We've been waiting, watching and even drooling (a little). Now, it's looking like Sony is ready to release its new selection of 4K Ultra HD LED TVs.
First announced back in January, these two 4K Ultra High Definition TV sets are new for 2013. The products debuted at CES in Las Vegas, but the company had little to say about availability or pricing for the pair. Both are now available for pre-order, with plans to start shipping by April 21, 2013.
Sony has priced the 55-inch XBR-55X900A at $4999, with the 65-inch XBR-65X900A coming in at $6999.
Each of these 4K TVs will come packing a 3840-by-2160 image, which is four times that of a full 1080p HDTV. Other features include Sony's proprietary two-chip 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine, the TRILUMINOS display, dynamic edge-lit LED backlighting, and an integrated 65-watt, front-facing speaker system. Both sets also have passive 3D technology, built-in WiFi and a host of web streaming options, including the Sony Entertainment Network suite.
If you're frothing about 4K content, Sony has also leaked some info about a new 4K Media Player, also known as the FMP-X1. This upgrade to the previously announced player will come packing 10 feature films and video shorts, all with a true 4K resolution. Shipping out this summer, it will have a $699 MSRP and Sony titles such as 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). However, the real hook is that users will have access to a fee-based video distribution service, which is expected to launch sometime this fall.
All of the above is in addition to the 84-inch XBR-84X900 that's currently on the market. That model is the one being packaged with Sony's first-gen video server, which customers can exchange for the FMP-X1 4K Media Player once the distribution service launches in the fall.
"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 of the 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."
Sony is currently taking pre-orders for the XBR-55X900A and XBR-65X900A. Customers buying one of these two new 4K Ultra HD TVs will also be eligible for a little something from Sony's "Mastered in 4K" Blu-ray lineup. Designed to work on all existing Blu-ray players and HDTVs, these new discs have been optimized for the 4K Ultra HD TVs. So if you're buying one of these TVs, you can snag a copy of 2002's Spider-Man, Ghostbusters, and Angels & Demons while supplies last.
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