Sony rolls out new AV receivers for 2009
x.v.Color posts
Panasonic's 12 new plasmas and LCDs hit the stage in Japan, shelves in April
[Via Impress]
Sony refreshes Bravia line with 17 new models, Digital Media Extender
Sony's CES event is just finished, but they can't wait to give details on all 17 of the new Bravia LCD models. Falling into six different model lines (three pictured here), Sony has sprinkled its Digital Media Extender tech liberally throughout the releases, future technology and Bravia Link is an option down the road for all. The top end models consist of the KDL-40Z4100 and KDL-46Z4100, with new Bravia Engine 2, 120Hz image processing, x.v. Color, WCG-CCFL and 10-bit panels. The Z-series also throws in USB ports, DLNA connectivity and Bravia Sync HDMI control. Sony's got more HDTVs and we've got more specs (no prices, sorry!) so check after the break.
Sharp reveals gamer-centric 1080p LC-32GP3U AQUOS LCD TV
Sharp's new GP3U family may be marketed towards the sophisticated gamer, but we're pretty certain just about anyone could get down with a set like this. Announced today, the 32-inch LC-32GP3U comes in a trio of hues (black, wine red and white), boasts a "unique swivel stand for ultimate viewing and gaming flexibility," and offers up bottom-mounted speakers to boot. Furthermore, this 1080p AQUOS touts a slim-line design, a Game Mode button on the remote for activating Vyper Drive and providing quick access to side terminals, a subwoofer audio output, two component / three HDMI 1.3 inputs, a VGA port, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, six-millisecond response time, integrated ATSC / NTSC tuner with Clear QAM support, 450 cd/m2 brightness and 176-degree viewing angles. If you're champing at the bit to fix your eyes on this one, all three versions will be available just in time for you-know-what for $1,599.99.Sony unveils slew of high-end AV cables in Europe
[Via Cybertheater]
Mitsubishi, Hitachi talk LED / laser technology
Sony's BDP-S1E: Improved Blu-ray player hits Europe this summer
by Richard Lawler, posted Mar 28th 2007 at 1:25PM 
Sony has finally officially announced its first standalone Blu-ray player for the European market. Just like the PlayStation 3, a several month delay on the hardware has resulted in a few hardware revisions, however instead of limited backwards compatibility, the new BDP-S1E adds HDMI 1.3 and x.v. Colour support -- for AVC-HD-encoded discs -- to the package. Along with 1080p/24 output from the earlier model, this should make it an excellent player for aficionados demanding that "film-like" experience when paired with any of the new BRAVIAs hitting the market soon. With the BDP-S1E due this summer, no word on a price, or if Europe will ever see the BDP-S300 that should be launching in the U.S. around that time, but since its not a continent of "cheap people", we're sure they'll be able to deal with it.[Via Crave]
Sony announces BRAVIA X2550 series, now with x.v.Color
by Richard Lawler, posted Mar 28th 2007 at 10:55AM
Sony was still rolling out new BRAVIA's this morning, with three new models in its Japanese X2550 line that should give a preview of the successors to the current XBR models we'll see here. The piano black finished LCDs all feature 1080p resolution, wide color gamut backlighting, BRAVIA Engine and Sony's new x.v.Color technology, and we assume, dual HDMI 1.3-compatible inputs to deliver all that many-hued madness. No mention of new 120Hz technology for these LCDs, but the expanded color space should match up well with other upcoming Sony products. All should start shipping April 25th the 52-inch KDL-52X2550 for 720,000 yen ($6,098 U.S.), 46-inch KDL-46X2550 for 490,000 yen ($4150 U.S.), and 40-inch KDL-40X2550 for 420,000 yen ($3,557 U.S.). Check after the break for another pic of that glossy finish head-on (apply directly to forehead).Sony officially announces $600 BDP-S300 Blu-ray player
That sound you just heard? It was silence -- the silence of thousands of BDP-S1 Blu-ray players sitting unsold on warehouse shelves, gathering dust and wondering why they did to deserve the wrath of the dreaded Osborne Effect. Because unless retailers do some serious price shaving off of the first-gen machines, Sony's official promise today of a cheaper, smaller, and more functional box landing this summer will likely convince all but the most impatient consumers to drop the S1 right off their radar. On the plus side, those of us who haven't yet picked sides in the "format war" will be treated to a much more attractive product in the BDP-S300, from its CD friendliness and Bravia Theater Sync to bonuses like AVC-HD support for playback of conent that employs x.v.Color (Sony's version of the wide color space xvYCC technology). Keep reading to check out the remote that comes paired with the S300, then forward this post to your buddies who blew $1000 on its lonely predecessor.
Sony's 82-inch 1080p Bravia LCD prototype
Because CES really is nothing without some enormous prototype displays hanging on the wall and we have a Pokemon Snap-style desire to catch each one in its habitat.. This one is Sony's recently announced 82-inch Bravia. While it's only a prototype for now, we wouldn't be surprised to see HDTVs this size and bigger become available later next year when Sony and Samsung have an 8G plant like their competitors over at Sharp. As far as we're concerned, this 120Hz refresh LED-backlit x.v.Color compatible screen can't hit shelves soon enough.
Sony displays prototype "Sapphire" second-gen Blu-ray players
by Richard Lawler, posted Jan 8th 2007 at 5:57AM
Unfortunately they were only given a passing mention during Sony's CES press conference earlier, but a quick look at the fact sheet revealed a few additional details about these two second generation Blu-ray players with launch and price TBA. Named Sapphire 1 and 2, we don't know what makes them different from each other, but the only features listed are 1080p24 output, and support for x.v.Color, Sony's term for the xvYCC expanded color space. Of course, we're most interested in seeing if they can load a Blu-ray movie as fast as the PlayStation 3, but that remains to be seen. Impress Watch got a look at the two players, but it will likely be a while before we find out more about what the followups to Sony's BDP-S1 will be capable of.[Via Impress]
Sony announces its biggest Bravia: KD-70XBR3
by Richard Lawler, posted Jan 7th 2007 at 8:45PM
Sony just announced its newest Bravia LCD, the KD-70XBR3. This 70-inch HDTV is one of the first to support the xvYCC, or x.v.Color as Sony has named it via HDMI 1.3. It's the largest Bravia announced and features 120Hz "Motionflow" technology to reduce blurring, like many of the new LCDs we've seen so far. The panel also features 10-bit video processing and Triluminos LED backlight. x.v.Color gives a color range of video that is 1.8 times greater than what was previously available, and is also supported by the four new Handycams Sony announced. The set features a 7,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio with DRC-MFv2.5, and is slated to ship this February for $33,000. If that price is acceptable to you, it's available for preorder now from Sony Style stores and several other retailers.Sony renames new HDTV standard xvYCC to x.v. Color/Colour
xvYCC, the new standard for wider color space supported in devices using HDMI 1.3 connectors, is certainly alright with us, since it should provide for even better looking HDTVs. Of course, someone in marketing at Sony decided xvYCC isn't exactly the easiest thing for customer's to get their heads around, and has redubbed the standard x.v.Color (or x.v.Colour for those who insist). Mitsubishi and Sony are leading the Color Standardization committee within the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association to market new LCDs that outpace the old school sRGB color range of CRT displays. Sony didn't name any specific product to carry the x.v.Color sticker just yet but you know there's this little meeting going on next week...
