[Sony - Thanks Andrew]

When you pick up either TV for $2499 or $2799 respectively, you’ll get Sony’s three-year warranty as standard. You’re also eligible for Sony’s current PS3 giveaway promotion. But the Retravision stores in Northern NSW and Queensland will sweeten the deal even further by throwing in a KDL22S5700S 56cm LCD, worth $899, for free with your purchase. That works out at about $1600 worth of bonus product for a $2500 spend. That’s totally worth the cost of petrol to get up there.

[Thanks Adam!!]

It’s to market the fact that Sony are once again giving away a free PS3 with the purchase of select Bravias TVs after October 22. There are 25,000 PS3’s available—a few less than last time—but really, all we really care about is expensive stuff smashing into each other.

There are some stats from the “experiment”, which should satisfy the mathematicians amongst you:

Fast facts on the crash test:
· PS3 Trajectory: Parabolic
· Impact Speed: 80km/hr = 22m/sec
· Mass of PS3: 3.2kg
· Kinetic energy of PS3 at point of impact: 774.4 joules
· PS3 deceleration: 246.9g = 2420 m/sec squared
· Force of PS3 on BRAVIA TV screen: 7744.0 newtons = 790.2kg force
· Sled deceleration: 40.0g = 392m/sec squared
· Force on sled: 470400.0newtons, 48000kg force = 48 tonnes force
· One 25kg metal bar stops the sled at the end of the track. A new bar is needed for every test
· Track speed: 80km
· Launch angle: 5 degrees
· Sled weight: 1.2 tonnes
· Track length: 60 metres, speed reaches 80km at 1 metre before impact
· Length PS3 travels when released: 3.19metres
· BRAVIA TV is mounted 2 metres from wall

While many TV makers are using polarized glasses in their 3D concepts, Sony’s plans involve high-definition active shutter glasses that alternate the image for the left and right eye. Hopefully they won’t make me cross-eyed like my old 3DFX Voodoo shutters did. [Sony]

Come fall, anyone with a standalone Bravia box or internet-read Bravia TV and a Netflix account will be able to stream the service’s entire library, HD included, as if they had a dedicated box like the Roku. Well, almost like that. The implementation sounds a bit awkward, unfortunately:

Movies and TV episodes from Netflix can be watched instantly on Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs through a Queue-based user interface.  Netflix members can add movies and TV episodes to their instant Queues on the Netflix Web site. Those choices will then be automatically displayed when a user selects Netflix on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform.

Even so, this is great news: Bravia Internet Link was initially held back by a lack of support for services that people actually want, and with Amazon Unbox—and now Netflix—onboard, BIVL products are significantly more buyable. Plus, a fresh Netflix deals—especially with a company like Sony—feed the attractive, increasingly plausible thesis that Netflix will eventually destroy every competitor in its industry, and a few in adjacent ones.

AU: Obviously there’s no Netflix in Australia, but it’s reassuring to know that if we ever get a Netflix-like service, Sony will be willing to partner with them…

[Sony]

SONY ADDS NETFLIX TO BRAVIA INTERNET VIDEO PLATFORM
Golflink, LIVESTRONG.COM, eHow and ON Networks Also Join Expanding Content Line Up
SAN DIEGO, July 9, 2009 – Netflix, Demand Media™, and ON Networks® are the latest content providers to join Sony’s BRAVIA® Internet Video platform.
In the fall of 2009, Netflix members will be able to instantly watch more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes on Sony BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs and on previous BRAVIA models compatible with Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video Link module.
With BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs, users can enjoy access to one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment directly on their HDTV. By connecting the TV to their existing broadband connection, users can access online video, music, and content from over 25 providers including Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube™, Sports Illustrated, Sony Pictures, Crackle, Slacker, Epicurious.com, Concierge.com, Style.com, and Dailymotion.
“Sony was first to bring Internet video to TV and we continue to deliver the one of the largest and most diverse catalogs of content to customers through BRAVIA Internet Video,” said Jeff Goldstein, vice president of Sony Electronics’ television business. “Adding Netflix gives many of our customers access to a vast library of streaming content through their existing Netflix accounts.”
Movies and TV episodes from Netflix can be watched instantly on Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs through a Queue-based user interface.  Netflix members can add movies and TV episodes to their instant Queues on the Netflix Web site. Those choices will then be automatically displayed when a user selects Netflix on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform.
Demand Media recently launched content on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform from its wholly-owned Web sites including Golflink.com, LIVESTRONG.COM, and eHow.com.
GolfLink provides hundreds of its valuable instructional golf videos from world class coaches like Hank Haney and Jim McLean, as well as hole-by-hole golf course flyovers, both of which help viewers to prepare and improve their game.

