Sony releases nine new Bravia LCDs with XMB and Internet Video Link
By Nilay Patel 
posted Jun 6th 2007 8:07PM
posted Jun 6th 2007 8:07PM
The $4,300 52-inch KDL-52W3000, $3,500 46-inch KDL-46W3000, and $2,700 40-inch KDL-40W3000 all come flossing a standard brushed-metal case, while the XBRs feature Sony's "floating glass" look, Motionflow 120Hz high-framerate technology, and Bravia Engine Pro.
The KDL-46XBR5 and KDL-40XBR5 will drop in August for $4,100 and $3,300, while the KDL-52XBR5 model (pictured) will come out in September for about $5,100. Those looking to burn a little less cash can pick up the XBR4 series with interchangeable bezels -- the 52-inch KDL-52XBR4 will set you back $4,800, while 46-inch KDL-46XBR4 and 40-inch KDL-40XBR4 are $4,800 and $3,800, respectively.
Bah, where is the increased contrast?
Looks like if I finally buy an HDTV this year it will probably be the 81 series from Samsung.
These new models are now shown on the sonystle.com website, with availability between late July and early September.
Checking the specs, the new models have native (real world) contrast ratios of 1600:1 and 2000:1, depending on the model, and higher "dynamic" ratios of 10,000 and greater - all very good numbers!
Plus, the sets feature 3 1080p HDMI inputs, with premium XBR models offering 120hz signal processing [double the regular 60hz rate) on one of those HDMI inputs, ALSO acceptance of a 24fps [film-based] signal thru another HDMI input, therefore providing the smoothest possible image capable anywhere for film-based sources like Blu-ray movies.
Note: the two Pioneer Blu-ray players, and two Sony Blu-ray players, also the PS3 (after recent 1.80 firmware update) all NOW have the capability to output a 24fps signal, thereby avoiding being forced to use the set's 2:3 pulldown circuitry (to compensate for signal jitters and noise from motion artifacts, camera panning etc). 2:3 is still used for the other non-24fps inputs for HDMI, component, etc.
Basically, with one of these new premium XBR LCD sets, and a Blu-ray or PS3 offering a 24fps output, you will have the absolute BEST method for viewing film-based content.
Note: Sony is also claiming their new and improved Bravia Engine circuitry (with 10 bit technology) also provides much better processing for standard definition (480i-source) content, as well as HDTV signals (of course). Last year's premium LCD sets pretty much had mediocre processing of standard definition sources, vs very good HD processing.
And here's hoping that Sony's new models will have correct deinterlacing of 1080i signals, as past models (like most other companies' HD displays) failed the 1080i film-based signal tests, although actual content still looked usually excellent.
So the 40" XBR4 is 500 bucks MORE than the 40" XBR5?
i must say, i am pretty excited to see these, and sony's wide color gamut