That brings us up to seven different Sony LCD-TV series for the 2009 model year. If there's a logic in introducing so many different models, I'd like to hear it. I'd prefer to see half as many models released less often, but have them thoroughly tested and tweaked before they unleash them on the public. The ability to update the firmware of a product after it has been released is a great advantage for the consumer to keep their unit up-to-date, but it has also allowed hardware manufacturers to rush their products out the door without complete real-world testing. I've had four different firmwares on my Sony LCD and seven for my Sony Blu-ray player in the past year -- outrageous.

That being said, this W-series, if it tests well, uses a good panel, and the 240hz tech of the Z and xbr series doesn't pan out to be all that -- the W should be a good option for those who want the look of the xbr9 without paying the premium.

Ben --

Re: your example of "Source Direct" with the "Planet Earth" blu-ray:

I have the BDP-S300, set to 'source-direct' and '24p' ON, through HDMI to a Sony Z-series (120hz) LCD and the display on the tv says the source is 1080/24p. Are you saying that the playback is supposed to be native 30fps? The blu-ray display says the source is 1080/24p.

The original source material may have been video, but it was either shot at or mastered at 24p before being put on disc. So unless I have something set up incorrectly, I am not sure what you're saying about the settings on a player for "Planet Earth."