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Sony demos Bravia HX950 flagship HDTV at IFA, confirms pricing from €2,999 (hands-on video)
Eager to get your hands on a top-of-the-line set without shelling out five figures for a super-slick 55-inch OLED? Sony's Bravia HX950 may have caught your eye, with its Intelligent Peak LED Backlight that's said to deliver "the best contrast Sony has to offer." According to representatives at IFA (who don't always tend to offer the most consistent specifications), the full-array system includes 196 individual zones, letting the television adjust backlighting on a more granular level, resulting in brighter whites and deeper blacks. We caught up with both the 55- and 65-inch flavors of Sony's HX950 at the company's booth, where several demo stations were arranged to highlight the backlighting, along with features called 3D Super-Resolution, Internet Video Super Resolution and HD Super Resolution. All of the side-by-side demonstrations provided noticeable improvements, though all three Super Resolution settings may be a tad too sharp for some viewers. The set itself is as gorgeous as you'd expect for a flagship model, with a black glossy bezel and a narrow design that's sufficiently svelte without stepping into ultra-thin territory. The specially designed glass panel does indeed help to reduce glare, as we experienced in the visually congested IFA booth. Perhaps most interesting is the price -- €2,999 (about $3,800) for the 55-inch model, and €4,999 (about $6,300) for the 65 incher -- a steep drop from the 650,000 yen (about $8,270) the HDTV is commanding in Japan. We weren't able to confirm US availability or pricing, which will likely come in below the European tag, but reps did quote a November 1st ship date, which seems to be in line with the November 10th date we heard for Japan earlier this week. You'll have but two months to wait before adding this monster to your collection, but you can snag a look today in our gallery below and hands-on video after the break.%Gallery-164016%
Sony unveils latest HX950 flagship HDTV in Japan with 'Intelligent Peak LED' backlighting
While Sony's current lineup of HDTVs has so far topped out with the HX929/920 series that's been kicking around since 2011, in Japan it has just unveiled a new top of the line model: the HX950. Often rumored in the last few months, it's available in 65- or 55-inch varieties and features Sony's now-trademark monolithic style as well as "Intelligent Peak LED" backlighting. Although Sony's brand name for the tech doesn't exactly reveal how it works, information leaks have suggested it is full array LED backlighting and not edge based, although we don't know how many zones (individually controlled light sources) are in play. What we do know, however is that it claims to outperform the LED backlighting in the old 929 quite handily, although we'll let our eyes be the judge of that. It also includes MotionFlow XR960 (800 in the US) motion processing tech that can create 240fps from 60 frames and a glass panel mounted to the LCD itself with a special type of resin designed specifically to reduce glare. Finally, there's also the usual add-ins like 3D and Sony Entertainment Network streaming video. We haven't seen any European or US information for this model yet, although with IFA 2012 under way and CEDIA coming up that may change quickly. Currently pricing in Japan for the 65-inch is expected to be around 650,000 yen or $8,269 when it ships November 10th, but we should mention actual US prices are typically much lower than a direct conversion. Unofficially, one retailer is already listing the 55- and 65-inch models for sale in the US for $3,499 and $5,499, respectively, although we'd take that with a grain of salt until we know for sure.
Sony announced three new series of HDTVs for 2012
No one is more pleased than us that Sony has finally seen the light and somehow found a way to condense last year's lineup of 27 TVs to only ten new models for 2012, all due in Q1 2012. All of which fit into either the BX, EX or HX line. We'll start at the top with HX. It is broken up into the HX850 or HX750, both available in 46 or 55-inches. All the HX models are Skype ready (optional CMU-BR100 camera and microphone) include Track ID, have built-in WiFi and provide access to the Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) as well as apps like Netflix and Hulu Plus. The key different between the 750 and the 850 is frameless Monolithic design and Motionflow XR 960 vs the 480 Motionflow flavor on the 750. The EX640 also has Motionflow, but the 240 type, and instead of having built-in WiFi like the HX, there's a dongle in the box. SEN is available on the both the 40, 46 and 55-inch EX640, but no other apps are. Rounding out the lineup on the lower end is the BX450 CCFL back-lit available in 40 and 46-inches and finally the BX330, only available in 32-inches. The complete press release is available after the break, but don't bother looking for any prices, because they aren't there.
Sony's 2010/2011 OLED and flagship XBR series LCD roadmap leaked?
