As you'll see, the PS3 flies off the test sled, and careens about 10 feet through the air before hitting its target...wicked. [Gizmag via Kotaku]

While many TV makers are using polarized glasses in their 3D concepts, Sony's plans involve high-definition active shutter glasses that alternate the image for the left and right eye. Hopefully they won't make me cross-eyed like my old 3DFX Voodoo shutters did. [Sony]

First off, it's not actually called the PS3 Slim, that's just it's nickname. It's officially called the PS3 120GB. Either way, I plan to buy one myself. I like that the matte finish is more scratch and fingerprint resistant, even if it comes over as a little retro Chinese knock-off. In the same vein, these 10 considerations may not affect how you plan to use the Slim—but knowing is half the battle, right?

1. Available September 1, Prices Already Dropped (North America)
If you prefer your PS3 fat and glossy, the existing 80GB model has now dropped to $300—that's how much the new 120GB PS3 Slim will be in September. (The current 160GB PS3 has also been reduced, to $400.) And be on the look for bargains as retailers wind down stock: Today's Gadget Deals of the Day has an 80GB bundle that includes LittleBigPlanet and a Blu-ray copy of Wall-E for $299 (normally $400).

2. You'll Probably Want the Stand
As Jason said in his hands on, the Slim isn't really stable enough to balance vertically without its stand. Problem is, the stand is sold separately, and at $24, seems over priced. You also won't be able to pick one up until 2 days after the PS3 Slim first goes on sale. Expect to eventually see third-party alternatives in a Skittles-rainbow of colors.

3. Hard Drive Upgrades
As we've mentioned, FCC records indicate that Sony may also have plans for 150GB and 250GB versions of the PS3 120GB. Either way, it only takes one screw (now located under the front, instead of the side) to swap in your own SATA laptop hard disk (and doing so won't avoid the warranty).

4. PS3 3.0 Firmware Not Initially Pre-Installed
That's because it's released on September 1, the same day the Slim goes on sale. So to get the 3.0 Firmware goodness, you'll need to sit through a software update out of the box. Sony says it'll preinstall 3.x in later units. Sounds fair to me.

5. It Won't Play Your Old PlayStation 2 Games
That won't be returning," Sony's John Koller recently confirmed. Likely not a big deal unless you've got a massive collection of PS2 titles that you don't want to part with. If so, the launch PS3s with hardware PS2 Emotion Engine are your best bet (for greater compatibility), but the second-generation 60- and 80GB models will also play PS2 games using software emulation.

6. No Linux for You!
In its infinite wisdom, Sony has removed the "Install Other OS" feature (Settings -> System Settings -> Install Other OS) and official Linux support along with it. The current 80- and 160GB PS3s support Linux, but Sony's cut the cord on the Slim because it wants to "standardize" the OS. Counting down to open-source hack in 3, 2…

7. No On-Off Switch
The Slim has no on-off switch at the back, so now relies on the standby power button at the front. Both the power and eject buttons are no longer touch-style; they've been changed to physical buttons.

8. No Media Card Reader
No surprise here: PS3s haven't had media card slots for ages. Why not just stream photos from your laptop to the PS3 wirelessly, or copy them to a USB drive? Speaking of which…

9. Two USB Ports, Not Four
Not what we had hoped for, but again, not surprising. Not only is this a slimmed-down model, but all third-generation PS3s have only 2 USB ports (and skip the media card reader).

10. Bravia Link
Connect the PS3 Slim to a Bravia Link-capable Sony HDTV (via HDMI) and you'll be able to control the XMB interface with your TV remote. The TV will even automatically power down the PS3 when it gets turned off.

11. It Plays The Same PS3 Games!
Slim or not, it's still a freakin' PS3 and will play the same PS3 games and Blu-ray movies you throw at it! Plus, the smaller 45nm Cell chip helps it consume less power, and may potentially even be a little faster.

Come fall, anyone with a standalone Bravia box—now $200—or internet-ready Bravia TV, plus a Netflix account, will be able to stream the service's entire library, HD included, as if they had a dedicated box like the Roku. The implementation sounds a bit awkward, unfortunately:

Movies and TV episodes from Netflix can be watched instantly on Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs through a Queue-based user interface.  Netflix members can add movies and TV episodes to their instant Queues on the Netflix Web site. Those choices will then be automatically displayed when a user selects Netflix on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform.

