Sony Australia today announced its Bravia LCD TV lineup for 2011. The HX, NX, EX, CX and BX Bravia range comprises eight different models, with a host of screen sizes in each category. In all, there are a whopping 22 new HD TVs to choose from, ranging from basic 32 inch models to feature-packed 65in behemoths.
Sony Bravia NX720
In the following article, we explain the new features found in Sony's 2011 TV range to determine how they compare on paper. We've also highlighted which models we think stand out the most. If you're not sure which Sony Bravia TV to buy, read on for a better understanding of the product range.
Sony Internet TV
One of the most hotly-touted features in Sony’s new Bravia range is Internet TV. As its name implies, Internet TV is a Web-based service that opens up your television to the World Wide Web. In the words of Sony Australia's Group Manager for Network Services and Technology, Paul Colley: "Anything that you like to do on the Internet you will be able to do on the [Internet TV] service."
Sony, along with most of its competitors, is trying to turn TV into an active medium, much like the explosion in user-interactivity that occured during the move to Web 2.0. You can read a further explanation of internet-based television here.
Sony Internet TV provides instant access to online content through Sony’s IPTV service. 24 Internet channels are currently available in Australia, including Billabong, ABC iView and Yahoo!7. Users can also surf the Web, log into social networking sites, watch YouTube clips optimised for HD TV displays and chat to their friends and family on Skype (the HX925 even comes bundled with a Skype camera so you can get started right away).
Sony Bravia CX520
Another neat feature offered by Internet TV is the ability to discover song information from movies, TV shows and advertisements. The inbuilt tool, dubbed 'Track ID', analyses music tracks and then identifies them online. This is handy if you hear a song you love but have no idea who sings it.
With the exception of the entry-level BX320, every TV in Sony's 2011 Bravia range comes with Internet TV functionality. However, some models require a USB Wi-Fi adaptor, which is sold seperately.
Music Unlimited/Qriocity
The 2011 Bravia TV range is the first to feature Sony’s new music streaming service, Music Unlimited Powered by Qriocity.
Qriocity is a cloud-based digital music service that allows you to stream music directly to your TV. There are currently over 6 million tracks available, from labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and EMI Music.
Tracks are categorised by genre, era and mood. According to Sony, the Qriocity service also adapts to users’ musical preferences by analysing their listening habits. You can also sync your existing music collection from iTunes and other media players.
Music Unlimited is an 'all you can eat' subscription service, with prices starting at $4.99 a month.
3D TV
Sony has been getting behind 3D in a big way recently, and the 2010 Bravia TV range is no exception. Of the 22 new models, 21 are 3D-capable (the sole exception is the Bravia BX320). However, only the HX925, HX820 and NX720 come with 3D glasses included in the sales package.
Sony's new 3D TVs come with built-in 3D emitters and panel drive enhancements that reportedly deliver quicker response times. The Sony Bravia HX925 comes with two pairs of rechargable 3D glasses. To recharge the glasses, you simply connect to the TV via USB.
Here's how Sony's 2011 Bravia HD TV range compares on paper:
| Model |
HX925 |
HX820 |
NX720 |
EX720 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Price |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
| Size (inches) |
55, 65
|
46, 55
|
40, 46, 55 |
32, 40, 46, 55, 60
|
| Blacklight |
Intelligent Peak LED backlight |
Dynamic Edge LED
backlight |
Dynamic Edge LED backlight (46in
and 55in only) |
Edge LED backlight |
| Motionflow |
XR 800 |
XR 400 |
XR 200 |
XR 200
|
| 3D |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (glasses sold seperately)
|
| Networking |
Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n) |
Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n) |
Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n) |
Optional (requires USB adaptor) |
| Processor |
XReality PRO Picture Engine |
X-Reality PRO Picture Engine |
X-Reality Picture
Engine |
XReality
Picture Engine |
| Internet TV |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes
|
| Skype |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes
|
| Release date |
May 2011 (55in)
Sept 2011 (65in)
|
May 2011
|
April 2011 (40in)
May 2011 (45in, 55in)
|
April 2011 (32in)
May 2011 (40in, etc.)
|
| Model |
EX520 |
EX420 |
CX520 |
BX320 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Price |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
| Size (inches) |
32, 40, 46
|
26, 32
|
32, 40 |
22, 26, 32
|
| Blacklight |
Edge LED backlight |
Edge LED backlight |
N/A |
N/A |
| Motionflow |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A
|
| 3D |
No
|
No |
No |
No
|
| Networking |
Optional (requires USB adaptor)
|
Optional (requires USB adaptor) |
Optional (requires USB adaptor) |
No
|
| Processor |
X-Reality
Picture Engine |
X-Reality
Picture Engine |
X-Reality Picture
Engine |
XReality
Picture Engine |
| Internet TV |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
| Skype |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No
|
| Release date |
March 2011 (46in)
April 2011 (40in)
July 2011 (32in)
|
March 2011
|
March 2011 (32in)
April 2011 (40in)
|
March 2011 |
Over the page, we take a look at some of the standout models in Sony's new Bravia range...
