Sony's 2013 TV line-up - full overview
Sony first unveiled its new TVs at CES in Las Vegas and here we offer a full overview of the US and European Sony TV line-ups. In 2013, Sony will push Ultra HD (4K) TVs at affordable prices and they have new Full HD TVs with Triluminos panels and X-Reality Pro chips. Sony also focuses on “connectivity”, including streaming services and interaction with tablets and smartphones.
Update: US and EU prices have been added.
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Sony's 2013 TV line-up
Over 8 million pixels. That is how many picture elements an Ultra HD TV – or 4K TV – consists of. 2013 will be the year of the first consumer Ultra HD TVs. They will not be cheap, but certainly not unattainable either, and Sony hopes to capture your attention with the new X900 series. It is not only a TV; it also has a powerful sound system built in.
Sony will release two Ultra HD TVs in the X9000 series, in 65 and 55 inch sizes
Sony is also re-introducing its Triluminos brand. Those of you familiar with the evolution of TV hardware probably remember that Sony has used the Triluminos brand in the past. Sony’s motivation is unchanged. By emitting “cleaner” light from the backlight unit, a TV can reproduce more accurate and vibrant colors, says Sony. The Triluminos panels are used in the Ultra HD TVs and in the W900 Full HD model. You can learn more about Triluminos here.
The new 9 series from Sony is called W900
The new W900 is the latest member of Sony’s popular and much-acclaimed 9 series. It is interesting to note that Sony has chosen to move forward with an edge LED based LCD panel instead of the backlit LED panels that have were used in previous 9 series Sony TVs. But Sony says that they believe the combination of the X-Reality Pro chip and the Triluminos panel enables them to take a step forward and at the same time reduce prices. A bold claim, and we are very eager to see how it performs.
Sony’s new high-end TV have an eclipse stand
Another focus area for Sony in 2013 is “connectivity”. Most TVs come with Sony Entertainment Network and smartphone/tablet integration. Users will have access to streaming services such as Netflix, Music Unlimited, Video Unlimited, as well as other TV apps such as Skype, Facebook and twitter. The exact services depend on your region but Sony aims to add more in 2013, they say.
With the TV Sideview app you can control the TV from your tablet. The EPG is also moved to the tablet screen
One of the new features is the TV Sideview app for iOS and Android (higher than 4.0). With TV Sideview Sony has moved the user interface onto the tablet’s touch screen. From here you can browse TV channels via the EPG or search for content via a unified search platform. We saw it in action at CES and it looks promising. In addition, several models come with screen mirroring (Miracast) that allows users to push video, pictures and video from a smartphone or tablet wirelessly to the TV screen. And if you own one of Sony’s latest smartphones with NFC you can establish a direct connection to the TV with NFC. Just place you phone and remote back-to-back.
If you own an Xperia smartphone you can pair it with the remote via NFC to push media files to the TV screen
WiFi is built into all of Sony’s TVs with access to Sony Entertainment Network and in addition to that most TVs come with MHL that allows users to connect smartphones and tablets to the TV via a cable. Lastly, Sony mentions a completely redesigned user interface with focus on user friendliness.
A powerful speaker system is built into Sony’s Ultra HD TV
Sony X9 (4K)
X9 is Sony's Ultra HD - or 4K – TV with four times the pixel count of a Full HD TV. 2013 will be the first big year for Ultra HD with the X900 TVs and Sony’s PlayStation 4 that can output 4K video. X9 also has a built-in sound system and the new Triluminos panel.
Sony X9
US prices
EU prices
Sony X8 (4K)
X8 is Sony’s cheaper 4K TVs without Triluminos technology, the side-mounted speakers, and with a different panel.
Sony X900
US prices
Sony W9
W9 is the new flagship Full HD TV. It is part the new 9 series and uses Sony’s Triluminos panel and the X-Reality picture chip. The frame is made from aluminum.
Sony W900
US prices
EU prices
Sony W8
W800 is step down comes without the Triluminos panel and with passive 3D. It has the entire Sony Entertainment Network suite built in.
Sony W802
US prices
EU prices
Sony W65
W650 is a mid-range TV with Sony Entertainment Network but no 3D.
Sony W650
US prices
EU prices
Sony W603
Sony W603 will be available in select markets in Europe. It is a range of small-size TVs in black and white.
Sony W603
USA: No.
Europe: Sony W603 will be available in May in 24 and 32 inch sizes called 24W603AW (white), 24W603AB (black) and 32W603.
Sony R550
R550 is a US-only TV range of large-size, value-for-money TVs.
Sony R550
US prices
Not available in Europe.
Sony R520
R520 is similar to R550 but without 3D
Sony R520
US prices
Not available in Europe.
Sony R450
R450 is an affordable series without 3D and without Sony Entertainment Network.
Sony R450
US prices
EU prices
Overview
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