Sony will be launching its 3D televisions in Japan, the United States, and other markets in June.
Back at January’s Consumer Electronics Show, Sony was one of the major electronics manufacturers jumping on the 3D bandwagon and eager to show off its forthcoming 3D-capable, high-definition gear. Now, the company has said when consumers will actually be able to set hands on the stuff: Sony plans to begin selling its first 3D-capable televisions in Japan this June, with launches in the United States and other markets coming at about the same time.
Sony will start the Japanese market off with 40- and 460-inch versions of its Bravia flat-screen TV on June 10; 52- and 60-inch versions will follow on July 16. The 42-inch 3D-capable television will carry a suggested retail price of about ¥290,000 (roughly $3,200 USD); the 60-inch version will run some ¥580,000 (about $6,400 USD). The televisions will (of course) come with 3D glasses, along with a camera sensor that will adjust audio and picture based on a viewer’s location relative to the screen. Sony also plans to bring two less-expensive 3D televisions to market, but will sell glasses and a camera sensor separately.
Sony CEO Howard Stringer says Sony hopes 3D technology will help push the company’s television and gaming businesses into profitability this year; the company hopes to sell as many as 2.5 million 3D-capable televisions during its next fiscal year. Sony also plans to bring 3D capability to the PlayStation 3 via a firmware upgrade by mid-2010, meaning the company will be able to offer a complete 3D entertainment experience—3D televisions, Blu-ray players, and gaming—from a single vendor. Sony hopes that will give it an edge over the likes of Samsung and Panasonic, which are also moving to bring 3D-capable televisions to market quickly.
