Christopher

Andy Warhol defined the pop art movement of the 20th Century. His paintings are among the most recognizable images ever produced. In the mid-80’s, Andy Warhol was asked by Sony to do an art print for the juggernaut Walkman. Warhol designed the graphic pictured above, but it was unfortunately never really used. Sony also involved Warhol to appear in their magazine print ad for Sony Beta videotapes. Warhol died in 1987 from post-surgery complications. Some critics have come to view Warhol’s superficiality and commerciality as “the most brilliant mirror of our times,” contending that “Warhol had captured something irresistible about the zeitgeist of American culture.” Learn more about Andy Warhol’s incredible life at Wikipedia. View the full article

I like your ideas. I want to improve this place - it has been a while since I've done anything with it. I've been a bit busy with Sony Insider, school, and a girlfriend. How about some new moderators to start? Thanks so much for the e-mails letting me know that the forum is down. They have been so helpful.

Sony said on Thursday it would freeze workers’ salaries this year as the company tried to recover from a record loss, and its rivals may follow in the face of a global sales slump. Unemployment is rising in Japan as a slide in exports forces firms to curb production, with the tech sector among the worst hit. Unlike many Japanese companies, Sony does not automatically raise salaries each year based on seniority. Instead pay raises are set annually for each worker based on their role and performance. This is obviously a wise decision for Sony in a time where the public is destroying the reputation of other companies, such as AIG, for giving workers bonuses. It’s time for many companies to strap down on bonuses/raises and focus on company profit. “This time we decided to keep the workers’ salaries unchanged,” Sony spokeswoman Mami Imada said, ahead of the pay round for the financial year starting next month. Read more at Reuters. Picture courtesy of daylife. View the full article

As a surprise or an early product availability, Walkman W series (or a butterfly walkman as I like to call this one) is available and ready to ship to your homes! Sony USA has only 2 color options for you: black and pink, unlike its European offerings that give you a choice of 5. Oh well…an affordable Walkman is always nice to have, I will let you know how it works out for me in my regular use of it at the gym. Let’s hope this early arrival is a good indicator for X series to show up soon for all of us. View the full article

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is the eighth studio album by the British rock band The Beatles. Sgt. Pepper is often described as The Beatles’ magnum opus, and recognized as one of the most influential albums of all time by prominent critics and publications. The cover was created by art director Robert Fraser, mostly in collaboration with McCartney, designed by Peter Blake, his wife Jann Haworth, and photographed by Michael Cooper. However, many people may not notice that there is a small television in the cover art. I didn’t even know about it till I read a small blip on this website showcasing old Sony tech. I googled around and it matches up - the TV on the Sgt. Pepper’s album cover is in fact a classic Sony portable TV9-306UB, which had a nine inch screen and was pretty advanced for the 1960’s. Here is an enlarged shot. Obviously the TV9-306UB was a favorite viewing display for one of the Beatles, as a Wikipedia subsection speaking about the cover art states, “At their feet were several affectations from the Beatles’ homes including small statues belonging to Lennon and Harrison, a small portable TV set and a trophy.” This is a true riot, and it’s really cool to see a Sony TV on the album that is like the whole of the 20th Century in microcosm. Sony may have claim on the greatest product placement of all time. View the full article

LCD TV brand Vizio Inc overtook Sony during the fourth quarter to become the second-best selling flat panel TV brand in the United States after stepping up its marketing efforts, research firm iSuppli said. Vizio, whose TVs are made by Taiwan’s Amtran Technology, took 14.3 percent of all flat panel TV shipments in the October-December period as consumers’ appetite for more expensive brands fell amid the global financial crisis. “Vizio’s success in the fourth quarter was partly due to increasing brand recognition, courtesy of the company’s strong marketing efforts and retail strategy,” said iSuppli analyst Riddhi Patel in a statement. This story was originally printed in February of this year but we originally missed it. I’ve seen a couple of Vizio televisions and they aren’t bad. I would most certainly say that Vizio makes good displays fully capable of producing an excellent HD exerpeience. Most configurations I’ve witnessed were cable boxes connected via HDMI. Certain Vizio models also have a unique I/O configuration, where users plug into the bottom of the device instead of the back of it. View the full article

