Sony's 2010 TVs beyond 'just' Freeview
Sony has announced its 2010 Bravia range, which includes internet TV and 3D capabilities as well as a smattering of striking design.
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It's no longer good enough just to switch on the television and watch free-to-air in 2010, with Sony's new range of Bravia LCDs offering a wealth of further options including Bravia Internet Video (IPTV) and 3D entertainment.
Sony unveiled its largest ever range of 26 different televisions today starting with the new entry-level EX models, continuing with the "Picture Perfection" HX series, and culminating in the stylish NX series and 3D-flagship LX900 models.
3D is one of the biggest drawcards for the company this year, with Sony making three models available. The LX900 features 3D on-board and comes with two sets of glasses. It will come in 60- and 50-inch sizes in July 2010 with pricing to be announced.
Meanwhile, the LED backlit HX800 and HX900 (July '10) will be available in sizes from 40 inches through to 55 inches and will require the addition of an optional 3D transmitter and glasses ($TBA). Expect 3D Blu-ray players and discs to also start filtering into Australia mid-year as well.
Sony's command of content was a common theme at today's event, and in addition to highlighting its 3D capabilities, the company also talked up internet TV (IPTV). Sony's version is called Bravia Internet Video and all of this year's models (except the EX500 and EX600) will feature over 15 new channels including catch-up TV for SBS and Channel 7. Other channels available from the TV's redesigned Xross Media Bar (XMB) include Billabong, Wired, Epicurious and Ford Models.
The new range features what the company calls "Monolithic Design", which is a minimalist-looking television with a narrow bezel and also features the TV sitting at an upward six-degree slant. Sony says this unusual slanted design is so that customers can put the TV on a low bench and still have large screens sit at a comfortable eye level.
The Sony NX700 (from AU$2999) and NX800 (from AU$4999) will be available in March and both feature a striking brushed-aluminium stand as an option, which is available for between AU$250 and AU$350 separately. The stand is adjustable to either vertical or at a six-degree angle as well.
The entry-level EX series will also be available in March and will come in sizes from 32 inches (from AU$899) through to 60 inches (AU$6999) and is remarkable because it is one of the first budget ranges we've seen that includes LED backlighting (in the EX600 and EX700).
Despite Sony's preoccupation with the whizzbang features, the whole range will of course feature on-board Freeview tuners, so even if you don't have the internet or don't care about 3D then at least you can still watch something.
Check back with CNET Australia for all the latest news and reviews on the Sony Bravia range as we get more information.