Even so, this is great news: Bravia Internet Link was initially held back by a lack of support for services that people actually want, and with Amazon Unbox—and now Netflix—onboard, BIVL products are significantly more buyable. Plus, a fresh Netflix deal—especially with a company like Sony (PS3 support? Please? Please? Please?)—feeds the attractive, increasingly plausible thesis that Netflix will eventually destroy every competitor in its industry, and a few in adjacent ones. [Sony]

SONY ADDS NETFLIX TO BRAVIA INTERNET VIDEO PLATFORM
Golflink, LIVESTRONG.COM, eHow and ON Networks Also Join Expanding Content Line Up
SAN DIEGO, July 9, 2009 – Netflix, Demand Media™, and ON Networks® are the latest content providers to join Sony's BRAVIA® Internet Video platform.
In the fall of 2009, Netflix members will be able to instantly watch more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes on Sony BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs and on previous BRAVIA models compatible with Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Link module.
With BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs, users can enjoy access to one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment directly on their HDTV. By connecting the TV to their existing broadband connection, users can access online video, music, and content from over 25 providers including Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube™, Sports Illustrated, Sony Pictures, Crackle, Slacker, Epicurious.com, Concierge.com, Style.com, and Dailymotion.
"Sony was first to bring Internet video to TV and we continue to deliver the one of the largest and most diverse catalogs of content to customers through BRAVIA Internet Video," said Jeff Goldstein, vice president of Sony Electronics' television business. "Adding Netflix gives many of our customers access to a vast library of streaming content through their existing Netflix accounts."
Movies and TV episodes from Netflix can be watched instantly on Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs through a Queue-based user interface.  Netflix members can add movies and TV episodes to their instant Queues on the Netflix Web site. Those choices will then be automatically displayed when a user selects Netflix on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform.
Demand Media recently launched content on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform from its wholly-owned Web sites including Golflink.com, LIVESTRONG.COM, and eHow.com.
GolfLink provides hundreds of its valuable instructional golf videos from world class coaches like Hank Haney and Jim McLean, as well as hole-by-hole golf course flyovers, both of which help viewers to prepare and improve their game.

Gary at HD Guru found the most aggressive pricing at J&R, Costco, Fry'sand Vann's. He put together a list of like 23 deals, and even wrote up a guide to judging whether or not you should buy the new TV or last year's model, based on specs and expectations.

You can get a premium 46" Samsung LN46A650 with 120Hz for $1400 at Fry's (if link doesn't work, go here and search). It originally listed for around $2100, but Amazon is selling it for $1500, to give you an idea of how low this is.

There's a 52" Sony KDL52W4100 at J&R for $1550, down from $2200.

The best deals of all seem to be Panasonic plasmas, which is funny because, performance wise, that's where you can pay less for more TV to begin with. The winner here is Panasonic's TH50PZ85, a 50" 1080p plasma for $1300 at Fry's, and he said Costco carries it too for that price, though I don't see it. This deal is amazing not only because it's marked down $900 from $2200, but even Amazon is still listing it much higher, for $1700. Now all you need is money, right? That's the tricky part.

Hit up Gary's list for more deals on a lot more TVs. [HD Guru]

Sony's making HDMI even simpler with their clever, swiveling HDMI cords. These otherwise typical wires (gold plating, triple electronic shielding) have tips that rotate/lock to both 45 and 90-degree angles. And if you've ever plugged HDMI into a side-mounted port of your flat panel, you'll quickly appreciate the flexibility.

As for the issue of the price..a 3-footer will cost you $50 while a 6-footer runs $60. I'd say that puts these cords at about 10 times the amount I'm willing to fork over for an HDMI cable. [Krunker]

These DLNA-compliant, 1080p displays come with Ethernet ports, so you can get on the internet and connect to widgets, which include Amazon Video-on-Demand, Youtube, Yahoo and Flickr. It also has a USB port, letting you plug in any USB storage device with photo/audio/video content play the files back on the TV.

The LCDs also features Sony's Bravia Engine 3, 24p True Cinema, a 120Hz frequency and the XrossMediaBar UI.

The W-series will arrive this spring in 42, 46 and 52-inch flavors, but despite being labeled as an "economic" option, there's no mention of pricing as of yet. There will also be an accompanying 3.1-channel AV soundbar that supports 1080p video in. It will hit stores in June for $500.

SONY DEBUTS MORE NETWORKED BRAVIA HDTVS
Models Extend Line-up Featuring "BRAVIA Widgets" and Other Connected Features

LAS VEGAS, March 2, 2009 – Bolstering the recently announced 2009 BRAVIA® LCD HDTV line-up, Sony Electronics today announced a series of additional networked models with full HD 1920 x 1080 progressive (1080p) resolution. This new W-series adds an economic HDTV option, while delivering the same interactive functionality as the recently announced BRAVIA Z5100 and XBR9 models.

