Tech: Sony launches first Artificial-Intelligence-based video analytics solution

 Sony has announced its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) based Edge Analytics solution, the REA-C1000, which allows users to create video content in real time, without the need for professional training, additional staff or equipment.

The compact and lightweight REA-C1000 uses its advanced AI-based video analytics technology to analyse the input received from connecting cameras, automatically extract the object in focus and combine it with other images in real time on a GPU (Graphics Processor Unit). This unique technology uses motion/face detection and colour/shape recognition, effectively making the REA-C1000 the powerful brain to any connecting camera and AV setup to create professional content in a cost-effective manner for education, government and corporate organisations, keeping audiences engaged.

“Video content has become a key method of communication in many organisations including education, government and corporate environments, and the demand for solutions that create high quality content, offer a hassle-free shooting experience, and help distribute content quickly is rapidly increasing,” explained Lawrence Tang, Head of Business & Industrial Solutions Marketing Division, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP), Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “At Sony, we want to provide organisations on a limited budget with cost-effective, yet powerful solutions that allow them to easily create professional and engaging video content. The REA-C1000 is yet another example of Sony working with our AV partners to create solutions together that help solve the real-life technology and budget challenges of our customers.”

The REA-C1000, available from April 2019 onwards, comes with five optional features: handwriting extraction and presenter overlay, PTZ auto tracking, close-up by gesture, chroma key-less CG overlay and focus area cropping.

Handwriting Extraction and Presenter Overlay: By optimising parameters and processing the images received from the camera, the REA-C1000 can extract hand-written objects from black and white boards using Sony's unique moving/still object detection algorithm. This allows audiences to clearly see written content and diagrams as well as the gestures and expressions of the presenter simultaneously.

PTZ Auto Tracking: Constantly stay in frame and in focus, the REA-C1000 can accurately and smoothly track a presenter throughout the presentation. This feature provides users with a tracking solution without having to invest in a camera operator.

Close-up by Gesture: The REA-C1000 can detect and react to the gestures of the audience, displaying the overview image and zoomed image in real time. When an individual stands up, the REA-C1000 can trigger the camera to electronically auto-zoom in to that person. This is particularly useful in education environments and in corporate presentation settings such as Q&A session.

Chroma key-less CG overlay (available later in 2019 via software update): Based on Sony's motion detection technology, this function can extract the presenter and overlay them onto any background, without the need for dedicated backscreen or special training. Users can create appealing content easily to engage their audiences.

Focus Area Cropping (available later in 2019 via software update): Using this feature, image from one camera can be simultaneously shown as two different output images. The users can get an overview image in 4K and a cropped image in HD. The cropped area can be static or dynamic to follow the speaker’s movement.

After an initial 60 day free-of-charge trial period, the above features can be activated permanently through separate licences, providing users with the freedom to customise features based on their individual needs and budget.

Leveraging Sony’s know-how in image quality and their heritage in camera development, the REA-C1000 supports 4K/HD input and output, and connects directly to Sony’s PTZ cameras – BRC series and SRG series – as well as its range of XDCAM camcorders, which boast outstanding image quality and are widely used within the broadcast industry. Further, thanks to its HDMI network connection, the REA-C1000 can be seamlessly integrated into various common AV setups involving either multiple displays, large screen projections with monitors, or even live-streaming projects.

Visitors to ISE 2019 will be able to experience an interactive demonstration of the REA-C1000 at Sony’s Stand 1.N20, RAI Amsterdam from 5 – 8 February 2019. For more information, please visit www.pro.sony.

Tech: Sony large screen TVs prove bigger is definitely better

Your living room called. It wants a bigger TV screen this 2019.

With movies becoming more accessible thanks to streaming giants that are available in multiple devices, you would think that consumers will start getting rid of their television sets. Instead, the opposite is happening – TV remains the primary viewing device of Filipinos. The increasing number and fast turnover of movies released in cinemas and the quality content of streaming sites are driving this demand. After all, why brave the heavy traffic and crowded malls just to catch a movie when you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own living room? All you need is a large screen Android TV.

Tech: Listen to this: Upgrade to an EXTRA music-listening experience for 2019

(MANILA PHILIPPINES, 24th January 2019) The first month of 2019 is almost up, but that should not stop you from adding goals to your list of New Year’s resolutions. Here’s a small change you can make in your life that will have a big impact on your everyday mood -- upgrade your music-listening experience. Discover new songs, diversify the genres in your playlist and invest in excellent headphones for that upgraded music-listening experience.

Let’s talk about bass

What’s the one song you can’t stop dancing to but you don’t know why? Chances are, that song has got playful, powerful bass. It’s time to experience the perfect combination of deep, punchy EXTRA BASS™ sound this 2019 with Sony EXTRA BASS™’ MDR-XB650BT headphones. This innovative sound technology delivers deep and hard-hitting bass guaranteed to bring out your dance moves – from pop and lock, do the dougie, shuffle, whip and nae-nae. 

