Consumer Electronics Show: Focus is on high definition

High definition continued to dominate the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), as Sony and Panasonic revealed their plans for the future.

From Sony, there were announcements on Android television, 4K action cameras and a new look for its wearables at the company’s press conference.

It showed off its thinnest TV yet, as part of a line-up of 12 new 4K sets that it hopes will tempt TV buyers to invest in 2015. The new televisions will be powered by its 4K processor X1, which improves colour, contrast and clarity of images.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 3

The new Panasonic HC-WX970 video camera introduced at the show. Photograph:Michael Nelson/EPA

The X9000C series is 4.9mm at its thinnest point, which makes it slimmer in parts than Sony’s own Xperia smartphones. Also on offer is the X9300C series, which are the first TVs to support high-res audio and come equipped with speakers compatible with the new sound technology.

Android platform

More significantly, Sony announced it would be using Android TV on its new Bravia smart TVs, opening up the range to new content and connectivity across the company’s line of Android powered phones and tablets. The televisions will also be compatible with Google’s Cast streaming technology.

The obligatory celebrity appearance was provided by skateboarder Tony Hawk, who was on hand to help Sony push its 4K Action Cam. The new device is Sony's direct challenge to the GoPro in the action photography arena, offering improved image stabilisation over previous models.

Sony is also showing off a number of wearable prototypes, including the Smart B-Trainer, which is aimed at runners. The all-in-one headset device combines sensors and music playback to encourage the establishment of a running routine; it matches a runner’s heart rate to songs, automatically selecting the tracks that have a tempo that matches.

Panasonic announcements

Panasonic, meanwhile, was also focusing on 4K, with a new line of TVs and 4K-enabled camcorders, with a prototype Blu-ray player that supports the ultra-high-definition standard along with high dynamic range, which provides better images by taking elements of two images shot with different exposures, reducing over- and underexposure.

A new range of smart TVs that support the 4K ultra-high- definition standard and offer Panasonic’s Firefox OS-based smart TV platform were debuted at the show, ranging from high-end big screens to those aimed at a more mid-range consumer. The Life+Screen platform, a collaboration with Mozilla, has been improved from last year’s offering to make it easier for users to access their content and to connect to other devices.

Tying in with the push to create more 4K content, Panasonic unveiled two new consumer camcorders that come with 4K video recording and 4K photo mode, which also include high dynamic range movie mode.

The industry shift towards 4K comes as new research from the Consumer Electronics Association claims the sector is poised for strong growth. Shipments of the TVs are expected to reach four million units this year in the US.

Prototypes and wearables

Among the other products that Panasonic is showcasing at its booth are a cyclonic microwave oven and a prototype of an interactive mirror that can check and advise on skin conditions when you sit in front of it, and allow users to try on virtual makeup, beards and moustaches.

Elsewhere, Epson unveiled its line of wearable technology, dubbed Epson Active. Among the products are heart-rate monitors, GPS sports and running monitors and a golf swing analyser that tracks the swing path of the club, speed and path of the club head, the club face angle when the ball is struck, and tempo.

CES will run until January 9th, with more than 3,500 exhibitors and more than 150,000 attendees expected to walk through the doors over the four days.