The networked models feature an Ethernet connection so the sets can directly access Sony BRAVIA Internet Video content using an existing broadband connection. The service offers one of the largest selections of free and premium movies, TV shows, sports, music and more from an array of partners like Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube®, Yahoo!®, Sony Pictures, Sony Music and many others.

BRAVIA Internet Widgets, provided by the Yahoo! Widget Engine, expand and personalize the experience by allowing you to interact with your favorite Internet content like Yahoo News, Video, Finance, and Flickr® while watching TV shows. Track your favorite sports team, check your stocks, and share photos with friends and family as you watch television.

The 52-inch KDL-52W5100, 46-inch KDL-46W5100 and 40-inch KDL-40W5100 (diagonal) models feature Motionflow™ 120Hz technology for improved sharpness and detail in fast-moving images. They also feature Sony's BRAVIA Engine™ 3, which delivers a crystal clear picture even if the content isn't perfect.

The W-series models are Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) compliant, enabling easy access to digital photos, music and video stored on a PC or other DLNA server using the XMB® interface and the TV's remote control. They also offer a USB input for displaying digital photos or playing digital video and audio files from compatible USB storage devices.

In addition, these models feature:
24p True Cinema™
XrossMediaBar™ (XMB)with enhanced 3D favorites menu
Internet powered TV Guide Onscreen
BRAVIA Sync™
BRAVIA Link Compatibility
4 HDMI inputs

Single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs

Designed to match the W5100 series models, the HT-CT500 3.1 channel sound bar supports features an integrated AV receiver supporting full HD 1080p video and the latest advanced audio codecs. This sound bar theater system will be available this June for about $500.

The new KDL-52W5100, KDL-46W5100 and KDL-40W5100 networked televisions will be available this spring direct through www.sonystyle.com and Sony Style stores, as well as authorized retailers nationwide and military base exchanges.

By simply pressing your card to the remote, you can make payment for VOD movies without the hassle of navigating an onscreen QWERTY.

How is all of this consumer magic possible? The remote contains an RFID reader, compatible with Japan's popular Edy cards—cards that are, incidentally, powered by Sony's FeliCa technology.

So it all comes full circle. You buy a Sony product to use your Sony card to buy Sony media that's easily purchased with Sony cards on Sony products. Genius. [Akihabara News]

Apparently, a trailer for Angels & Demons. Tom Hanks is here! He has Betamax regret! His first real gadget was a Sony Trinitron. Hilariously self-conscious, mocking the fact he's shilling for Sony. All he ever sees is Sony, Sony, Sony. And uses Sony Sony Sony. Except the teleprompters! LG.

Here's Sir Howard Stringer. Tom: "I'm whatever Sony wants me to be, Howard." Tom is hilarious.

3D glasses, "unlike any other prototype before. They let you watch a movie while walking around. "Tom why don't you try?" "Oh look, they're so cool and hip...They're going to get even better than they are now? I'll be checking the Fedex." "Will you take the hold off my paycheck for Angels and Demons now?"

Tom exits, being pulled into realm of Casio and Samsung. "Howard save me, you're a knight!"

Howard: "I'm not recession proof." He has seven principles for the industry: Fusion of industries, open technologies (Linux, consumers expect choice), social networking, squeezing more money out of consumers (he calls this a "value chain" and "good business," go green, etc. Nothing unobvious or mindscrewingly revolutionary.

By 2011, 90 percent of Sony products will connect to Internet and each other.

Heeeeere's the G3 Wi-Fi web browser camera. They've already uploaded photos of Tom and Howard using the camera to Picasa, and then sent it to a Bravia TV on stage. Available now for "an extraoridinarily reasonable price."

Connected photo frame/alarm clock/screen thing with Chumby power—plays video, Big Ben alarm clock. Very cool. Quoting Letterman on weather from it: "It's so cold in NY right now, Bernie Madoff is actually looking forward to burning in hell."''

Flex OLED protoype, eco-friendly. "How many people get a chance to squeeze Beyonce? I hope Jay-Z isn't in the room."

Sony sells more HD products than anyone else, they think they'll benefit from DTV. We'll see!

Pixar dude John Lasseter is here. "Sound check: Is my shirt loud enough in the back?" I want one. He's here to pimp Blu-ray: "You can't go back." Showing Wall-E on Blu-ray. Man I love that movie.

He's demoing Sleeping Beauty BD-Live content—menu represents real-life weather, kind of cool. His kids beat his ass at Cars Blu-ray game. Trailer for their upcoming movie Up. Looks awesome, and funny. More Tom Hanks talk: He's working on Toy Story 3.

