Sony has unveiled its 2011 Bravia line-up which it says makes IPTV a reality for New Zealanders.

The new line-up (made up of the HX, NX and EX series) will offer built-in access to online services through Bravia Internet Video, Sony’s IPTV service.

Via a broadband connection, New Zealand homes will be able to tune into around 20 internet channels, "including YouTube, Billabong and MoshCam” as well as Skype.

 Sony’s recently announced music streaming service - Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity – can also be used to stream tracks into the living room.

The new TVs also feature Track ID, which analyses any selected song playing on the TV – whether it’s during a movie, TV program or advertisement – and identifies it online.

"What has been referred to in the past as an ‘idiot box’ has now become the smartest device in the house. The new 2011 Bravia LCD TV line-up offers New Zealanders a gateway to an enormous and dynamic world of content and only Sony can provide this range of on-demand entertainment now, when consumers want it,” said Matt Smith, General Manager, Consumer Marketing at Sony New Zealand.  

With ultra-fast broadband still very much a dream, is New Zealand ready to watch TV through a broadband connection?

I’ve tried on several occasions to watch TVNZ OnDemand through the PlayStation 3 app but it’s almost impossible to watch at peak times.

Pic: Generic Sony IPTV image