by Denise Marie Anton

Created on: October 21, 2010

The wait is over: Sony has unveiled its new family of Google TV-powered Internet TV devices. Sony’s Internet TV is the first high-definition television to incorporate the capabilities of Google TV.  It allows viewers to search and watch content from the Internet, broadcast TV, and streaming video simultaneously, all on one big screen.

Sony is offering built-in Google TV on four HDTV models, with screens ranging from 24 to 46 inches, as well as a Blu-Ray Disc player for customers who already own an HDTV.

The Sony Internet TV models come with Qriocity, Sony’s Video On Demand streaming video service; the Google Chrome browser; Google TV with Android OS; and a variety of popular apps such as CNBC, Napster, NBA, Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, and YouTube.

Each of the four Sony Internet TV HDTV models features full HD 1080-pixel display, built-in WiFi, an Intel Atom processor, four HDMI inputs, four USB ports, and Dual View for watching TV while surfing the web. The three larger models come with edge-lit LED backlighting, while the smallest has CCFL backlighting.

The remote control has received mixed reviews. On the one hand, it boasts a full QWERTY keypad with an integrated optical mouse. On the other hand, numerous critics, including David Elrich of Digital Trends, have compared its look and feel to that of a PlayStation 3 control.

The Blu-Ray Disc player brings the same multimedia experience to existing HDTVs. It joins the Logitech Revue companion box as another option for consumers who want the Google TV experience but are happy with the high-def TVs they already own.

In the fall of 2010, Sony Internet TV will link to select mobile phones. And beginning in early 2011, with the advent of the Android Market, customers will be able to download additional Android apps to their devices.

Sony Internet TV and Blu-Ray Disc players are available for purchase online at SonyStyle.com and BestBuy.com, as well as Best Buy stores across the United States. The 24-inch HDTV retails for $599.99, the 32-inch for $799.99, the 40-inch for $999.99, and the 46-inch for $1,399.99. The Blu-Ray Disc player retails for $399.99.

Sources:

Elrich, David. “Sony Internet TV: Hands on impressions of Sony’s Google TV.” DigitalTrends.com, October 12, 2010.

Parr, Ben. “Sony’s Google TV-Powered Devices Have Arrived.” Mashable.com, October 12, 2010.

“Sony Internet TV – Frequently Asked Questions.” SonyStyle.com.

“Sony Redefines Home Entertainment with the World’s First HDTV Powered by Google TV.” Sony Electronics News & Information, Oct. 12, 2010.

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