Talking PSP and PS3 and how they interact. Kaz Hirai coming up. Talking about PlayStation Network and how it's expanding what you can do with PS3.

New free MMO called Free Realm for boys and girls, tweens and teens. Launching on PC first. Looks like medieval Second Life. MTV dumping 2000 hours of programming on PSN video. Hello, Real World Brooklyn! EA is now onboard PlayStation Home, bring more games and yay, contextual ads to "savvy consumers." Overall though, no new PlayStation announcements. Where's Netflix streaming? Seriously dude. Even my pants has that now.

America's doctor, Dr. Oz is getting his own show thanks to Sony. Find out why your penis doesn't work the way it used to, everyday. Oh, by the way, you're a fatass. He just said Sir Howard is bulbous dude. He should be six foot six to match his weight. Drop your belly fat or DIE. Outside of a fried food convention, this has to be the most ironic place he could drop this speech. High fructose corn syrup is the devil, says Dr. Oz. I knew it!

Sony is all up in the new Yankees stadium. 550 Bravia LCDs. The whole park is on,e giant Sony commercial. Reggie Jackson is here. Says he can't wait to see the new Sonyized Yankee Stadium. New candy bar: Reggie Bar. Tom Hanks loves it.

Talking up green products: Greenheart bio-plastic, Eco Bravias, etc.

Here we go; 3D announcement. We're supposed to put on 3D glasses now. 3D Cars clip in Tokyo drag race. Gran Turismo in 3D. 3D footage from Virginia Tech at Orange Bowl.

Dreamworks Animation CEO Katezenberg up to talk about 3D. Two revolutionary events in the history of cinema: The arrival of sound, then the arrival of color. He thinks 3D will be the third. (How conveniently poetic.) "It's not your father's 3D." It's 3D that uses polarized lenses and dual projectors (so you do still need glasses, even though Sony insists that they're different 'cause they is state of the art and less dumb looking, from Ray Ban.) Showing 3D clip of CGI flick Monsters and Aliens, with a giant robot fighting a giant girl and some monsters—pretty cool.

Sir Howard's back up with a Sony Ericsson phone, has Gracenote for identifying songs. And hey, our friend the Vaio P.

Hello, Usher. He's in 3D too, but no glasses required. Usher: "Yeah I do.... know a lot about technology. *Pause* Sony technology." He just had two sons, captured experience with... Sony. Howard asks if Usher misses the album. Usher says Sony Ericsson lets him make an album. Also mentions Sony sponsored his Broadway run on Chicago, which Tom Hanks' wife was also in. Woooo, the incestuous commercialization—as entertainingly, ironically self-aware as they're trying to make it (and it is)—is mud-pie thick.

Howard wrapping up, talking about how they make dreams, rainbows and economic revitalization happen.

And that's it!

The 52, 46 and 40-inch sets have a few other green-colored tricks up their sleeves too: A presence sensor turns the off when no one's in the room and automatically turns itself on when you come back into the room. They're also Sony's first TVs with a zero-watt standby switch.

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH 14200), Jan. 7, 2009 – Sony took another important step on the environmental front today by unveiling a series of highly energy efficient televisions.

The new BRAVIA VE5-series models offer substantial power savings thanks to a zero-watt standby power switch, along with motion and light sensors that minimize energy usage without compromising performance.

The 52-inch KDL-52VE5, the 46-inch KDL-46VE5 and the 40-inch KDL-40VE5 models (all measures diagonally) are also the first to incorporate Sony’s exclusive micro-tubular Hot Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (HCFL). The technology helps reduce power consumption by almost 40 percent compared to the company’s other LCD HDTV models.

“Sony is constantly ranked as one of the most environmentally conscious consumer electronics companies in the industry,” said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division. “Our new Eco TVs represent the company’s commitment not only to saving the environment, but also to saving consumers money through lower power consumption.”

Televisions often are left unattended by children or others who become busy and forget to turn the set off when they leave the room. Sony’s Presence Sensor feature solves the issue by automatically turning off the picture when no one is present in the vicinity after a user-set timeframe. When the sensor detects motion, the TV turns it self back on instantly.

The VE5 models are also Sony’s first LCD televisions to offer a zero-watt standby Energy Saving Switch. When not in use, the standby switch can also be manually turned off, cutting power to nearly zero watts. Simply flip the switch back on and the TV is fully operational.

Additionally, the sets feature a light sensor that will automatically adjust the backlight depending on ambient room light. The setting saves energy and improves image contrast by lowering the backlight when it is set unnecessarily high in dimmer room light.

All of Sony’s new 2009 LCD high-definition televisions exceed Energy Star® 3.0 requirements. By employing a range of innovative power-saving features, the VE5-series sets a new standard for HDTV energy efficiency.

