Months after Sony Electronics first debuted its 2014 collection of 4K Ultra HD TVs at CES, the company has released pricing -- and started the pre-order process. According to Sony, the 2014 4K Ultra HD TV lineup will start shipping in June.
The new Ultra HD lineup includes a total of nine models across three lines. Each one features that 4K image, which offers four times the resolution of a full 1080p HDTV. These new sets also promise upscaling to a 4K resolution via Sony's X Reality PRO picture engine. To give the image a little extra boost, all of these TVs also have the TRILUMINOS Display's color spectrum and X-tended Dynamic Range technology for better brightness and deeper blacks.
Of course, the image isn't the only thing getting a boost this year. Sony wants to give these TVs great audio to match. While it certainly won't rival a full speaker complement, Sony's ClearAudio+ digital signal processing promises to pump up the sound on these TVs, with clearer vocals and a wider overall range.
All nine of the new models will also include HDMI 2.0 for access to 4K/60p content, as well as a decoder that can support the latest HEVC codec and play back 4K streaming. Other features include MHL 3.0 support, access to streaming web services, built-in Wi-Fi, and more. Each TV can also use that connectivity to tap into PlayStation Now, without an actual game console. Instead, you can get a little gaming in via a web connection, your BRAVIA 4K Ultra HD TV, and a DualShock3 controller (sold separately).
The cream of this new crop is the XBR-X950B Series, which will be available in 65- and 85-inch screen sizes. These sets all have X-tended Dynamic Range PRO technology, with direct LED arrays arranged on the backside of the TV panel. This boasts better overall brightness, as well as deeper blacks. Sony has priced the 65-inch model at $7999, with the 85-version coming in at $24,999.
Right in the middle of this year's roster is the XBR-X900B Series. The 55-, 65-, and 79-inch models have X-tended Dynamic Range technology, with the Edge LED arrays arranged along the side. Also worth noting is that all three models have Sony's new "Wedge" design, which leaves a little extra space for speakers. Sony has listed the 55-incher with an MSRP of $3999, with the 65-inch set selling for $4999, and the 79-inch TV priced at $8999.
The bulk of this year's 4K TVs fall under Sony's XBR-X850B Series. The company is calling this collection its "entry-level" lineup, with options available in 49 ($2099), 55 ($2999), 65 ($3999), and 70 inches ($5499).
Another thing worth mentioning is that all of these new models will be compatible with Sony's new 4K Ultra HD Media Player. Also known as the FMP-X10, this model is the follow-up to last year's FMP-X1 4K streamer from Sony. It has a 1TB hard drive, TRILUMINOS Color, and access to Sony's own Video Unlimited 4K service. Sony says that the service recently added titles, such as American Hustle and The Monuments Men, with more coming very soon. Two of those upcoming titles include the highly anticipated sequel The Amazing Spider-Man 2, as well as the Annie remake that will be released theatrically later this year. Sony is also working FIFA to add exclusive 4K sporting events and will make House of Cards and other 4K Netflix content available, once it starts streaming.
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