Tech: Sony Unveils Newest Products and Introduces Latest Efforts from Entertainment Businesses at CES 2019

Sony Corporation (“Sony”) will exhibit at the CES 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada, held from Tuesday, January 8 (local time).

Sony Corporation President & CEO Kenichiro Yoshida spoke at the Sony press conference held on Monday, January 7(local time), stating that “Sony is a Creative Entertainment Company. We at Sony partner with content creators who make the music, the movies, the television shows and the games that engage billions of eyes and ears and minds around the world. We’d like to showcase how Sony’s professional grade technologies support creators across the entertainment industries to produce compelling content. You will also see how our consumer products connect creators and users by enabling people to enjoy content at the highest possible quality.”

He also introduced that “Communities of Interest,” communities of people who share similar interests, emotional values and experiences, are formed around our world-class entertainment content and hardware products such as PlayStation® and α™ interchangeable-lens digital cameras. He closed by asserting that “with our technology, Sony is also there to deliver the very best entertainment experience to the fans and fill the world with emotions.”

Next to take the stage were Tom Rothman (Chairman, Motion Pictures Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE)) and Kristine Belson (President, Sony Pictures Animation, SPE). They spoke about how strong entertainment content and lasting IP are as crucial to fulfilling Sony’s vision as outstanding technology. They went on to describe how Sony’s technology and products help turn creators’ vision into reality. They then introduced examples such as Sony’s CineAlta Camera VENICE and α9 full-frame mirrorless camera that were used in the creation of TV shows and films. They also highlighted Sony’s new TV lineup, including the BRAVIA® MASTER Series that adapts the creators’ artistic intent and delivers content to users.

Additionally, Rob Stringer (CEO, Sony Music Entertainment) took the stage and pointed to the “Lost In Music” brand campaign as an example of combining music and Sony’s latest technology. He then introduced that Sony will deliver new music experiences to music fans with 360 (THREE SIXTY) Reality Audio.

A video of the press conference can be streamed at the following website.

https://livestream.com/Sony/CES


Main Products and Prototypes Being Showcased

The Sony booth consists of several zones such as “Visual Entertainment,” “Music Entertainment” “α” and “PlayStation.” Each zone introduces Sony’s efforts and products that connect creators and users through the latest hardware and technology, and deliver the ultimate entertainment experience to customers.

A stage has been set up in the center of the Sony booth. There, special talk show sessions and video screenings held several times per day will highlight the artistic intent of various content creators (including a Grammy Award-winning sound engineer, professional photographers, etc.). These shows will cover examples of creators’ content made using Sony’s latest products and their thoughts on the creative process.


Click the link below for more information about the Sony booth and stage show schedule.

https://www.sony.net/brand/event/ces2019

Visual Entertainment

The booth showcases the BRAVIA® MASTER Series’ new lineup and shows off Sony’s high picture and audio quality technology that faithfully delivers creators’ intent directly to users.

The BRAVIA MASTER Series Z9G (98”/85”), Sony’s first 8K LCD TVs, feature the next-generation image processor X1™ Ultimate equipped with 8K ultra-resolution algorithm custom database, enabling the 8K

X-Reality™ PRO to up-convert any content to 8K resolution. Additionally, Sony’s unique and evolved Backlight Master Drive technology features

a newly developed LED module and control algorithm optimized for 8K.

The combination of these technologies brings high resolution and high contrast picture quality images to life in stunning fashion. Additionally, Acoustic Multi-Audio™ featuring four speakers located above and below the screen will make you believe the audio is coming right from the screen, achieving a high level of audio quality befitting the immersiveness of large-screen 8K images.

The new flagship 4K OLED BRAVIA MASTER Series A9G (77”/65”/55”) are approximately half¹ the thickness of previous models when wall-mounted, seamlessly blending into any space. In addition to X1 Ultimate,

it features unique Pixel Contrast Booster™ panel control technology, which faithfully reproduces everything from the deepest blacks to the highest luminosity colors with stunning vibrancy. Alongside Acoustic Surface™ Audio+ technology that produces sound from the screen itself harmonizing the image and audio for a cohesive and immersive high-quality surround-sound experience and Center Speaker Mode², it is also compatible³ with Dolby Atmos®, the latest audio format.

These TVs feature Netflix Calibrated Mode, which lets you enjoy a wide variety of entertainment from Netflix exactly the way the creators intended. Additionally, these TVs are part of the IMAX® Enhanced certification program that is the result of collaboration between Sony’s engineers together with IMAX, DTS® and content creators to faithfully deliver creators’ vision and intent.


¹: Distance from front of the screen to the wall as compared to A9F Series when combined with compatible wall-mount unit.

²: Must be combined with existing home theater system.

³: Requires network update. Update scheduled for within 2019.



Music Entertainment

With the theme of co-creation between artists and Sony’s technology, Sony introduces 360 Reality Audio, a new music experience which creates “sound fields” that make listeners feel as if they are immersed in sound from all directions. This new experience will bring users new ways to enjoy music, adding to the “rich sound quality” realized by High Resolution Audio (Hi-Res) and “superb audio functionality” as seen in our highly-acclaimed noise canceling.

