The new ’09 European BRAVIA collection is a mint way to watch HD. The latest models feature droolworthy connectivity and media streaming features that were once only found in Japan. Sony has finally appealed to that consumer who wants internet connectivity integrated into the TV. Expect every other manufacturer to be already doing so or doing so soon in 2009, however. An App Store and making games available could be huge and give you a equally huge lead.
This is the greenest-ever range of LCD TVs by Sony, packed with innovative eco-features to reduce your carbon footprint without compromising great BRAVIA picture quality. Most BRAVIA 2009 models carry the ‘EU Flower’ – an Eco-label introduced by the European Commission to certify greener, more environmentally friendly products that comply with strict ecological and performance criteria.
DLNA lets you stream music, digital photos and video content stored in a VAIO, networked PC or home media server. You can even control playback functions like pause, fast-forward and rewind with your BRAVIA remote control. It’s a great way to view your digital image collection, watch downloaded movies or camcorder clips stored on your PC’s hard drive.
Most new BRAVIA TVs feature a USB Media Player that makes it easy to enjoy your own digital content at home. Just connect any compatible media device to the set’s USB input, select ‘Media Player’ from the XMB (Xross Media Bar™) on-screen menu and choose the files you’d like to see or hear. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a big-screen view of your digital photos, or MPEG1 video clips captured with your Cyber-shot camera. You can also listen MP3 music tracks through your TV’s speakers.
For the first time, AppliCast lets you access an exciting range of on-line services without having to switch on your PC. Connected via the Ethernet port to the Internet, BRAVIA TVs can display your favorite RSS feeds – from international news and share prices to weather forecasts, horoscopes, celebrity gossip and more. Also accessed via the XMB on-screen interface, there’s a choice of handy ‘widgets’ that can be selected for displaying alongside the normal TV picture. Alongside a pre-installed Analogue Clock, Calendar and ‘How To Use AppliCast’ guide, BRAVIA can download other networked widgets from a list that includes Calculator, Alarm, World Clock and Picture Frame Online.
New for 2009, BRAVIA ENGINE3 is the latest generation of this unique Sony HD picture enhancement technology that intelligently analyses and optimises video signals from any HD or SD source. Picture details, contrast and color reproduction are all enhanced for breathtakingly natural results. BRAVIA ENGINE3 is complemented by Live Color: this additional processing technology ensures best-ever reproduction of vivid, lifelike colours.
Sports and fast-moving action look better than ever. Motionflow 100Hz technology intelligently creates extra frames, inserting them into the signal and doubling the displayed frame rate for smoother reproduction of moving images. It’s enhanced by Image Blur Reduction that ‘cleans’ original frames before new frame insertion for even sharper images with reduced motion blur.
Chic, slim evolution of ‘Draw the Line’ design concept
New models build on the pared-down ‘Draw the Line’ design philosophy first showcased in last year’s BRAVIA range. Chic, slimmer and even more minimalist, new-look BRAVIA is accented with subtle design details – without distracting attention from a phenomenal TV viewing experience.
E5500 and E5300 series models feature beautiful Picture Frame styling. Following latest interior design trends, a new ‘tilt’ function subtly angles the TV screen upwards for comfortable viewing when the set is placed on a low table or sideboard.
The new BRAVIA™ line-up at a glance
WE5 (40/46-inch): Reduce your carbon footprint without compromising great BRAVIA™ HD picture quality. Inside the striking white cabinet design, this groundbreaking WE5 Full HD ‘Green TV’ features a new micro-tubular HCFL backlight that reduces power consumption by over 50%*. An Intelligent Presence Sensor switches off the picture when you leave the room. A new Energy Saving Switch is more convenient than switching off and unplugging to save power when the set’s not in use. BRAVIA Engine™3 is complemented by Motionflow 100Hz with IB reduction for smoother moving images. There’s also an integrated MPEG 4 AVC HD tuner** for enjoying your favourite HD broadcasts without the need for a set-top box.
www.sony.co.uk/product/t32-we-series/kdl-40we5w
W5500 (32/37/40/46/52-inch): Take a step up to breathtaking Full HD pictures and super-smart features. The W5500 series updates the innovative draw the LINE design concept with a deep piano black finish and understated transparent detailing to flatter any interior. Motionflow 100Hz technology with Image Blur Reduction means sharper, smoother images with fast-moving live action. It all adds up to a stunning BRAVIA™ experience with integrated BRAVIA ENGINE™3 and Live Colour, DLNA and AppliCast™. There’s also an integrated MPEG 4 AVC HD tuner.
www.sony.co.uk/product/t32-w-series/kdl-40w5500
E5500 (32/40-inch): Flatter any interior with this slim, super-stylish Picture Frame Full HD TV that’s available in a choice of black, aluminium and walnut-effect finishes. Technology highlights include BRAVIA Engine™3 and Live Colour, Motionflow 100Hz with IB Reduction, AppliCast™, DLNA and USB Media Player. There’s also an integrated MPEG 4 AVC HD tuner.
www.sony.co.uk/product/t32-e-series/kdl-40e5500
E5300 (22-inch): Perfect for a bedroom or study, this smaller set features a beautiful picture frame design that looks great in a choice of black or white finish options. AppliCast™, DLNA and USB Media Player are teamed with four HDMI inputs to handle a full complement of HD sources. There’s also an integrated MPEG 4 AVC HD tuner.
www.sony.co.uk/product/t15-e-series/kdl-22e5300
V5500 (32/37/40/46/52-inch): It’s the hub of your networked digital world. The V5500 series enhances ‘Draw the Line’ styling cues with a deep piano black finish accented by a subtle mirror accent. Experience incredible Full HD picture quality thanks to Live Colour and the new BRAVIA ENGINE™3 picture engine that optimises any signal source for more satisfying, lifelike viewing. DLNA lets you stream video, music and photos from your VAIO® or networked home PC. New to BRAVIA™ this year, AppliCast™ displays information from the Internet and other services as handy on-screen widgets. There’s also an integrated MPEG 4 AVC HD tuner.
www.sony.co.uk/product/t32-v-series/kdl-40v5500
S5500 (22/32/37/40-inch): Your great-value entry to the BRAVIA™ experience stands out with a contrasting piano black/matt textured finish. 37- and 40-inch models feature a Full HD panel for a compelling viewing experience. Generous connectivity options include up to three HDMI inputs plus a USB input for viewing digital photos or listening to MP3 music tracks from a connected device.
www.sony.co.uk/product/t32-s-series/kdl-40s5500