Sony’s new HDTVs have another feature you’re not going to find on many other models: YouTube. Using the optional Internet Video Link, users can browse and view almost all of the content on YouTube with their remote.
YouTube isn’t the only vieo content available, with other providers like AOL, Sports Illustrated, Comcast’s FEARnet and many others contributing.
Another channel available is a custom version of Crackle, an internet video blogging portal Devin and I covered at CES, where we interviewed its number one charmer Penn from Penn and Teller.
Even if your cable gets turned off, if you have Internet access, at least there’s always something on.
Still want more info?
YOUTUBE™ CONTENT NOW AVAILABLE ON SONY BRAVIA® INTERNET VIDEO LINK
Wired.com and Crackle’s C-Spot Channels Also Added
NEW YORK, June 5, 2008 – Sony announced today that YouTube is the latest online video provider to join the company’s BRAVIA Internet Video Link service. The service went live today providing BRAVIA Internet Video Link users access to millions of videos on YouTube at no additional charge.
Joining YouTube are Wired.com and C-Spot, which offers original episodic short comedy series.
“Sony was one of the first to bring streaming Internet video to the television in the United States without a PC, and now you can access one of the most popular online video destinations, YouTube, on your BRAVIA TV,” said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division. “There are literally millions of videos to choose from on the BRAVIA Internet Video Link service and we’ll continue to add the most compelling content available on the web.”
The BRAVIA Internet Video Link is a small module that attaches to the back of a selection of the the company’s 2007 and 2008 BRAVIA LCD flat-panel television models. The service seamlessly streams on-demand entertainment including movies, TV programs, your favorite YouTube videos and a variety of other free content as well as news, weather and traffic informaiton via an existing Ethernet connection without the use of a personal computer. A broadband connection of at least 2.5 Mbps is recommended. Content is easily navigated with Sony’s Technical Emmy® award-winning Xross Media Bar™ (XMB™) user interface.
Once the TV and BRAVIA Internet Video Link module have been purchased, videos are available at no charge, bringing content to Sony televisions not found on network or cable/satellite TV stations.
The new content adds to existing channels including Yahoo!, AOL, Sports Illustrated, blip.tv, CondéNet’s Style.com, Men.Style.com, Epicurious and Concierge.com channels, Sony Pictures’ Crackle, The Minisode Network and Inside Sony Pictures channels, FEARnet, Ford Models, SingingFool, and VideoDetective.
Sony will continue to add new content partners and increase the growing list of on-demand video content.
“The partnership with Sony helps us achieve our goal of making YouTube accessible on any screen,” said Chris Maxcy, YouTube’s partner development director. “The integration of YouTube into the television enhances the living room entertainment experience by offering a large number of channels for people to select from, enabling them to watch what they want, when they want it.”
The Wired.com channel delivers exclusive, original reporting at the point where technology intersects with business, entertainment, politics, culture, science and art. Content will include Game|Life, Wired.com’s weekly web video covering the world of gaming, and AltText, a satirical commentary on technology, business, entertainment, communications and culture.
Crackle’s C-spot offers original character and story-driven episodic series.. The channel will offer series including “Hot Hot Los Angeles,” The Writer’s Room,” “Penn Says,” and The Roadents.”
Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video Link module is currently available for about $300. It can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores and at Sony authorized dealers across the country. The module used with a consumer’s existing broadband Internet connection is compatible with a majority of the latest 2007 BRAVIA television models, as well many new 2008 models.