Sony Corporation (SNE) has revised its planned year-end dividend for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009. On January 22, 2009, the Company announced a downward revision of the Company’s consolidated results forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009, in light of the deterioration of the global business environment. As a result, the Company has decided to reduce the planned amount of the year-end dividend for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 to

The new mystery surrounding the highly anticipated NWZ-X1050/NWZ-X1060 touchscreen Walkman is the release date. We initially pegged it for Summer of this year, but it seems like that it may come sooner. Sony USA said Early Summer. Several of our readers have found that Amazon UK is now projecting a release date of May 10th, while another UK e-tailer Play.com is saying March 30th. We are almost certain it will be May 10th for Europe. What I find most amusing is that Sony Japan hasn’t even acknowledged the X-Series yet; so to our Japanese readers out there, you may be waiting a little while. When do you think it is coming out? p.s. Just to bring awareness to USA pricing, we have multiple sources confirming that the 16GB model will cost $299, and the 32GB model will cost $399. View the full article

The A2DP-capable MS500 speaker is designed for the outdoor environment with a durable splash proof shell and a handy strap which makes it perfect for attaching to a bag, or hanging from the wrist. Some questions may be raised by others as to exactly what you have attached to your wrist if you choose to wear it, however. This unique bluetooth accessory will be available in Black and orange (carbine hook) and White and Pink (white strap), and enables your phone to be used as a remote control to change tracks and increase volume, allowing you to just sit back and relax with music without the need to move. Simply connect the speaker to any mobile handset within a 10 meter/30 foot range and in just seconds hear your favorite songs blast out, with clear treble and rich bass. Additionally you don’t have to deal with the hassle of wires or the need of a charger as it’s powered by two AA batteries, which allows you to immerse yourself in music for up to five hours. The Outdoor Wireless Speaker MS500 is compatible with most Bluetooth phones from Sony Ericsson and other brands. The perfect accessory for the 21st century redneck who is sitting on a inner tube floating down the river listening to bluegrass. The designer of the MS500 Wireless Outdoor Speaker, Leonardo Salzedo comments: “If I had to describe the MS500 speaker in three words, I would use the following; fun, compact and freedom. The word freedom has various meanings, as it refers to the speaker’s lightweight, small, splash proof shell, which enables you to take it with you everywhere and anywhere. No cables allow freedom of movement and a handy strap enables you to hang it from the wrist or attach it to clothing, so you have the ability to stylishly accessorise your life with music.” View the full article

Despite the poor economy, Comcast and Sony plan to open a retail store Tuesday. The U.S. cable TV operator and the electronics company will use the store to showcase new technologies and products, taking a page from Apple Inc. The store will be called Sony StyleComcast Labs and ensconced in the Comcast Center (pictured above), the newest skyscraper in Philadelphia and headquarters of the United State’s largest cable operator. The store, more than 315 square metres, will show off such things as home broadband equipment that would enable people to surf at 100 megabits a second - roughly 17 times the average speed of cable broadband. Comcast plans to roll out service that fast by year’s end. Sony will display a new TV running Comcast’s TV interface. It uses Tru2way, which is software cable providers are rolling out to standardize their systems so the same set-top box can work with any cable operator. The store also will sell Sony PlayStations, laptops, cameras and camcorders. Robert Faught, senior vice-president of retail and alternate channel sales at Comcast, said the company has no plans for now to expand beyond the one store, since the cable service already is being marketed through major retailers. But that could change depending on how this store performs. Sony has over 40 retail stores in the United States, called Sony Style. The Comcast-Sony store will include Sony Style’s “concierge counter,” where staff will answer customers’ questions about products. View the full article

