SONY REDEFINES TELEVISION WITH NEW BRAVIA LCD HDTV LINE
New Models Drive Innovation With Unprecedented Access To Internet Content, Skype, 3D, and Striking Industrial Design
LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200), Jan. 5, 2011 –Sony's new BRAVIA® HDTV lineup is redefining the television category again. Building on its broad line of innovative 3D and Internet connected TVs, Sony's 2011 BRAVIA LCD HDTV line include 16 new 3D capable models and 22 Internet connected models. In all, the line features 27 new models ranging in screen size from 22 inches to 65 inches (measured diagonally).
"Sony's BRAVIA televisions deliver a complete entertainment experience – from instant access to online video content to the immersiveness of 3D theatrical features, sports, and video games, we're redefining the form and function of television," said Chris Fawcett, vice president for Sony's television business. "While innovative features are important, rest assured that Sony's hallmark picture quality and unmatched industrial design remains intact, making BRAVIA the perfect centerpiece for any home décor."
Lean Back and Surf
Delivering the entertainment you want, when you want it, the 2011 BRAVIA line offers 22 models that deliver instant access to online entertainment. Whether connecting to a home broadband network via Wi-Fi (802.11n) or Ethernet connection, compatible models offer access to over 40 free and premium movies, video, and music services through the BRAVIA Internet Video platform including Sony's Video On Demand and Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity™, as well as Netflix™, Pandora®, HuluPlus™, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube™, Slacker® Internet Radio, Crackle, Blip.tv.
Video On Demand powered by Qriocity is a premium video streaming service with instant access to Hollywood blockbusters, and Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity is a cloud-based, streaming music service which gives music lovers access at anytime to a constantly expanding catalog of over six million global music tracks from major labels.
A number of the new BRAVIA models will also have Skype™ embedded. After connecting the Sony camera and microphone (CMU-BR100, sold separately) users can enjoy free widescreen Skype-to-Skype video calls with friends and family from the comfort of their living rooms. Users can also make voice calls while simultaneously watching TV.
The new connected models also make certain users will never have to wonder what that song playing during their favorite movie, TV program, or commercial is again. Sony's new Track ID powered by Gracenote, analyzes any selected song playing back on the TV, identifies it, and provides artist, album, and song information.
Expanding 3D
The 2011 BRAVIA line includes 16 new 3D models that deliver outstanding performance with Sony's active shutter technology. Building on last year, the new line offers affordable 3D entry models all the way up to Sony's top-of-the-line flagship models that pack best-in-class picture quality with every feature for the complete entertainment experience.
Improvements to this year's 3D models include panel drive enhancements that deliver quicker response time helping to reduce crosstalk, 5:5 pull down for a more realistic cinematic movie experience, built-in 3D emitters on all 3D models.
Expanding the 3D content users can view, the new BRAVIA 3D capable models can display 3D images taken with Sony's new Cyber-shot cameras like the DSC-WX9 via USB input.
Driving Picture Quality
From full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc, to broadcast HD, to user-generated Internet Video content, processing of incoming content is essential for an excellent picture. To this end, Sony has upgraded the BRAVIA processing power with the new X-Reality PRO and
X-Reality Engine digital video processors.
The X-Reality PRO Engine is a two-chip digital video processor that optimizes high definition content, compressed HD signals, standard definition, and other sources including low resolution Internet content. Utilizing a vast database of "ideal" signal patterns developed by analyzing and indexing and enormous library of film and video, the X-Reality PRO Engine compares incoming signals pixel-by-pixel with ideal scenes to display vivid and detailed images.
Additionally, the engine's multi-frame analysis helps create missing resolution and Sony's Super Bit Mapping technology incorporates 14 bit up-scaling, processing and pixel mapping to smooth gradation and improve the quality of low-tone pictures.
Found in select models, the single chip X-Reality Engine utilizes Sony's Intelligent Image Enhancer technology to deliver outstanding picture quality. Incoming video is separated into constituent parts (outline, texture, and color/contrast), and the appropriate image enhancement is added to each part. The engine also uses Intelligent MPEG Noise Reduction to automatically detect the incoming sources and noise level to apply the appropriate amount of noise reduction for each scene.
Also new for select models is Sony's Intelligent Peak LED Backlight which uses full array local dimming for deeper blacks, while also boosting brightness in lighter scenes creating incredible on-screen contrast, while Sony's OptiContrast panel elevates the picture to the front surface of the TV and creates a dark background for rich, vibrant, high contrast picture even in well-lit rooms.
Sony's MotionFlow™ XR builds on previous versions of the company's motion compensation technology and helps to reduce blur caused by quick camera movements, enhancing sharpness and creating a clearer picture.
Simplifying User Interface and Functionality
Select new BRAVIA models feature Sony's improved user interface that delivers uninterrupted viewing and intuitive navigation. Retaining the intuitive operation of the award-winning Xross Bar (XMB™), the new UI provides uninterrupted viewing by disseminating the video and placing key menu functions and favorite along the bottom and side of the picture frame.
Additionally, the models feature an improved remote control and offer control via the Media Remote application on iPhone, iPod Touch or Android mobile device. The app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace, functions as a full remote with keyboard, allows online content search, and playback.
