The best of the bunch is the Sony TX100V, which not only takes 3D pics using only a single lens, it also takes automatic panoramic shots and can shoot full HD 1080p video at 60 fames per second for ultra smooth video.

There’s also a 3.5″ OLED touchscreen on the back, GPS and a compass, and should sell for around $380 when it’s released in March 2011.

The EX-ZR100 shoots normal video at 1080p at a mroe reasonable 30 frames per second, and like the Casio Tryx, it also features the same art-mode feature. It’s expected to retail for $300 when it’s released in March.

With the new Eye-Fi Direct, the Eye-Fi card makes a smartphone think that the EyeFi is a WiFi hotspot and so the smartphone can connect to the card. Once the connection has been made, the camera can upload its photos via the smartphone’s mobile connection.

In case you think this will be a slow process for some of your larger RAW files, don’t worry – the latest 4G networks that are now live across the US wil transfer data at up to 42Mbps! You might want to go for the unlimited data plan first, though!

For 2011, the emphasis has shifted towards making the HDTV an integral part of a connected home entertainment setup, and Sony’s latest line-up fully reflects this.

Still, with no less than 27 different new models being announced, there’s bound to be something for everyone!

Sony’s new BRAVIA features at a glance

Sony has added 16 new 3D HDTVs and 22 new 2D models, with screen sizes ranging from 22″ to an unbelievable 65″. All except the lowest two ranges either come with Wi-Fi built-in or are Wi-Fi ready with the addition of an extra Wi-Fi dongle (sold by Sony and which plugs into the TV’s USB socket).

To make the most of the Internet connectivity, Sony has expanded on the Internet TV services it’s offered with some of its 2010 models, and now offers the following Web apps on its BRAVIA TVs:

• Sony’s Qriocity Music and Video on Demand services
• Amazon Video on Demand
• YouTube
• Slacker Interent Radio
• Netflix
• Pandora
• HuluPlus
• Crackle
• Blip.tv

Some of the higher-end models even have Skype built-in, which, with the addition of a camera and microphone (both sold separately, naturally!), means you can make Skype calls from your HDTV (yes, even the giant 65″ one!) to any other Skype client in the world.

That’s a pretty neat feature.

Other new features include a new Track ID feature powered by GraceNote, which lets you identify any music you hear while watching TV. A nifty feature this, and it’s only a matter of time before Sony link the discovered artist through to a store where tyou can instantly purchase it!

In a sign of the increasing pervasiveness of mobile phones, Sony has also announced a new series of iPhone and Android apps that will let you use your smartphone as a remote control (presuambly via DLNA). This will be a life-saver, as using YouTube on a Sony remote without a QWERTY keyboard is an exercise in futility!

The final feature on offer comes from the 3D models, which will be capable of displaying 3D images taken from Sony’s 3D CyberShot cameras.

New enhanced picture technology

Of course, a 2011 Sony TV has to look better than a 2010 model, and so its engineers have come up with a variety of new ways of making your humble TV picture look as perfect as possible.

To this end, the critically acclaimed BRAVIA processing engine, which already does an excellent job of upscaling standard def pictures, has now been enhanced and comes with the new X-Reality PRO and X-Reality Engine video processors. These use algorithms that take video processing to new levels, which helps to make the resultant image look almost as good as it does on BluRay.

There’s also the new Intelligent Peak ELD Backlight, which gives deeper blacks by using full local dimming and so increases picture contrast considerably, making pictures look incredibly detailed.

Finally, there’s Sony’s MotionFlow XR, which helps to reduce the motion blur that’s typically found in LCD and LED TVs.

Sony’s 2011 range of HDTVs

OK, with that out the way, here’s the full range of Sony’s new HDTVs for 2011.

BRAVIA XBR-HX929 Series 3D Capable HDTV
Available in April, Sony’s new 3D capable (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses, sold separately), XBR-HX929 series features brilliant full HD (1080p) picture quality with Sony’s Intelligent Peak LED backlight for outstanding contrast.
The model also features Sony’s MotionFlow XR 960 featuring a precise backlight control that is synchronized with the liquid crystal movement from frame to frame creating clearer, sharper moving images.