Ready to dig deep, really deep, for a tiny but magnificent OLED television? You'd better be 'cause some purportedly leaked Sony documents are showing a new "KDL-ZX Series OLED" on the 2010 / 2011 roadmap. All the sets are listed as prototypes so they may or may not make it to market for retail. But with Sony's two year old, 11-inch XEL-1 OLED TV now dwarfed by LG's new 15-inch OLED TV and a 20-incher promised for 2010, well, we expect Sony will want to regain its leadership in the new year. The docs also show updates to Sony's flagship XBR series with the XBR11 LED W-backlit LCD and XBR12 Advanced LED RGB-backlit LCD sets coming in sizes from 32- to 60-inches featuring 240Hz Motionflow, a new Bravia Engine 3 PRO with HD Video processor, and UV2A panel technology. Unfortunately, some of the XBR information (the most important, presumably) is blacked-out and we're only looking at 2 of what appear to be 24 pages of leaked content. Boy would we love to peak behind that curtain. XBR11 spec sheet on display after the break. [Via OLED-Display]
Sony goes in a cheaper direction with wireless XBR10 BRAVIA LCDs
Proudly rocking the XBR10 nameplate, this is the latest Sony BRAVIA (peep the video from its Japanese launch), though the potential to be greatest is up for debate. These 52- and 42-inch models skip over the company's well received (but expensive) Triluminos LED technology for cheaper edge lit LEDs like Samsung. Sony is taking advantage of the tech's slim frames to include wireless HD streaming -- you'll be plugging set-top boxes, game consoles and other video sources into a separate media box, plugging in anything other than AC would ruin the style. Still, it's hard to see many people deciding that wireless HD, Internet powered TV Guide, BRAVIA Engine 3 processing, Motionflow 240Hz, video streaming from Amazon, YouTube and Netflix and Sony's version of Yahoo! Widgets is enough to overcome a serious case of sticker shock. The KDL-52XBR10 and KDL-46XBR10 arrive in October with $5,000 and $4,500 MSRPs, respectively; over a thousand bucks north of comparable, wireless-less Samsung models featuring the same backlighting tech. That Sony brand and experience worth the difference to you?
Video: Slim, wireless, LED-backlit Sony ZX5 LCDs prepped for November release
Sony's packed in a plethora of buzz-worthy tech into its ZX5 series of Bravia LCDs -- thin panels, edge-mounted LED backlighting, 240-Hz Motion Flow, and wireless connection between the media receiver section and the glass. The new 46- and 52-inch versions have got the styling portion of the competition aced, but we're still smarting over the move away from local-dimming Triluminos LEDs. As for the Motion Flow, we'll have to wait and see for ourselves if 240-Hertz is going to be the magic number to win us over. But then again, we're greedy like that; but there's something drool-inspiring about a 52-inch LCD that gets 1080p video wirelessly sent to its 16.6-mm thin frame. Somehow, we don't think our response will be different when these beauties are released to Japan in November. Video after the break.
Upcoming Sony LCDs opt for cheaper motion, backlighting tech
Waiting on the next generation of Sony LED-backlit LCDs? FlatpanelsHD has some information on the next edition of Sony's BRAVIA sets, dubbed in the UK as the X5500. The key difference here is instead of the company's current Motionflow tech and Triluminos LED backlighting, these sets will opt for Black Frame Insertion technology to up the Hz rate, and while it's still a local dimming LED set, white LEDs will come inside instead of the previous three color setup, reducing cost, but also image quality. Of course, DLNA and AppliCast widget support will all be part of the package, so if you, like us, were looking for a cheaper alternative to Sony's high end sets you'll also be keeping an eye out for these to debut around IFA 2009 in September.
Sony debuts connected BRAVIA Z5500 LCD HDTV line
And the hits just keep on comin'. Shortly after Sony introduced its connected BRAVIA W-Series to the world, in flies yet another trio: the Z5500 line. Arriving in 40-inch, 46-inch and 52-inch models, the set boasts Motionflow 200Hz technology, DLNA certification, the outfit's BRAVIA Engine 3, its own 'draw the LINE' design concept, a 1080p panel and a CI Plus interface, which only those parked overseas will truly understand. Furthermore, there's an integrated MPEG-4/AVC HD tuner, BRAVIA Sync (HDMI-CEC), an auto shut-off function, a dedicated 'Energy Saving Switch' and -- for the first time -- AppliCast. If you're curious, the latter feature enables users to access a range of online services (RSS feeds and all sorts of other widgets) via the built-in Ethernet jack. Sony didn't bother to share a price, release date or any hope of a US debut, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled.[Via TrustedReviews]
Sony expands connected BRAVIA HDTV line with new W-Series
While these three weren't quite ready for CES, they're still being debuted in Las Vegas alongside Sony's new Blu-ray devices. The W-Series, as with the recently announced BRAVIA Z5100 and XBR9 models, is fully equipped with an Ethernet jack and a Yahoo!-powered widgets engine. Consumers who bite on the 52-inch KDL-52W5100, 46-inch KDL-46W5100 or 40-inch KDL-40W5100 can expect easy access to Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Sony Pictures content, etc. The new family also includes Sony's Motionflow 120Hz technology, DLNA compatibility, a USB port for loading up external media, BRAVIA Sync (HDMI-CEC), four HDMI inputs and the Xross Media Bar (XMB) interface. As expected, each one sports a 1080p panel, and while pricing details are still sorely missing, the trifecta should hit retailers later this Spring. Full release is after the break.
