Sony has officially confirmed the price of its upcoming Ultra HD televisions, while at the same time introducing the FMP-X1 media player which will stream 4K video content to compatible TVs.
The FMP-X1 will come pre-loaded with 10 4K films, and have access to the 4K video distribution system Sony mentioned during its CES press conference in January. Although the service isn't scheduled to launch until the Autumn, anyone picking up an FMP-X1 will be able to watch Bad Teacher, Battle: Los Angeles, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Karate Kid (2010), Salt, Taxi Driver, That's My Boy, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Other Guys and Total Recall (2012). American customers should expect to pay around $699 for the system, with UK price and availability yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, the 55in XBR-55X900A and 65in XBR-65X900A (which we're sure you'll agree just roll off the tongue) are due to go on sale in the US on the 21st of April, for $4,999 and $6,999 respectively. Although no UK prices have been confirmed, the current exchange rate suggests £3,260 and £4,565 - although that doesn't take sales tax or VAT into account.
Both sets, which we first saw at CES in January and in more detail later in the month , are passive 3D models and will ship with four pairs of 3D glasses, along with integrated Wi-Fi, a remote control with built-in NFC, Sony's SEN online portal and a 4K resolution, Triluminos display, driven by the 4K X-Reality PRO picture engine. We were impressed by their astonishing clarity and ability to upscale 1080p content, but the fact that native 4K video isn't far away will surely be good news to anyone hoping to pick one up later in the year.
Mike Lucas, Sony's Senior VP of home electronics, said "These new models will be arriving in homes just before the summer and are sure to bring the enhanced viewing experience of 4K TV to a whole new audience."
We'll be taking a closer look at both models when they officially launch in the UK later this year, and hopefully bring you more news on the 4K media streamer too.
