Home Theater

Sony Sound Bar HT-RT5 Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 10, 2015 | 0 comments

On Monday, we reported on a new sound bar, the Sony HT-RT5. What makes it different than previous sound bars out there is that it offers true 5.1 surround sound and not simulated surround sound, thanks to its rear wireless speakers. Though mums been the word on a North American release, Sony has revealed some of its specs though it’s not as extensive as our usual pieces. Sony will likely release more information as we near its mid-July release.

After the jump, the Sony Sound bar HT-RT5 specs await.

Sony Sound Bar HT-RT5 Adds Wireless Rear Speakers to the Mix

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 6, 2015 | 2 comments

2015 is shaping up to be a good year for those looking at different sound bar options. Sony has already revealed a host of new units with many supporting 4K output and Hi-Res Audio. As beautiful, powerful, and sleek as they may be, the sticking point for some home theater enthusiasts remains that, no matter the brand, a sound bar is merely replicating a surround sound experience and isn’t true to what’s being offered by our games and movies.

Enter the Sony Sound Bar HT-RT5 with rear wireless speakers that might finally offer the convenience and experience we’ve all wanted.

Super Thin Sony 4K TV (X900C, X910C) Get Priced

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 23, 2015 | 7 comments

Ever since CES 2015, we’ve been lusting over Sony’s ludicrously thin 4K TVs, the X900C and X910C. Available in 55- and 65-inches (X900C) and a monster 75-inch (X910C), this new lineup from Sony not only delivers deep blacks and rich colors, but manages to do it while being just .2-inches thick. Talk about a show stopper on your wall.

Now Sony has finally revealed their price tag and release date.

Sony Highlights the X1 Processor Which Powers Their 4K TVs

by Sohrab Osati | May 21, 2015 | 2 comments

Three components help make the beautiful images you get from Sony’s 4K TV line. When mixed together, the Sony X1 processor is formed, driving color, contrast, and clarity which allows for vivid native 4K content and high quality upscaling that makes even 1080p content shine.

After the jump, you can check out a new promotional video for the X1 processor which shows off how these three things form the visuals you see from their 4K TV line. Best of all, I think Sony borrowed some unused music from a Final Fantasy game.

Meet the 2015 Sony Sound Bar HT-CT780 with 4K Output

by Sohrab Osati | May 19, 2015 | 2 comments

Ever wished you could have all the features of the Sony Sound Bar HT-CT380 but with 4K output? Well allow me to introduce you to the Sony Sound Bar HT-CT780. Visually identical to the CT380, the latest sound bar and part of their 2015 fleet includes a 2.1 surround sound with a wireless subwoofer. Packing a little more power (330W total power output verse the 300W), the new Sound Bar also has plenty of audio codecs, streaming features and yes, even 4K output.

Those details after the jump.

Sony 4K TV (X850C) Unboxing

by Sohrab Osati | May 18, 2015 | 15 comments

For its 2015 series, Sony is introducing three main 4K TV lines: the X830C/X850C, X900C/X910C, and the flagship X930C/X940C. Powered by Android TV, each line has something that’s unique to them. For example, the X900C and X910C offer a cutting edge design that’s ludicrously thin, making it appear as if you have a frame on your wall. The X930C and X940C, on the other hand, give you Hi-Res Audio and HDR, making it ready for all forms of future 4K content.

Though lacking what sets the aforementioned units apart, the X830C and X850C lineup offers a modest list of features and a starting price of $1,299, making it a great all-around TV. They include

HD is upscaled to impressive 4K Ultra HD
Brilliant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS display
Streaming 4K Ultra HD is enhanced for improved clarity
Android TV with Google Cast, voice search & Play Store apps
Stream PS3 games directly to your TV5
Precise motion clarity with Motionflow XR 960
Quick ‘One-flick’ to home menu, online videos & services

After the jump, a video unboxing of the 65-inch X850C.

Sony Sound Bar HT-CT380 Specs

by Sohrab Osati | May 15, 2015 | 4 comments

We all have different needs and budgets when it comes to our home theater setups. For those for a taste of the good life with a wallet to support it, may I suggest the Sony HT-ST9 Hi-Res Sound Bar with 800 watts of power. As the HT-ST9 specs show, there is little left on the table to desire as it provides it all. Still at $1,499, it’s certainly not meant for most.

Enter the Sony HT-CT380. Coming in at a modest $349, the entry sound bar still has a lot going for it like

2.1 channel sound bar w/wireless subwoofer
Easy set up with 3 HDMI in/1 out and ARC support
Stream music wirelessly w/Bluetooth & NFC connections
Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD Master Audio format support
Full-range speaker w/ unique diffuser for immersive sound

After the jump, the full Sony HT-CT380 specs await you.