BRAVIA XBR-HX929 Series 3D Capable HDTV
Available in April, Sony's new 3D capable (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses, sold separately), XBR-HX929 series features brilliant full HD (1080p) picture quality with Sony's Intelligent Peak LED backlight for outstanding contrast.
The model also features Sony's MotionFlow XR 960 featuring a precise backlight control that is synchronized with the liquid crystal movement from frame to frame creating clearer, sharper moving images.
The beautifully designed model features Sony's improved Monolithic Design Concept that draws viewers into the picture when the TV is turned on, and blends into the room décor when turned off. The 2011 Monolithic Design BRAVIA models incorporate Corning®'s Gorilla® Glass allowing for thinner, lighter, and stronger screen material.
With integrated with Wi-Fi (802.11n), the XBR-HX929 models offer instant access to thousands of Internet movies, videos and music from BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity. Sony's Media Remote app provides simple operation and search for internet content.
The XBR-HX929 models are also custom installation friendly with key features such as rear IR-input and a two-way RS232c connection for easier integration with third-party control systems.
Other XBR-HX929 Series features include:
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with full-array local dimming LED backlight
· Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
· Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
· X-Reality™ PRO Engine
· MotionFlow™ XR 960
· Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
· Screen sizes include 65-inch (XBR-65HX292, which is available in August 2011), 55-inch (XBR-55HX929), and 46-inch (XBR-46HX929)
Other new BRAVIA models include:
BRAVIA® HX820-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
· Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
· Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· X-Reality™ PRO Engine
· MotionFlow™ XR 480
· Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55HX820), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX820)
BRAVIA® NX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
· Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
· Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· MotionFlow™ XR 240
· X-Reality™ Engine
· Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60NX720), 55-inch (KDL-55NX720), and 46-inch (KDL-46NX720)
BRAVIA® HX729-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
· X-Reality™ PRO Engine
· MotionFlow™ XR 480
· Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
· Screen sizes include 65-inch (KDL-65HX729), 55-inch (KDL-55HX729), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX729)
BRAVIA® EX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in February
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
· X-Reality™ Engine
· MotionFlow™ XR 240
· Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60EX720, which is available in April), 55-inch (KDL-55EX720), 46-inch (KDL-46EX720), 40-Inch (KDL-40EX720), and 32-inch (KDL-32EX720)
BRAVIA® EX620-Series LED LCD HDTV
Available in February
· Brilliant Full High Definition (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
· X-Reality™ Engine
· MotionFlow™ 120
· Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55EX620), 46-inch (KDL-46EX620), and 40-Inch (KDL-40EX620)
BRAVIA® EX520-Series LED LCD HDTV
Available in February
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
· X-Reality™ Engine
· Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· Energy saving Presence Sensor minimize power consumption
· Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46EX520), 40-inch (KDL-40EX520), 32-inch (KDL-32EX520)
BRAVIA® BX420-Series HDTV
Available in February
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with CCFL backlight
· Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices
· USB input for photo, music and video playback
· Scene select customized picture and sound settings
· Ambient Light Sensor
· Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46BX420), 40-inch (KDL-40BX420), and 32-inch (KDL-32BX420)
BRAVIA® BX320-Series HDTV
Available in February
· Amazing High Definition (720p) picture quality with CCFL backlight
· Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices
· USB input for photo, music and video playback
· Scene select customized picture and sound settings
· Ambient Light Sensor
· Screen sizes include 32-inch (KDL-32BX320), and 22-inch (KDL-22BX320)
The top range HX929 is going to be the best TV of 2011, nothing else will come close. It has an insane number of LEDs and the local dimming is an order of magnitude faster and more accurate than the last generation. Sony have worked to kill haloing. The downside is going to be the price. The 65" is going to be over $6000.
46" will come in at £1900, but it will be discounted by October as the competition get their TVs out.
Sony haven't announced all of their TVs for the year either, I think 40" versions of the top end TVs are yet to be announced, but will come later in the year.
I have seen the HX929 in a 55" model, and it is without a doubt the best TV ever made, better than the old XBR-9/X4500 and last year's HX903. The backlighting is massively improved and the response times are awesome because of the 960Hz (800Hz in PAL terms) engine.
I'm not sure how much a 40" version would be, but I don't think it will be available under £1400.
I could probably stretch to £1500 but I was hoping to get something earlier in the year and there's no guarantee they'll actually do a 40" and for that price.
I like the flat minimal stand. Yum.
There's two pairs of glasses in the Euro (HX920) package:
Quote:
· Intelligent Peak LED for dramatic contrast
· Motionflow XR 800 for smooth, clear action
· High quality 2D and 3D viewing with X-Reality PRO
· 2 pairs of 3D glasses and a camera & microphone for Skype™ supplied
Prototype. Not available for general sale until 2012.
There were 4 sets. A 56" 4K, 52" 2K, 46" 2K and a 24.5" 2K OLED set which is not going to be available until late in 2012.
In other general news Sony have signed a deal with LG Display for 19", 22" and 26" LCD screens, so they can invest their money into OLED development to get 30k hour half life in > 40" sizes available by the end of 2012.
