Everything about Sony

Sony Xplod in-car CD receivers with USB

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Wed, 14 May 2008 02:36:00 +0000

Sony has pulled the covers off two new Xplod in-car CD receivers, the CDX-GT920U and CDX-GT620U. Support for CD and radio is a given, but they also have USB ports for playing music stored on memory sticks and Sony’s Quick BrowZer technology to speed tracklist navigation. Both have fold-down, removable face-plates, which in the GT920U’s case is motorized.

Sony has fitted front mounted mini-jacks for plugging in other audio sources, and the GT920U is also compatible with iPods, HD and satellite radio (albeit with accessories required). MP3, non-DRM AAC and non-DRM WMA files are supported, both on CD or memory stick. Power output for both units rates at 52 watts x 4, with three additional pre-outs.

Personally they’re a bit too garish for my tastes - I like my stereo to look integrated with the rest of the dash, rather than resembling a button-encrusted barnacle clinging to it - but Sony do have a reputation for solid sound and build quality. Both include a credit-card style remote. The Xplod CDX-GT620U is available now, priced at around $160. Meanwhile the Xplod CDX-GT920U will be available in June, priced at around $250.

(Via SlashGear.)

Sony makes the Microvault USM-L flash drive available in various candy colors

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:29:00 +0000

Sony makes the Microvault USM-L flash drive available in various candy colors

Sony has made available a slew of tiny USB flash drives in its Microvault product line, branding these babies as the USM-L. The drives measure in at 0.69 x 0.33 x 2.44-inches and weighing only around 0.32-ounces, who would think that the USM-L flash drives can store as much as 16GB of data? Well, that’s how flash drives are nowadays, the smaller they get, the larger their storage capacities are, and this is particularly true with the Sony USM-L flash drives.

As if the USM-L flash drives were not small enough, Sony even made use of the Click mechanism which makes it shorter when it is connected to your machines. This also enables Sony to do away with the common USB flash drive design that comes with a cap that you have to pull out to reveal the flash drive’s USB connector. With the USM-L, all you have to do is to slide out the flash drive’s body to reveal the USB connector.

The USM-L flash drive also sports a LED indicator that illuminates when the flash drive is in used. And like other Microvault flash drives, the USM-L supports Windows Vista ReadyBoost utility, Sony’s Virtual Expander for file compression, and Plug’n Play technology. Perhaps most important, the USM-L flash drives come in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB storage capacities.

(Via Gadgetell.)

Sony's PFR-V1 headset rated "very good" despite impracticability

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:08:00 +0000

Sony's PFR-V1 headset rated "very good" despite impracticability

It was a long time coming, but we finally have a full review of Sony's PFR-V1 'personal field speakers.' C|net's intrepid review team took the headphones for a spin and not unsurprisingly found them to be 'expensive and impractical' and almost entirely lacking in bass. Goofy looks aside, they did move the music from inside your skull to in front of your face as promised. Of course, that little novelty comes with excessive sound leak to the annoyance of those around you. As such, the headphones are limited to at-home or closed-door office use unless you relish the scorn of others. C|net still rewards the $500 oddity with a generous 7 out of 10 (very good) rating despite a long list of qualifications.

(Via Engadget.)

Sony HDCAM SRW-5100 Studio Player

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Sony HDCAM SRW-5100 Studio Player

Sony introduced its new SRW-5100 studio player with an announcement to upgrade the digital cinema production workflow for HDCAM SR video tape recorders. The Sony SRW-5800, along with the complete array will now have new file transfer capabilities. The new HKSR-5804 file transfer option enables transfer of Digital Picture Exchange (DPX) files over Gigabit Ethernet networks. The enhancement also allows the player to record standard HD signals and uncompressed data at 4K full aperture. Other updates include data back-up and archiving with picture monitoring.