Included TVs in the promotion are:

· XBR series – featuring RGB LED backlight technology for superior colour reproduction and Motionflow 100Hz PRO
· Z series – the world’s first Motionflow 200Hz LCD TV
· E series – picture frame design combined with Motionflow 100Hz technology
· W series – featuring Motionflow 100Hz technology
· ZX series – the world’s thinnest LCD TV at 9.9mm which also features wireless technology and Motionflow 100Hz
· EX series – picture frame design combined with wireless technology and Motionflow 100Hz

Personally, I’d prefer a PS3 over a dedicated Blu-ray player any day of the week, which is probably why I already own a PS3 but not a dedicated Blu-ray player (although scarily my HD-DVD player still gets a workout…) Now the question is whether this will make any difference to your TV purchase decision or not…

These DLNA-compliant, 1080p displays come with Ethernet ports, so you can get on the internet and connect to widgets, which include Amazon Video-on-Demand, Youtube, Yahoo and Flickr. It also has a USB port, letting you plug in any USB storage device with photo/audio/video content play the files back on the TV.

The LCDs also features Sony’s Bravia Engine 3, 24p True Cinema, a 120Hz frequency and the XrossMediaBar UI.

The W-series will arrive this spring in 42, 46 and 52-inch flavors, but despite being labelled as an “economic” option, there’s no mention of pricing as of yet. There will also be an accompanying 3.1-channel AV soundbar that supports 1080p video in. It will hit stores in June for $500.

SONY DEBUTS MORE NETWORKED BRAVIA HDTVS
Models Extend Line-up Featuring “BRAVIA Widgets” and Other Connected Features

LAS VEGAS, March 2, 2009 – Bolstering the recently announced 2009 BRAVIA® LCD HDTV line-up, Sony Electronics today announced a series of additional networked models with full HD 1920 x 1080 progressive (1080p) resolution. This new W-series adds an economic HDTV option, while delivering the same interactive functionality as the recently announced BRAVIA Z5100 and XBR9 models.

The networked models feature an Ethernet connection so the sets can directly access Sony BRAVIA Internet Video content using an existing broadband connection. The service offers one of the largest selections of free and premium movies, TV shows, sports, music and more from an array of partners like Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube®, Yahoo!®, Sony Pictures, Sony Music and many others.

BRAVIA Internet Widgets, provided by the Yahoo! Widget Engine, expand and personalise the experience by allowing you to interact with your favourite Internet content like Yahoo News, Video, Finance, and Flickr® while watching TV shows. Track your favourite sports team, check your stocks, and share photos with friends and family as you watch television.

The 52-inch KDL-52W5100, 46-inch KDL-46W5100 and 40-inch KDL-40W5100 (diagonal) models feature Motionflow™ 120Hz technology for improved sharpness and detail in fast-moving images. They also feature Sony’s BRAVIA Engine™ 3, which delivers a crystal clear picture even if the content isn’t perfect.

The W-series models are Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) compliant, enabling easy access to digital photos, music and video stored on a PC or other DLNA server using the XMB® interface and the TV’s remote control. They also offer a USB input for displaying digital photos or playing digital video and audio files from compatible USB storage devices.

In addition, these models feature:
24p True Cinema™
XrossMediaBar™ (XMB)with enhanced 3D favourites menu
Internet powered TV Guide Onscreen
BRAVIA Sync™
BRAVIA Link Compatibility
4 HDMI inputs

Single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs

Designed to match the W5100 series models, the HT-CT500 3.1 channel sound bar supports features an integrated AV receiver supporting full HD 1080p video and the latest advanced audio codecs. This sound bar theatre system will be available this June for about $500.

