Extending the Bravia Internet Video Link technology it previously announced, Sony this week showed off seven Bravia high-definition TV models that will be compatible with the module that allows for direct television access to Internet video content.

Sony’s HD 1080p V-series models include 40- and 46-inch screen sizes; 720p models include the S-series 26-, 40-, 46-inch models (measured diagonally) and 32-inch class (31.5 inches diagonally); and the 32-inch KDL-32XBR4 set is new as well.

All of the models will feature the Xross Media Bar (XMB) user interface for enhanced navigation, an icon-based on-screen menu system that helps guide through program selections from whichever source—cable, satellite or Internet. The Internet Video Link module mounts on the back of the Bravia TVs and connects to the Internet via an existing broadband Ethernet connection without the use of a computer, providing access to content that includes HD programming from providers such as AOL, Yahoo! and Grouper, Sony says.

The V-series KDL-46V3000 and KDL-40V3000 LCDs offer full 1920x1080p resolution HD. They include Live Color Creation with WCG-CCFL backlight and a 10-bit panel display that increases the TV’s gradation level by 64 times, and they can also upconvert 480i video signals to HD-like picture quality. Also, Sony’s Bravia Theatre Sync allows for a one-button command to integrate the TV operation with external components connected via HDMI, so users can easily switch programming sources such as Blu-ray disc players, A/V receivers, satellite receivers and more, the company says.

The S-series LCD HDTVs include the KDL-26S3000, KDL-32S3000, KDL-40S3000 and KDL-46S3000 and provide 1366x768 progressive resolution. They also feature the Bravia Engine full digital processing system and Theatre Sync on all models.

Sony’s new KDL-32XBR4 model, with 1366x768 progressive resolution adds the company’s Motionflow 120 Hz motion compensation technology to reduce image blurring.

Pricing on the models was not announced. The KDL-46S3000, KDL-40S3000, KDL-32S3000 and KDL-32XBR4 will ship this spring, while the KDL-26S3000, KDL-46V3000 and KDL-40V3000 will be available this summer.

Go to www.sony.com for more.

Arlen Schweiger
Managing editor of Electronic House, EH Publishing

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!

Arlen Schweiger can be reached at aschweiger@ehpub.com