

Let’s talk a little about Bravia, I spent a good amount of time discussing 3D, OLED and what Sony is doing in order to gain more share in this competitive market. I mentioned that I believe for 3D to take off, people need more 3D content which is pretty scarce at the moment. Sony rep gave a good response and analogy on how HDTV was also a slow starter and it took some time for it to be adopted and be available to the users. So with 2011 around the corner, let’s hope consumers will be flooded with 3D content from providers as well as Bluray 3D offerings. There is a good possibility that Sony may even consider streaming 3D content through its Bravia Internet Video service available now on all Bravia sets. To which I would say, go for it! Bring us 3D downloadable content from PSN or Qriocity services.

The upcoming Google integrated Bravia is going to be interesting and the sets are being assembled and shipped as we speak. So stay tuned for the announcement and availability this fall. This joint effort of Sony and Google has been praised on techy blogosphere and Sony is very excited about it. I believe if this is done right and most importantly user friendly, it will be an amazing product. I cannot say enough that well-done GUI and Internet features implemented within Bravia would make it or kill it. After asking about design, whether or not it’s going to be 3D ready, I got an answer that this new Bravia is going to be different. The rep felt like it is a good term to describe this upcoming TV, so we will see it and be judges of that.

The new NX810 models were displayed at the event and the 60 inch model drew some attention of course. Its slim design and 3D demos running definitely make the experience fun, but those folks who are neat-picky as far as PQ and want their blacks to be black may still want to wait until Intelligent LED Backlighting reaches the 60 inch mark. For some reason Sony has not yet come up with such a monster and I know many AV enthusiasts are disappointed and jumping the ship to Vizio and Sharp or Samsung 65” plus 3D LCDs. Shortage of panels was one of the main culprits this year.

As far as new monolothic design, I wanted to mention that I like it, but I’d say it’s OK though. I think when XBR10 series were released last year, it was already designed with this monolithic approach in mind as the screen was flush. XBR10 was also a beautiful set. I just think that something is still missing in the design department of the current models and they seem to be just plainly beautiful not striking enough in my opinion (the HX909 model I own is cutting close to being a beauty with its optional aluminum stand it is sitting in, but the panel itself is still on the thick side, I know I am very picky).

The NX810 are available in 46, 55 and 60 inch full HD resolution of course, all models share Dynamic Edge LED Backlighting with local dimming, Motionflow Pro 240Hz (watch the vid below where we discuss difference between 240Hz vs 480Hz).

The Sony NEX-VG10 was another product that drew attention of many. The interchangeable and first of its kind in the world camera will be available this September. There were also TX9 and a pair of NEX-3,5 as well as presentation of several 3D pictures taken by those Cybershots.

Anyways, check out the videos that will be posted soon (they are being uploaded).

As I mentioned in the very beginning the floor below the event was the Chairman’s floor and at that point I did not know that, I needed a lil break and I walked the marble stairs that led to the 34th floor, and as I wondered around, I passed the conference room outfitted with 2 Sony professional monitors where most likely videoconferencing takes place with Tokyo. As I proceeded further, I spotted Bravia HX909 hanging on the wall and a number of pictures and after talking to a lady sitting there, I realized that it was sir Howard’s office! Of course, he was not in, but being in the area where a lot of Sony decisions take place was pretty awesome!  I also got to talk to one of the Sony Club employee who has interfaced with Mr. Stringer on many occasions and that the CEO is a real true English gentleman with an awesome sense of humor.

All in all, it was a remarkable event and I was happy to catch up with a couple of my good Sony friends – Sukhjit  – the social media butterfly that has a huge passion for Sony and loves what she does there, Marcy Cohen and Jon Piazza.

For those of you in the USA, if you want a chance to win 2 Imperial Lime W Series PCs and 10 Billabong boardshorts, simply answer all 3 pop quiz questions below correctly by leaving your answers in the comment section of this Sony Blog post.  If you get stuck you can find hints to the answers by clicking the link to the related story. Next Friday, September 3^rd, Sony will close the contest and randomly select 2 grand prize winners and 10 boardshort winners from the lot of those who answered all 3 questions correctly. They’ll announce the winners as a follow up to this post shortly thereafter. Good luck!

Pop Quiz:

1. What charity did this year’s Design for Humanity event benefit?  Hint:  Watch this video
2. What’s the official color name of the VAIO / Billabong collab?  Hint: Read this story
3. Name the first fan to win the new VAIO / Billabong PC in our 3 stop homestretch?  Hint: Read/Watch this story

Be sure that when you post your comment on the related Sony blog post, you enter your real e-mail address in the e-mail field below (not in the comment area). Without a valid e-mail address in that field, you won’t be able to win!

When the gorgeous Sony BRAVIA NX Series edge-lit LED LCD TV was introduced earlier this year, it was presented as a HDTV with some really advanced features, but lacked 3D capability. Sony Europe and Sony USA are set to offer the BRAVIA NX810 series HD 3DTV to consumers this September. The series, available in 46″ (KDL-46NX810, $3,000), 55″ (KDL-55NX810, $3,700), and 60″ (KDL-60NX810, $4,700) inch screen sizes feature full HD (1080p) resolution with 2D and 3D capability. Your favorite show or movie will come alive with the 240Hz Motionflow PRO technology, enabling a clear picture when watching content that has fast-moving sequences.

Sony’s most advanced processing system for superior image detail, BRAVIA Engine 3, offers exceptionally vibrant, life-like images, reduced noise and optimized contrast and color. There is also dynamic edge-lit LED backlighting that features local dimming for crisp blacks and exceptional colors. However, some have found that direct LED backlit panels may look better. In fact, it is rather odd that this model is priced higher than the HX909 series, which does offer direct LED backlighting and what some consider a superior picture to the NX810.

Connectivity is pretty well rounded on the NX810 series with a plethora of HDMI inputs, as well as USB, Ethernet, built-in Wi-Fi, BRAVIA Internet Video & Widgets, and much more. Unfortunately, the 3D Sync Transmitter (TMR-BR100) and 3D Active Shutter glasses (TDG-BR100, TDG-BR50) are sold separately.

To complement the NX810, Sony Europe says “..an optional designer stand offers an even more elegant way to set your TV at the perfect 6° viewing angle. And with a 2.1 sound system mounted in the base, you’re guaranteed not just effortless style but enhanced sound quality too.”

Sony Europe also goes on to detail a NX710 HD 3DTV (identical in appearance and similar to the NX700) that will be available for a lesser price, smaller screen sizes and 120Hz MotionFlow Pro technology, but there is no word if this model will come to the USA.