Wednesday, April 16, 2008

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

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.)

Monday, April 14, 2008

Sony HDCAM SRW-5100 Studio Player

Sony HDCAM SRW-5100 Studio Player

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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.)

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Sony Ericsson W61S Phone

Sony Ericsson W61S Phone
sony-ericsson-w61s.jpgSony 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

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

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

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

The Walkman returns to glory with the Sony NWZ-A829





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.)

Monday, April 7, 2008

Sony outs its first internal BD-ROM drive

Sony outs its first internal BD-ROM drive

Sony's first internal BD-ROM drive BDU-X10S



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.)

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Hands On With Sony's Xperia X1

Hands On With Sony's Xperia X1

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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.)

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Sony Bravia W4000-Series LCD TV

Sony Bravia W4000-Series LCD TV
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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.)