To encourage consumers to recycle old, no longer working or unwanted electronics products, Sony Electronics is inviting Bay Area residents to recycle any brand of outdated electronics for free at a drive-up event on March 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shoreline Amphitheater. Drivers of the first 2,000 cars to drop off unwanted electronics will receive a voucher for a Sony product valued at $100, which can be redeemed at Sony Style stores at the Valley Fair or Stanford shopping centers. The event is tied to Sony Electronics’ Take Back Recycling program, which provides free recycling for Sony products at more than 270 permanent drop-off sites in nearly every state in the country. With support from Waste Management and others, Sony has also hosted more than 100 recycling events like the one coming to Mountain View, where all brands of electronics can be recycled for free. These special events have helped increase awareness about the Take Back program and the permanent drop-off sites that are available nationwide. This national program is bringing attention to the growing issue of e-waste and alternatives to trashing electronics, which through the recycling of their components can be re-used in new products — with greenhouse emissions reduced in the process. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans trash more than 130,000 computers and 350,000 cell phones every day. By recycling old electronics products, such useful materials as glass, plastic and metals can be collected and re-used in the manufacturing of new products. Since Sony’s Take Back Recycling program began, more than 14 million pounds of electronic waste have been collected. The company expects that number to grow exponentially as the program continues. As part of its ongoing efforts to help consumers recycle electronic devices safely, Sony is picking up most of the funding for this weekend’s event so residents will not need to pay for their electronics to be properly recycled. Funds from the California recycling fee that consumers pay when they purchase a new television or computer monitor will also be used to support this event. Sony Electronics and Waste Management are signatories to the Basel Action Network’s Manufacturers’ Commitment to Responsible E-Waste Recycling. The action signifies the companies’ agreement to conduct electronics recycling programs transparently and in accord with rigorous environmental and worker safety standards, and adhere to measures to prevent the export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries. “Sony continues to provide consumers with a convenient option to dispose of their unwanted electronics,” said Mike Fasulo, executive vice president of Sony Electronics with management oversight for the company’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives. “Our environmental stewardship and social responsibility remain top priorities for us.” Scrap electronics that will be accepted at the event include televisions, computers, monitors, cameras, videogame consoles, cellular phones, rechargeable batteries and printers. Items that will not be accepted include microwave ovens, humidifiers, thermometers, air conditioners, smoke/fire alarms or detectors, and large household appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators and washer/dryers. More information about acceptable products and concerning processing procedures is available by calling 877-439-2795. Recycling options available after the March 28 event and a complete list of permanent drop-off centers can be found at www.sony.com/recycle. View the full article

The chief executive of Sony in France, Serge Foucher, and Roland Bentz, director of human resources, had been prevented from leaving the Sony factory in Pontoux-sur-l’Adrour in south-west France following a protest over redundancy payments on Thursday. The two executives had travelled to Pontoux-sur-l’Adour to meet the 311 workers at the plant before its closure next month as part of Sony’s Y100 billion cost-cutting program. But they found themselves locked in a meeting room while workers barricaded the factory with tree trunks. They were finally released mid-morning on Friday after workers obtained guarantees that they would take part in a new round of negotiations. “I am happy to be free and to see the light of day again,” said Mr Foucher, following his release which took place when Sony executives agreed to fresh negotiations over the layoffs. Unionists said the Pontoux-sur-l’Adrour employees had been given a less generous redundancy package than their counterparts at other Sony factories in France. They said had been offered €3,500 if they relocated, whereas the group had promised to cover all the relocation expenses of its other French staff. The plant, which produces videotape and other recording media, employs 311 workers. “I will never find a job in my field around here,” said Thierry Dussarat, 45, who has worked at the plant for 22 years. “Only big companies employ this kind of staff, and in this region they are rare.” The plant opened in 1984. Its closure will leave Sony with just one factory in France, near Ribeauville in Alsace. Here are some more pictures of the dramatic event: View the full article

