Sony LCD HDTV

Sony’s new BRAVIA series of LCD HDTVs has captured a lot of market attention. With their 1920×1080 pixel resolution, accurate color reproduction, and Motionflow technology, Sony makes a strong case with its LCDs. While companies like Samsung continue to explore LED-based sets, Sony’s 2009 line is mostly free of such technology, with the exception of the XBR10 and 2008/2009 BRAVIA XBR8 series, which focused on the Sony’s Triluminous Technology.

Overview of Sony 2009 LCD HDTV Series

Sony’s 2009 offering consists of its BRAVIA line, which is comprised of the Z series, V series, W series, S series, VE5 series, XBR7 series, XBR8 series, XBR9 series, and XBR10 series. All but the XBR10 series and the XBR8 series is equipped with fluorescent backlighting, unlike the last few years where Sony’s Triluminous Technology was providing LED support to many of its sets.

The BRAVIA XBR10 has a new Ethernet Connection with the Amazon on Demand feature and Netflix as well. The XBR10 comes in two super thin 46- and 52-inch models. The LED backlighting provides the ability to make the screens as thin as possible, and the company went ahead and moved the inputs off the screen to make it even thinner by using a wireless outboard receiver.

The BRAVIA XBR9 abandons LED backlighting for fluorescent, a departure from the technology for the XBR line. The XBR9 series is comprised of 32-, 40-, 46-, and 52-inch models. All the features are similar in all but the 32-inch, which trades the 240Hz rate that the rest of the series has for a 120Hz refresh rate. The XBR9 series also features a wider color gamut backlight.

The BRAVIA XBR8 uses Sony’s Triluminous Technology, which focuses on LED backlighting. Its comprised of three color LEDs that are designed to improve contrast levels and picture quality. The XBR8 comes in 46- and 55-inch models.

The BRAVIA XBR7 seems to focus on specific screen size markets. Comprised of 40- and 70-inch models, each set uses a different video engine. The Bravia Video engine 2 EX is in the 40-inch and the Bravia Engine 2 Pro digital is equipped in the 70-inch.

The BRAVIA Z series also has an Ethernet connection, as well as a 240Hz refresh rate, a fluorescent backlighting, and the Internet-powered TV Guide Onscreen. The Z series is comprised of 40-, 46-, and 52-inch models. It has many of the same features as the XBR9 series.

The BRAVIA V series is a mid-range model that sports only a 120Hz refresh rate. They still support 1080p and have Sony’s Motion Flow dejudder processing, but lack all the interactive extras of the higher-end models. Most of the picture-related controls are the same, maintaining the brand’s image quality. The V Series comes in 40-, 46-, and 52-inch screen sizes.

Sony’s BRAVIA W series delivers the same online functionality as the BRAVIA Z and XBR9 models, but at a 120Hz refresh rate. The W series is the lowest-end model of Sony’s 2009 line to give its users interactive HDTV, though there’s a lot more high-end Internet-ready sets from other brands that have more to offer. The W series is made up of 40-, 46-, and 52-inch models.

The BRAVIA S series is made up of 32-, 40-, 46-, and 52-inch models. One of the entry-level lines of Bravia LCDs, the S series has 1080p resolution but not the 120Hz refresh rates found in the rest of the company’s 2009 LCD HDTVs. They do feature an Energy Star 3.0 rating, as well as a BRAVIS Internet Video Link.

The BRAVIA VE5 series have motion and light sensors designed to minimize energy usage without affecting performance, as well as a zero-watt standby power switch. Comprised of 40-, 46-, and 52-inch models, the VE series runs on hot cathode fluorescent lamp (HCFL) backlights that Sony claims can save up to 40 percent more than its regular backlights. It also features the ingenious Presence Sensor that turns off the set when no one’s in the vicinity of the set until someone comes back into its range and it turns itself back on.