360 Reality Audio is made possible through object-based spatial audio technology. It can add distance, angle, and other positional information to a sound source such as vocals, chorus, instruments, etc. to produce a three-dimensional sound field where the different sounds and musical elements can be projected from anywhere inside a 360-degree space around the listener. This creates a rich and immersive music experience that feels just like being at a live concert. Compatible content will be produced⁴ in collaboration with major music labels and is expected to be made available through music distribution services⁵.

The booth also features a multi-speaker system composed of 13 speakers and a demo⁶ using MDR-Z7M2 headphones. A prototype display for a speaker system which delivers a 360 Reality Audio experience will also be on showcase.

The display also features the Signature Series Hi-Res compatible audio product lineup, which harnesses Sony’s high audio quality technology cultivated over many years, and last autumn’s WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones which feature industry-leading⁷ noise canceling performance.



⁴: Sony plans to provide content production tools and publish the file format. The format uses open standard MPEG-H 3D audio, optimized for music streaming with the cooperation of Fraunhofer IIS, part of Europe’s largest organization for applied research.

⁵: Service provision scheduled to begin on Deezer, nugs.net, Qobuz, and TIDAL, for a total of four services.

⁶: The demo first analyzes each individual listener’s hearing characteristics to provide an immersive, optimized sound field.

⁷: As of August 30, 2018, according to research by Sony Corporation, measured using JEITA-compliant guidelines. In headband style of wireless noise cancelling headphones market.



α

Responding to the artistic intent of photographers and film creators, Sony shows off the α9 and α7 series full-frame mirrorless camera, which allows for new imaging expressions, and a full array of custom designed mirrorless lenses including G Master™, along with professional photographic artwork.

Additionally, with just one mount (E-mount), you can cover a diverse array of still and video cameras, and Sony is also expanding its product lines that can leverage a rich spectrum of custom designed lenses. On display are the α interchangeable-lens digital camera (compatible with E-mount lenses that support full-frame and APS-C size image sensors), XDCAM™ memory camcorder, and a professional cinematic camera, CineAlta VENICE.

Sony aims to further refine the capabilities and features of its mirrorless camera’s five fundamentals (Lens, Image Quality, Speed, Battery Life, Compact & Lightweight). In the booth, we have set up various demo corners where visitors can experience all five of these fundamentals for themselves and enjoy a unique experience only available through α, which includes features that support professionals such as high speed, high resolution, high-performance AF and Eye AF functionality. Furthermore, visitors can photograph and film dances and performances at the special studio in the booth.



PlayStation

PlayStation, Sony’s largest “Community of Interest”, continues to build on the strength of PlayStation®4 (PS4™), which recently broke 91.6 million[1] units in worldwide sell-thru, and PlayStation™Network, which features over 90 million[2] monthly active users globally. In the booth, visitors can play PS4 and virtual reality (VR) titles such as the action game Astro Bot: Rescue Mission on PlayStation®VR, the VR system that enriches the gaming experience and further enhances the appeal of the PS4 platform.

In addition, visitors can go head-to-head on the two demo setups of Gran Turismo Sport available at the booth and enjoy promotional videos for PlayStation titles on a 16’ wide and 9’ tall Crystal LED display system, which delivers a stunning 4K HDR big-screen experience.

Accompanying the above, the booth will also feature a concept video of future autonomous driving achieved through Sony’s automotive image sensors, as well as the entertainment robot “aibo,” which launched in the U.S. in September 2018.


For more information, visit www.sony.com.ph, like facebook.com/SonyPhilippines, or follow

Tech: Sony Brings Waterproof and Truly Wireless Together, with the WF-SP900

• Play music from your smartphone, Walkman® with BLUETOOTH® connection or no device at all with 4GB of internal memory
• No restrictions on where you wear them, they can even go in the pool or the seai
• Suitable for all sports these headphones stay firmly in your ear with high stability

(Manila, Philippines, 3rd September 2018) – Listen completely wire-free, and now smartphone-free too, with Sony’s new WF-SP900 truly wireless sports headphones – the ultimate way to listen to your music whilst exercising. The truly wireless design means you can move around freely with no constraints and listen to your favourite tunes with the best in-ear comfort. 

Tech: Sony introduces next-level Noise Cancellation with the WH-1000XM3 headphones

• A further evolution in industry-leading Noise Cancelling technology[i], with the newly-developed HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1
• Superior sound and Smart Listening
• Comfortable to wear, with improved stylish yet ergonomic design, and enhanced quick charging ability

(Manila, Philippines, 3rd September 2018) – The WH-1000XM3 headphones are the newest addition to the highly-accredited Sony 1000X family. This headband-style around ear model offers all the much-loved features from the previous WH-1000XM2 model, while adding multiple key improvements including upgraded Noise Cancelling performance to enhance your listening and user experience.