Sony Ships 2011 Bravia LCD Line

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 4/18/2011

San Diego - Sony starts shipping this month 37 new models in its 2011 Bravia LCD TV lineup, including 23 with Full HD 3D capability.

Also in the line are 32 models with Internet connectivity to access an expanded offering of new online entertainment options.

Among the line's new features is enhanced Netflix software, offering greater flexibility to find and view movies and TV shows (updates will be available for legacy Bravia Internet Video Link products with older Netflix software). Also added is Sony's Crackle, an add-supported subscription-free streaming movie and TV service, Hulu Plus; Billabong extreme sports coverage; Moshcam live concerts; and more than 100 apps from the Yahoo Connected TV Store.

Many models continue to be based on Sony's successful Monolithic cabinet design concept and include Corning's Gorilla Glass.

Also new in select models is Sony's Intelligent Peak LED Backlight system , which uses full array local dimming to produce deeper blacks, while boosting brightness in lighter areas of the image, and an OptiContrast panel that elevates the picture to the front surface of the TV more vibrant, high contrast pictures.

Sony's MotionFlow XR in select models is billed as the company's most advanced motion compensation technology to date.

Sony said it is backing the Bravia TV launch with a global integrated marketing campaign titled "Television Redefined."

The effort will target broadcast, online and web media vehicles as well as retail point-of-purchase and interactive displays.

The campaign will include informative consumer events, such as "tailgate" viewing parties at sporting events and viewing activations at nightclubs, malls, and movie and music events.

New Bravia models shipping to dealers this month include the following series in descending order of performance:

• The XBR-HX929 series - three screen sizes of 46- ($2,999 suggested retail), 55- ($3,799) and 65-inches (price TBA). All include: Full HD 1080 3D, X-Reality Pro, Intelligent Peak LED backlighting, Motionflow XR960, WiFi LAN Integrated Bravia Internet Video, Monolithic Design, Corning Gorilla Glass, Skype-ready, and Intelligent Presence Sensor.

• The KDL-HX820 series - two screen sizes of 46 ($2,599) and 55 ($3,399) inches. All include: Full HD 3D, X-Reality Pro, Dynamic Edge LED, Motionflow XR480, WiFi LAN Integrated Bravia Internet Video, Monolithic Design, Corning Gorilla Glass, Skype-ready, and Intelligent Presence Sensor.

• The KDL-NX720 series - three screen sizes of 46 ($2,099), 55 ($2,899) and 60 ($3,499) inches. All include: Full HD 3D, X-Reality, Dynamic Edge LED, Motionflow XR240, WiFi LAN Integrated, Bravia Internet Video, Monolithic Design, Corning Gorilla Glass, Skype-ready, and Intelligent Presence Sensor.

• The KDL-HX729 series - three screen sizes of 46, 55 and 65 inches, with suggested retail prices starting at $1,899. All include: Full HD 3D, X-Reality Pro, Dynamic Edge LED, Motionflow XR480, WiFi LAN Integrated, BRAVIA Internet Video, Skype-ready, and Presence Sensor.

• The KDL-EX720 series - five screen sizes of 32 ($999 suggested retail), 40 ($1,299), 46 ($1,599), and 55 ($2,399). Features include: Full HD 3D, X-Reality, Edge LED, Motionflow XR240, WiFi LAN Ready, BRAVIA Internet Video, Skype-ready, and Presence Sensor.

• The KDL-EX620 series - three screen sizes of 40 ($1,099), 46 ($1,299), and 55 ($2,099) inches. All include: Full HD 1080p, X-Reality, Edge LED, Motionflow 120, Wireless LAN Ready, Bravia Internet Video, Skype-ready, and Presence Sensor.

• The KDL-EX523 series - three screen sizes of 32 ($749), 40 ($999) and 46 ($1,199) inches. All include: Full HD 1080p, X-Reality, Edge LED, Motionflow 120, Wireless LAN Ready, Bravia Internet Video, Skype-ready, and Presence Sensor.

• The KDL-EX520 series - three screen sizes of 32 ($699), 40 ($899), and 46 ($1,099) inches. All include: Full HD 1080p, X-Reality, Edge LED, Wireless LAN Ready, Bravia Internet Video, Skype-ready, and Presence Sensor.

• The KDL-BX420 series - three screen sizes of 32 ($529), 40 ($649) and 46 ($899). Features include Full HD 1080p, 5 HD inputs, USB input, customized picture and sound settings, auto brightness adjustment.

• The KDL-BX320 series - two screen sizes of 22 ($299) and 32 ($449) inches. Features include 720p HD, 5 HD inputs, USB input, auto picture brightness adjustment.