Sony 2009 LCD TV Models

• Sony BRAVIA XBR10 – 1080p, 46 & 52 inch, 240Hz refresh rate, LED backlighting
• Sony BRAVIA XBR9 – 1080p, 32, 40, 46, & 52 inch, 240Hz refresh rate (all but 32-inch), fluorescent backlighting
• Sony BRAVIA XBR8 – 1080p, 46 & 55 inch, 120Hz refresh rate LED backlighting,
• Sony BRAVIA XBR7 – 1080p, 40 & 70 inch, 120Hz refresh rate, fluorescent backlighting
• Sony BRAVIA Z – 1080p, 40, 46, & 52 inch, 240Hz refresh rate, fluorescent backlighting
• Sony BRAVIA V – 1080p, 40, 46, & 52 inch, 120Hz refresh rate, fluorescent backlighting
• Sony BRAVIA W – 1080p, 40, 46, & 52 inch, 120Hz refresh rate, fluorescent backlighting
• Sony BRAVIA S – 1080p, 32, 40, 46, & 52 inch, 60Hz refresh rate, fluorescent backlighting
• Sony BRAVIA VE5 – 1080p, 40, 46, & 52 inch, 120Hz refresh rate, HCFL backlighting

Sony BRAVIA XBR10 Series

The BRAVIA XBR10 uses a special LED backlighting that makes it possible to create a HDTV so thin that Sony could eliminate the inputs on the screen itself to make it even thinner by using a wireless outboard receiver. All the ports are located on the wireless transmitter box. It has three HDMI, one VGA, two component video inputs, plus three analog audio inputs. The wireless transmitter must be within 30 feet of the display to properly work.

The backlight is comprised of a series of LED lights arranged along the edge of the display. Differing from the XBR8, the XBR10 can’t do localized dimming of its LEDs because they’re situated on the edge of the screen. The XBR10 also uses 240Hz Motionflow processing.

Sony BRAVIA XBR10 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• MotionFlow processing: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• BRAVIA Internet Video: YES
• Other: Wireless transmitter, Yahoo Widgets, Energy Star Rated

Sony BRAVIA XBR10 Models

• Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR10 (46-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR10 (52-inch)

Sony BRAVIA XBR9

Sony’s follow-up to the XBR8 isn’t equipped with its predecessor’s LED technology, instead coming with the standard fluorescent backlighting. However, there are a lot of extras for users to be excited about, including Yahoo Widgets, Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, Sports Illustrated, and a minisode network. It can also stream photos, music, and video from networked PCs that are running compatible DLNA-compliant software.

The XBR9 also has a 240Hz refresh rate in all but its 32-inch size, making it much faster than many other high-end models. Also, Sony includes the company’s patented MotionFlow dejudder processing in two levels of smoothness.

Sony BRAVIA XBR9 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• MotionFlow processing: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (in back)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• BRAVIA Internet Video: YES
• Other: Amazon On Demand, Yahoo Widgets, Energy Star Rated

Sony BRAVIA XBR9 Models

• Sony BRAVIA KDL-32XBR9 (32-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR9 (40-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR9 (46-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR9 (52-inch)

Sony BRAVIA XBR8

The XBR8 gives users superb black levels with its LED backlighting technology. Sony’s Triluminious technology provides three color LEDs that are intended to improve picture quality overall. The LEDs provide localized dimming capability, as the LEDs are not installed only on the edges of the screen. This gives the XBR8 the ability to display amazing contrast levels and color saturation.

The XBR8 has a 120Hz refresh rate as well as Sony’s well-known MotionFlow processing, aimed at eliminating judder. The set is also Energy Star Rated for its low power consumption.

Sony BRAVIA XBR8 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• MotionFlow processing: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: NO
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• BRAVIA Internet Video: YES
• Other: TV Guide onscreen, Yahoo Widgets, Energy Star Rated

Sony BRAVIA XBR8 Models

• Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR8 (46-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-55XBR8 (55-inch)

Sony BRAVIA XBR7

The XBR7 series uses Sony’s next generation BRAVIA Video engine 2 EX video processing for its 40-inch size and the Bravia Engine 2 Pro digital in the 70-inch model. This allows the display to eliminate motion artifacts, and blur, as well as video noise. Sony also added a RS-232 port in the XBR7 series. The XBR7 features a fluorescent backlight, as well as a 120Hz refresh rate.

Sony’s XBR7 has a USB input and is Energy Star rate. The XBR7 also features a TV Guide onscreen, as well as the ability to use BRAVIA’s Internet Video, but the proper hardware is sold separately.

Sony BRAVIA XBR7 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 50,000:1 (dynamic)
• MotionFlow processing: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (on side)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• BRAVIA Internet Video: YES, but sold separately
• Other: TV Guide onscreen, RS-232 port, Energy Star Rated

Sony BRAVIA XBR7 Models

• Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR7 (40-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-70XBR7 (70-inch)

Sony BRAVIA Z Series

The BRAVIA Z is Sony’s fluorescent backlit set with a 240Hz refresh rate. It allows users to download widgets such as weather reports, financial news, Yahoo! Video, Flickr images, stock ticker updates, and additional content. The XBR9 has almost identical features to the Z series, though the XBR’s have a wider color gamut backlight.