The new KDL-52W5100, KDL-46W5100 and KDL-40W5100 networked televisions will be available this spring direct through www.sonystyle.com and Sony Style stores, as well as authorised retailers nationwide and military base exchanges.

By simply pressing your card to the remote, you can make payment for VOD movies without the hassle of navigating an onscreen QWERTY.

How is all of this consumer magic possible? The remote contains an RFID reader, compatible with Japan’s popular Edy cards—cards that are, incidentally, powered by Sony’s FeliCa technology.

So it all comes full circle. You buy a Sony product to use your Sony card to buy Sony media that’s easily purchased with Sony cards on Sony products. Genius. [Akihabara News]

Yes, that’s right: Sony’s high-end XBR9 TVs—at 52, 46, 40 and 32 inches—ditch the Bravia Internet Module ridiculousness and have it built-in. While it’s no LG Netflix TV, you can stream Amazon Video on Demand and YouTube out of the box. The other notable notableness is that they blaze past 120Hz to 240Hz—also behind LG, who’s claiming 480, booya. The Z-series is similar, but without the XBR9’s wide colour gamut cold cathode fluorescent backlight that makes it gives the XBR9’s colours that extra pop.

On the low-end front, the V-series TVs coming it at 40, 46 and 52 inches, are getting Sony’s 120Hz Motionflow and Bravia Engine 2. The S-series crams 1080p into increasingly smaller sets: 52, 46, 40 and 32 inches. And the L series is for your kitchen or bathroom—I don’t really see what high end trickle down they are the beneficiary of though.

SONY DEBUTS INTEGRATED NETWORKED TELEVISIONS
Latest BRAVIA Models Offer Interactive “Widgets” and Streaming Internet Video

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200), Jan. 7, 2009 – Sony is bringing built-in, interactive entertainment directly to your television.
The company today announced the first new networked BRAVIA® LCD HDTV models with Internet applications called “widgets” that deliver real-time information, as well as streaming video capability via integrated BRAVIA Internet Video Link capability.
Sony’s new XBR9 and Z-series models feature an Ethernet connection, allowing the sets to directly access Sony BRAVIA Internet Video content using an existing broadband connection. The service offers one of the largest selections of free and premium movies, TV shows, sports, music and more from an array of partners like Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube®, Yahoo!®, Slacker(sm), and others.
Bravia Internet Widgets, powered by the Yahoo! Widget Engine, expand and personalise the TV experience by adding on-screen applications that provide such real-time information as weather reports, stock ticker updates, financial news, Yahoo! Video, Flickr® images, and additional content.
“Internet-based content is driving the evolution of home entertainment,” said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division. “Our new networked BRAVIA models deliver streaming videos, access to digital files, and real-time information that transforms the television into a true multimedia hub.”
The XBR9 and Z-series models are also Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) compliant, enabling easy access to digital photos, music and video stores on a PC or other DLNA server using the XMB® interface and the TV’s remote control.
Sony’s full HD 1920 x 1080 progressive (1080p) 52-inch KDL-52XBR9, 46-inch KDL-46XBR9 and 40-inch KDL-40XBR9 televisions (screen size measured diagonally) feature a wide colour gamut cold cathode fluorescent light (WCG-CCFL) backlight providing a broader colour palette. This results in on-screen images with more vibrant, “life-like” colors.
The XBR9 models also include Sony’s new Motionflow™ 240Hz technology, which delivers exceptionally crisp and detailed images with natural motion. The Motionflow algorithm goes beyond traditional 120Hz technology by quadrupling the frame rate of conventional LCD TVs and interpolating three new frames..
The models also offer a USB input for displaying digital photos or playing digital video and audio files from a USB storage device.
These models also feature:

• The BRAVIA Engine™ 3
• 24p True Cinema™
• XrossMediaBar™ (XMB)with enhanced 3D favourites Menu
• Internet powered TV Guide Onscreen

• BRAVIA Sync™
• BRAVIA Link Compatible
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs

