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Introduction
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01.Tour & Design
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02.Performance Features
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03.3D
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04.Connectivity & Media
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05.Controls, Menu & Remote
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06.Conclusion
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07.Series Comparision
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08.Specs
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09.Comments
Sony Bravia KDL-55HX850
Previous: Page 3
3DNext: Page 5
Controls, Menu & RemoteConnectivity & Media
Audio & Video Ports
The Sony Bravia KDL-55HX850 pictured here is not guaranteed to be the final design, so we won’t take the ports here as gospel truth. That said, we’re seeing four HDMIs, one component, one composite, cable/antenna, VGA, an 1/8th inch audio in, digital audio out, headphone out, LAN, and a special port for the speaker integrated stand (sold separately). There’s also built-in WiFi b/g/n.
Internet & Other Media
There’s a war on for the smartest “smart TV,” and Sony is losing. Two years ago they were on top, offering far more content partners and services than anyone. Then in 2011 Samsung and LG stepped it up, not by offering more content, but my making the content easier to access. They streamlined and simplified their menus, while Sony’s got more and more cluttered. We’d hoped that Sony could pull it all together this year into a more cohesive package. The indications so far are that they have not.
As it was explained to use, all streaming content is now under the banner of Sony Entertainment Network (SEN). Qriocity, the Sony-branded streaming content provider meant to compete with Netflix, has already been dissolved and replaced by Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited. The former is an online rental service, while the latter is split into two separate subscription services, one or both of which may use the cloud. You with us so far? Didn’t think so.
The only even mildly interesting innovation we saw were integrated Facebook and Twitter. You can Like and tweet the shows you’re watching, the names of which will automatically populate based on the shows metadata. Unfortunately, it only works if you’re watching content from one of Sony’s streaming partners – not live cable or local media like Blu-Rays.
Latest News
& Reviews
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23-May-2012
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18-May-2012
Samsung UN46ES6500 3D LED LCD HDTV Review
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Features
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HDTV Streaming Content Compared
Televisions aren’t just getting their content through the coax cable anymore. Just as the internet has gradually moved towards a video-rich space—YouTube, Hulu, Vimeo, etc.—those same sorts of features are creeping into your TV sets. Like it or not, those 1000+ channels of direct cable are not enough anymore. Read More...
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Technology Preview: Haier Completely Wireless Television
Imagine a TV with no wires. You’re talking about WiFi, right? No, we mean no wires, at all. Haier, the Chinese company better known as an appliance manufacturer, is showcasing a new technology here at CES that conducts electricity wireless to the TV, as well as streaming content. The TV is pretty far from production at this point, but it’s among the more amazing things we’ve seen at the show. Here’s an in-depth look at the technology and how it might be implemented in future products. Read More...
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