Sony to Launch 4K TV that Improves on High-Definition

Sony will launch a flat-panel television around the world later this year that has more than four times the number of pixels than today’s high-definition TVs.

The television is based on a format called “4K,” which represents the horizontal resolution of the screen. While current high-definition TVs have screens with 1,920 pixels by 1,080 pixels, the new TV has a screen with 4,000 pixels by 2,000 pixels.

The 84-inch TV represents a “major step forward,” said Kaz Hirai, CEO of Sony, speaking at a news conference.

The format is already in use in the movie industry and many 4K projectors can be found at movie theaters, but there is currently nothing on offer to the public.

Sony didn’t specify if or how users would be able to watch 4K content on the television. A price was not announced.

“It’s an unprecedented and revolutionary viewing experience,” Hirai said. “The experience is so immersive, you want to touch everything in front of you.”

Martyn Williams covers mobile telecoms, Silicon Valley and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Martyn on Twitter at @martyn_williams. Martyn’s e-mail address is martyn_williams@idg.com