Friday, January 07, 2011 -- The Sony Mobile Electronics team showcased advanced technology demonstrations of Pandora link music streaming, in-dash component Blu-ray auto technology and a prototype of an all-new OEM integration audio system at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. Sony also introduced and displayed three new in-dash A/V entertainment centers.

“2010 was a great year all around for Sony Mobile, and we look forward to continued success throughout 2011,” said Mike Kahn, director of the mobile electronics business at Sony Electronics. “With exciting technology demonstrations, great-looking show cars and some compelling new products, we’re really flexing our muscles within the 12-volt industry.”

The centerpiece of the Sony Mobile exhibit is a prototype of the company’s new full OEM integration audio system. Designed for consumers looking to enhance their in-car audio experience without altering any internal framework, this OEM integration system includes four components: an iPod cradle, a digital sound processing (DSP) box, an amplifier and a subwoofer. Professional installation will grant customers full integrated iPod connectivity, digitally enhanced audio and a premium sound environment. The system features pre-programmed sound staging settings based on car type (truck, sedan, SUV, etc), eliminating the need to tweak or fine-tune audio settings to match a specific car, Sony stated.

Beyond the prototype, Sony showcased prototypes of in-dash Blu-ray Disc technology and head units with Pandora link music streaming. Sony’s Blu-ray demonstration featured an in-dash Blu-ray Disc player component that is currently in development and will be incorporated into the next generation of A/V head units, the company stated. The prototype at CES marks the first time Sony has ever shown Blu-ray compatibility in the car.

The Pandora link streaming demo showed full wireless compatibility for Sony’s head units with Pandora Internet Radio on a smartphone with the Pandora app, allowing the user to control all of Pandora’s features. With this technology, users will be able to like / dislike songs, skip track, switch stations and more, all directly through the Bluetooth-connected car stereo. The technology is compatible with iPhone, Android and Blackberry phones.

Sony will also introduced and displayed three new A/V Centers that feature flexible connectivity and high-quality screens, according to the company. The new XAV-72BT (pictured above) model features a 7-inch screen with full touch capability, a rear USB input for connection to iPod, iPhone and other digital music players, and full Bluetooth compatibility. Additionally, the A/V center features a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes large, easy-touch buttons, simple setting menus and a music playback screen that displays all song metadata and album artwork. The new model is compatible with DVD, CD and VCD formats and can also playback iPod video.

On the audio front, the new XAV-72BT A/V center features Sony’s SensMe music software, which utilizes 12-tone analysis technology to create custom music playlists and personal radio channels from a connected music library. Additionally, it features Advanced Sound Engine (ASE) and Dynamic Reality Amp to create a premium in-car sound environment, Sony stated.

Sony’s new XAV-62 BT and XAV-622 A/V Centers each feature a 6.1 inch WVGA screen. Each model also features the improved GUI, SensMe custom music and moods channels and have a front USB-1 input for simple connection to digital media players. The XAV-62BT unit features full Bluetooth connectivity.

The XAV-72BT, XAV-62BT and XAV-622 A/V Centers will all be available this April for about $650, $500 and $450, respectively, online at www.sony.com/mobileAV as well throughout the Sony authorized dealer network nationwide.

Additionally, Sony displayed two custom-built vehicles, each with its own distinct style, a custom 2011 Ford Mustang on built and designed by celebrity car customizer Funkmaster Flex for hip hop icon Snoop Dog. The 2011 Mustang features a full Sony A/V system. Also on display was customized 2011 Scion Tc featuring Sony audio and the custom vehicle was designed by James Lin. The Sony Mobile Electronics booth is located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, CES booth number 815.