The beautifully designed model features Sony’s improved Monolithic Design Concept that draws viewers into the picture when the TV is turned on, and blends into the room décor when turned off. The 2011 Monolithic Design BRAVIA models incorporate Corning®’s Gorilla® Glass allowing for thinner, lighter, and stronger screen material.
With integrated with Wi-Fi (802.11n), the XBR-HX929 models offer instant access to thousands of Internet movies, videos and music from BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity. Sony’s Media Remote app provides simple operation and search for internet content.

The XBR-HX929 models are also custom installation friendly with key features such as rear IR-input and a two-way RS232c connection for easier integration with third-party control systems.

Other XBR-HX929 Series features include:

• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with full-array local dimming LED backlight
• Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
• Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
• X-Reality™ PRO Engine
• MotionFlow™ XR 960
• Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
• Screen sizes include 65-inch (XBR-65HX292, which is available in August 2011), 55-inch (XBR-55HX929), and 46-inch (XBR-46HX929)

BRAVIA® HX820-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV

• Available in May
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
• Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
• Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• X-Reality™ PRO Engine
• MotionFlow™ XR 480
• Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55HX820), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX820)

BRAVIA® NX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV

• Available in May
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
• Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
• Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• MotionFlow™ XR 240
• X-Reality™ Engine
• Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60NX720), 55-inch (KDL-55NX720), and 46-inch (KDL-46NX720)

BRAVIA® HX729-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV

• Available in May
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
• X-Reality™ PRO Engine
• MotionFlow™ XR 480
• Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
• Screen sizes include 65-inch (KDL-65HX729), 55-inch (KDL-55HX729), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX729)

BRAVIA® EX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV

• Available in February
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
• X-Reality™ Engine
• MotionFlow™ XR 240
• Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60EX720, which is available in April), 55-inch (KDL-55EX720), 46-inch (KDL-46EX720), 40-Inch (KDL-40EX720), and 32-inch (KDL-32EX720)

BRAVIA® EX620-Series LED LCD HDTV

• Available in February
• Brilliant Full High Definition (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
• X-Reality™ Engine
• MotionFlow™ 120
• Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55EX620), 46-inch (KDL-46EX620), and 40-Inch (KDL-40EX620)

BRAVIA® EX520-Series LED LCD HDTV

• Available in February
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
• X-Reality™ Engine
• Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
• Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
• BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
• Energy saving Presence Sensor minimize power consumption
• Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46EX520), 40-inch (KDL-40EX520), 32-inch (KDL-32EX520)

BRAVIA® BX420-Series HDTV

• Available in February
• Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with CCFL backlight
• Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices
• USB input for photo, music and video playback
• Scene select customized picture and sound settings
• Ambient Light Sensor
• Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46BX420), 40-inch (KDL-40BX420), and 32-inch (KDL-32BX420)

BRAVIA® BX320-Series HDTV

• Available in February
• Amazing High Definition (720p) picture quality with CCFL backlight
• Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices
• USB input for photo, music and video playback
• Scene select customized picture and sound settings
• Ambient Light Sensor
• Screen sizes include 32-inch (KDL-32BX320), and 22-inch (KDL-22BX320)

Using Wi-Fi, the SH100 can connect to your Galaxy S, which will then act as a remote view finder for your camera, showing you on the phone’s display exactly what the camera is seeing. You can then take a shot from a button on the phone rather than by physically pressing the camera’s button, giving you a unique remote camera facility.

The applications of this are huge and it makes you wonder why it’s not been done before!

