Sony’s new line of Ultra-HD TVs now have a price-tag, THE 4k sets will be available in a few sizes and are expected to hit retail shelves later this month.
Sony Electronics officially announced the pricing of new line earlier this evening, the new 4K Ultra High Definition TV sets were unveiled at CES in January. The new XBR-55X900A (55-inch) and XBR-65X900A (65-inch) 4K Ultra HD LED TVs will cost $4,999 and $6,999 respectively and are available for order online and at retail beginning April 21, 2013.
Sony also took this opportunity to unveil the new 4K Media Player, the FMP-X1 with a video distribution service. Both of which Sony points out are “industry first”.
“These new models will be arriving in homes just before the summer and are sure to bring the enhanced viewing experience of 4K TV to a whole new audience,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president, Sony Electronics Home Division. “Our TVs deliver a vibrant and natural picture that is four-times clearer than high definition. As for content, these new sets enhance all of the video people are watching today, and this summer our 4K media player, followed in fall by the video distribution service will demonstrate how Sony continues to lead in bringing the 4K entertainment experience to viewers.”
There are six Sony Store locations (Century City, Calif.; Costa Mesa, Calif.; Houston; Las Vegas; New York and Palo Alto, Calif.) that are already featuring the XBR-55 & 65X900A 4K TVs, offering consumers “in-store demonstrations of true 4K and enhanced (upscaled) video” according to Sony.
Sony’s FMP-X1 4K Media Player will be bundled with “10 feature films and video shorts in true 4K resolution for $699. Sony also promises that in the fall of 2013, “users of the same 4K Media Player will be given access to a fee-based video distribution service offering a library of 4K titles from Sony Pictures Entertainment and other notable production houses”. The feature films included with purchase of the 4K Media Player are Bad Teacher, Battle: Los Angeles, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Karate Kid (2010), Salt, Taxi Driver, That’s My Boy, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Other Guys and Total Recall (2012).
As for physical media Sony has that covered as well “Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is also bringing to market a lineup of “Mastered in 4K” Blu-ray Discs. With 1080p high definition picture that’s derived from the highest quality 4K source materials with new expanded color, consumers will enjoy a dynamic and vibrant picture that’s both optimized for the 4K Ultra HD TVs and plays back on all existing Blu-ray players and HDTVs” according to the official release. “As an added bonus” Sony stated, all consumers who purchase the XBR-55X900A or XBR-65X900A 4K Ultra HD TV “will also receive Spider-Man (2002), Ghostbusters and Angels & Demons “Mastered in 4K” Blu-ray Discs (while supplies last)”.
On April 17, 2013 Sony will begin a year-long partnership with The Tribeca Film Festival to promote 4K video production and distribution among amateur and professional film makers. During the festival in New York, Sony will showcase 4K technologies for use from lens to living room.
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