Sony’s press conference for this year’s CES is one that focuses on the company’s audio visual catalogue. Featuring camcorders, speakers, TVs and even a vinyl player, Sony has some really interesting stuff coming our way in 2016.
First off the bat is the newest camcorder from Sony. Called the FDR-AX53, this new 4K Handycam replaces the AX33 as the company’s top-of-the-line 4K camcorder. The AX53 comes with a 1/2.5 inch 16:9 aspect ratio sensor and now uses the entire 8-megapixel sensor, allowing the camcorder to take better quality videos in low-light conditions. Other improvements made to the AX53 include implementing an advanced aspherical lens, doubling the optical zoom range from 10x to 20x, a faster autofocus algorithm and a new five-directional microphone designed for less sound boosting around the capsule. The AX53 now includes high-framerate recoding, allowing users to create slow-motion HD videos and automatic 4K timelapse creation. This camcorder will be released in March and sports a USD 1,000 price tag.
As expected of Sony, the company brought their latest BRAVIA television to CES as well. Called the BRAVIA 4K LCD X93D, this television includes HDR support and features a new Slim Backlight Drive technology. This technology uses a unique backlight system structure to achieve grid array backlighting without traditional full-array direct LED backlights. Other tech included in the X93D includes Sony’s own X-tended Dynamic Range PRO contrast-enhancing technology and the TRILUMINOS tech that gives the TV a wide colour gamut. Topping off the 4K rush, Sony’ has announced that it will be launching a 4K HDR streaming app called ULTRA. The service will be launched in the US later this year and will offer new and classic titles from Sony’s 4K library.
In the audio department, Sony’s is expanding its high resolution audio line of headphones and speakers, beginning with the company’s h.ear line of audio devices. First up on stage is the h.ead go, the world’s smallest portable high resolution wireless speaker with multiroom capability. For earphones and headphones, Sony features the h.ear in high resolution audio earphones and the h.ear on high resolution audio headphones, both of which are wireless.
Sony’s is also bringing back the vinyl player with a modern taste. The PS-HX500 is a traditional turntable that is able to connect to your computer or stereo system via a USB cable. It also has features that allows you to convert your vinyl records in to hi-res audio files such as Sony’s own DSD file format or 24-bit WAV files.
For the bassheads among us, Sony will be expanding their Extra Bass lineup with an Extra Bass Bluetooth wireless speaker. The flagship of this model, the XB3, will feature full range speakers, dual passive radiators, extended 24 hour battery life, dual layout, and water resistance.
With the audio and visual stuff done, Sony shifts gear to focus on their smart home platform, Life Space UX. To demonstrate the possibility of Life Space UX, Sony introduces multipurpose devices such as a LED bulb speaker, a short throw projector and a glass sound speaker that features an LED light in it. All of these devices can be connected via a simple Bluetooth connection.
