Sony Unveil W-Series Bravia HDTV Range [Full HD Networked HDTVs]

Sony have officially launched their new W-Series of Bravia HDTVs which, like the previously announced Bravia Z5100 and XBR9 HDTV units, offer full network connectivity courtesy of integrated Ethernet connections whilst dropping the aforementioned units high-end panel technology in order to deliver keener pricing points.

The new Sony W-Series of BRAVIA Engine 3 HDTVs will initially consist of the 52″ KDL-52W5100, 46″ KDL-46W5100 and the 40″ KDL-40W5100, all of which feature Sony’s Motionflow 120Hz technology, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) compliance, XrossMediaBar interface and, in terms of connectivity (aside from the aforementioned Ethernet) come with 4x HDMI as well as single PC, component, composite and S-video inputs.

Official Sony Press Release:

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^TM 120Hz technology for improved sharpness and detail in fast-moving images. They also feature Sony’s BRAVIA Engine^TM 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^TM
• XrossMediaBar^TM (XMB)with enhanced 3D favorites menu
• Internet powered TV Guide Onscreen
• BRAVIA Sync^TM
• 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.