Japan’s Seiko Epson Corp., facing a billion-dollar annual loss, has announced with Sony today that they will begin discussions about an alliance in the field of small and medium-sized LCDs, including the transfer of a part of business assets of Epson to Sony. The parties hope to enter into a legally-binding definitive agreement by the end of June, 2009. Picture courtesy of DTP999 on flickr. To date, Epson Imaging Devices Corporation (”Epson Imaging”), a subsidiary of Epson, has implemented a series of restructuring measures in its small and medium-sized LCD business. At the same time, Epson Imaging has endeavored to shift its product portfolio while developing original high-definition and ultra-wide viewing angle technologies, based on its amorphous silicon TFT and low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) TFT technologies. An alliance with Sony would enable Epson Imaging’s LCD technology and amorphous silicon TFT production capability to be fully utilized and broader customer demands to be satisfied. In its small and medium-sized LCD business, Sony is focusing on LTPS-TFT LCD, and in order to accelerate the development and commercialization process, Sony has also decided to consolidate its resources within its subsidiary, Sony Mobile Display Corporation (”SMD”), resulting in a unified operation containing development, design and production to realize a stronger business structure. Through the contemplated alliance, Sony aims to increase the competitiveness of its small and medium-sized LCD business by incorporating Epson’s wide range of technologies, in particular Epson Imaging’s amorphous silicon TFT technology, and LCD product designs and production capabilities. Japan’s Seiko Epson Corp., facing a billion-dollar annual loss, said Thursday that it would start talks with Sony Corp. on a sale of part of its liquid crystal display business. View the full article

The Vaio P was a superstar attraction at CES, grabbing alot of attention because it was Sony’s return to the hot netbook form-factor. However, Sony did not want anyone calling it a netbook and simply referred to it as a stylish lifestyle PC. A month after its CES debut Sony has rolled out Phase 2 of the VAIO P-Series campaign, introducing a European style contest, titled “Europe’s Top Spots“, to create awareness and engagement around VAIO P-Series. In the contest, developed by Nascom, Sony let’s the community decide which is the most stylish city in Europe by letting participants share interesting spots like fashion hotspots, art galleries, hidden restaurants, memorable architecture or great music venues across 65 cities in 26 countries in Europe, making use of Facebook Connect, Widgets, Google Maps, Twitter, VIP bloggers and YouTube. " type="application/x-shockwave-flash">" /> In the online contest that’s all about style and travel, not only European cities compete with each other, also participants and categories battle for the top spot! Cities will grow on user actions through nominations, tips, ‘thumbs up’ votes on the tips and participants can earn extra points by inviting others to vote on their tips or by sharing their tips via Facebook, Twitter and widgets. Bubble clouds visualize the difference in points between the cities. Winners receive a new VAIO P-series ultra portable PC and a European city trip for two to a destination of their choice. There are fifteen great locations to choose from. Participants must be residents of either Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Russia, Portugal, Poland, Greece, Turkey, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic and aged over 18. The Prize Contest will end on May 15th, 2009. View the full article

She is a freak! How could anyone let that happen. He must walk around school thinking he is the biggest pimp in the world.

Designers produce fashion shows to show off their latest collections. Sony found opportunity in beauty and had models wield the Vaio P in February 2009 for the Fall 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. In New York City in Bryant Park (42nd and Sixth), an 8-acre park that is converted to a temporary fashion arena with tents. The Fashion Week tents are huge, air-conditioned and contain several venues for the designers to show their collections. The individual venues — ranging up to almost 12,000 square feet — come complete with runway, seating for attendees, backstage areas, lighting and sound. View the full article

Searching around for Sony stuff on the Internet can lead you in some random directions. I recently came across a picture of Akio Morita, a co-founder of Sony Corporation, holding a Mavica. It inspired me to learn more about this product. Many of you probably have never seen this interesting camera from Sony’s past, but let me tell you about it.. On August 25, 1981, at a packed conference in Tokyo, Sony unveiled a prototype of the company’s first still video camera, the Mavica (Magnetic Video Camera). It recorded images on two-inch floppy disks (later the industry standard Video Floppy) and played them back on a TV set or Video monitor. The Mavica was not a digital camera, but a TV camera capable of writing TV quality stills onto magnetic disks, with a shutter that would allow it to freeze frames within the limits set by twin-field interlace making up the complete frame. The Mavica was a single lens reflex with interchangeable lenses. The original Mavica was provided with three bayonet-mounted lenses: a 25mm f/2, a 50mm f/1.4, and 16-65mm f/1.4 zoom. CCD size was 570 x 490 pixels on a 10mm x 12mm chip. F/stop was controlled manually according to lighted arrows that appeared in the viewfinder. Light sensitivity was rated at ISO 200. The original Mavica had only one shutter speed, 1/60th second. Each image was recorded in its own single circle on the floppy disk that Sony called the “Mavipak.” Up to fifty color photos could be stored on one Mavipak. Multiple exposure of 2, 4, 8. or 20 images could be selected. The Mavica was powered by three AA-size batteries. Images were displayed on a television set and were considered to be equal in quality to the maximum capability of a TV set of that time. Here is the original Mr. Walkman*, Nobutoshi Kihara, displaying a prototype model of Sony’s digital camera Mavica, during an interview with AFP reporter at Sony’s affiliated laboratory crowned with his name Sony Kihara Laboratory in Tokyo 13 June 2006. He retired the same year. Obviously, the the Mavica line has been discontinued, as flash memory rendered tape formats useless in numerous aspects for point-and-shoot cameras. Do you remember the Mavica? View the full article

