Sony Releases New Firmware and Feature Update for Bravia XBR-HX929

It’s really crazy to think that these days, your television will require firmware update to patch bugs and add new features where just a few years ago, once you left the retailer, that was your TV. But that’s just me being nestologic and I’m only 25 so I think I need to stop. Onto the news! Via Sony’s support site, Sony is releasing a new firmware update (PKG3.121AAA) for their just released Bravia XBR-HX929. The new firmware which comes in at 63mb is designed to add, fix, and enhance the following:

• Adds the ability to use the Skype® online calling service
• Adds the “What’s New” feature
• Media Remote (Software keyboard, Full / Simple Remote and Shake Track ID)
• VAIO® Remote Keyboard
• Media Remote (text by voice)
• Audio Theatre Control Widget
• WMV/WMA Codec for DLNA / USB
• 3D on IPTV and USB for NX and above
• Improves performance and stability of IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) features.
  Note: IPTV allows you to enjoy HD (High Definition) programming from the Internet on your BRAVIA television that is connected to a broadband Internet connection.

[Via SonyInsider]

[Download via Sony Support]

Meet the 2011 XBR, the XBR-HX929. We Have Specs

Though the naming scheme might have changed from the previous XBR6-7-8 and 9 style, Sony realizes that the XBR name is not only still strong in the home theater world, but that consumers know that it stands for something: quality. The XBR has been the pinnacle of Sony televisions for well over a decade. Only the biggest, thinnest, and most feature-packed of Sony’s televisions get branded as an XBR. And oh yea, they have the best damn picture quality available too. The XBR-HX929 is no different.

In April, consumers can get their hands on this beefy new TV, starting with 46, 55 and 65-inches, though the latter will be available in August due to the new glassing used on them across the XBR lineup and the more difficult process of producing it in the 65-inch variation. What new glassing? Corning’s Gorilla Glass, of course, which allows for a thinner, lighter, and stronger screen material than anything else on the market, setting itself apart from other available televisions.

First let’s cover some of the specs and features you would expect from this 1080p Bravia. Internet functionality, a feature that Sony has been pushing for the last two years, is front and center on this unit with services like Sony Music Unlimited Streaming Service and Video on Demand ; Qriocity, as well as Netflix, Pandora, HuluPlus, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Crackle, and Blip.tv. So although it might not have Google TV built into it like some of other Sony’s offering, it’s damn close. Of course, all of those services can be enabled via the  integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n). 3D of course is fully enabled in this flagship Bravia with a built in transmitter bar, something that is now standard on all Sony Bravia’s.

Check out Our Entire Set of Sony Photos from CES 2011

During CES we had the wonderful opportunity to float around freely and really lose ourselves in technology heaven. Having been there for the first time both personally and professionally for this site, it was really something that’s hard to describe. Between the sheer amount of new products, old products, lights, music and sounds from different presentations, you would at times need just a few minutes to just refocus on what it is that you were trying to do. In our case, that meant covering Sony and offering you news and information on their current and up coming products. The following are some of the pictures that we captured along the way.

[Flickr]