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Sony’s press conference got off to a late start… It began with a performance by Grammy award winning, classical artist Joshua Bell. It was part of Sony’s continuing effort to transform from a product company into an entertainment company.

Peter Dille is now giving an update on Sony’s PS3. Their goal was to ship 1 million units to retailers by December 31, 2006 and they claim have to hit that goal. This was faster than both the PS2 and original PlayStation. The next goal is 6 million units worldwide by mid-March 2007. They expect this to come via various trends/movements. First up is high definition and Blu-ray discs (they claim that more than 90% of PS3 owners have watched a Blu-ray movie on their PlayStation 3). Next is portable entertainment. While other companies discuss the digital living room, Sony feels too limited. The PSP takes digital out of the living room and into your world. Third is the PS3 itself, it offers free online gaming which every system can access. Sony plans to expand the online network in 2007 past games and chatting. We are watching a corporate recap of the PS3 including media clips, new games, current games, and more – it looks SICK!

Randy Waynick is now talking about “Full HD,” a term that every competitor has borrowed. The difference is that Sony goes from the lens to the living room. Sony has a new 55” rear projection display with laser technology. There is a new 70” Bravia with LED backlighting. There is also an 82” display. Sony is also showing a 27” OLED display (which is rather impressive).

Steve Haber is now discussing digital imaging and digital content. There are 16 new camcorders in three different storage formats: HD, DVD, and miniDV. Four of these models are HD capable (two are HD based and two are DVD based). These models also have a 3 megapixel sensor for improved video and perfect for still images.

Hideyuki Furmuvi is now presenting the mobile division of the company. There will be new VAIOs with multiple colors, engraving, and other personalization. Brand new W1 wireless system allows you to access and stream internet music. Sony’s MP3 players and the Book Reader have their own stores and are doing well. The Sony Ericsson cell phones can connect to the new Xplod headunit for your car. Sony’s Locationfree can stream your content where you want it and how you want it.

Now the excitement… Stan Glasgow is “very excited” to present this new announcement. But first, some info: Sony is ready for a year of double digit growth. “Sony is committed to creating an environment where products and services work together seamlessly.” Nick Colsey is displaying an internet video, including HD, with the press of a button on a remote control. Kevin Conroy is joining as well as AOL is a major player. There is comedy, adventure, music… all streaming directly to your living room for free via AOL video. Marco Boerries from Yahoo is now out as another partner. There is Yahoo News, Sports… All of Grouper’s user-created video is available on the display. There is Sony music, movies, etc. This device streams HD content over the internet without a PC. Their system also uses Sony’s “Cross Media Bar” that we find on the PSP and PS3. You can get RSS feeds, downloads, and create custom channels (traffic updates). The S-Series Bravia (which supports the module) TV’s will be available in the spring.