As expected, Sony has launched a massive salvo of new televisions at CES 2011. Ranging from 22 to 65 inches, the 2011 BRAVIA line is their most ambitious yet, offering a new assortment of hardware for even better picture quality than before. New models are coming for several series, with the refreshed series carrying HX929 (pictured above), HX820, HX729, NX720, EX720, EX620, EX520, BX420 and BX320 designations.
The differences between each of the models are vast, and unfortunately we don’t have pricing information yet. We’ll mention some notable additions for the 2011 line and then let you read the fact sheet which gives you more information about each model.
First and foremost, Monolithic Design returns to the 2011 BRAVIA range with the addition of Corning Gorilla Glass, which became popular in mobile devices such as Apple’s iPhone. Gorilla glass is stronger, lighter and thinner than conventional glass. It could help next time a PlayStation 3 Motion Controller or Wii remote goes flying into the screen.
For those of you who are fans of LED backlit LCD TV’s, Sony has hit a grand slam in with Intelligent Peak LED backlighting, which has full array local dimming, but also the ability to boost brightness in lighter scenes. A contact of mine gave a good example of a night shot with the moon: the LEDs are darkened for the night and boosted for the moon. This feature will be found in the HX929 series, and will be very tough for competitors to match in overall picture quality.
Many models will have Skype embedded into the TV, meaning you can connect a special Sony camera and microphone (CMU-BR100) to do 720p HD video calls with friends from your living room. I’ll try video calling my girlfriend from CES and let you know how well it works.
Another cool feature added this year is Sony’s TrackID, which is a music recognition service for your TV. Powered by Gracenote, TrackID for BRAVIA allows you to quickly identify which song is playing on a movie, TV show or commercial.
BRAVIA Engine has shedded and reborn into the new X-Reality Engine and X-Reality PRO Engine, which offers several interesting improvements in picture quality. The X-Reality Pro is a dual-chip digital video processor that noticeably improves video content playback, whether it be HD, compressed HD, SD or low-rez Internet clips. Sony states the PRO engine adjust signal patterns by analyzing and comparing content to an enormous library of film and video. Content coming in looks better coming out.
Multi-frame analysis in the X-Reality Pro Engine also helps create missing resolution, while Sony’s Super Bit Mapping has 14 bit up-scaling, processing and pixel mapping. Gradients will look smoother than ever before.
In contrast, the regular X-Reality Engine is a single chip solution that still offers excellent picture quality. The engine features Sony’s Intelligent Image Enhancer, which separates consistent parts of incoming video (such as outline, texture, and color/contrast) and adds enhancements individually.
Internet equipped BRAVIA’s are numerous this generation, as Sony continues to offer more entertainment than ever before. A total of 40 free/premium services are available, including the usual suspects such as Qriocity VOD/Music Unlimited, Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, Amazon VOD, YouTube, Slack, Crackle and blip.tv.
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-65HX929 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)
Question
Christopher
As expected, Sony has launched a massive salvo of new televisions at CES 2011. Ranging from 22 to 65 inches, the 2011 BRAVIA line is their most ambitious yet, offering a new assortment of hardware for even better picture quality than before. New models are coming for several series, with the refreshed series carrying HX929 (pictured above), HX820, HX729, NX720, EX720, EX620, EX520, BX420 and BX320 designations.
The differences between each of the models are vast, and unfortunately we don’t have pricing information yet. We’ll mention some notable additions for the 2011 line and then let you read the fact sheet which gives you more information about each model.
First and foremost, Monolithic Design returns to the 2011 BRAVIA range with the addition of Corning Gorilla Glass, which became popular in mobile devices such as Apple’s iPhone. Gorilla glass is stronger, lighter and thinner than conventional glass. It could help next time a PlayStation 3 Motion Controller or Wii remote goes flying into the screen.
For those of you who are fans of LED backlit LCD TV’s, Sony has hit a grand slam in with Intelligent Peak LED backlighting, which has full array local dimming, but also the ability to boost brightness in lighter scenes. A contact of mine gave a good example of a night shot with the moon: the LEDs are darkened for the night and boosted for the moon. This feature will be found in the HX929 series, and will be very tough for competitors to match in overall picture quality.
Many models will have Skype embedded into the TV, meaning you can connect a special Sony camera and microphone (CMU-BR100) to do 720p HD video calls with friends from your living room. I’ll try video calling my girlfriend from CES and let you know how well it works.
Another cool feature added this year is Sony’s TrackID, which is a music recognition service for your TV. Powered by Gracenote, TrackID for BRAVIA allows you to quickly identify which song is playing on a movie, TV show or commercial.
BRAVIA Engine has shedded and reborn into the new X-Reality Engine and X-Reality PRO Engine, which offers several interesting improvements in picture quality. The X-Reality Pro is a dual-chip digital video processor that noticeably improves video content playback, whether it be HD, compressed HD, SD or low-rez Internet clips. Sony states the PRO engine adjust signal patterns by analyzing and comparing content to an enormous library of film and video. Content coming in looks better coming out.
Multi-frame analysis in the X-Reality Pro Engine also helps create missing resolution, while Sony’s Super Bit Mapping has 14 bit up-scaling, processing and pixel mapping. Gradients will look smoother than ever before.
In contrast, the regular X-Reality Engine is a single chip solution that still offers excellent picture quality. The engine features Sony’s Intelligent Image Enhancer, which separates consistent parts of incoming video (such as outline, texture, and color/contrast) and adds enhancements individually.
Internet equipped BRAVIA’s are numerous this generation, as Sony continues to offer more entertainment than ever before. A total of 40 free/premium services are available, including the usual suspects such as Qriocity VOD/Music Unlimited, Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, Amazon VOD, YouTube, Slack, Crackle and blip.tv.
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-65HX929 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)
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