This is pretty random, but I was searching around flickr for a picture to use with a story and came across this gem. Apparently, there are publicly accessible websites out there that have pictures of interesting commercially/private-owned planes. The picture above is of a 2001 Dassault Falcon 900EX, labeled N550TH, and the accompanying text states “Sony Corporate Services.” So it looks like Sony executives fly around in a plane that can do 4,500 nautical miles nonstop, the farthest in its class. Three fuel efficient Honeywell TFE731-60 turbofan engines deliver 5000 lb of thrust. How fuel efficient is that? The manufacturer’s website states that it “..is capable of flying eight passengers from Stockholm to Amsterdam, then on to Paris, Rome, Istanbul, and finally, Moscow without refueling.” The cabin length measures 33 feet 2 inches from the cockpit divider to the aft pressure bulkhead, devoting 25 feet to passenger seating. It is a broad 7 feet 8 inches wide and 6 feet 2 inches high so you move about easily with your head held high. The typical Falcon 900EX has seating for 13 passengers includes six Erda 20″ electric seats, two sets of 20″ mechanical double seats, one three-place divan with berthing capability. Configuration consists of forward four-place club, mid-cabin four-place conference/dining group opposite two-place settee, and aft three-place divan opposite two-place club, forward galley, aft lavatory. Fully equipped for multiple meals, the galley houses all the essentials for a fine dining experience, 45,000 feet in the air. Two-dozen panoramic windows drench the cabin with natural light. There are several options for customizing the interior (these are not actual N550TH pictures), such as this: However, if you search around you will see that the interior has unlimited potential, but since this is Sony it could seriously be something equal to the brain-stem hookups from The Matrix for all we know. Regardless, Sony folks love globetrotting, because when you start Googling, you see the N550TH been around the block. I was able to find a few pictures, so now I’m basically making a scrapbook and not a blog post at this point. The first picture used in this story was taken in Philadelphia, but this plane has been all over the world. Here’s a picture of Sony’s Falcon 900EX at London Luton Airport in 2007. I found another picture on airliners.net and jetphotos.net of the N550TH in Salzburg, Austria also in 2007. It just keeps going and going. Here is the N550TH again about to land at Tokyo National Airport, also in 2007. This thing was seriously busy. Strangely enough I can’t find any pictures of the N550TH after 2007 - anyone know of its fate? Is it still being used heavily with Sony? How has the recent downturn in the economy changed that? If anyone knows, please leave a comment. One last thing - the cockpit of the Falcon 900EX is pretty cool. I am pretty sure that it looks something like this, and yes, apparently Wookiee fur seating is common on this plane, as other cockpit images from post 2001 models that I’ve seen also have it. Weird. View the full article

In 1955, the company decided to use the SONY logo on Totsuko products (the original name of the company) and three years later changed its name to Sony Corporation.