‘HDCAM SR technology is the industry format of choice for digital TV and motion picture production, as well as for high-end post production and computer graphics,’ said Rob Willox, director of Sony Electronics’ content creation group. ‘With these new capabilities and products, our decks greatly improve and enhance the HD and digital intermediate production workflows.’

The SRW-5100 model offers 880Mbps ‘playback-only’ capability with 1080 HQ and Dual-Stream modes. The deck supports playback with HDCAM® and Digital Betacam formats. The deck is best for on-set dubbing, screening, or outputting HDV™ content. Other features included are HKSR-5804 file transfer and 2x high-speed feed.

(Via Image-Acquire.com.)

Sony Ericsson W61S Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Sony Ericsson W61S Phone
Sony Ericsson has introduced a new phone that is sure to rock the camera-phone market. This time, its the Cyber-shot W61S, a new 5.1-megapixel camera phone with 3x optical zoom and smile shutter technology. This slider phone features 'Exmor' CMOS matrix, the same sensor technology from Sony's Alpha DSLR.

The W61S can work in CDMA 1 X WIN networks supporting EV-DO Rev.A technology, and supports Bluetooth, so the user can feel free without wires. GPS-functionality enhances photo capabilities of the phone.

In addition to photo and GPS the new Cyber-shot phone can boast of a big widescreen 2.8' TFT VGA display, which can be used as a pocket TV display. If the this display isn't big enough for you to share the content, the developers added a video out.

Sony Ericsson W61S Specifications:
* Networks: CDMA1X WIN
* Dimensions: 50x114x22 mm
* Weight: 149 g
* Display: 2.8' widescreen, 480x800 pixels, 262K colors
* microSD storage cards
* Camera: 5.11-megapixel, CMOS
* Payment, music and navigation services

(Via MobileWhack.)

Sony Ericsson W760 pics

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Sony Ericsson W760 picsThe W760 is a Walkman® phone that you will want to take with you everywhere. This is where the added protection from the multipurpose Active Speaker MAS-100 comes in. Announced today, it acts as a good-looking protective case, a speaker to let you play your tunes even louder and an FM radio antenna.

‘People today are always on the move so it’s important that they can stay in touch and have their entertainment at their fingertips,’ said Ben Padley, Head of Music Marketing at Sony Ericsson. ‘The W760 fits perfectly into this lifestyle. It is bold, action-packed and takes the Walkman® phone beyond just music.’

W760 Walkman® phone – Enjoy and share – anywhere in the world

Click here for pics

(Via Just Another Mobile Phone Blog.)

Sony to show its flagship DSLR 'α900' at P&I 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Sony to show its flagship DSLR 'α900' at P&I 2008

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on '2008 P&I') -- Sony showcased its flagship DSLR camera ‘α900’ during Photo&Imaging(P&I) 2008 held in Seoul, Korea.

Sony completed its full line-up of DSLR camera from entry-level model to that of professionals with this α900, a flagship model of the 'α’ brand. Unveiled at PIE(Photo Imaging Expo) 2008 in Japan for the first time, it attracted visitors with its 24.81 megapixel full-frame image sensor.

The company plans to launch the α900 in late this year.

< AVING Special Report Team for '2008 PHOTO & IMAGING': Jason Lee, Abe Shim, Danyan Yu, Min Choi, Miso Kim, Sophia Kwag, Annie Park, Paul Shin, Rachel Ji, Isaac Kim, Risa Koo >

(Via AVING WORLD | English.)

Sony's Alpha A350 DSLR gets reviewed

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:02:00 +0000

Sony's Alpha A350 DSLR gets reviewed

For some, tossing around phrases like 'live preview' and 'flip-out swivel screen' would be enough to sell Sony's Alpha A350, but we know you're more discerning than that, right? Right. Truth be told, Sony's feature-packed Alpha only turned out okay -- not great -- during a review session with the folks over at CNET. Still, the unit did offer a sturdy feel, a fantastically useful LCD monitor and satisfactory color / dynamic range. Unfortunately, the extra $200 or so you pay for 14-megapixels (over 10MP on the A300) wasn't deemed worthwhile, as the extra processing 'exacted a performance toll' in real-world use. The bottom line? These critics felt the Rebel XSi would be a better bet if you're just looking for a nice resolution bump, but for the vast majority of folks, you're likely better off snagging the A300 and putting your leftover dough towards a decent piece of glass.

