Sony Bravia television line up for 2009

The new BRAVIA range for 2009 is all about two things this year: slick design and less cables. In particular, the BRAVIA 1080 wireless design for the ZX1 and EX1 models are cable-free, transmitting the data from the TV to a seperate box that uses RF (radio frequency) technology. Thankfully, that means you don't need to point the remote at the TV to make it work.

The most stunning model on display was the world's thinnest production LCD screen: the Sony Bravia ZX1.  And we got a chance to get a closer look at during Sony's official launch for the new BRAVIA range.

The 40" ZX1 features a super skinny panel with rich, deep black tones. It measures just 9.9mm across for a full HD display panel. This is achieved by using side-mounted LEDs (edge LED technology) to illuminate the screen instead of the typical LCD backlight array.

More impressively, the panel appears to be tailormade for Blu-Ray movies. We watched a few scenes from the Dark Knight on a ZX1 demo model and we were very impressed with the results. The ZX1 also boasts four HDMI imputs, 24p True Cinema and x.v. Colour. But thin asthetics won't come cheap - the price tag for the ZX1 is $7,399, which might be out of range for most telly buyers.

The Sony Bravia EX1 range has a few less features than the ZX1, but slightly more competitive pricing (though still expensive), including the KDL40EX1 at $5399. Factor in the BRAVIA 1080 Wireless Motionflow 100Hz with IB reduction and much of the same technology behind the ZX1 and you have a top designed TV at a more accessible price (than the ZX1).

The new Bravia EX1 range for 2009 also says goobye to the 'old fashioned', but likable (at least, we still like them) black box design. The new EX1 sports a silver 'picture frame' inspired border to supposably blend in more with the home decor.