Sony has been fighting the good fight in regard to 3D HDTV, and took the opportunity this week to introduce its new 2011 HDTV line-up with more than 37 new models. Sony's commitment to 3D HDTV remains strong with 23 new models; including some with enhanced web features. Sony was the first television manufacturer to offer GoogleTV (Sony Internet TV) and they remain firmly committed to the concept.
The focus of today's release were the new BRAVIA HDTVs that offer exceptional picture quality, stunning design, and an unmatched level of connectivity to online entertainment. 23 models with 3D-capabilities is nothing to sneeze it --neither was its participation in the 3D version of the 2011 S.I. Swimsuit issue. The paper issue will never have the same impact.
The new models start shipping in April, including the really impressive looking XBR-46HX929 ($2999.99) which offers HD 1080p in both 2D and 3D, full-array local dimming LEDs, the X-Reality PRO Engine, Internet TV for streaming entertainment, and Corning's new Gorilla Glass. The new line-up covers models 22"-60" in size.
The HDTVs have an amazing sleek profile, but the most exciting part is the enhanced connectivity platform which includes the new Netflix interface (which will be available as a firmware download in April); which allows Netflix members to browse and access thousands of TV shows and movies which can be viewed instantly using the TVs remote control. Samsung and Panasonic have also rolled out this new interface, but Sony had it first for the PS3.
Sony has also added Crackle (which I have used via my Roku XDS) which offers hundreds of full-length, uncut Hollywood (I know that they are trying to ban circumcision in San Francisco, but going after movies is just too much) movies and thousands of TV episodes -- for free. Free is good.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I own more than one piece of Billabong swimwear (you have to look cool on the Shore even where you are decidedly not), but apparently Sony has embraced the favorite clothing line-up of skiers, surfers, and skaters because they now offer a Billabong channel featuring action from around the globe; which I'm sure features a lot of young women dressed like the Amish. Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant Video are also part of the package. We suspect that BRAVIA owners will be able to able to access Premium VOD in April if they are connected to DirecTV or via Comcast.
Content is certainly king, but what good is it if the picture stinks. Sony's new BRAVIA models offer uncompromising picture quality with the X-Reality and X-Reality Pro picture engines. The technology separates incoming video signals by outline, texture, color, and contrast and adds the appropriate enhancements to recreate the best possible image. The X-Reality Pro is a two-chip video processor that (in theory) makes low-resolution content (YouTube?) look a lot better on a larger screen.
Also new for some select models is Sony's Intelligent Peak LED backlight which utilizes full array local dimming to produce inkier blacks, while boosting the brightness in the lighter areas of the image. That's a fancy way of saying the sets have better contrast.
The 2011 Monolithic Design BRAVIA models incorporate Corning's Gorilla Glass; which allow Sony to offer HDTVs with thinner, lighter, yet stronger screen materials. The side profile of these HDTVs is really quite astounding. We'll have to put them side-by-side with some of Samsung's new models to see who has been cheating on their diet.
Where to Buy:
