Sony Electronics  

Our press conference at CES just ended with a bang:  The U.S. product introduction of the first OLED-TV, an 11-inch model that will be available initially at select Sony Style stores around the country beginning today.  It’s a one-of-a-kind television with a contrast ratio of 1,000,000 to 1, which is roughly 100 times more than your typical flat-panel HDTV set. 

Of course, a unique device like this is initially going to be sold for a premium price of about $2,500.  But for the person who wants the ultimate in performance and design that will be the envy of all who see it, Sony’s OLED-TV is the ticket.   (I also expect it to fly off the shelves in Las Vegas, as those high-rollers come in the store here with their latest winnings.)    

We also announced 17 new BRAVIA LCD high-def televisions, along with three new clip-on BRAVIA modules – one for wireless connectivity to A/V components, one for multiple HDMI inputs, and another for a DVD player.   It’s cool that these modules can be attached right to the back of the TVs.  They then hang on a wall behind the TVs and you don’t even see them.   They join the BRAVIA Internet Video Link, which streams Internet video content.    For this module, we announced a new content partner, CBS Interactive, which joins a fast-growing list of supporters.

Besides myself, the press conference featured the heads of our home products and our digital imaging and audio divisions.   It also featured our U.S. electronics president and chief operating officer and the head of marketing in the U.S. for Sony Ericsson.

Plus, there was a special guest:  Sir Howard Stringer, chairman and CEO of Sony Corporation.   He is very keen on OLED and, of course, Blu-ray Disc, which has gained a lot of momentum lately.   BD is gaining consumer favor fast with the sale of dedicated Blu-ray Disk players over the holidays in the U.S. far exceeding the competitive format.  In addition, BD movie titles are outselling the completion by more than 2 to 1. And PlayStation 3 consoles have sold in the millions and all feature a built-in BD player.   (I understand that more than 80% of PS3 owners use their consoles to watch BD movies.)

Well, we put on a great show for more than 750 attendees, including journalists, broadcasters, analysts and fellow bloggers.

I look forward to seeing all the news coverage that results.