Who do you want Sony Insider to interview within Sony? Make some requests here and then perhaps we can get something rolling. Also, I was checking out Cover It Live and it’s a free chat-room plug-in that we could use in a blog post so we could do real-time interaction between the community and Sony every so often. It’d be great to have a hour or so every other week with someone new and relevant in Sony. What do you think? View the full article

Sony is preparing yet another micro system called the CMT-LX30iR with iPod/iTouch/iPhone and USB compatibility. This is primarily a entry level system, and is only at 5Wx2 output, but does have pretty decent features. A slot-loading CD player is found at the top of the device that has MP3 playback capability. USB playback and recording is supported, along with a FM/AM tuner and a line in and headphone out. Amazon Germany has already priced it out at 161 Euros, which is roughly $200USD but we can’t confirm if it will cost that much. We have a feeling it will be closer to $150. ROCK / POP / JAZZ / FLAT Preset EQ is also included for additional sound coloration. The appearance of the CMT-LX30iR is rather basic, and a neat 1-line blue LCD shows status messages. Fortunately, it allows for 20 FM and 10 AM radio presets to keep your favorite channels in check. If you click on the high resolution we provided, you can see that it also has navigation options for USB devices, which is quite nice. There’s also a button for quick CD to USB Sync Recording. This device may also go under another model name in the USA as the CMT-LX30i, or CMT-LX30. This information is a Sony Insider exclusive, brought to you here first. View the full article

The HT-CT500 sound bar and subwoofer is a simple surround sound solution for your bedroom or small footprint apartment. Sony first made waves in the home theater in a box category with the HT-CT100, which proved to be very popular amongst its competition because of the features offered for the price. However, this $500 sound bar and subwoofer is far different than its sibling in aesthetics, features, and price. This 3.1-channel speaker system comes with a built-in A/V receiver, 5 HD inputs (3 HDMI and 2 component) and icon based GUI with video upscaling to 1080p from analog standard definition sources. If you have a W-Series Bravia, you can mount the HT-CT500 sound bar to the television for a flush look that reduces footprint. And with 400W of power, it seems that this little system can sing after all. But is it worth $499.99? Sony hopes you think so with the inclusion of S-AIR technology, which allows people in other rooms to listen to music from the system through supported accessories. Other notable inputs include 2 Analog Audio, Coaxial Audio, Digital Media Port, and 3 Optical Audio Inputs. It also has various Sound Fields to color your audio: STANDARD; MOVIE; DRAMA; NEWS; SPORTS; GAME; MUSIC; JAZZ; CLASSIC; ROCK; POP; LIVE; P.AUDIO. Sound will sound crisp and clear as it is digitally amplified by the S-Master system which includes S-Force PRO Front Surround. We also believe a FM tuner is included that supports 20 FM & 10 AM station presets. What’s disappointing is the fact that the release of this product was overshadowed by the rest of the television-related product announcements in the last month. I think this is an attractive product, but the price is a bit high. However, it does offer more power and features than the HT-CT100 which cost $299. The HT-CT500 will start arriving in store shelves, Sony Style, and other online retailers around June/Summer for $499 in the USA and 60,000y in Japan. Future HT-CT500 owners, please come back to this story with your comments on this product. Thanks! p.s. The images used for this story are from Sony Japan, so the remote may differ elsewhere. View the full article

Westinghouse Digital Electronics (WDE) last week completed a settlement of a patent infringement suit brought by Sony over Westinghouse Digital’s alleged use of Sony digital TV technologies for closed captioning and HDCP for HDMI applications, Sony said Monday. A Consent Judgment was ordered by the Federal District Court for the Central District of California on March 4, 2009, dismissing the complaint filed against WDE. Through the settlement, a spokesman for Sony said WDE is now a licensee under Sony’s patents related to digital color television and computer monitors. Sony said it executed license agreements with Westinghouse Digital on Feb. 25, 2009, whereby “WDE agreed to a Consent Judgment acknowledging its infringement of Sony’s patents and affirming that Sony’s asserted patents to be valid and enforceable.” Sony originally filed its complaint against WDE in June 2008, demanding compensation for damages for infringement of Sony’s patents related to Closed Captioning, HDMI, onscreen displays, and other technologies used in products such as TVs and computer display monitors. Sony said it has also sued Vizio for allegedly infringing the same patents, “and is demanding compensation for damages. Going forward Sony intends to continue proactively implementing its licensing initiatives.” Representatives from Westinghouse Digital declined comment on the issue. Representatives with Vizio had not returned requests for comment as this was posted. Both companies are involved in a coalition called CUT FATT – which stands for the Coalition United to Terminate Financial Abuses of the Television Transition – asking the FCC to intercede to prevent some ATSC-patent holders from imposing costly licensing terms on technologies necessary to produce affordable ATSC-compliant TV receivers in the United States. Article courtesy of Twice. View the full article