(Via Engadget.)

The Walkman returns to glory with the Sony NWZ-A829

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:02:00 +0000

The Walkman returns to glory with the Sony NWZ-A829

Click for a larger image.

Back in February Sony announced two new Walkman MP3 players, the A820 and A829 (yes, horrendous names). These are 8 and 16 GB versions of Sony’s flash memory, iPod nano competitors. At first glance, the big shocker is the inclusion of Bluetooth audio on the A829—no more strangulation by your headphone—but the models have much more to offer than that.

As I said before, With Bluetooth headphones you can cut the wires, a great addition for runners and other athletes/gym addicts. But filling the iPod nano with even more envy is the 2.4’ widescreen QVGA LCD, 16GB storage, 62 hours of video playback at 30 fps, 36 hours of audio playback/9 hours of video playback, and MP3/WMA/AAC support.

To build on the great specs, the A829 also adds a few audio technologies to help improve the sound of crappy digital MP3 files—and they actually work. They are:

Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) restores the higher sound frequency lost when creating compressed music files.

Clear Bass enhances the bass sound while minimizing distortion.

Clear Stereo reduces signal leakage from one channel to another.

My only major complaints about the player is the proprietary connector and the price (falling in a $319.99).

If your budget can make it, check out the Sony Walkman NWZ-A829, I believe you will be pleasantly surprised and filled with joy to be carrying a Walkman once again.

Sorry for the blurry images, didn’t realize it until it was too late.

(Via Gadgetell.)

Sony outs its first internal BD-ROM drive

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:31:00 +0000

Sony outs its first internal BD-ROM drive

Sony wastes no time in rolling out its very first internal Blu-ray disc BD-ROM drive, called the very un-catchy BDU-X10S, available now for pre-order on SonyStyle.com. It’s going to come pre-bundled with a bunch of accessories, including Cyberlink’s PowerDVD BD Edition Player software, an SATA Data Cable and Power Cable (4pin to 15 pin), mounting screws, disc loading tray cover replacement kit, and of course a user manual and quick start guide.

What’s more surprising is that it’s only listed for $199.99 on the product page from Sony’s web site. Certainly opens the Blu-ray experience up to new markets now, doesn’t it? And the BDU-X10S can also play your old VCDs and DVDs, in case the cost of Blu-ray discs still get you down. It’ll be compatible with all versions of Windows Vista, and will also run on Windows® XP SP2 Home or Professional Operating Systems. So if you think you’re ready for ‘the Blu’s,’ check out Sony’s new internal BD-ROM drive when you get the chance. Estimated ship date will be on April 7, 2008.

(Via Gadgetell.)

Hands On With Sony's Xperia X1

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:45:00 +0000

Hands On With Sony's Xperia X1

We just ducked into a closed booth with some Sony Ericsson folk and got a hands-all-over tour of the Xperia X1. Xperia is basically Sony's product line for multimedia devices — kind of like what its Walkman brand is to music. (Whatever that's worth.) The X1 is apparently the first of many Xperia devices slated to hit this year.

Here are some specs of the thing:

Runs Win-Mo version 6.1

3.5 mm jack

Triple Band Spec: 850, 1900, 2100

Supports HSDPA and HSUPA

Micro SD support

Face Recognition Technology

The touchscreen itself is interesting. Sony decided not to go fully iClone and integrated a fully physical QWERTY keypad that slides neatly underneath. Also, there are several multimedia keys adorning the face including one that activates a nine panel menu. According to Sony, the panels will be customizable web pages ranging from Facebook to' iGoogle.

