Sony: 4K televisions, Blu-Ray, distribution system inbound
updated 09:13 pm EST, Mon January 7, 2013
Kaz Hirai pushed benefits of 4K for consumers, industry at keynote
At its Consumer Electronics Show keynote speech, Sony has unveiled a range of "4K" (3840x2160) TVs, currently in the prototype stage. The display comes in a range of sizes, from the previously-announced 84-inch set, to a 65-inch, and 55-inch model, the latter two both new to CES. Supporting the televisions, Sony intends on launching a 4K video distribution system in the US the summer of 2013. The "UltraHD" system offers approximately twice the resolution (horizontal and vertical) of existing HDTVs, and four times as many pixels.
Alongside the new 4K televisions and distribution plan, Sony also plans on releasing a new range of Blu-Ray movies remastered at 4K. The first five movies planned for the remastering are Battle: Los Angeles, The Amazing Spider Man, 2012's remake of Total Recall, the 2010 version of The Karate Kid, and The Other Guys. Others that will be released later are said to include the classic films The Bridge on the River Kwai and Taxi Driver.
Little solid information is known at this time about the release dates or pricing of products revealed at Sony's keynote speech beyond the $25,000 price tag of the 84-inch UHDTV. President and CEO of Sony, Kaz Hirai, said at the keynote that the 4K distribution system is intended to "expand the world of 4K content from beyond the cinema to TV dramas and commercials." The move is similar to Sony's attempt at a 3D content distribution system, which has not resulted in wide penetration of the technology.
