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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?
Sony explains its LEDs, doesn't lower the price
Sure the BRAVIA XBR8 series LCDs have been on the shelf for a few months now, but if glowing reviews of these good looking but pricey sets haven't convinced you, the magic of YouTube lets us experience the details of Triluminos technology without talking to someone on commission. Check out the videos, upped by Sony Canada, embedded after the break, but if you're having trouble picking the pricey BRAVIA over other LED, laser or plasma competition we're not sure if even Clarissa could help make up your mind. [Via Sony Insider]
Sony's sexy BRAVIA KDL-55XBR8 gets reviewed: amazing, but expensive
Sony's XBR6 recently pulled down some pretty high marks, but those with a little extra coin may be looking at the higher-end XBR8. CNET recently got ahold of the 55-inch KDL-55XBR8, and aside from reproducing the deepest black levels of any LCD TV they had tested, boasting best-in-class bright-room viewing and sporting a whole plethora of ports, it was just, um, alright. In other words, the beautifully designed set was an absolute marvel to look at, but the "mind-boggling" price tag and less-than-stellar off-angle performance will probably keep all but the most loaded of prospective customers at bay. The bottom line? It came "mighty close" to being the best HDTV reviewers had ever (ever!) tested, but we'll be really interested in seeing how the similarly priced LaserVue HDTV stacks up.
Sony's BRAVIA XBR6 and XBR8 HDTV lines now up for pre-order
It only takes one glance to see that Sony's new XBRs are mighty, might fine pieces of kit, and you've been holding off on a new HDTV purchase until it could be one of these, the green flag has finally been waved. Of note, the 52- and 70-inch XBR7 sets aren't quite ready to be ordered, but the XBR6 and XBR8 crews are ready for your love (and credit card number). Hop on over now if you're kosher with dropping $2,499.99 to $6,999.99.[Thanks, Danny]
Sony's 1,000,000:1 contrast BRAVIAs launch in Japan October 10
Sony's XBR6 / XBR7 / XBR8 models are still waiting in the wings for their U.S. debut, but along with HDTVs that push the extremes in thin and fast, the company announced these more conventional models it's deemed "the highest quality BRAVIA HDTVs in history." The XR1 (read: XBR8) series will feature a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (3,000:1 static) courtesy of those new TRILUMINOS three-color LEDs, 10-bit BRAVIA Engine 2 processing and Motionflow 120Hz technology. If you can live without 240Hz or WHDI, the 1080p 55-inch edition runs ¥750,000 ($6,489 U.S.) with a 46-inch for ¥600,000 ($5,479 U.S.). The next level down is the X1 (read: XBR6 / XBR7) series, based on old school CCFL backlights limited to a 3,000:1 contrast rating, ranging in size from 40- to 52- inches and in price from ¥530,000 ($4,866 U.S.) to ¥320,000 ($2,922 U.S.) when they go on sale October 10. Digital Media Extender support, DLNA connectivity and all the other high end feature's make their expected appearance across the lineup. With fears of watered down technology effectively quelled, Sony wouldn't make us wait until October to find out when we can buy an HDTV in the U.S. or Europe from this lineup -- somehow we doubt it.
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 BRAVIA XBR 2008 roadmap leaked
Good news for the pixel-starved: Boy Genius got a hold of a Sony's 2008 BRAVIA roadmap, which includes word of new XBR6, XBR7 and XBR8 LCD displays. We caught wind of the new XBR6 line at CES, along with the KDL-40Z4100 and the KDL-46Z4100, but apparently things are going to get much more interesting in August when the KDL-46XBR8 drops. New features include "Triluminos" RGB LED backlight, Advanced Contrast Enhancer PRO and BRAVIA Engine 2 PRO 1080p video processor. The XBR7 panels measure as large as 70-inches, and will launch in October, but sport features more in line with the XBR6. Everything is naturally 1080p and 120Hz.Update: We just got ourselves sent a UK version of this roadmap. It's after the break.
