Sony brings connected TV to Europe

By Robert Briel
September 4, 2009 05.54 UK

IFA 2009 – BERLIN. Sony is bringing its Bravia Internet Video connected TV service to Europe on Bravia TVs, Blu-ray players and home theatre systems.

Beginning in early 2010, Sony will equip a range of its products with the Xross Media Bar, similar to the one currently employed in the PlayStation3.

At the moment, Sony is testing with a number of European broadcasters including Germany’s ARD, France’s M6, Italy’s Mediaset, Spami’s RTVE, Antena3 and LaSexta and Five in the UK. Bravia Internet Video will also offer content from YouTube, Dailymotion and other online video sites.

Philips from The Netherlands has also announced it is expanding the offer on its Net TV service, which was launched this spring.

“We know people want local content as well,” said Andrea Ragnetti, CEO, Philips Consumer Lifestyle. “That’s why we have concluded many new deals.”