On the performance front, the sets feature Sony’s Motionflow™ 120Hz technology for improved sharpness and detail in fast-moving images. The models also offer a USB input for playing audio files from a USB storage device or connecting a compatible digital camera to display photos.

The models are compatible with Sony’s BRAVIA Link modules including the BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA Input Link and BRAVIA DVD Link.

The models also feature:

o The BRAVIA Engine™ 2
o BRAVIA Sync™
o 24p True Cinema™
o 4 HDMI inputs
o Single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs
o Favorites menu

[Sony]

Yes, that's right: Sony's high-end XBR9 TVs—at 52, 46, 40 and 32 inches—ditch the Bravia Internet Module ridiculousness and have it built-in. While it's no LG Netflix TV, you can stream Amazon Video on Demand and YouTube out of the box. The other notable notableness is that they blaze past 120Hz to 240Hz—also behind LG, who's claiming 480, booya. The Z-series is similar, but without the XBR9's wide color gamut cold cathode fluorescent backlight that makes it gives the XBR9's colors that extra pop.

On the low-end front, the V-series TVs coming it at 40, 46 and 52 inches, are getting Sony's 120Hz Motionflow and Bravia Engine 2. The S-series crams 1080p into increasingly smaller sets: 52, 46, 40 and 32 inches. And the L series is for your kitchen or bathroom—I don't really see what high end trickle down they are the beneficiary of though.

SONY DEBUTS INTEGRATED NETWORKED TELEVISIONS
Latest BRAVIA Models Offer Interactive “Widgets” and Streaming Internet Video

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200), Jan. 7, 2009 – Sony is bringing built-in, interactive entertainment directly to your television.
The company today announced the first new networked BRAVIA® LCD HDTV models with Internet applications called “widgets” that deliver real-time information, as well as streaming video capability via integrated BRAVIA Internet Video Link capability.
Sony’s new XBR9 and Z-series models feature an Ethernet connection, allowing the sets to directly access Sony BRAVIA Internet Video content using an existing broadband connection. The service offers one of the largest selections of free and premium movies, TV shows, sports, music and more from an array of partners like Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube®, Yahoo!®, Slacker(sm), and others.
Bravia Internet Widgets, powered by the Yahoo! Widget Engine, expand and personalize the TV experience by adding on-screen applications that provide such real-time information as weather reports, stock ticker updates, financial news, Yahoo! Video, Flickr® images, and additional content.
“Internet-based content is driving the evolution of home entertainment,” said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division. “Our new networked BRAVIA models deliver streaming videos, access to digital files, and real-time information that transforms the television into a true multimedia hub.”
The XBR9 and Z-series models are also Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) compliant, enabling easy access to digital photos, music and video stores on a PC or other DLNA server using the XMB® interface and the TV’s remote control.
Sony’s full HD 1920 x 1080 progressive (1080p) 52-inch KDL-52XBR9, 46-inch KDL-46XBR9 and 40-inch KDL-40XBR9 televisions (screen size measured diagonally) feature a wide color gamut cold cathode fluorescent light (WCG-CCFL) backlight providing a broader color palette. This results in on-screen images with more vibrant, “life-like” colors.
The XBR9 models also include Sony’s new Motionflow™ 240Hz technology, which delivers exceptionally crisp and detailed images with natural motion. The Motionflow algorithm goes beyond traditional 120Hz technology by quadrupling the frame rate of conventional LCD TVs and interpolating three new frames..
The models also offer a USB input for displaying digital photos or playing digital video and audio files from a USB storage device.
These models also feature:

• The BRAVIA Engine™ 3
• 24p True Cinema™
• XrossMediaBar™ (XMB)with enhanced 3D favorites Menu
• Internet powered TV Guide Onscreen

• BRAVIA Sync™
• BRAVIA Link Compatible
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs

Also new to the XBR line is the 32-inch KDL-32XBR9 (31.5 inch diagonal). The full HD 1920 x 1080 progressive model features Motionflow 120Hz technology for improved sharpness and detail in fast-moving images. This model also offers a USB input so you can play audio files from a USB storage device or connect a compatible digital camera to display photos.
Other features include:

• The BRAVIA Engine™ 2
• BRAVIA Sync
• BRAVIA Link Compatible
• 24p True Cinema

• 4 HDMI inputs
• Single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs
• Favorites menu

Sony’s new Z-series models include the 52-inch KDL-52Z5100, 46-inch KDL-46Z5100, and 40-inch KDL-40Z5100 (screen size measured diagonally). The models feature full HD 1920 x 1080 progressive resolution and Motionflow 240Hz technology.
Other features include:

• The BRAVIA Engine™ 3
• 24p True Cinema
• XrossMediaBar (XMB) with enhanced 3D favorites Menu
• Internet powered TV Guide Onscreen

• BRAVIA Sync
• BRAVIA Link Compatible
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs

The XBR9 and Z-series models exceed Energy Star® 3.0 requirements with the assistance of Sony’s LightSensor™ technology and dynamic backlight control that helps save energy and reduce the user’s overall carbon footprint.