FiOS TV is adding even more content to its industry-leading video-on-demand library through programming deals with Sony and Turner Networks. Verizon’s agreement with Sony means FiOS TV customers will now enjoy more recent film releases in high definition (HD), including box office hits like “Anaconda 3: Offspring,” “Hancock” and “Pineapple Express.” FiOS TV HD VOD allows customers to watch the latest movies in HD without the need to purchase additional, expensive equipment. “Because we’re delivering FiOS TV over the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic network, straight to customers’ doors, our subscribers can access interactive video services that help them save time and money, and enjoy unparalleled picture quality and programming choices for all their TV viewing,” said Terry Denson, vice president - FiOS TV content and programming. “Our ever-expanding VOD library gives customers a front seat to all of the best on-demand entertainment, with the convenience of watching what they want, whenever they want.” Also, programming from eight Turner channels, which I regularly enjoy here in Atlanta, GA — Adult Swim, Boomerang, Cartoon Network, CNN, TBS, TNT, TruTV and Turner Classic Movies — now provides fresh content to Verizon’s robust VOD lineup. This includes dozens of free movies a month from TBS, TNT and TCM; family-friendly entertainment from Boomerang and Cartoon Network; comedy on Adult Swim; and news and real-life drama from CNN and TruTV. Turner Networks will provide an array of free movies — from new releases to favorite classics — including “Anaconda,” “The Da Vinci Code,” “Final Destination 3,” “The Firm,” “A Knight’s Tale,” “Roman Holiday” and “Striking Distance.” Verizon’s FiOS TV VOD library offers titles that encompass a broad range of interests, including kids, music, pop culture, home and leisure, and the recent addition of the MyLife category offering exercise, health and wellness programming. The library offers more than 14,000 titles per month — 8,500 are free of charge. Customers can access the video-on-demand library by pressing the “VOD” or “On Demand” button on their remote control, by using the menu on FiOS TV’s interactive media guide, or by selecting the VOD channel. Verizon’s all-digital FiOS TV service offers more and more high-definition and VOD choices, a broad spectrum of content diversity, and exciting interactive features that set FiOS TV apart from cable offerings. FiOS TV is currently available to more than 9.2 million homes in 14 states. Anyone enjoy FiOS HD (especially the VOD) and care to comment on its experience/quality? Is this a good service for Sony to invest itself into? (Picture through the interesting cayusa of flickr. View the full article

OK, usually I would not post something like this, but I just can’t afford not to mention it along to those who are looking for a real deal. Many of you are aware of the following statement: Sony equals Expensive. Well not in this case, I have been watching SonyStyle VAIO outlet and was simply floored when I saw a number of Sony VAIO TZ high end models that used to sell for $3500 showing up as refurbished units from $982 to $1148! Let’s talk about specs here: for that price range you get a 64 GB Solid State hard drive, plus an additional 320 GB secondary drive in SATA configuration, an additional external VAIO DVD-RW/DL drive also comes in a package deal ($199 value) as well as large capacity battery. TZ models come with Premium Carbon fiber Black or Handmade Bordeaux Red coating. I really feel bad for those folks who shelled out over 3 grand a few months ago… Other really attractive offers you may find are AR/AW models with Blu-ray drive and hefty VRAM for under a grand; VAIO Z and SR models as well as FW series. Pretty amazing pricing, anyways stop wasting your time and head over to SonyStyle Outlet and see for yourself. I am sure those quantities are limited and you won’t find any better deals anywhere else. My advise - get a notebook with SSD drive and you will never go back to a regular HDD ever. P.S. And if you are concerned about the word “refurbished”, have some peace as Sony refurbished models are pretty much brand new models, just stripped down from their original boxes and repackaged. I have bought numerous Sony refurb products and have never been disappointed. View the full article