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Sony has unveiled a new TV feature called "Bravia Internet Video Link" that will allow most of its new televisions to access free Internet video content. Online content, including high-definition feeds, will be available from providers such as AOL, Yahoo, Grouper, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony BMG Music.

Sony's new televisions will feature the ability to receive streaming broadband video content through a small receiver module that can be attached and concealed behind the TV.

The module will connect via Ethernet, and will link the television set directly to the user's broadband Internet service. The content can then be accessed directly via the television set without having to use a computer.

Internet video, music videos, movie trailers, user generated videos and RSS feeds will all be available to Bravia Internet Video Link users completely free of charge.

"We are shifting content experience from a lean-forward PC exercise to the comfort of the big screen TV in your living room," said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of the Home Products Division at Sony Electronics.

"Internet video will clearly be the next step in the evolution of high-definition television, giving users more control over the content they view."
Sony has released the following information on when users can expect to see the technology hit the streets:

The BRAVIA Internet Video Link will initially be first supported by Sony's BRAVIA S-series flat-panel LCD high-definition television line, which was also announced today. The new TV models include the KDL-46S3000, KDL-40S3000, KDL-32S3000 and KDL-26S3000 units - all shipping this spring.

It will be interesting to see how Sony handles sites like YouTube and DailyMotion, which are currently the focus of much legal uncertainty concerning copyrighted content.

Will the Bravia Internet Video Link allow users to freely download whichever content they choose, or will Sony filter out which video streams are available to users?

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Joe is a staff writer for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest ebusiness news.