Sony has non-3D Blu-ray HTIBs, too
Sony has announced three new Blu-ray home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) systems at CES 2010, focusing on adding streaming media content and Wi-Fi connectivity.
LAS VEGAS--Sony surprised us byannouncing a 3D-capable Blu-ray home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) system at CES 2010, but the company also introduced several standard Blu-ray HTIBs, too.
Key features of the Sony BDV-E570:
- 5.1 home theater system
- Built-in Blu-ray player
- 1000 watts of total power
- Wi-Fi capable using the included USB dongle
- Access to the Bravia Internet Video platform, which includes Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Pandora, Slacker, and NPR streaming capability
- Onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
- Can control using iPhone/iPod Touch
- iPod playback using USB
- S-Air-ready (requires purchase of S-Air transmitter)
- DLNA compatible
- $550 list price; available in April
Key step-up features of the Sony BDV-E770W:
- Wireless rear speakers (using S-Air)
- $650 list price; available in April
Editors' note: This story has been updated to include pricing, release dates and clarification on the included Wi-Fi dongle.
Sony also released images for a step-down BDV-E370, but didn't mention what features the system would include in its press release.
We gave last year's BDV-E500W a lukewarm review, but these new Blu-ray HTIBs address a lot of our criticisms--specifically adding streaming media services, which brings Sony's systems closer into line with competing systems from LG and Samsung. On the other hand, from the spec sheet, LG's recently announced systems still look more impressive, offering built-in Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity.
