Hasta La Gadget!

Roughly a year and half ago, PlayStation Network IDs transformed into Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) accounts, and since then we’ve been introduced to the next-generation of console gaming for PlayStation. We caught up with Sony Network Entertainment COO Shawn Layden at IFA for a progress report on how the platform is doing on the eve of the PS4’s launch.

Considering a 2011 security breach was arguably the largest hiccup the PSN and PS3 have experienced, we wondered just what the firm had done to shore up its defenses for the next-gen wave. As it turns out, operations have been re-tooled, but Hirai and Co. aren’t forthcoming with details. “As a result of that (the hack), we’ve instituted a number of measures, systems and protocols inside the platform, which you’ll understand why I can’t speak to that in any detail whatsoever,” Layden said. “We had our baptism by fire early in 2011, and we’ve come out stronger and with more users from that point forward.” In fact, Layden sats the PSN storefront saw more business the month it came back online than it had garnered up to that point.

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Wondering where Sony would go next with its high-end line of ES receivers? The answer is apparently home automation. As we’ve seen the segment heat up with competition from companies like your cable TV provider and even Google (does anyone remember Android@Home?), Control4 and Sony have announced at CEDIA 2012 that they are partnering up to create a simpler option for the custom install market. While it doesn’t address our main gripe with Control4 — that it needs an authorized dealer to install it or tweak the setup, with all the associated costs — it does make the STR-DA5800ES (announced last week at IFA) and STR-DA2800ES receivers an easy choice for custom builds by integrating the company’s software directly into them. That means less wiring and complication for setup, and not only do the receivers themselves tie in with the system, Sony’s ES control apps for iOS and Android can also control the home’s automated features.

The necessary license to activate the software costs $300 if you buy it along with the receiver, which will cost $2,099 for the STR-DA5800ES and $999 for the STR-DA2800ES. Still want the ES-level build quality, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay support but aren’t keen on home automation? Opt for the STR-DA1800ES, priced at $699 — more details are in the press releases after the break.

Continue reading Sony unveils two new ES receivers that are the first with Control4 built-in, plus one without

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Sony unveils two new ES receivers that are the first with Control4 built-in, plus one without originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While Sony’s current lineup of HDTVs has so far topped out with the HX929/920 series that’s been kicking around since 2011, in Japan it has just unveiled a new top of the line model: the HX950. Often rumored in the last few months, it’s available in 65- or 55-inch varieties and features Sony’s now-trademark monolithic style as well as “Intelligent Peak LED” backlighting. Although Sony’s brand name for the tech doesn’t exactly reveal how it works, information leaks have suggested it is full array LED backlighting and not edge based, although we don’t know how many zones (individually controlled light sources) are in play. What we do know, however is that it claims to outperform the LED backlighting in the old 929 quite handily, although we’ll let our eyes be the judge of that.

It also includes MotionFlow XR960 (800 in the US) motion processing tech that can create 240fps from 60 frames and a glass panel mounted to the LCD itself with a special type of resin designed specifically to reduce glare. Finally, there’s also the usual add-ins like 3D and Sony Entertainment Network streaming video. We haven’t seen any European or US information for this model yet, although with IFA 2012 under way and CEDIA coming up that may change quickly. Currently pricing in Japan for the 65-inch is expected to be around 650,000 yen or $8,269 when it ships November 10th, but we should mention actual US prices are typically much lower than a direct conversion. Unofficially, one retailer is already listing the 55- and 65-inch models for sale in the US for $3,499 and $5,499, respectively, although we’d take that with a grain of salt until we know for sure.

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HD

Sony unveils latest HX950 flagship HDTV in Japan with ‘Intelligent Peak LED’ backlighting originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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