Sony brings 120Hz Motionflow, BRAVIA Engine 2 to lower-end V-, S-, and L-series HDTVs
While Sony's already revealed its secrets with the action packed VE-Series and ZBR9 family, it's the V-, S- and L-series that'll hit the sweet spot in terms of price for the vast majority. Not much has been improved upon within the 52-inch KDL-52V5100, 46-inch KDL-46V5100 and 40-inch KDL-40V5100, but all three now feature the BRAVIA Engine 2 and Motionflow 120Hz technology for improved sharpness and detail in fast-moving images. Furthermore, they include four HDMI inputs, BRAVIA Sync and a USB port for loading up external media. The V-Series also features Sony's own LightSensor technology and dynamic backlight control to ease up on energy usage. The 52-inch KDL-52S5100, 46-inch KDL-46S5100, 40-inch KDL-40S5100 models, and the 31.5-inch KDL-32S5100 all boast 1080p panels and three HDMI ports, while the 31.5-inch KDL-32L5000 and 26-inch KDL-26L5000 ratchet things down to 1,366 x 768 in the resolution department and take aim for your nearest guest room / kitchen. Head on past the break for the full release, and keep an eye out for all of these to start shipping sometime this Spring.
Sony sets Guinness World Record with BRAVIA-drome
Sony was smelling a world record when it constructed this beast, and sure enough, that's exactly what it set. The BRAVIA-drome was originally constructed to showcase its 240Hz Motionflow technology, and it has ended up being a continual source of interest even after the commercial shoot. This week, a Guinness World Records adjudicator affirmed that the structure was indeed the "World's Largest Zoetrope." We're not exactly sure that this proves / disproves the awesomeness / lameness of its 240Hz tech, but congrats anyway, Sony.
Sony builds massive BRAVIA-drome in Italy to showcase 240Hz Motionflow tech
As the race to infinityHz continues, Sony is busting out the advertising checkbook to showcase its utterly mesmerizing 240Hz Motionflow technology. The BRAVIA-drome installation, which is modeled after a 19th century zoetrope, measures 10-meters across, spins at over 40kph and is the centerpiece in a new commercial designed to display soccer action in the sleekest, smoothest, silkiest way imaginable (or so it says). Have a quick glimpse at the filming of the spot just after the break.[Via Geek]%Gallery-38661%
Sony, Samsung both claim "world's first" 200Hz LCD TV
We already caught sight of Sony's Bravia Z4500 LCD TV with 200Hz "MotionFlow" before and after it was officially unveiled at IFA, but it wasn't the only such set on the scene, with Samsung also touting a "world's first" 200Hz LCD TV of its own. Apparently, the distinction is that Samsung supposedly had the world's first prototype, while Sony will actually be the first to market with one. All this is also slightly further complicated by the fact that Sony and Samsung have each also already introduced 240Hz LCD TVs in Japan, although we're chalking those up to the usual 50 / 60Hz, NTSC / PAL differences. One thing that is clear, however, is that both sets sure are impressive, and you can get a taste of each by checking out Engadget en Español's round-up at the link below.
Sony's shrouded BRAVIA Z4500 LCD with 200Hz Motionflow
We're super short on info here, but it looks like Sony is about to intro a new Z4500 LCD TV with a "world's first" of 200Hz Motionflow -- yeah, you could've gleaned all that from reading the headline, but it's just so much more awesome down here. Stay tuned.%Gallery-30641%
Sony delivers the first 240Hz LCDs November 10
Sure Samsung had 240Hz (and wavier hair) first, but with its TVs stuck in development until 2011, Sony's back with another first / best of the night in the W1 series display, packing four times the speed of previous LCD HDTVs, and double that of the new 120Hz your best friend just picked up. Allegedly smoother than Billy Dee Williams cracking open a Colt 45 in Cloud City, the KDL-46W1 and KDL-40W1 bring 1080p with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, BRAVIA Engine 2 image processing, 24p support and an assortment of hookups from modem to HDMI. Stop by your nearest Japanese electronics shop November 10 to get a peep at these and their slim, sexy sister, but bring ¥400,000 ($3,652 U.S.) for the 46-inch or ¥290,0000 ($2,648 U.S.) for the 40-inch -- you could try showing up without it, but why take chances?
