Sony's Brave New 3D World
Here's one to satiate your 3D hunger. Sony unveiled the 3D-capable LX900 BRAVIA just yesterday in a spirited bid to capture mindshare amongst consumers, possibly to secure the necessary groundwork ahead of the competition. Combining a Sync (IR) Transmitter, frame-sequential display and Sony's souped up Motionflow PRO 200Hz enhancement, watching 3D pictures in Full-HD glory has turned into a believable and earnest likelihood without compromising much on picture quality. At least, that's our assessment based on Sony's demo just a day ago.
Besides its internal 3D processing, the LX900 also comes with complementary treats such as Edge LED backlights, Internet videos and widgets, and integrated Wi-Fi. By the way, you'll receive not one, but two active shutter glasses along with this slim and stylish BRAVIA TV. However, don't expect the swanky LX900 to arrive on our shores anytime soon since it will only be made available in the latter half of 2010. There isn't any word on its pricing as yet. What we can tell you for certain, however, is that the LX900 will ship in colossal 52 and 60 inches configurations.
Spurred by the recent rapid expansion of 3D movies, Sony is undoubtedly eager to bring 3D displays to the home entertainment scene. To be launched sometime in the latter half of 2010, the BRAVIA LX900 series will come with value-added features such as Wi-Fi capabilities and energy-saving options on top of its 3D sweetener.
You'll need one of these for your trippy 3D trip. Based on an LC active shutter system, Sony uses a frame-sequential display which works in sync with a pair of active shutter glasses to furnish that 3D experience. Each lens contains a polarizing filter which darkens when a voltage is applied.
What's the point of getting a tiny 3D screen, you say? We bet Sony agrees with you. The LX900 will arrive in sizes no smaller than 52 and 60 inch. Thanks to its Edge LED backlights, you can expect the LX900 to be a relatively skinny showpiece.
Monolithic World
Besides the sweet LX iteration, Sony also announced three new BRAVIA series at the launch today; namely the NX, EX and entry-level BX models. If you can, hit the jump below for our scoop on the rest of the new BRAVIA segments in the following page.
Whilst the LX is currently the only chosen 3D candidate, the LX and premium NX series will share common design similarities in various avenues. Both sets are carefully fashioned after Sony's Monolithic design, inspired by an aesthetical concept dubbed as "Tatazumai" by the Japanese designers. "With Sony's Monolithic design philosophy, we want to create a timeless, classic look that is suitable for all homes," said Mr Takeo Kobayashi, Managing Director of Sony Singapore. In a nutshell, Sony's dress code bears a few trademark characteristics - a 'frameless' design, concealed touch sensors, and a blend of matte and glossy finishes. Observably, the entire Monolithic setup looks like an enormous yet pretty photo-frame to us, though we can also safely say the same for its alluring looks and subtle inclined angles. It is obvious Sony is beginning to place a greater emphasis in the looks department.
After all that jibber jabber, we reckon it's hard to imagine Sony's new Monolithic design if we don't have a picture to show. This is not a swanky photo-frame by the way, but a "frameless" BRAVIA NX700 resting on a very monolithic silver base.
Sony's Monolithic design is inspired by these three primary design outlooks. If you're puzzled over that On/Off Conscious thingy, Sony simply wants their panels to "blend" into the background whilst it's off, and to stand out like the prettiest thing you'll ever see when it's on. It's magic!
To complete that Monolithic look, Sony is throwing in a silver base (optional) to angle your TV at 6 degrees. In case you think this is just another blandish accessory, know that this nifty stand features a set of integrated speakers as well.
Meet The Gang
NX Series
We promised to impart more juicy bits on the three new BRAVIAs, so here they are. The NX range will incorporate similar features as the flagship LX series, but minus the 3D perk. To complicate things a little further, Sony's Full-HD NX series is separated into two sub-categories, the NX700 and NX800. The 40-inch NX800 comes with a 200Hz Motionflow rate, while the 40 and 46 inch NX700 has just 100Hz to contend with. All NX models, on the other hand, are powered by Edge LED backlights and a BRAVIA Engine 3 video processor. Furthermore, the NX suite will offer full network features such as online video streams, widgets (including news, sports and weather information) and Wi-Fi.
Brilliantly designed and technologically advanced - that's what Sony thinks of their new NX BRAVIAs, equipped with drool-worthy Wi-Fi and Internet faculties other than its Full-HD screen. The NX 700 and NX800 will arrive sometime next month, so keep your eyes peeled.
EX Series
The more affordable EX series does not offer a frameless design but it does have its share of charms like a DVB-T tuner and 1080p resolution except for the KLV-32EX300 model.
If you thought the NX series was complicated, wait till you check out the EX line-up. The mid-range EX suite will span across five sub-categories, the EX700, EX600, EX500, EX400 and EX300. Spanning from 32 to 60-inch sizes, the EX700 and EX600 will hit the shelves with LED backlights while you can safely expect the rest to be CCFL-based. Designed with power-savings in mind, the BRAVIA EX series will come equipped with features such as an Ambient Sensor and Presence Sensor. The latter is supposed to turn off your TV automatically when it fails to detect your cosy presence after a period of time. The EX400 and EX300 series are currently available at all Sony outlets. To ease your budget plans, we have kindly appended the price list below for your reference..
Branded as Sony's mid-range models, the EX series has to be the most extensive of the new BRAVIA lot. Separated by LED and CCFL types, the EX700 and EX600 range will feature LED-backlit screens while the rest will tout CCFL backlights. Do note that the EX400, EX400 and EX300 models do not offer any networking features.
Arrival dates for the EX700 and EX600 as shown. Both series pack a DVB-T tuner and four HDMI ports. However, please keep the specs sheet in mind, for only the EX700 model comes with the MotionFlow 100Hz perk.
BX Series
Lastly, if you happen to have a tight budget, then the entry-level BX series should be something you should look out for. There are two sub-models essentially. The 40-inch BX400 will offer a Full-HD screen although it does lack notable features such as a DVB-T tuner, MotionFlow enhancements and Edge LED backlights. Being the cheapest of the lot, the 32-inch BX300 is basically a HD-Ready LCD panel with little else to show. Similar to various models of the EX series, Sony's BX range is also currently available at all Sony stores.
Sony would be foolish to pander only the nobles and it's a good thing they have kept an entry-level range for the less financially gifted. The BX series might not sport any fancy widgets or LED backlights, but we believe its affordable price tag is something which should sell itself. The 40-inch BX400 is going for $1,099, while the smaller 32-inch model is no bank breaker at $599.
Model | Suggested SRPs |
KLV-32EX300 | S$699 |
KDL-40EX400 | S$1299 |
KDL-32EX400 | S$799 |
KDL-40EX500 | S$1649 |
KDL-32EX500 | S$999 |
KLV-40BX400 | S$1099 |
KLV-32BX300 | S$599 |
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.