This week is a big one for HD TV, two of the industry's hardest hitters, Sony and Panasonic, making their cases with new products.
Motionflow 200Hz - Bravia Z5550 series
It's almost like Sony execs knew what Panasonic were planning with their motion technology. Fact is, most of the TV brands are pumping up the motion tech jargon speak, with a view to convince customers that strobing and panning in sports and films shouldn't involve jerky frames and blurry movement.
Sony's latest, the Z5500, will take advantage of the latest 200Hz Motionflow technology (increasing frame rates from 50 to 200/sec), but will it be enough to convince customers to put down the big bucks? As you would expect Sony's demonstration of two older panels side by side with the Z5500 at a media presentation today was particularly impressive.
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| The Sony Z5500 with 200hz Motionflow technology for crispier, less blurry images |
A 50Hz and 100Hz Television had noticeable frame buffering problems during panning and flying sequences in the demo footage, while the 200Hz model was sharper and had richer colours.
The point to remember about these tests, is that the demo footage is chosen to represent exactly what the brand is pushing, so real world testing with a popular film (such as the Dark Knight) is the next logical step, and one we would have preferred.
The Z5500 also plays in true 24p cinema mode and is enhanced by the Bravia Engine 3. Prices aren't available yet, but you can bet it's not going to be cheap. The Z series should land in stores sometime around July, according to Sony. Models include:
- KDL52Z5500 200Hz Full HD 1080p
- KDL46Z5500 200Hz Full HD 1080p
- KDL40Z5500 200Hz Full HD 1080p
Sony go energy conscious, WE5 LCD range takes on the humble lightbulb
It's not just Panasonic who are keen to get their energy efficient TVs on the market; the Sony WE5 apparently consumes the equivalent of two average incandescent light bulbs (75W each). We think they might need to scale down their lightbulb assessment - not all homes are wired with 75W bulbs. Still, this TV is rated at 5 energy stars, which is more than you'll see with most other models. While it doesn't feature the advanced 200hz Motionflow processor of the Z series, 100Hz isn't too bad either. Expect to see them in May. Models include:
- KDL46WE5 46" 100Hz Full HD 1080p ($3,799)
- KDL40WE5 40" 100Hz Full HD 1080p ($3,199)
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| The Sony WE5 helps with the monthly power bill |
W5500 series
The big announcement for Sony is the pledge to make every LCD a Full HD equipped television. Sony are spured on by the arrival of Freeview, with the hope customers get the most out of their 1980- x 1080 resolution.
- KDL46W5500 46" 100Hz Full HD 1080p ($3,499)
- KDL40W5500 40" 100Hz Full HD 1080p ($2,899)
- KDL322W5500 32" 100Hz Full HD 1080p ($2,099)
V5500 series
This is Sony's lower end range. New models include:
- KDL40V5500 40" Full HD 1080p ($2,099)
- KDL32V5500 32" Full HD 1080p ($1,799)