Sony's new BRAVIA LCD models, with IVL support

In addition to new micro-displays and the Internet Video Link streaming device, Sony also announced seven BRAVIA LCD sets today. There are two 1080p-capable displays in 40- and 46-inch sizes (KDL-46V3000 and KDL-40V3000), three 720p sets in 26, 40, and 46 inches (KDL-26S3000, KDL-40S3000, and KDL-46S3000), and a pair of 32-inch models (KDL-32S3000 and KDL-32XBR4). The V-series 1080p sets can accept 1080/60p and 24p signals via their HDMI or component inputs, and have the advanced Bravia EX engine for higher-quality upconversion. The 32-inch XBR model has three of the 1080/60p/24p HDMI inputs, and uses Sony's Motionflow 120Hz motion compensation, which creates unique frames to help eliminate blurring and motion artifacts. All the sets have 10-bit color for more capable color gradients, Bravia's video processing engine, and Theatre Sync for control connection between compatible devices. The displays also utilize Sony's XMB Xross Media Bar interface. The XBR and S-series models will be available this spring, while the other sets will come out in the summer -- pricing has not been announced for any of these models.

Gallery: Sony's new BRAVIA LCD models, with IVL support

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[Rick Lyon @ Feb 27th 2007 2:01PM]

It's Sony, so it will be at least $500 more than the rest.

[mike @ Feb 27th 2007 2:15PM]

Any more details? LED Backlighting? HDMI v1.3? Anything?

[mike @ Feb 27th 2007 2:16PM]

Any more details? Are they using LED backlighting? Any word on HDMI v1.3?

[Stan @ Feb 27th 2007 2:39PM]

LED backlighting is only offered in its 70 inch LCD (with an astronomical price tag) and in its Qualia 005. Fall 2007 line up might introduce some LED love....
I really like that Triluminos tech in my Qualia...colors are very vibrant.

[Castle @ Feb 27th 2007 3:02PM]

It likely will have HDMI 1.3 since this TV supports 10-bit/channel color (40-bit) which is beyond current HDMI 1.1 specifications.

@Lizi

Stop spamming the comment section with your blog.

[IOTA @ Feb 27th 2007 4:34PM]

@Castle, it isn't even a blog, just a parked page with lots of advertising.
Doubly annoying!!

[David @ Feb 27th 2007 5:00PM]

@Castle what do you want from the lady , I think she was tring to answer @Rick Lyon comment

[SEVENx360 @ Feb 27th 2007 3:16PM]

Do we have confirmation that the TV will accept 1080p over Component. As far as I know the V2500s are not able to. Also what about a DVI and/or VGA input? And any word on what we can expect the contrast ratio to be? I was *this* close to buying a V2500 in a couple of weeks but it looks like this set could be a winner with its 120Hz and (potentially) HDMI 1.3 support.

[afkj @ Feb 27th 2007 3:32PM]

"It's Sony, so it will be at least $500 more than the rest."

If the "rest" means the cheapest models from some cheapo brands you've never heard of, then yes.

There isn't much of a difference in price when compared to models with similar specs from other well-known manufacturers.

Besides, Sony's mid- and high end Bravia models are really excellent. Yeah, Sony is evil blahblah but it doesn't change the fact that they do make great LCD sets.

[Brad @ Feb 27th 2007 6:35PM]

afkj-

Actually, Sony's high end LCD XBR2's and 3's are HORRIBLE. Just do a google search for 'XBR clouding' and you will see what I mean. The issue is still not resolved and affects their current LCD TV's. People are irate. It's now acknowledged on CNet, etc.

Furthermore, the way Sony is handling it is a joke. I'm just thankful I researched the set before buying it...

[Kev50027 @ Feb 27th 2007 7:58PM]

You're crazy. Sony LCDs are amazing, and compare well to Samsung, my other favorite LCD manufacturer.

[AG @ Feb 27th 2007 6:47PM]

@Brad

Um, actually Sony's LCD are arguably the best on the market. Look, I know that many people here hate Sony. But give credit where credit is due....

[Brad @ Feb 27th 2007 8:24PM]

AG-

Well, arguably they are the most expensive of the 'problem' LCD brands. Sharp has banding issues but Sony's price and completely unaceptable cloud issues are just that. Unacceptable. Their handling of the issue for current owners is also unacceptable. For them to tell owners that 'Clouding' is inherrent in LCD technology is just plain false. Their first run of XBR TV's (2 months) are cloud free. The current run isn't. By their logic, the owners of perfect LCD displays should return their units because they are apparently defective.

Please, do yourself a favor and read the thread at AVS Forums. People are totally pissed off at that set and at Sony and with good reason. I like Sony, I would still buy Sony. But if I bought one of those overpriced XBR LCDs and got home and had a nice set of clouds looking back at me (and with no recourse) I would certainly think twice about doing it again.

You are right it's arguably one of the best out there, but that is misleading. There really just isn't much competition in that size category for LCD. But, that doesn't mean an owner should take hit in the bank account and not be able to get their set replaced.

Kev50027-

Sony and Samsung are made in the same plant. Same problems. Enough said. But, I have a feeling you knew that.

[Lyris @ Feb 28th 2007 9:20AM]

AG, Kev, I love Sony LCDs as well, but Brad is correct - a lot of the LCD panels shipped so far from the Sony/Samsung panel facility have had horrible clouding patterns on the screen. I had to go through three KDL-40W2000s (that's the UK version of the KDL-40V2500) to get a good one, but when I did, it was worth it.

-David Mackenzie
Hardware Reviews
DVDTimes.co.uk

[Bill @ Mar 5th 2007 4:57PM]

When are the new XBR's hitting the shelfs? Also, how much do you think the previous XBR models will drop in price?


Also, nice that link was a useless blog and robert rondinella.

[Steve @ Mar 3rd 2007 10:52AM]

I like Sony TVs. I currently have a first generation (?) LCD KLV-L32M1, which I link to a SKY HD box via good quality QED component leads. In the confines of my living room, with no other TV to do a side by side comparison with, it still looks mighty good most of the time. Even black levels are acceptable (to me) after suitable set adjustments and sensible room lighting. But I want a slightly bigger screen and have been considering the KDL-40W2000. Should I go for the 40W2000 now (or very soon after more price-dropping) or should I wait for the UK equivalent of the recently announced 40V3000? What advantage would the newer set bring me over the 40W2000? I intend to get blu-ray once the technology settles down. What use (either now or in the near future) is a 10 bit screen. Is Bravia Engine EX much better than normal Bravia? I did not think the KDL-40X2000 was better than the 40W2000 when comparing them side-by-side in the store.