With its TV Guide Onscreen, as well as USB port for connecting media, the Z series is quite versatile. With its Energy Star compliance, it’s also very efficient and saves users money on their energy bills.

Sony BRAVIA Z Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 100,000:1 (dynamic)
• MotionFlow processing: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (on side)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• BRAVIA Internet Video: YES
• Other: TV Guide onscreen, Yahoo Widgets, Energy Star Rated

Sony BRAVIA Z Models

• Sony BRAVIA KDL-40Z5100 (40-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-46Z5100 (46-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-52Z5100 (52-inch)

Sony BRAVIA V Series

With a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as 1080p, the V series is a solid set. It has Sony’s Motion Flow dejudder processing, as well as most of the picture-related controls of its higher-end siblings, but does lack a lot of their interactive extras. It has an Eco menu that includes an On/Off/Auto switch for its backlight, as well as a room lighting sensor control.

While the V series is Energy Star Rated, it’s still a mid-range model that sheds most of the extras to focus on picture quality. Its black levels are some of the best for a mid-range LCD HDTV in the industry.

Sony BRAVIA V Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 50000:1 (dynamic)
• MotionFlow processing: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 on side)
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• BRAVIA Internet Video: NO
• Other: HDMI inputs side-mounted, Energy Star Rated

Sony BRAVIA V Models

• Sony BRAVIA KDL-40V5100 (40-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-46V5100 (46-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-52V5100 (52-inch)

Sony BRAVIA W Series

The W Series has the same interactive functionality as the Z Series and XBR9 models, though a bit more affordable. This feature set is made up of select Amazon Video on Demand, streaming Web video, Yahoo widgets, Shoutcast, YouTube, and, soon, Netflix. The W series also has astounding picture quality on top of its extra, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate.

The W series also features the ability to stream music, photos, and video from networked PCs that are running DLNA-compliant software like Windows Media Player 11.

Sony BRAVIA W Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 100,000:1 (dynamic)
• MotionFlow processing: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 on side)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• BRAVIA Internet Video: YES
• Other: TV Guide onscreen, Yahoo Widgets, Energy Star Rated

Sony BRAVIA W Models

• Sony BRAVIA KDL-40W5100 (40-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-46W5100 (46-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-52W5100 (52-inch)

Sony BRAVIA S Series

More of an entry-level model, the S series of televisions has 1080p resolution. While it has great resolution, the S series only has a 60Hz refresh rate. There are a lot of extras though, such as a Bravia Internet Video Link, and a PC input. The S series has the company’s standard fluorescent backlighting, as well as a 30000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.

With an Energy Star rating, and a USB input for media, the S Series is a good buy for its few extras. While it doesn’t boast the large amount of picture controls and interactive features, it’s still a solidly built display.

Sony BRAVIA S Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 30000:1 (dynamic)
• MotionFlow processing: NO
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 on side)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• BRAVIA Internet Video: YES
• Other: Three HDMI inputs, Dynamic Backlight Control, Energy Star Rated

Sony BRAVIA S Models

• Sony BRAVIA KDL-32S5100 (32-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-40S5100 (40-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-46S5100 (46-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-52S5100 (52-inch)

Sony BRAVIA VE5

Designed for the more Earth-friendly users, the VE5 series uses a new Hot Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (HCFL) backlight. It also incorporates a Presence Sensor that turns off the picture when no one is in the vicinity, and then turns it back on when it senses someone nearby. It also has a zero-watt standby mode and backlight dimming.

Modeled after Sony’s V series, there are many of the same features present, such as 120Hz refresh rate, and MotionFlow processing. Of course, like the entire BRAVIA line, the VE5 series is Energy Star Rated.

Sony BRAVIA VE5 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 100000:1 (dynamic)
• MotionFlow processing: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 on side)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• BRAVIA Internet Video: YES
• Other: Presence Sensor, Backlight dimming, Energy Star Rated

Sony BRAVIA VE5 Models

• Sony BRAVIA KDL-40VE5 (40-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-46VE5 (46-inch)
• Sony BRAVIA KDL-52VE5 (52-inch)