Of course, there is no word on price, but the handset will be available sometime in the second half of 2008 probably in a May/ June time frame.

(Via Gadget Lab.)

Sony Bravia W4000-Series LCD TV

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:57:00 +0000

Sony Bravia W4000-Series LCD TV

Presenting a new standard in picture excellence, the Sony Bravia W4000 series of LCD TV feature outstanding design with Picture Frame Mode, 1080p Full HD and AVC-HD tuner with DVB-T digital tuner on all models and Bravia Engine 2 for next generation picture quality. The elegant cabinet styling will complement almost any décor and with the Picture Frame Mode it will display beautiful HD photo images when the TV is not in use. You can even personalize your TV with your own pictures from the USB Photoviewer or use the six pre-installed pictures, which range from Pop art to Van Gogh. However the Picture Frame Mode uses approximately 35% less power than TV viewing mode thus reducing overall power consumption. The W4000-Series features Bravia Sync technology, Sony XMB interface and also has a USB Micro Vault Tiny which is an ideal storage medium. Watch all your Blu-ray movies at the touch of a button or simply admire your fav photo.
Sony Bravia W4000-Series LCD TV features a special Wide Color Gamut Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp that boosts the backlight spectrum. The very special effect of these technologies working together is called Live Color Creation. The TV also supports xvYCC color space6 for moving images. The TV also features 24p True Cinema mode for playing the films at the actual 24 frames per second that the Cine cameras actually film.
Sony Bravia W4000-Series LCD TV features a luxurious Midnight Sky bezel coloring and subtly illuminated Sony logo. No word on pricing and availability as yet.

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

AT&T Sony Ericsson Z750a

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:12:00 +0000

AT&T Sony Ericsson Z750a

The AT&T Sony Ericsson Z750a will soon be available. The AT&T Sony Ericsson Z750a is a nice looking flip phone, with a very shiny exterior. It looks great, but it also attracts fingerprints. The phone feels a little bulky at .8 inches thick and 3.9 ounces in weight. Also, the plastic casing looks pretty cheap and flimsy, but what else can you expect from a non-high-end phone?

The AT&T Sony Ericsson Z750a will be available in gray, pink & purple when it releases in early April. It’ll be the first 3G Sony Ericsson to release with the carrier. While it has it’s problems, the AT&T Sony Ericsson Z750a does have a nice feature set, great display, user-friendly controls & the handset looks very nice.

(Via MyCellPhoneBlog.com.)

Sony MEX-BT3600U in-car CD tuner with Bluetooth

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:56:00 +0000

Sony MEX-BT3600U in-car CD tuner with Bluetooth

To enjoy your personal collection in your car all you need is the Sony MEX-BT3600U in-car CD tuner. You simply need to plug in and play your favorite tunes on your car stereo via USB digital music player or play music from your compatible phone or MP3 player wirelessly via Bluetooth. The new Quick-BrowZer interface lets you search for MP3 music library ultra quickly. You can even talk hands-free through your car stereo via Bluetooth. There's also a front panel AUX input that connects with the headphone output of any personal audio player. The unit uses Bluetooth A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high stereo quality digital audio streaming over a Bluetooth connection. An indicator on the head unit's display confirms connection with a nearby Bluetooth device. Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) allows control of Bluetooth music source functions like track skip and pause directly from your car stereo.
The in-dash head unit links wirelessly to the growing range of mobile phones from Sony Ericsson and other manufacturers that support Bluetooth connectivity. To ensure clear dialogue during calls there's a sensitive, high-quality microphone with echo cancellation technology that's concealed behind the head unit's front panel. Music is paused automatically when a call is accepted and music resumes when the call is ended.
Key head unit functions can be controlled using the card-sized infrared remote.
The Sony MEX-BT3600U in-car CD tuner with Bluetooth connectivity and USB will be available throughout Europe from May 2008.

