CES: Sony Announces IPTV Venture

Sony has introduced its theme for the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at Las Vegas, as 'Transformation' and unveiled the company's first Internet video system, due for release this summer.

Sony Electronics President and Chief Operating Officer, Stan Glasgow announced that in 2007 the majority of new Sony televisions, starting with several Bravia flat-panel LCD TVs, will accept an attachable module to stream broadband high-definition and other Internet video content via remote control. The module will be able to link the television set directly to a user's broadband Internet service provider via an Ethernet connection, without use of a personal computer.

He said, "While other companies struggle with standard definition, Sony has developed a scalable Internet HDTV solution with some notable partners providing content." Partners include AOL, Yahoo! and user generated video sharing site, Grouper Inc, which is now part of Sony Entertainment, along with Sony Pictures and Sony BMG.

Grouper co-founder and co-president Josh Felser said, "This exciting partnership reinforces Grouper's leadership in distributing video of all types across different platforms. Grouper's channel on the Sony 'Bravia' Internet Video Link brings enhanced quality user-generated video content into the living room and makes it possible for people to have more control over what and where they watch."

Sony's Xross Media Bar, an icon-based user interface similar to what is already found on Playstation 3(PS3), PlayStation Portable and a recently introduced Sony A/V receiver, made its debut in conjunction with the Internet video demo.