No they won't. Samsung TVs are losing their competitive edge, especially when it comes to pricing, they are now being hamstrung by the same issues as Sony 5 or 6 years ago. They have got too big and lost focus. Their high end stuff is all edge lit and more expensive than Sony's high end. At least in Europe and I think in the US as well for 2011.
Maby so, but the mind share that sony had, and to some extent still has, samsung took away. All you see now is the average joe/jane buying samsung TV's. Pricing had alot to do with that. Not to mention the Toc designs. Don't know about this year. But im sure those same people are gonna flock to those new framless designs samsung are doing. We'll see.
I could probably stretch to £1500 but I was hoping to get something earlier in the year and there's no guarantee they'll actually do a 40" and for that price.
[Show spoiler]
I like the flat minimal stand. Yum.
There's two pairs of glasses in the Euro (HX920) package:
I don't like Samsung's thin frame TV's (looks imbalanced) and X-shape stands and their monitors (S3D and normal) have taken a big step backwards in styling this year. All they had to do was fix the materials for the stand of the PX2370 for example and it would have been spot on. The 9 series laptop impressed me though.
Looks like Sony's new models are not the only ones offering this: -
Quote:
Delivering the entertainment you want, when you want it, the 2011 BRAVIA line offers 22 models that deliver instant access to online entertainment. Whether connecting to a home broadband network via Wi-Fi (802.11n) or Ethernet connection, compatible models offer access to over 40 free and premium movies, video, and music services through the BRAVIA Internet Video platform including Sony's Video On Demand and Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity™, as well as Netflix™, Pandora®, HuluPlus™, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube™, Slacker® Internet Radio, Crackle, Blip.tv.
Just saw on the news from the CES overage that Panasonic has this feature as well.
I'd wager money it will not win the 2011 HDTV shootout, but it may be the best cosmetically.
Only because reviewers are biased towards plasma and continue to ignore the obvious rising blacks in all Panasonic plasma TVs from the last 2 years.
The HX909 was easily the best TV of last year, but somehow Cnet and other reviewers 'found' issues just like they did with the now legendary XBR8 or Samsung's 3 year old B-series with direct LED local dimming. All whilst ignoring rising blacks in the so-called best TVs of last year.
Looks like Sony's new models are not the only ones offering this: -
Just saw on the news from the CES overage that Panasonic has this feature as well.
Which feature? Internet TV? They all have it now I think. Sony's is the most developed and easy to use, for now. With the addition of Time Warner Cable without requiring STB is another big coup for them.
Only because reviewers are biased towards plasma and continue to ignore the obvious rising blacks in all Panasonic plasma TVs from the last 2 years.
The HX909 was easily the best TV of last year, but somehow Cnet and other reviewers 'found' issues just like they did with the now legendary XBR8 or Samsung's 3 year old B-series with direct LED local dimming. All whilst ignoring rising blacks in the so-called best TVs of last year.
The VT25 was unanaimously voted the best TV of 2010 by executives and senior engineers from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), National Association of TV Broadcasters (NAB), and manufacturers including LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony, all of whom chose which set to send to the shootout to represent their best.
The LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony reps all voted for the VT25 as having the best picture.
It only takes moving one cushion over from centre on your couch to "find" issues with the XBR8. Incredible black levels with nothing on the screen, but blooming, uneven lighting and poor off-axis viewing angles are not made-up by reviewers. Those same reviewers also noted that only the Kuro had better dead centre performance than the XBR8, so it's not like the set was being brushed off by any means. Home Theater Mag gave it an amazing review, just like every other site did.
Look, you can get me on Big Pharma and Big Food's plan to kill off 5.5 billion humans by removing all nutrients from our genetically modified food and putting all healthy vitamins and minerals under prescription at hundreds of times the cost as they are now through the slow implementation of Codex Alimentarius , but that all reviewers, calibrators and consumers are blind to some magical Sony set being "easily" better than any other set on the market, sorry you'll have to provide a bit more data than "hey, those guys are all biased". There isn't some big conspiracy against Sony TV's.
You suggest that "nothing else will come close" to Sony's set this year: there is nothing much from previous years to support that claim that's all.
Which feature? Internet TV? They all have it now I think. Sony's is the most developed and easy to use, for now. With the addition of Time Warner Cable without requiring STB is another big coup for them.
I thought only Sony had them. I guess this is going to be very common with 3D HDTVs from now on.
I want one, but I can't imagine myself getting this model maybe after 5 years as used
BRAVIA XBR-HX929 Series 3D Capable HDTV
It'll be interesting to see the 2011 shootout...this probably will beat a plasma VT25 for best picture 2010 had only edge-lit local dimming....and some would have put the Sony as #2. This model has FULL local dimming so it should do much better than 2010 models
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CES 2011 - Sony introduce 27 new LCD HDTVs
, but that all reviewers, calibrators and consumers are blind to some magical Sony set being "easily" better than any other set on the market, sorry you'll have to provide a bit more data than "hey, those guys are all biased". There isn't some big conspiracy against Sony TV's.
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