The BRAVIA Link modules are currently available online at www.sonystyle.com and at retail outlets including Sony Style® stores and other authorized dealers across the country.
The new XBR9 and Z-series television models will be available this spring online and at and at similar retail outlets, in addition to military base exchanges. More information about all of the new models is available at www.sonystyle.com/TV09.

SONY BRINGS ADVANCED FEATURES TO CORE 2009 TV LINEUP

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH 14200), Jan. 7, 2009 – Sony announced its core BRAVIA® LCD television models with numerous advanced features here today at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show.
Ranging in screen sizes from 52 to 26 inches diagonally, the nine new models from the V-, S-, and L-series offer high-definition performance at reasonable prices.
“We’ve migrated features like full HD 1080p and Motionflow™ 120Hz technology down to our entry level models, while also keeping in mind that people are seeking versatile, smaller screen sizes for second rooms outside of the living room,” said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division.
Sony’s new V-series models include the full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution progressive display (1080p) 52-inch KDL-52V5100, 46-inch KDL-46V5100 and 40-inch KDL-40V5100. The sets feature Sony’s BRAVIA Engine™ 2 and Motionflow™ 120Hz technology for improved sharpness and detail in fast-moving images. Additionally, they offer the BRAVIA Engine 2, four HDMI inputs (seven total HD inputs), BRAVIA Sync™ for simplified control of compatible devices, and a USB input for viewing digital images or listening to digital music stored on a compatible USB mass storage device.
The V-series also includes Sony’s LightSensor® technology and dynamic backlight control to help save energy and reduce the TV’s overall carbon footprint.
The S-series includes the 52-inch KDL-52S5100, 46-inch KDL-46S5100, 40-inch KDL-40S5100 models, and the 32-inch class (31.5 inch diagonal) KDL-32S5100 unit. These models also feature 1920 x 1080 progressive video resolution along with the BRAVIA Engine 2, resulting in outstanding full HD picture quality.
The S-series all offer three HDMI inputs, as well as single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs. They also employ Sony’s LightSensor® technology and dynamic backlight control.
The versatile BRAVIA L-series models include the 32-inch class (31.5 inch diagonal) KDL-32L5000 and 26-inch KDL-26L5000. These models offer 1366 x 768 resolution and are good options for the bedroom, kitchen or office. Connectivity on the sets include three HDMI inputs, along with single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs.
The V-, S-, and L-series models exceed Energy Star® 3.0 requirements and are compatible with Sony’s BRAVIA Link modules, including the BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA Input Link, and BRAVIA DVD Link.
The BRAVIA Link modules are currently available online at www.sonystyle.com and at various retail outlets, including Sony Style® stores and other authorized dealers across the country. The new V-series, S-series, and L-series televisions will be available this spring online and at all the same outlets, in addition to military base exchanges. You can find more information on the models at www.sonystyle.com/TV09.

Sony is using this 174-year-old technology to draw attention to the new Bravias' MotionFlow interpolation technology, which guesstimates new frames between existing ones, smoothing out content to display it up to a massive 200Hz.

Weighing over 10 tons and spinning at about 25MPH, the so-called Bravia-drome can be seen above displaying Brazilian soccer player Kaka juggling the ball around a bit, but Geek.com claims the ad was filmed using "a huge crew and tons of extras", so it'll be interesting to see what they manage to come up with. [Sony, Geek—Thanks, Joel]

I'm not sure what the ad is going to end up being, but I do know that it stars Brazilian soccer player Kaka and the huge-ass zoetrope you see being constructed in these photos. The zoetrope, when spun around at a high speed, will create a moving image out of a bunch of static images. It was a very early "movie" device invented in the 19th century. Tonight, it's being certified as the largest zoetrope in the world by the Guiness Book of World Records, and I can't wait to see it in action.

While many of us have our collection of nice electronic toys, most of us can't afford to walk into a store, take a look at a company like Sony's complete line of Bravia media add-ons and walk out with it all. And your conscience might stop you anyway—even if your wallet could take the hit, you know enough to look around at other respectable brands, maybe some Samsung or LG equipment, and make a more informed decision.

