Sony has been in the fold for Google TV for several months now, but it’s finally rolling out details about its first sets with the new platform. Dubbed Sony Internet TV, the line comprises four 1080p LCD sets, all of which are priced under $1,500. The company also unveiled a Blu-ray player with Google TV baked inside.
The new TVs all feature built-in Wi-Fi, which is still an unfortunate rarity for HDTVs, and include a keypad and integrated mouse for entering text and navigating the Google TV interface. The three priciest sets are also LED-backlit models, another nice touch given the mainstream price point. (The $599.99 24-inch NSX-24GT1 is the lone non-LED holdout.)
In addition to the 24-inch set, the series includes the 32-inch NSX-32GT1 ($799.99), the 40-inch NSX-40GT1 ($999.99), and the 46-inch NSX-46GT1 ($1,399.99). In particular, the 40GT1 is priced attractively as a holiday purchase. Pricier compared to its competitors at $399.99, the NSZ-GT1 Blu-ray player also includes built-in Wi-Fi and is powered by an Intel Atom processor.
Pre-installed apps for the various devices include Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, YouTube, and Sony’s Qriocity streaming-video service. Also promised for later this fall is an app to control Google TV via select Android phones. Additional apps will become available via the Android Market early next year.
It’s obviously yet to be determined whether the Google TV interface will become a breakthrough success, but it looks like Sony’s off to a good start with Internet TV, especially since it hasn’t added its usual large pricing premium on new technology.