More details on the Samsung SH1900 Wi-Fi camera

If you’re wondering why you’d need to see your camera’s viewpoint from your phone, just think about these dieas:

• self portraits are a snap – literally – as you can position yourself in front of the camera and actually see what shot the camera will take without relying on a timer and guesswork
• pictures of wildlilfe will become much easier to take as you can leave the camera in the back garden an watch the wildlife from your phone without disturbing it, taking pics whenever something interesting happens
• candid photos of your friends at parties can be much more candid as they’ll never know you’re taking a picture of them
  as for spy shots…well, I’ll leave that to your imagination!

In addition to the remote viewfinder facility, the Samsung SH100 also uses DLNA so you can see your pictures on a DLNA-equipped TV just by selecting them on the camera’s screen and beaming them to the TV (I do this with my HTC Desire HD’s pics, and its a fantastic way to see the pics you’ve taken).

You can even back up your pics over WiFi or send them to Facebook, Picasa, YouTube or Photo Bucket.

Oh, and as for the camera itself, it’s actually quite good as well! It’s a 14.2 megapixel camera with an f4.7 – 23.55mm lens, 5x optical zoom, 3″ LCD screen and is capable of capturing video at 720p!

Samsung have really pushed cameras into a new dimension with the SH100. The combination of WiFi, DLNA and integration with smartphones not only makes the camera more versatile, it should increase the range of unique photos you can take with very inexpensive technology – and that’s never a bad thing!

[Source: Pocket Lint]

This one, for example, shows off a new 3D Sony Bloggie camcorder with two lenses, which hints that 3D is going to be just as big at this year’s CES as it was as last year’s. The only thing we know about this new Bloggie is that its cameras use f2.8 lenses with auto focus, and that it’ll be called the Sony Bloggie 3D MHS-FS3.

More Bloggies on the way

The Bloggie 3D isn’t the only new Bloggie in town, though. Other Bloggies include a dual screen version, the Sony Bloggie Duo, which features a screen on the front and back of the device so you can record yourself talking to the camera and still see what you look like (particularly useful for all you narcissists out there!)

Finally, there’s also a budget Bloggie (a Budgie, perhaps?!) with a 5.1 megapixel still cam and 4GB memory.

This is just a teaser of what’s to come at CES though. It all starts in less than 20 hours time, and we’ll cover as much of it as is humanly possible, so stay tuned!

[Source: Pocket-Lint]

Just how well does the Sony Bravia Internet Video platform succeed in putting YouTube and the like on your Sony Telly though? Is it just a gimmick (as well as a mouthful!), or does Sony Bravia Internet Video successfully turn your telly into the biggest social gadget in your living room, and the ultimate social hub?

Read on to find out.

Why choose the Sony Bravia Internet Video platform?

The Sony Bravia Internet Video platform massively extends what you can watch on your TV by giving you almost limitless options of new videos and content. Not just movies-on-demand from the likes of Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand, but all the countless videos on YouTube as well.

This sounds like a great idea, but it’s not eactly new – in fact, every manufacturer now has its own version of Internet TV, so why should you choose the Sony Bravia Internet Video platform over the competition?

The answer lies with the choice of applications that Sony have provided combined with a range of arguably the best HDTVs on the market. Add to this 3D, WiFi and DLNA support, and you’ve got a mouth-watering combination of superb features that makes the new range of Sony HDTVs super-social gadgets!

Sony Bravia Internet Widgets

The applications themselves are called the Sony Bravia Internet widgets, which again, isn’t exactly the most concise term! The widgets are simply Web apps displayed on your HDTV. You can position the widgets anywhere you like, and there’s a good selection to choose from, including:

• Netflix
• Amazon Video on Demand
• YouTube
• Slacker Internet Radio
• Pandora
• NPR
• Sony Pictures
• Sony Music
• USA Today sports
• Yahoo Finance
• Twitter
• Flickr photos
• and many more, including news and weather.

The widgets connect to the respective Web sites through built-in Wi-Fi, which makes connection set-up simplicity itself – no worrying about how you’re going to get an Ethernet cable to reach from your home router to the TV; simply switch the Tv and it’ll find your Wireless LAN automatically.