Sony gets official with XBR6 / XBR7 / XBR8 HDTV lineup
Aw yeah, those svelte Sony XBRs that were leaked back in mid-April have just been confirmed by Sony, and it's going to be a long, sweaty summer waiting for the whole load to land this fall. Kicking things off is the XBR8 series, headed by the 55-inch KDL-55XBR8 and 46-inch KDL-46XBR8 models, which incorporate the outfit's TRILUMINOS three-color LED backlight technology, 10-bit processing, BRAVIA Engine 2, Motionflow 120Hz and Advanced Contrast Enhancer PRO. The 70-inch KDL-70XBR7 and 40-inch KDL-40XBR7 headline the XBR7 lineup, while the XBR6 features sets range from 32- to 52-inches in size. All the gritty details are waiting below -- if you feel like waiting 'til tomorrow for Sony's glacially slow servers to load, that is. %Gallery-24497%
Sony's new V1, J1-series Bravia LCDs priced & dated
Sony continues to update its Bravia line, with these new V1- and J1-series sets just announced in Japan. The V1 series (pictured) brings 1080p res with 120Hz MotionFlow technology in a ¥460,000 ($4,267) 52-inch, ¥370,000 ($3,432) 46-inch or ¥260,000 ($2,412) package. It keeps the 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 2.4GHz Bravia Link remote and HDMI control tech from the slim F-series, along with twin HDMI inputs, three composite jacks and ports for Ethernet and USB. The J1 series only has room for 720p worth of pixels in its 32-, 26- and 20-inch frame along with a max 2,500:1 contrast ratio. Also cut is 120Hz processing, but DLNA Ethernet and USB hookups are present and accounted for. Starting around ¥170,000 ($1,577) for the 32-inch these will hit shelves, in four different colors, in Japan March 20, followed by the V1's April 25. [Via Impress]
Sony's Bravia F-series is no wallflower
Sony Japan just announced their Bravia F-series of thin LCDs. We're talking 46-inches with just 7.4-cm of non-protruding, wall-mountable goodness when these go live in Japan on March 25th. Available in 1080p resolution ¥400,000 (about $3,700) 46-inch and ¥290,000 ($2,685) 40-inch configurations or a ¥200,000 ($1,852) 32-inch model offering 1,366 x 768 pixel resolution. Each set features Sony's 120Hz Motion Flow tech, a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 24p True Cinema mode, Bravia Sync HDMI control, Bravia Engine 2 processing, and a bevy of jacks including 3x HDMI, 2x S-Video, 3x composite and yes, Ethernet. Sony's 2.4GHz Bravia Link remote allows the controller to be used without pointing it directly at the set. More Sony sets on the way in a few. %Gallery-16586% [Via Impress]
Sony spills new Bravia LCD and projector info
Along with that leaked Sony laptop info we saw this morning, there's word on some upcoming Bravia LCDs and projectors due for the UK this summer. Sony's prepping two front projector models -- the VPL-AW10 and VPL-AW15 -- with 6000:1 and 12000:1 contrast ratios, 1300 lumens of brightness, and 1080/24p input via HDMI, though there's no word on actual output resolution. There are also five LCD models in the works: KDL-40D3000U and KDL-40S3000U 40-inch models, the KDL-32D3000U and KDL-32S3000U 32-inch sets, and the KDL-26S3000U 26-inch model. All of the sets are 720p and include Bravia Theatre Sync for sending remote control data, three HDMI inputs (two for the smallest set), and integrated tuners, while the D-series models add 100Hz refresh rates. The projectors and the 100Hz LCDs will be available in the UK beginning in June, the KDL-40/32S3000U LCD models will hit the streets in July, and the KDL-26S3000U will be released in September. Gallery: Sony spills new Bravia LCD and projector info
Sony announces its biggest Bravia: KD-70XBR3
Sony just announced its newest Bravia LCD, the KD-70XBR3. This 70-inch HDTV is one of the first to support the xvYCC, or x.v.Color as Sony has named it via HDMI 1.3. It's the largest Bravia announced and features 120Hz "Motionflow" technology to reduce blurring, like many of the new LCDs we've seen so far. The panel also features 10-bit video processing and Triluminos LED backlight. x.v.Color gives a color range of video that is 1.8 times greater than what was previously available, and is also supported by the four new Handycams Sony announced. The set features a 7,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio with DRC-MFv2.5, and is slated to ship this February for $33,000. If that price is acceptable to you, it's available for preorder now from Sony Style stores and several other retailers.
