Summer is here, which means sun, sand and Sony's new 3D TVs. However, the company isn't just showing off 3D-ready TVs, but new 3D-enabled Blu-ray products, as well as free firmware updates, which will allow some existing products to get the 3D goodies.
First up are the BRAVIA HDTVs. Announced earlier this year, Sony says these units are now available for pre-order at Sony Style stores and online. Combining a frame-sequential display with active-shutter glasses, each of Sony's BRAVIA 3D TVs promises a full 1080p 3D image.
However, only one of the three new models includes 3D out of the box. That is the BRAVIA XBR-LX900 HDTV, which offers a built-in 3D sync transmitter and two pairs of active shutter glasses. Featuring a Monolithic design and edge-lit LED backlighting, the two screen sizes in the LX900 line also have built-in Wi-Fi, which allows for an easy connection to Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Platform, BRAVIA Internet Widgets, and the new Qriocity video service.
If you're on the fence about the 3D thing, the 3D-ready BRAVIA XBR-HX909 and KDL-HX800 will allow you to add on the 3D sync transmitter (about $50) and glasses ($150 per pair).
The XBR-HX909 series also has the Monolithic design and a full 1080p HD image. Both of the HX909's screen sizes feature Sony's Intelligent Dynamic full array LED backlight and an RS-232c I/0 terminal for custom installations.
To make your new purchase a little more interesting, Sony is throwing in two 3D Blu-ray titles with any 3D BRAVIA purchase. Those selections include Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and Deep Sea. Each 3D TV purchase also includes a PlayStation Network voucher, which will allow PS3 users to download a few stereoscopic 3D gaming titles, including PAIN (partial game), a demo for MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, and full game downloads of WipEout HD and Super StarDust HD.
Of course, if you don't already have a PlayStation 3, you'll need a 3D-capable Blu-ray player to pair with one of the 3D TVs. Newly announced, the BDP-S770 will be available starting in July for $300. Aside from 3D, the S770 also has built-in Wi-Fi, for access to Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video platform and Qriocity video service.
You can also get the goods, along with a set of speakers. The 3D-capable BDV-HZ970W features 5.1 surround sound and wireless capabilities via an included 802.11n adapter. Other features include two HDMI inputs with 3D pass-through, HDMI repeater function, and a universal remote.
If you already have a Blu-ray player, it may be perfect for your 3D setup. Sony just released its highly anticipated free firmware update, which activates 3D features on the BDP-S470 and BDP-S570 players and BDV-E570 and BDV-E770W home theater systems. The update also adds Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) compatibility.
Last, but not least, Sony announced a few 3D-capable audio products. The STR-DN1010 is a 7.1 A/V receiver, with 3D pass-through and support for Dolby TrueHD and dts HD codecs. Boasting 110 watts per channel, the unit also features four HDMI inputs, Audio Return Channel, BRAVIA Sync, and support for a wireless second zone.
Sony also plans to add 3D passthrough features to the previously announced STR-DH810 and STR-DH710 A/V receivers through a firmware update later this month.
There will also be two sound bars, the HT-CT350 and HT-CT150. Both 3.1-channel home theater systems feature 3D pass-through, an HDMI repeater, and Audio Return Channel. Each one also includes a mounting bracket for perfect placement under one of Sony's flat-panel TVs. The CT350 measures 40 inches, while the CT150 is 32 inches.
There's also the HT-SF470 5.1-channel home theater system, which has the 3D pass-through, the HDMI repeater, and Audio Return Channel, as well as 5.1 surround sound. Another notable feature is that the system can power sound in up to 10 rooms, if you add on any of Sony's S-AIR receiver/speaker systems.
Also Check Out:
