Sony Electronics today announced a first of its kind TV feature called BRAVIA Internet Video Link that will allow most of its new televisions to access free Internet video content, including high-definition, from providers including AOL, Yahoo! and Grouper, as well as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony BMG Music.According to Stan Glasgow, president and chief operating officer of Sony Electronics, “This initiative will not only enhance the entertainment experience for owners of Sony Internet video-ready HDTVs, but also reinforce our defining strategy of providing more personalization of products and content for consumers that no other company can offer.”

Sony’s new Internet video-ready televisions will feature the ability to receive streaming broadband video, including high-definition content, via a small optional module that is easily attached and concealed behind the TV for a clean, integrated appearance – even when hung on the wall.

The module links the television set directly to a user’s broadband Internet service provider via an Ethernet connection. The content can then be accessed directly on the TV without use of a personal computer.

Content, which includes Internet video, music videos, movie trailers, user generated videos and RSS feeds without any additional charges.

“We are shifting content experience from a lean-forward PC exercise to the comfort of the big screen TV in your living room,” said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of the Home Products Division at Sony Electronics. “Internet video will clearly be the next step in the evolution of high-definition television, giving users more control over the content they view.”

Waynick also put the Internet video initiative into context with other Sony personalization efforts.

“One of our first personalization projects was based around removable colored bezels on the XBR2 line of BRAVIA LCD televisions this year and the reaction was tremendous,” he added. “Now by providing customers with the ability to watch Internet video as if it were an additional personalized TV channel, we are taking this concept to the next level.”

The BRAVIA Internet Video Link will initially be first supported by Sony’s BRAVIA S-series flat-panel LCD high-definition television line, which was also announced today. The new TV models include the KDL-46S3000, KDL-40S3000, KDL-32S3000 and KDL-26S3000 units – all shipping this spring.

Product availability and pricing for the new “BRAVIA” Internet Video Link is expected to be announced within the next few months.

via Sony