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Sony has taken the wraps off its latest lineup of all-in-one home-theater-in-a-box systems (HTIBs). The 2007 line spans seven products: three models being sold under the Bravia banner--a label previously reserved only for the company's flat-panel TVs--three affordable component-based systems and one model that integrates a complete surround speaker system into a TV stand.

The Bravia line includes the DAV-HDX265 ($300, March), DAV-HDX267W ($300, April), and DAV-HDX500 ($500, March). Each model is a 5.1-channel system with a five-disc CD/DVD changer built into a unified slim head unit, all of which are designed to match the eponymous flat-screen … Read more

We highlighted the Evesham Sound Stage X1 earlier this month, but truth be told, Sony and Onkyo were already offering similar TV stands with integrated speakers at least as early as last year. Sony must really like the concept, too, because the company has gone back to the well yet again.

While the RHT-G800 doesn't look that different from the company's past "home theater stands," it's the first one to be HDMI enabled (two 1080p-capable HDMI inputs and one output). And just because its speakers, subwoofer, and electronics happen to be crammed into a TV … Read more

Today at its line show, Sony announced three new shelf systems, all featuring Bluetooth connectivity, which will enable them to play digital audio files from other Bluetooth devices such as computers, MP3 players, and cell phones. The shelf systems will cost between $150 and $300 and will be available in April.

The CMT-BX5BT is the entry-level model. It can plays MP3 files--probably via Bluetooth or burned onto CDs--and has the ability to read ID3 tags, which means you'll get artist and track names on the display. There also are the standard features for a shelf system, such as a … Read more

Just when you thought Sony's 2006 lineup of flat-panel LCD HDTVs was getting a little long in the tooth, out come the 2007 models. Today the company announced seven new Bravias, an acronym for--I kid you not--"Best Resolution Audio Visual Integrated Architecture." In fact, a whole press release was dedicated to how Sony intends to extend the brand to nontelevision products, like home-theater systems, but I doubt anyone outside Sony's marketing department cares. And if you happen to care about how much you'll be asked to spend on the new TVs, you're out … Read more

We first reported on and picked apart Sony's Bravia Internet Link, or B.I.L., at CES 2007 in January, but the company took until now to officially divulge pricing and availability details. The module, which is compatible with the company's 2007 LCD rear-projection and flat-panel HDTVs also announced today, will retail for $300 and ship in June. The Link enables the TV to browse a closed garden of Sony-sanctioned delights (or a Pan's Labyrinth, depending on your point of view) that consists of "Internet video content, including high-definition programming, from providers like AOL, Yahoo! and … Read more

This morning Sony rolled out a new line of entry-level A/V receivers with HDMI connectivity. Unfortunately the press release didn't announce many of the details we're interested in--such as the number of HDMI inputs or video upconversion specifics--but we were able to get a broad outline of what the new line will look like.

The STR-DG510 is a 6.1 channel receiver and is the least featured of the bunch. The release states that it offers 1080i pass-through, which means it probably won't be able to accept 1080p signals. It is XM Connect and Play-ready, so … Read more

Some of the more notable products announced at the Sony line show today are three rear-projection HDTVs--remember those?--that use LCD technology housed in foot-deep cabinets. Sony has been selling LCD-based RPTVs such as these as its somewhat less-expensive alternative to SXRD-based rear-projectors such as these (more info), but this year there's a new twist: Two of the three LCDs have 1080p native resolution, the highest available today. In other words, just one 2007 Sony RPTV so far, the KDF-37H1000, will have less than 1080p resolution.

The two new 1080p LCDs, the 46-inch KDF-46E3000 and the 50-inch KDF-50E3000, are … Read more

The Sony line show today saw a few announcements about new HDTVs, but prospective TV buyers looking for information on new SXRD-based models will be disappointed. SXRD, the company's LCoS-based, high-end projection display technology, has performed well in our tests--most recently with the KDS-60A2000 and the KDS-60XBR2. News of new SXRD products is always highly anticipated, but this year, like it did in 2006, Sony has kept the real details under wraps.

The only new information, according to Sony's rep, is that the baseline KDS-A2020 series, consisting of 50-, 55-, and 60-inch models, is exactly like last year'… Read more

Sony used its annual Open House product showcase in Las Vegas today to unveil its MEX-BT2500 Bluetooth in-car stereo. The MEX-BT2500 is the second of Sony's Bluetooth-enabled head units and will slot in below the MEX-BT5000 in its Xplod car stereo lineup.

Like the MEX-BT5000, the new entry-level unit doubles as a CD/MP3/WMA player as well as a Bluetooth receiver for hands-free calls and for wireless Bluetooth audio streaming via the advanced A2DP profile. The MEX-BT2500 features a built-in microphone and can be paired with as many as five cell phones simultaneously.

Portable devices that support Bluetooth … Read more