Well today we're taking the role of "that guy" for you. Sony shipped us their latest Bravia LCD TV along with all of its modular Link components: a wireless HDMI streamer, their internet video player, an HDMI port expander and an extra slim DVD player—a set of matching electronics designed to hook nicely to the back of your Bravia TV while integrating with the display at a software level.

Setting Up

After fervently unpacking five cardboard boxes and dusting the styrofoam specs off of the jet black components, I remembered just how nice Sony's equipment can be. Everything feels solid in the hands, everything matches with the same amount of gloss and everything has the shining Sony logo that was the beacon for technological enlightenment to anyone who lived through the 80s.

But I am disappointed.

I know that most all of this stuff is supposed to hook right to the back of the television, yet I have no natural inclination as to how that happens. I see screws, flimsy clear plastic tracks and manuals in three different languages. I swallow my pride and open one up (and it's a good thing I did).

Starting with the DVD player, I learned that one must screw a mount into the television, screw the component into the mount and then make sure to plug in the three or more cords to make it work.



What? This isn't what I pictured at all. I wanted to equip this TV like a gun. I wanted to lock and load, hear the fulfilling clank of metal on metal and live a Rambo montage while I prepped for an onslaught of 1080p. Instead, I was fiddling with screws and wires, scratching up my entertainment stand in a precarious position while making my sleek beautiful new TV resemble the trash bin of a wire factory.

The feeling was akin to any time you've bought cereal for the toy, only to realize that the toy was really just a 2-cent piece of rubber. And by the way, that box of cereal just cost you $3,500.

Bravia Internet Video Link - $300

The Bravia Internet Video Link was maybe the most indulgent component I had to test, mostly because I would personally never purchase this component on my own. Why?

1. It's essentially a box that puts streaming video like YouTube onto your TV (which is done by many other components as a second function) and

2. It works exclusively with Bravia TVs. The Internet Video Link uses the television's DMXe (USB) port and fits the content into the TV's XMB menu system.

Yet my alternate persona, my big spender identity who sucked down a $5 iced coffee while writing this review, enjoyed the IVL.

It really is ingenious that the system works within the television's menu system. In fact, it doesn't even have a menu system of its own. Utilizing the TV's XMB (Cross Media Bar), the interface is not so different than the PS3. Flipping through the list of content providers made way for a very intuitive experience in which I click any content provider that looks interesting, from AP to cooking classes. Once I select a clip from within their menu, fast forwarding through content or skipping ahead is extremely responsive with the user interface acknowledging my commands smoothly while allowing the clips time to buffer.

Sure, most of the content looks like crap, the compressed YouTube clips especially. But Sony's understated blue skin framed it well, adding a bit of class to often tacky content.

Especially with Amazon Unbox (tested in beta here), we see Sony's design touch can add a lot to the experience. While managing Unbox content is a pain on my TiVo, the Internet Link puts a pleasant icon skin on your media and has a multitude of simple to navigate categories that makes it all palatable. Plus, you get the same navigation bar in Unbox as you do in YouTube or any other of the services, simplifying the experience of viewing dozens of different content feeds. Simply, it's the best presentation of Unbox I've seen to date.

I'm happy again. The world is rainbows and sunshine.

Then the practical side of me kicks in. I spit out the Brazilian coffee (most of it gone by now, to be honest) and realize I've been hoodwinked. Why didn't the PS3 have all of these neat internet video channels in its XMB? I had no answer.

Bravia Wireless Link - $800

Regardless of how things may have gone with the Internet Link, I was ready to move on to the Wireless Link. It's a piece of equipment that we all hope will be a mainstay in every home within 5 years. The system streams HDMI and component video wirelessly, allowing you to reroute that DVR to a different room while maintaining a pristine HD image.

I knew there would be catches. Even $5 coffee guy could understand that the HD video would be limited to 1080i streaming, nixing the dream of watching Blu-rays in the bedroom. The second catch is even bigger. The Wireless Link transmitter does not double as an HDMI port splitter. This is a vital point, as it means that you can't double dip your home theater to two televisions. Even if it's 1 foot away, the components plug in to the transmitter, and the receiver accepts the data wirelessly.

Combine no hardline output with the 1080i transfer limitations and you realize that all content you watch will all be in 1080i.

OK, but I'm still enthused. After all, I didn't pay for this stuff. So I put it through the most rigorous test I can imagine. I play the final levels of Gears of War 2, streaming my 720p component connection from my Xbox in my living room to my TV in my bedroom (a distance of only 10 or so feet). Still, the Wireless Link really impressed me.

