Sony to Launch 'Mastered in 4k' Blu-rays This Summer and 4k Digital Distribution

Today at CES, Sony announced that launching this Summer alongside their new X series of 4K LED TVs will be the first 4K Ultra HD Video distribution service in the U.S. Consumers will be able to enjoy native 4K content such as feature length movies from Sony Pictures as well as other productions with stunning picture and sound. At that time Sony will also introduce a dedicated 4K Media Player to bring this service to the home.

The X series of 4K LED TVs will be available in Spring 2013 at Sony Stores and select electronics retailers nationwide. Also available in Spring will be a lineup of Mastered in 4K Blu-ray discs from Sony Pictures' Colorworks Studio. The first titles to be available include The Amazing Spider-ManTM, The Karate Kid and Taxi Driver. Sourced from pristine 4K masters and presented at high-bitrate, full HD resolution, these discs showcase more of the wide range of rich color contained in the original source content. When upscaled via the Sony 4K Ultra HD LED TVs, these discs serve as an ideal way for consumers to experience near-4K picture quality.

The XBR-X900A series of 4K LED TVs employ many technological advances to achieve their stunning picture. For example, the 4K X-Reality PROTM picture engine reduces visual noise and corrects image shapes. TRILUMINOS Display LED backlighting is used in the XBR 4K LED TVs to present rich, authentic color with subtle tones while also replicating bold colors including hard-to-reproduce reds and greens. By integrating QD Vision's Color IQTM* optical component with Sony's unique display technologies, these televisions achieve significantly wider color gamut and provide a far more natural and vivid viewing experience with a heightened sense of depth. This wider color gamut also enriches and improves picture quality of personal content captured on compatible Sony digital cameras and camcorders compatible with TRILUMINOS Color, which contains wide-color gamut information in its content. Furthermore, Sony offers Blu-ray Disc players compatible with TRILUMINOS Color, allowing consumers to fully enjoy Blu-ray content shot in wide and rich color.

Along with offering its best-ever picture quality, the XBR-X900A series, 4K UHD LED TVs offer a better sound experience by incorporating an end-to-end Sony audio solution. Utilizing a Signal-to-Sound Architecture, these TVs incorporate Sony's own magnetic fluid speakers and unique digital signal processing technology to deliver smooth midrange, lower vibration and deep bass. The front facing speakers on XBR 4K LED TVs extend Sony's new design concept to match the exterior aesthetic of some of the other 2013 models for the home with a striking, angular, faceted outer cabinet - incorporating the Sense of Quartz design concept.

All XBR-X900A models are Wi-Fi enabled and offer a wide range of internet connected services including Sony's smart connect solutions, enabling cross-device connectivity between mobile devices and their TV. With features such as One-touch mirroring and TV SideView, the X series TVs provide greater control and additional content options by interconnecting media sources across the home and mobile entertainment ecosystem.