Sony Bravia BRAVIA XBR-LX900 Series 3D HDTV – the best of the bunch

The widgets provided offer a good selection of Web apps. Certainly the usual suspects of video streamin gsites and social media sites, but nothing quite as open and extensible as Samsung’s offering via its SamsungApps Store.

What makes Sony’s offering unique, though, is the quality and features of the TVs that support the Bravia Internet video platform.

Take, for example, the BRAVIA XBR-LX900 Series 3D HDTV. With screen sizes ranging from 40″ up to 60″, these technological marvels offer full HD 1080p, 240HZ MotionFlow PRO for smooth images with fast moving video, Sony’s BRAVIA 3 engine for superb picture quality and contrast, and full 3D.

That’s right – one of the best screen displays on the market, combined with 3D, plus all the benefits of Internet widgets. It’s this combination of TV quality and Internet and social media extensibility that makes the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video platform so compelling.

This advantage might not last for long, though. With every manufacturer releasing their own version of Internet TV, Sony’s superior display technology might not be enough to beat the competition in the long run. Just like the war currently being waged in the mobile phone world, in the end it might all be about who has the best range of apps.

Here, in no particular order, are just some of the best JVC iPod products on offer at CES 2010, complete with a video showing them off.

JVC Kaboom

A legend returns! The JVC Kaboom, first released in 1998, became one of the most popular and recognisable boomboxes of all time. Now JVC have updated it with this, the third generation JVC RV-NB50 Kaboom.

What’s different about it? iPod of course! It packs a pair of 40 Watt speakers through which you can blast out your iTunes library, as well as a USB port, CD player and FM radio.

Twin-iPod Hi-Fi System

The JVC NX-D2 Hi-Fi is designed for power iPod users – i.e. those who can’t get by with just one, but need two iPods! The NX-D2 features not one but two iPod docks, because apparently you can never have enough docks to slot your iPod in (WTF?!)

The NX-D2 is also a beefy Hi-Fi system in its own right with 230W output, three way speaker design, USB Host and even a CD. The remote can also operate one of the iPods, er, remotely!

JVC TeleDock HDTVs

Continuing the theme of “no such thing as too many docks”, JVC also added one to their range of new range of HDTVs called the JVC TeleDock. As you can probably guess, the TeleDock is an iPod dock on the front of the TV, which will not only charge your iPod, it’ll also let you view its pictures and videos via the TV itself.

You can even control the iPod from the TV’s remote.

Six Car Stereos with iPod connectivity

JVC also announced six new car stereos that will connect to your iPod or iPhone. You can also control what songs you’re listening to via the stereo head unit, so you don’t need to kill someone while fumbling with the iPod’s controls at 90mph!

The new range also comes with Bluetooth, so you can connect your mobile phone to them, and a USB port, in case you have a non-iPod MP3 player!

In fact, you can pretty much stream music from any device in one way or another to these stereos. If that doesn’t do it for you, there’s always a CD player you can fall back on!

Video of JVC’s new iPod gadgets

Finally, a video of all these gadgets, plus a few more, has been released by JVC to give you a bit more of a feel for them. They’re coming real soon, so if one takes your eye, you should be able to buy it before Easter 2010.

Actually, although this seems like an odd idea at first, it makes a lot of sense for people who’s lives centre around the iPod or iPhone. You can control your iPod through the TV’s remote, which has a similar look and feel to it, and watching videos or photos on your HDTV is much better than staring at your iPod’s screen.

The Teledock TV’s themselves aren’t super-high end, so the iPod dock is the feature, not the quality of the picture. That said, they do offer full HD, 120Hz refresh rate, as well as digital noise reduction, dynamic backlight, three HDMI connections and 1080 24p/30p output.

Oddly, their speakers only have a 10W output, which is a bit weedy, particularly when their main use is to play music from your iPod!

The three JVC TeleDock TVs’ release date is set for Spring 2010, with the TV’s coming in a range of sizes from 32″ to 46″.

[Source: JVC]