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The KDF-50E3000 is a 1080p LCD RPTV.

(Credit: Sony)

Sony's slim 37-inch KDF-37H1000 rear-projector

(Credit: Sony)

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 both due in July. They boast slimmer cabinets than many like-sized RPTVs; the 46-inch model measures 11.9 inches deep, and the 50-inch measures 12.6 inches deep. Aside from 1080p, they include an adjustable Iris, which we've found does help improve black-level performance; the ability to accept 1080p at both 60 and 24 frames per second, the latter of which is said to cut down on judder and flicker when paired with a compatible source (we'll be sure to test that claim); and three component-video along with two HDMI inputs that can also accept PC signals. Sony did not announce pricing, but we assume the 50-inch model will cost less than its 2007 SXRD-based counterpart, the $2,299 KDS-50A2020.

Sony's lone non-1080p rear-projection model is the relatively tiny, 37-inch KDF-37H1000 (May, $1,300), which has a native resolution of 1,280x720 (aka 720p) and a slim cabinet of its own, but exactly how slim was not specified. Sony's press release positions the KDF-37H1000 against CRT-based direct-view televisions, but with numerous 37-inch flat-panel sets, such as Sharp's LC-37D40U, available today for similar prices, we're skeptical that this rear-projection model will achieve popularity.

Sony also announced new flat-panel LCDs and details on its BRAVIA Internet Link product (with which all three of the above sets are compatible), but didn't say much about SXRD-based rear-projection HDTVs.

Sony's KDL-46S3000 is one of seven new LCDs.

(Credit: Sony)

Sony's V3000 series includes 1080p resolution.

(Credit: Sony)

Sony's KDL-34XBR4: Best features of the bunch.

(Credit: Sony)

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 of luck: Sony didn't announce pricing.

The most basic series, the KDL-S3000 line that succeeds the current KDL-S2000 line, consists of four models sized at 26, 32, 40, and 46 inches. Each has a native resolution of 1,366x768. All but the 26-inch model have an improved backlight, which is said to help color reproduction, and the 40- and 46-inch models add 10-bit color, which should cut down on false contouring. Their styling is mostly black with a silver frame and rounded corners. Sony did deign to specify that it would ship the 26-inch model in summer and the others sometime this spring.

The step-up KDL-V3000 series includes a 40- and a 46-inch model, both shipping this summer. They up the ante with 1,920x1,080 (aka 1080p) native resolution and also include the improved backlight, 10-bit color, and an entirely black cabinet with sharp corners. Their HDMI inputs can handle 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 sources. The company didn't specify whether the sets could change refresh rates to a multiple of 24, which could help improve picture quality.

Finally Sony announced its only HDTV that deserves the "XBR" label, the KDL-32XBR4 (available sometime this spring). This 32-inch, 1,366x768 LCD TV has all of the features of the V3000 series but adds a 120Hz scan rate, which has the effect of "eliminating image blurring and motion artifacts like 'judder,'" according to the press release. It also offers a third HDMI input along with the ability to input PC signals via one of the HDMI ports. We expect this feature set to be indicative of larger XBR4 models sure to be announced later this year.

Sony also announced new rear-projection LCD TVs and more details on its Bravia Internet Link product, with which all seven of the above LCDs are compatible.

TV not included

(Credit: Sony)

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 stand, that doesn't mean the RHT-G800 doesn't have a decent feature set. In addition to its two component video inputs, three AV inputs, three optical audio inputs, one coaxial digital audio input, and four analog audio inputs, the G800 can decode Dolby Digital and DTS surround from any connected DVD player or game console. And if you're already on the Blu-ray or HD DVD bandwagon, the RHT-G800's HDMI inputs can handle up to six channels of uncompressed linear PCM audio as well.

Look for the Sony RHT-G800 to hit stores in May for $1,000.

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.

Sony STR-DG510

(Credit: Sony)

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 you'll only need to connect a XM Mini-Tuner to get reception--with a subscription, of course. Also included is the Digital Cinema Auto Calibration system, which should assist in setting the levels for your speakers. There's also the Portable Audio Enhancer, which supposedly makes compressed audio files--such as MP3s--sound better, although we haven't had any success with similar features in the past. Sony claims the STR-DG510 will deliver 100 watts to each of the channels. The STR-DG510 will be available in March with a list price of about $200.

Sony STR-DG710

(Credit: Sony)

Sony STR-DG810

(Credit: Sony)

The STR-DG710 and STR-DG810 also are 6.1 receivers and are the step-up models to the STR-DG510. Sony claims the STR-DG710 will deliver 105 watts to each channel, and the STR-DG810 steps it up to 110 watts per channels. The two receivers both offer HDMI "Active Intelligence," which supposedly is capable of detecting incoming signals and optimizing the receiver's settings. They both also offer a step-up to 1080p compatibility and also are capable of accepting up to eight channels of uncompressed digital audio over the HDMI connection. Sony also is touting the new Digital Media Port feature, which allows consumers to interface with any one of four accessories (sold separately) that provide connectivity to iPods, Bluetooth-enabled audio devices (such as Sony Ericsson's Walkman music phones), streaming network audio, or Sony's own Network Walkman portable music player. Also new for 2007 is what Sony calls "Bravia Theater Sync"--that's the company's proprietary name for Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), a feature that lets similarly supported products operate with each other when connected via HDMI. When properly implemented, it allows (for instance) a connected TV to power up and automatically switch to the correct input when the DVD player is selected. Like the DG510, both models will be XM Connect and Play-ready. The STR-DG710 and the STR-DG810 will be released in March with list prices of approximately $300 and $400, respectively.

Sony STR-DG910

(Credit: Sony)

The STR-DG910 is a 7.1 AV receiver and is the most fully featured of these new models. It includes the functionality of the step-down models, but also adds onscreen setup. The STR-DG910 will be available in April for about $500.

