Sony hoping 4K TV that improves on HD can tackle financial woes
Company also announces it will expand Xperia smartphone range with three new models
By Martyn Williams | IDG News Service | Published 17:23, 29 August 12
Sony will launch a flat-panel television around the world later this year that has more than four times the number of pixels than today's high-definition TVs.
The television is based on a format called "4K," which represents the horizontal resolution of the screen. While current high-definition TVs have screens with 1,920 pixels by 1,080 pixels, the new TV has a screen with 4,000 pixels by 2,000 pixels.
The 84-inch TV represents a "major step forward," said Kaz Hirai, CEO of the troubled company.
The format is already in use in the movie industry and many 4K projectors can be found at movie theatres, but there is currently nothing on offer to the public.
Sony didn't specify if or how users would be able to watch 4K content on the television. A price was not announced.
"It's an unprecedented and revolutionary viewing experience," Hirai said. "The experience is so immersive, you want to touch everything in front of you."
Sony also announced it would expand its Xperia smartphone range with three new models, including one that features a new NFC (near field communication) system. The company also plans to extend the brand name to its tablet computers.