2015 Sony Sound Bar (HT-CT380) Priced at $349

by Sohrab Osati | May 11, 2015 | 0 comments

The Sony HT-ST9 Sound Bar with Hi-Res audio is capable of delivering on many fronts, thanks to its built-in 7.1 surround sound with 800 watts of power. With its premium features comes a premium $1,499 price tag that, while perhaps justified, isn’t targeted at all consumers. The Sony HT-CT380 Sound Bar (pictured above), however, is priced at $349, making it affordable for almost all home theater fans. After the jump, we give you the details on this entry level sound bar and what you can expect to get from it.

Sony Hi-Res 7.1 Sound Bar HT-ST9 Specs

by Sohrab Osati | May 8, 2015 | 0 comments

Earlier this week, we brought you a preview of the Sony HT-ST9 Sound Bar, the latest flagship home theater offering that supports Hi-Res Audio and 4K output among other things. As a recap, a few noteworthy features of the HT-ST9 include:

7.1 channel sound bar w/wireless subwoofer
Expand your listening with powerful multi-room capability
Coaxial left, right, and center speakers for Hi-Res sound
HDMI with HDCP 2.2 for copyright protected 4K content
Easy set up with 3 HDMI in/1 out and ARC support

If you want to know all about the premium sound bar, including audio codecs and more, the full Sony HT-ST9 specs await you after the jump.

Sony Wants to Help You Find the Perfect Projector

by Sohrab Osati | May 6, 2015 | 4 comments

Unlike purchasing a TV which, besides choosing the features offered, can be a straight forward endeavor, finding the right projector can be far more tricky. Besides taking into consideration technical specs like different resolutions and lumens which can great affect the experience, distance away from the wall can also play a large role. With a TV, you have fixed sizes which are easy to measure for.

With a projector, different models can cast different size pictures with each unit having different minimum and maximum distance requirements from the wall which is optimal for them to project. Too far away and you’ll lose picture quality. Too close to the wall and you won’t get that maximum screen size.

Luckily, Sony has a solution to make this task a bit easier.

Meet the Flagship Sony HT-ST9 Sound Bar

by Sohrab Osati | May 5, 2015 | 3 comments

With an array of new 4K televisions, including the flagship X930C and X940C with HDR, Sony is also launching a new flagship sound bar, the HT-T9. Targeted at those who want the latest in sound technology, including native support for Hi-Res sound, the HT-ST9 is capable of delivering on many fronts, thanks to its built-in 7.1 surround sound. A few more details after the jump.

4K Sony 55X930C with HDR Confirmed for Europe Only

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 30, 2015 | 0 comments

In 2015, Sony is treating home theater enthusiasts to a wide range of 4K TVs that start at just $1,299 for the 43-inch (X830C) and range all the way to the flagship 75-inch X940C. It’s already been confirmed that the XBR lineup will offer HDR later in summer via a software update, but news about the 55-inch variant has been scarce. Now we have some confirmation directly from Sony.

Sony Once Again Talks HDR for Its 4K TVs (X930C and X940C)

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 28, 2015 | 3 comments

Many had been skeptical of Sony’s HDR ambitions for their 2015 lineup of 4K TVs coming out of CES. This was in part due to a lack of information flow from Sony but since that time, more news has trickled out of the company. In short, HDR support is coming to the X930C and X940C. While the series will launch late next month, HDR support itself will come via a software update later in the summer. Neil King, Head of Home Entertainment, Sony UK and Ireland:

Sony has always been the leader in 4K and our exclusive Sony technologies have been at the core of providing TV lovers with the best picture quality, no matter what content they are watching. Our decades of experience allow us to introduce emerging industry standard HDR to our 4K Ultra HD TV series and to reinforce contrast thanks to Sony’s unique technology X-tended Dynamic Range PRO. And now, by pairing our unrivalled picture quality with Android TV, we are setting out to provide our customers with the best user experience possible.

More from Sony, after the jump.

PlayStation Now Comes to 2015 Sony Blu-ray Players

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 24, 2015 | 0 comments

Just yesterday, we put together a list of devices that support PlayStation Now. With support for the streaming gaming service, you’re able to enjoy PlayStation 3 games without the need to own the console. All you need is a half decent internet connection (5Mbs or faster) and you’re off to the races. Now, Sony Blu-ray player owners can take advantage of the streaming service as well. More details after the jump.

Sony Xperia Z3 – 4K Night Footage

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 22, 2015 | 0 comments

For nearly a month, we had a chance to set out the Sony Xperia Z3. Just last week, we showed off the 4K capabilities of the Xperia Z3 during daytime. With the Sony Xperia Z4 having been announced for Japan and utilizing the same 20.7-megapixel rear-facing camera (though it has an all new 5-megapixel front-facing camera) with 4K recording, we thought it be an appropriate time to show off the Z3’s 4K night time footage which can be seen above. The footage was captured in Santa Monica, CA.