Sony DAV-HDX500

(Credit: Sony)

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 TVs. New for 2007 is what Sony calls "Bravia Theater Sync"--that's the company's proprietary name for Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), a feature that lets similarly supported products operate with each other when connected via HDMI. When properly implemented, it allows (for instance) a connected TV to power up and automatically switch to the correct input when the DVD player is selected. Also included in the Bravia HTIBs for the first time is Sony's new Digital Media Port. The jack allows consumers to interface with any one of four accessories (sold separately) that provide connectivity to iPods, Bluetooth-enabled audio devices (such as Sony Ericsson's Walkman music phones), streaming network audio, or Sony's own Network Walkman portable music player.

Sony DAV-HDX267W

(Credit: Sony)

All three of the Bravia home theater systems also offer HDMI outputs with the ability to upscale DVD movies to 720p and 1080i resolutions--while that doesn't deliver a true high-def image like the ones found on HD DVD and Blu-ray, it offers the potential for improved picture quality on some HDTVs. Home theater novices will appreciate each system's inclusion of automated speaker calibration (which Sony calls Digital Cinema Auto Calibration)--it automatically adjusts the speaker levels to the vagaries of your room at the touch of a button.

While each member of the Bravia trio has a lot in common with its siblings, there are some distinguishing characteristics. The DAV-HDX500 and DAV-HDX265 are merely "wireless ready"--their rear speakers can be connected to a $130 accessory that precludes the need to run speaker wires to the back of the room (although it does need to be wired to each of the rear speakers and plugged into a power source). The DAV-HDX267W, meanwhile, includes the wireless module in the box. Furthermore, the more expensive HDX500 is the only one of the three that sports a black finish (rather than silver), XM satellite radio compatibility (with the addition of a Connect and Play tuner and subscription), and "tallboy" style front speakers. Sony also highlighted the HDX500's optical and coaxial digital audio inputs, implying that they may not be present on the other two models.

Sony DAV-HDX265

(Credit: Sony)

Despite the dearth of Dream Systems in the lineup, a company spokesman insisted that the venerable line of high-style home theater systems is alive and well, so don't be surprised if Sony announces updated Dream models in the summer or fall. In the meantime, at least from a features standpoint, the new Bravia line looks to be offering some of the best home theater values seen under a Sony nameplate in a long time.

The Bravia Internet Video Link, available in June for $300, snaps onto the rear of compatible Sony TVs.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

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 Grouper, as well as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony BMG Music," according to the press release. As we mentioned at CES, it has some tough competition.

Sony's 2007 A2020 SXRDs are black.

(Credit: Sony)

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's KDS-A2000 series, except that the cabinets are all black instead of silver. According to their live pages on SonyStyle.com, the new A2020's will ship March 15. The 50-inch KDS-50A2020 will retail for $,2299, the 55-inch KDS-55A2020 for $2,499, and the 60-inch KDS-60A2020 for $2,899.

If last year is any indication, I expect Sony to announce details on the step-up XBR series of SXRDs around June, or perhaps a couple weeks earlier. In the meantime, rumors will percolate on the capabilities of the new sets, so I might as well get it started now: I've heard they may have a 120Hz refresh rate. I can't really see the benefit, since blurring and image lag aren't issues with SXRD to nearly the same extent as they are with flat-panel LCD TVs, but we'll see.

True HDTV fans are also asking, "What about HDMI 1.3?" Sony's rep told me they're "not talking" about that feature. I believe that's because the company would rather push its own branded features that depend on 1.3, such as wider color space, than refer to a generic feature. Whatever the reasoning, I don't believe any of the A2020 sets have HDMI 1.3, but I'm fairly certain the upcoming XBR models will. Since Sony isn't talking, we can't confirm yet.

In other Sony line show HDTV news, the company announced LCD-based rear-projection displays along with flat-panel LCDs and pricing on its BRAVIA Internet Link.

Sony HT-7100DH

(Credit: Sony)

Sony's new line of Bravia home theater systems may be turning heads, but the company is also debuting a troika of more traditional, component-based home-theater-in-a-box systems (HTIBs). Two of the three systems don't include DVD players (so you're not paying extra for something you already own). And while these systems may not have the slick look of the Bravia line, the inclusion of a full-scale A/V receiver offers the flexibility of more A/V inputs.

Sony HT-DDW790

(Credit: Sony)

The "HT" line is composed of three products: the HT-DDW790 ($200, March), the HT-DDW990 ($300, May), and the HT-7100DH ($500, March), all of which are 5.1-channel products with an 8-inch subwoofer. Each system includes the same Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) feature found in the Bravia home theater systems--it utilizes the included microphone to automatically adjust the speaker levels to the vagaries of your room at the touch of a button.

Sony HT-DDW990

(Credit: Sony)

In addition to a standard allotment of component video and digital audio inputs, the HT-DDW990 and HT-7100DH each include two HDMI inputs and one output, as well as Sony's Digital Media Port. That proprietary jack allows consumers to interface with any one of four accessories (sold separately) that provide connectivity to iPods, Bluetooth-enabled audio devices (such as Sony Ericsson's Walkman music phones), streaming network audio, or Sony's own Network Walkman portable music player. In addition to being XM-ready, the HT-7100DH is the only one of the three to include a DVD player--a 5-disc DVD changer with 720p/1080i upscaling via HDMI.

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 audio streaming can also be paired with the unit. Unlike the MEX-BT5000, the MEX-BT2500 also features an auxiliary-input jack on the faceplate, enabling non-A2DP devices--such as the iPod--to be connected and played via the car's speakers.

The MEX-BT2500 delivers 52 watts of output across four channels. Look for it to hit the shelves in March with a price tag of around $180.