Sony unveils connected HDTVs using Google software

James Delahunty
13 Oct 2010 1:03

Sony Corp. has unveiled a line of Internet-connected televisions that use Google TV software. The company is hoping to achieve success in fusing together television and web content in the living room, while past attempts have failed to gain demand.
Sony's Internet TVs use Google TV (based on the Android platform), run the Google Chrome web browser and include an Intel Atom processor. The models also feature Dual View, allowing users to watch television while tweeting about what they're watching, checking their fantasy football scores, or finding related content on the web.

The TVs come with pre-installed applications from CNBC, Napster, NBA, Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, and YouTube. An intuitive hand-held RF QWERTY keypad remote incorporating an optical mouse makes it easy to navigate content, type in search terms, and control the TV's user interface.

Additionally, select mobile devices such as an Android phone, can control the TV with an app that will be available for download from the mobile Android Market later this year.

Built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to connect to home broadband networks to access web content and to get upgrades via a system update service. "Sony Internet TV is the world's first HDTV that combines the big-screen impact of television and full Internet search to deliver an unrivaled entertainment experience," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of Sony's Home Division.



"Finally, you can seamlessly search your favorite TV programs and web sites on the same screen, at the same time."

The 24-inch NSX-24GT1 costs $599.99, the 32-inch NSX-32GT1 costs $799.99, the 40-inch NSX-40GT1 costs $999.99 and the 46-inch NSX-46GT1 goes for $1,399.99. Additionally, the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc player with Google TV built-in, the NSZ-GT1, costs $399.99, and is probably the best option if you already have a HDTV and don't want to upgrade.