LAS VEGAS – Two big takeaways from Sony’s press event at the Consumer Electronics Show:
One, Sony (SNE) is doubling down on 3-D. Two, it’s getting serious about the web and open standards. The media and electronics company made both priorities clear in a few ways.
For 3-D, Sony announced several components designed to bring a version of the movie experience into the home. The equipment alone won’t do it, though; in an interview with Fortune, Sony Electronics President Stan Glasgow said that for the technology to truly go mainstream in consumer electronics, there will have to be plenty of compelling content to tempt shoppers to upgrade their dens. That’s why Sony is backing ESPN’s upcoming 3-D sports channel, and it’s also teaming up with Discovery and IMAX to launch a 24/7 3-D cable channel.
With the web and open standards, a few points of progress: first and most important, Sony has committed to putting SD card slots in all of its devices, rather than making do with its own Memory Stick format. (Memory Stick won’t go away; Sony will include both.) Could this signal the end of Sony’s love affair with proprietary cables, formats and cards? Well, at least there’s hope. The company also signaled that it will bring more Internet connectivity features into affordable camcorders and other gear, and it will bring streaming movies and other content from its PlayStation Network to PCs and other electronics devices.
Below, more moments in pictures, and Taylor Swift’s performance at CES:
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Taylor Swift performs her hit “Love Story” after announcing that she will document her upcoming tour using Sony’s 3-D technology.
Glasgow looks on as Sony’s new Bravia NX800 LCD descends from above the stage. The TV has a new design that makes the bezel appear to be flush with the screen, and includes touch sensors.
Kaz Hirai, president of Sony’s Networked Products & Services Group, announces that premium video content in the PlayStation Network will soon be available not only on the game console but also from Windows PCs and other Internet-connected devices.
Nigel Barker, noted fashion photographer, makes the case that Sony’s consumer cameras have some pro-level qualities.
David Zaslav, CEO of Discovery Communications (center) and IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond (left) join Stringer to express support for 3-D.