That's entertainment!

In the second in a new series of articles in association with Sony, we ask experts in their field to answer your questions on product and technology-related issues.

Q: How can I best set up and demonstrate internet TV in-store (wi-fi network, content, display, etc)?

A: The best way to demonstrate internet TV in-store is to show consumers some of the exciting content available with a live demo. Retailers should try to tailor the content to the customer’s interests. Bringing music or sport to life will allow consumers to see what they could be enjoying in their own living room. Having a good internet connection in-store is really important, so that consumers enjoy a smooth, slick experience. But if this is not possible, Sony offers discs and USB sticks with a range of content for use in-store.

Q: What are the main consumer benefits of internet TV?

A: The biggest benefit to consumers is being able to watch internet content on a large-screen TV in the comfort of their living room, with friends and family, when they want to watch it. Services such as BBC iPlayer, YouTube and Sony’s Video Unlimited service can be easily accessed at the touch of a button without the need for typing in the web address.

Q: How can I receive training on selling, demonstrating and installing internet TV?

A: Sony’s award-winning training team has undertaken a series of nationwide road shows, including the ReDefined 2011 road show that visited eight locations earlier this year, which had a specific area dedicated to Sony Bravia and internet TV. The road shows are open to all to see the latest products and also hear demonstration tips from the team.

The Sony Retail Activation Team is also active instore and is armed with information and selling tips. In April 2011, Sony launched another tool to help retailers, the Online Training Academy – an online portal where retailers can learn about Sony products 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The portal features training videos, interactive modules and product knowledge quizzes and has been designed to help shop-floor staff learn more about the Sony range at a time convenient for them. The portal can be adapted to suit individual retailers’ needs and tailored by category as required. For more information about the training on offer for Sony retailers or for a password for the Online Training Academy please contact stacey.pattemore@eu.sony. com or telephone 01932 816046.

Q: What are the main features, content and services of Sony’s internet TV offering?

At the Sony press conference at IFA 2011, it was announced that Sony internet services would be realigned under the Sony Entertainment Network (SEN). The existing music and video services will now be known as Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited and will be available in nine countries. Video Unlimited offers consumers access to thousands of Hollywood blockbusters from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Lionsgate, Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM), Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Starz Digital Media, The Walt Disney Company, NBC Universal International Distribution and Warner Bros Digital Distribution. Music Unlimited offers access to 10 million songs, from artists such as Michael Jackson, Elvis, Beyonce and Pink Floyd. The service uses Sony’s Gracenote music identification library to create a rich experience for subscribers, letting them enjoy their existing digital music collection and discover new artists and albums within the service. The Sony Entertainment Network will be the platform for all the exciting content available from the Sony Corporation and gives Sony a great way of promoting the content that can bring Sony products to life. The platform also allows consumers to enjoy content from BBC iPlayer, Demand 5, Sky News and other third-party partners in the best quality thanks to Sony’s unique software X-Reality, which upscales internet content and reduces pixellation for a great experience on the big screen.

Q: Has internet TV become a more compelling proposition than 3DTV?

A: Internet TV and 3DTV are two different technologies delivering different experiences for the consumer.
Internet TV allows consumers to easily access a greater range of content available anytime, and enjoy it on a large screen. 3DTV offers consumers an amazing home cinema experience.
Both technologies provide retailers an opportunity to promote two exciting experiences to consumers by using a huge array of content to bring the hardware to life.

Q: What developments do you see happening with connected TV in 2012?

A: Sony will be looking to develop greater ease of use for consumers and working with its sister companies to create rich, immersive content specifically for experiencing on a TV.
In addition we are always looking to increase content available from third parties, to deliver the best music and video experience from the internet to the big screen. Smart phone control will also increase. The Sony Media Remote application allows consumers to control content from their phone.

Q: Will internet TV be a big seller for the coming Christmas period?

A: If internet TV is demonstrated to consumers correctly, they will be able to see the benefits it can offer. Being able to enjoy content in the living room as a family at Christmas is a key factor. Ninety-six per cent of the Sony Bravia range has internet TV and access to the full SEN service, from entry-level through to large screens, so it’s an option for all budgets.