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

White and gold Sony Ericsson W910 live pics

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:55:00 +0000

White and gold Sony Ericsson W910 live picsWe have already seen a white Sony Ericsson W910 in the past but it was white with silver. Now, apparently there is another new white color, with the silver being replaced by gold (like thw white W660). Looks nice...

(Via Just Another Mobile Phone Blog.)

Sony's 25 megapixel Alpha A900 to arrive in August or September

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:09:00 +0000

Sony's 25 megapixel Alpha A900 to arrive in August or September

We already spent some time grappling with Sony's monster full-frame Alpha A900 prototype at PMA, but the company's displaying an updated version at the Photo Imaging Expo in Japan, and reps are apparently now saying that the 24.6 megapixel DSLR will be launched during IFA in August or Photokina in September. Other than that, there's not much we didn't already know -- which means there's really not that much at all -- but there are some more shots of this nifty clear-bodied display unit at the read link for your ocular delight.

(Via Engadget.)

Sony intros two new HDMI-equipped photo printers

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:09:00 +0000

Sony intros two new HDMI-equipped photo printers

While it's likely not the first thing you look for in a photo printer, Sony's addition of an HDMI out to two of its new models will likely help move a few more units, especially among those without an HDMI-equipped camera. Getting that welcome addition is the company's DPP-FP95 and DPP-FP75 models, which are apparently virtually identical except for color and screen size, with the former boasting a 3.6-inch LCD and the latter packing a slightly smaller 3.2-inch display. Otherwise, you can expect support for Sony's trademark BIONZ technology on each, along with support for wireless transfers to a PC with the addition of a Bluetooth dongle. No word on pricing or availability just yet though.

(Via Engadget.)

3 new Digital Frames by Sony

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:08:00 +0000

3 new Digital Frames by Sony

Sony will be launching three new digital frames with the S-Frame line-up. They all feature a WVGA screen resolution of 800x480, from 256MB up to 512MB of internal memory, a 15:9 aspect ratio, ten pattern slide show, USB and HDMI terminals ,support for JPEG, RAW, TIFF and BMP, support for BIONZ technology, a position censor , a clock display, and a multi card reader. The DPF-V900 has a 9’ LCD and HDMI, the DFP-V700 has a 7’ LCD and HDMI, and the DFP-D70 has a 7’ LCD without HDMI.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 Available for Pre-order

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:51:00 +0000

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 Available for Pre-order

The upcoming Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 is probably the most anticipated handset to date. And despite the launch date is pretty far away from now, one can pre-order the phone today from one of the following online retailers:

MobileCityOnline - $999;WirelessGalaxy - ...

[Continue reading Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 Available for Pre-order]

(Via CELLAZ.)

Sony's 13.3-inch VAIO VGN-SZ791N gets reviewed

noreply@blogger.com (Mauricio) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:37:00 +0000

Sony's 13.3-inch VAIO VGN-SZ791N gets reviewed

Just glancing at the specifications sheet, you can tell Sony's 13.3-inch VAIO VGN-SZ791N packs quite the punch for its size. After all, who wouldn't be pleased with a 2.5GHz T9300 CPU, discrete GeForce 8400M graphics, 4GB of RAM and a built-in optical drive? Still, what looks good on paper doesn't always translate into perfection on your lap, but according to a glowing review posted over at PC Mag, this is one of those cases in which it does. When benchmarked, this critter bested the highly-praised Asus U6S, Acer Ferrari 1100, Fujitsu P8010 and MacBook Air in the vast majority of tests -- heck, it even cranked out a whopping 2 frames-per-second running Crysis at high quality (seriously, that's an accomplishment). All in all, this beauty managed to impress in basically every category, and with 4.5 out of 5 stars and an Editor's Choice badge, it seems that you'd be hard pressed to find a better ultraportable for $2,500.

(Via Engadget.)

Sony Launches New DVD-Player