Also new to the XBR line is the 32-inch KDL-32XBR9 (31.5 inch diagonal). The full HD 1920 x 1080 progressive model features Motionflow 120Hz technology for improved sharpness and detail in fast-moving images. This model also offers a USB input so you can play audio files from a USB storage device or connect a compatible digital camera to display photos.
Other features include:

• The BRAVIA Engine™ 2
• BRAVIA Sync
• BRAVIA Link Compatible
• 24p True Cinema

• 4 HDMI inputs
• Single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs
• Favourites menu

Sony’s new Z-series models include the 52-inch KDL-52Z5100, 46-inch KDL-46Z5100, and 40-inch KDL-40Z5100 (screen size measured diagonally). The models feature full HD 1920 x 1080 progressive resolution and Motionflow 240Hz technology.
Other features include:

• The BRAVIA Engine™ 3
• 24p True Cinema
• XrossMediaBar (XMB) with enhanced 3D favourites Menu
• Internet powered TV Guide Onscreen

• BRAVIA Sync
• BRAVIA Link Compatible
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs

The XBR9 and Z-series models exceed Energy Star® 3.0 requirements with the assistance of Sony’s LightSensor™ technology and dynamic backlight control that helps save energy and reduce the user’s overall carbon footprint.

The BRAVIA Link modules are currently available online at www.sonystyle.com and at retail outlets including Sony Style® stores and other authorised dealers across the country.
The new XBR9 and Z-series television models will be available this spring online and at and at similar retail outlets, in addition to military base exchanges. More information about all of the new models is available at www.sonystyle.com/TV09.

SONY BRINGS ADVANCED FEATURES TO CORE 2009 TV LINEUP

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH 14200), Jan. 7, 2009 – Sony announced its core BRAVIA® LCD television models with numerous advanced features here today at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show.
Ranging in screen sizes from 52 to 26 inches diagonally, the nine new models from the V-, S-, and L-series offer high-definition performance at reasonable prices.
“We’ve migrated features like full HD 1080p and Motionflow™ 120Hz technology down to our entry level models, while also keeping in mind that people are seeking versatile, smaller screen sizes for second rooms outside of the living room,” said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division.
Sony’s new V-series models include the full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution progressive display (1080p) 52-inch KDL-52V5100, 46-inch KDL-46V5100 and 40-inch KDL-40V5100. The sets feature Sony’s BRAVIA Engine™ 2 and Motionflow™ 120Hz technology for improved sharpness and detail in fast-moving images. Additionally, they offer the BRAVIA Engine 2, four HDMI inputs (seven total HD inputs), BRAVIA Sync™ for simplified control of compatible devices, and a USB input for viewing digital images or listening to digital music stored on a compatible USB mass storage device.
The V-series also includes Sony’s LightSensor® technology and dynamic backlight control to help save energy and reduce the TV’s overall carbon footprint.
The S-series includes the 52-inch KDL-52S5100, 46-inch KDL-46S5100, 40-inch KDL-40S5100 models, and the 32-inch class (31.5 inch diagonal) KDL-32S5100 unit. These models also feature 1920 x 1080 progressive video resolution along with the BRAVIA Engine 2, resulting in outstanding full HD picture quality.
The S-series all offer three HDMI inputs, as well as single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs. They also employ Sony’s LightSensor® technology and dynamic backlight control.
The versatile BRAVIA L-series models include the 32-inch class (31.5 inch diagonal) KDL-32L5000 and 26-inch KDL-26L5000. These models offer 1366 x 768 resolution and are good options for the bedroom, kitchen or office. Connectivity on the sets include three HDMI inputs, along with single PC, component, composite and S-vi
deo inputs.
The V-, S-, and L-series models exceed Energy Star® 3.0 requirements and are compatible with Sony’s BRAVIA Link modules, including the BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA Input Link, and BRAVIA DVD Link.
The BRAVIA Link modules are currently available online at www.sonystyle.com and at various retail outlets, including Sony Style® stores and other authorised dealers across the country. The new V-series, S-series, and L-series televisions will be available this spring online and at all the same outlets, in addition to military base exchanges. You can find more information on the models at www.sonystyle.com/TV09.