There's no discernible lag. Maybe if I'd been playing online in some pro tournament, I'd have noticed a slight disadvantage. But as far as I could tell, the Xbox is hooked right into the TV I'm was using. And the image quality is just as good as it had looked when I had the system hardwired.

Sony explained later that the delay between the base station and a receiver was less than one millisecond—that's faster than most LCDs can draw the image being transmitted. Not bad, Sony. My 5GHz Wireless-N network didn't even interfere, as you'd warned me could happen.

But again, there's a catch where some engineer didn't think things through all the way. I couldn't stream my PS3 at all. Neither Blu-ray nor games worked, even when I reduced the resolution from 1080p. I could catch the signal for a moment or two, then the system would give me a "not supported" message.

UPDATE: My streaming problem was evidently an HDCP issue with the Link and a Samsung television. On the Bravia set, the PlayStation 3 functioned properly. Like all of the Bravia Link components, the Wireless Link is really not designed/tested to be taken beyond the Bravia infrastructure.

Bravia DVD Player - $200

Even my yuppie alter ego wasn't fooled by this one. The Bravia DVD Link may be called a link, but I know better. I know a DVD player when I see one.

Sony does promise a a few advantages with their Bravia branded item, of course. The first I discussed above, that the player could mount to the back of your set (be it in a not so glamorous way). The second is that, like the Internet Movie Link, the DVD component can hook to the television through the USB-based DMXe port.

Wait, I should rephrase this, the DVD Link needs to hook to the TV through DMXe. It won't work at all otherwise. And that's a problem, as the television only has one DMXe port.



So even though I have the HDMI hooked up correctly and even though I know most DVD players don't need USB connections to work, I am sitting here, pounding on the DVD remote that does nothing (yet, the DVD menu still auto-loads with "play movie" highlighted but unclickable, which just spites me more). The techie me is upset. The yuppie me is livid pissed.

When the DVD Link is plugged in and working happily, it's fine. It's pretty much as good as any other DVD player. If you hit the "display" button on the remote, it tweaks your TV's display, as opposed to messing with DVD player options. I guess there's an advantage to this, a certain technological configuration efficiency. But the benefit is small, and to quote the words of my truly yuppie wife, "It doesn't even play Blu-ray??"

Input Link - $150

The Input Link isn't the most glamorous of Bravia accessories, but like the others, it does hook to the back of your TV after a bit of effort. It's a 5X1 HDMI port expander. It matches the other Links. And it's a hugely missed opportunity by Sony if you think about it. A module like this could sync with DMXe and mount your components straight into the XMB through Sony technical magic. Instead, it just offers some extra HDMI slots. But of all the mounting components, the Input Link seemed the most at home, fitting snugly and solidly near the inputs.

So Is It Worth It?

To be fair to Sony, $3,500 isn't an absurd amount to spend on home theater equipment—especially when we break down the sheer amount of components we reviewed here and realize that it's all name brand equipment.

But I look at the pile of electronics I've got, this mountain of Bravia, and I can't help wishing it would do more or at least be a seamless experience to use.

I had more difficulty setting up the equipment than I have home theater components in years. For each component being design around the television, it certainly didn't fit on the television very easily or even all that well.

And while Sony may or may not be on to something with their DMXe integration (I think they really could be, actually), they need to make sure that users who own more than one component—their most loyal customer base—aren't being punished for it by limiting available DMXe inputs on Bravia TVs.

The thing is, I really like the Bravia television, the use of XMB for its menu system and the idea of Sony's "Links" integrating with this very solid platform. And the Wireless Link, even at $800, is highly technically impressive and genuinely excites me about the future of home theater.

Yet at the end of the day, both my ignorant yuppie and shamelessly techie self can't help but to look at my PS3 and wonder, why oh why can't Sony focus all of their development into this machine—or at the very least, make using my TV as straightforward and gratifying as firing a loaded weapon?

Here's what great: The black levels are near-Kuro deep. In dimly-lit scenes, blacks had "an inky depth in dark areas that lent superb punch and realism to the image, and easily outclassed the rest of the non-Pioneer sets." The only taint is that when bright areas are next to dark ones, it lightens up the bars a bit, so Pioneer wins here. The color accuracy "is nothing short of superb" and after calibration they're as "excellently balanced and still as saturated as on the Pioneer." Its de-juddering mode is also the best they've ever seen.

Its few weak points: Image quality fades when you look at it from an off angle, the previously mentioned blooming with high contrast images, and the dejuddering can produce some artifacts, especially with a standard-def picture. Oh, and it's $7000, the most expensive TV they've ever tested. On the upside, if you're willing to spend more than $6500 on a TV, you apparently can't go wrong. [Cnet via Sony Insider]