Sony Announces 1080p Bravia Flat–Panel LCDs

LOS ANGELES - Sony Electronics today announced an expansion of its acclaimed BRAVIA flat-panel LCD television line, including several new models with native 1920 x 1080 full high-definition resolution panels and HDMI inputs with 1080p capability.

The line features six new models in 40- and 46-inch screen sizes and a 32-inch set featuring 1366 x 768 (WXGA) screen resolution.

"Our BRAVIA LCD HDTV's offer superior picture quality and unlock the power of the high-definition experience with more than five times the number of pixels compared to enhanced-definition plasma televisions. Paired with our forthcoming Blu-ray Disc player, consumers will see a level of high-definition video unmatched in the home theater," said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of the Sony Electronics' Home Products Division.

Stunning picture quality is not the only feature that sets the BRAVIA line apart. The new XBR models feature an elegant floating glass design that is sure to inspire novice interior decorators to rethink the modern home.

"BRAVIA TVs were designed with the critical eye in mind," Waynick added. "The art of building a television is not limited to the components inside but also the aesthetic beauty that completes the package as these new models attest."

BRAVIA XBR Series
At the top of the new line is the XBR3 series including the 46-inch KDL-46XBR3 and 40-inch KDL-40XBR3. With native 1920 x 1080 panel resolution and three HDMI inputs with 1080p capability, the sets are compatible with full high-definition signal sources, such as Sony's BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc player, which is targeted for shipment to retail late this summer.

With the ability to display full high-definition resolution and rich colorful images, even non-1080p content - from standard-definition to 1080i or 720p high-definition signals - is at its best once it hits the screen. The new BRAVIA Engine Pro full digital high-definition video processor is Sony's latest and most advanced video processing system. Optimizing the video signal path, the system leverages a new version of Sony's Digital Reality Creation Multi Function Version Two Point Five (DRC-MFv2.5) with increased computing capabilities to process not only standard-definition signals, but also high-definition signals for a consistently crisp, detailed image.

The XBR models come with Sony's Live Color Creation technology, featuring Wide Color Gamut Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (WCG-CCFL) backlight. WCG-CCFL's new phosphor spectrum allow for a wider, more realistic range of colors enhancing picture.

Framing that sharp, detailed picture is an elegant floating glass-encased, high gloss, piano black bezel with side speakers. Rounding out the XBR3 series feature package is a built-in ATSC tuner, PC input, two high-definition component, one S-video and three composite inputs.

The KDL-46XBR3 and KDL-40XBR3 models will ship in September and be available for about $5,300 and $4,300, respectively.

In addition to the piano black XBR3 models, the new XBR2 BRAVIA models feature the same 1920 x 1080 screen resolution, BRAVIA Engine Pro, HDMI inputs with 1080p capability and elegant floating glass design. However, these two models -- the 46-inch KDL-46XBR2 and 40-inch KDL-40XBR2 -- feature a silver bezel that can be replaced by one of five different colored bezels for custom integration into any décor.

These models also feature the same audio package, built-in ATSC tuner, PC input, two high-definition component, one S-video and three composite inputs.

The KDL-46XBR2 and KDL-40XBR2 models will also ship in September. They will be available for about $5,000 and $4,000, respectively. The optional bezels come in five colors, including red, white, blue, black and brown. They will be available at authorized dealers, Sony Style stores and direct online at www.sonystyle.com.

Rounding out the XBR2 line is the 32-inch KDL-V32XBR2 model featuring a 1366 x 768 screen resolution. It is equipped with Sony's BRAVIA Engine™ and Live Color Creation, which delivers a sharp and rich picture from standard definition sources as well as high-definition.

The set's narrow, two-tone black and silver bezel incorporates invisible bottom speakers with SRS TruSurroundXT™ and BBE Digital Enhancement technology. Other features include a built-in ATSC tuner, single HDMI and PC inputs, as well as two high-definition component, two S-video and two composite inputs.

The KDL-V32XBR2 set ships in September and will be available for about $2,500.

BRAVIA V2500 Series
Next in the BRAVIA line is the V2500 series, including the 46-inch KDL-46V2500 and 40-inch KDL-40V2500. These 1920 x 1080 native high-definition resolution models are equipped with two HDMI inputs with 1080p capability and the BRAVIA Engine and Live Color Creation technologies.

The black bezel, V2500 models feature a space-saving bottom speaker design that helps the sets fit easily into existing AV cabinets. Other features include a digital amplifier with SRS-TruSurround XT and BBE Digital Audio Enhancement technologies for high-quality sound, a PC input, two high-definition component, two S-video and two composite inputs.

The KDL-46V2500 and KDL-40V2500 models will ship in September for about $4,500 and $3,500, respectively.

All new BRAVIA televisions, including the previously announced S-series and U-series models, are available through sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores ( www.sonystyle.com/retail ) and at authorized dealers nationwide. More information on the new line can be found by visiting www.sony.com/2006TV .