During CES, Sony made it apparent that they want to give their Bravia lineup a refresh across the board and pack them with features not found on other sets. This is in part, the evolution of the Bravia televisions that began their internet connectivity over two years ago and the 3D expansion that Sony started a year ago. Now for their 2011 lineup, a whopping 27 new models across 9 lineups is being released. 22 of the models will be gaining full internet TV connectivity (only the 5 starting models don’t gain this feature) while the top 16 models will be getting transmitter free 3D built in. Some of the internet TV services will Sony Music Unlimited Streaming Service and Video on Demand ; Qriocity, as well as Netflix, Pandora, HuluPlus, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Crackle, Blip.tv. Other features to set the Bravia lineup apart from others will be Skype connectivity for select devices which with a Sony 720p camera (CMU-BR100) will give you access to any other user out there with Skype. Having played with the feature during CES, I can happily report that the features works effortlessly and smoothly.

While in middle of watching a show, if somebody contacts you while you are logged into your Skype account via your Bravia set, a small notification will appear on the TV which you can then choose to accept or decline the call. Once accept, your TV show will get muted and reduced to the bottom corner and the video call will go live, full center on the screen. Here, you will also have full Skype functionality, meaning you can call other numbers and connect to any other Skype enabled device.

Bravia Television with Skype, Live!

Sony also debuted the XBR-HX929, their new flagship model with some great industry firsts. Besides having the built in 3D, 720p Skype calling and  internet TV functionality, Gorilla Glass will be making it’s way into the model as the new screen, allowing for thinner, lighter, and stronger screen material. Like it’s predecessor, full-array local dimming LED backlight is back with Sony’s new Bravia engine, the X-Reality PRO Engine which has been built from the ground up to offer better color and image accuracy. To top off all these features, Sony is also introducing what they call MotionFlow XR960. Those who are familiar with MotionFlow will know that first we started off with 120hz and higher end TV’s later gained 240hz to match the quality of Plasma TV’s by reducing the ghosting effect that LCD televisions can have and this can be more apparent with 3D content. Now the XBR-HX929 will offer 960hz, almost quadrupling previous offerings and having witnessed it, it’s damn impressive. The XBR-HX929 will come in a 65-inch (XBR-65HX292, which is available in August 2011), 55-inch (XBR-55HX929), and 46-inch (XBR-46HX929) and will be out in April.

Bravia Monolithic Design

Hit the jump for the full press release and spec offerings of the 9 new model lineups from Sony, as well as additional pictures.

 SONY REDEFINES TELEVISION WITH NEW BRAVIA LCD HDTV LINE
New Models Drive Innovation With Unprecedented Access To Internet Content, Skype, 3D, and Striking Industrial Design

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200), Jan. 5, 2011 –Sony’s new BRAVIA® HDTV lineup is redefining the television category again. Building on its broad line of innovative 3D and Internet connected TVs, Sony’s 2011 BRAVIA LCD HDTV line include 16 new 3D capable models and 22 Internet connected models. In all, the line features 27 new models ranging in screen size from 22 inches to 65 inches (measured diagonally).
“Sony’s BRAVIA televisions deliver a complete entertainment experience – from instant access to online video content to the immersiveness of 3D theatrical features, sports, and video games, we’re redefining the form and function of television,” said Chris Fawcett, vice president for Sony’s television business. “While innovative features are important, rest assured that Sony’s hallmark picture quality and unmatched industrial design remains intact, making BRAVIA the perfect centerpiece for any home décor.”
Lean Back and Surf
Delivering the entertainment you want, when you want it, the 2011 BRAVIA line offers 22 models that deliver instant access to online entertainment. Whether connecting to a home broadband network via Wi-Fi (802.11n) or Ethernet connection, compatible models offer access to over 40 free and premium movies, video, and music services through the BRAVIA Internet Video platform including Sony’s Video On Demand and Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity™, as well as Netflix™, Pandora®, HuluPlus™, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube™, Slacker® Internet Radio, Crackle, Blip.tv.
Video On Demand powered by Qriocity is a premium video streaming service with instant access to Hollywood blockbusters, and Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity is a cloud-based, streaming music service which gives music lovers access at anytime to a constantly expanding catalog of over six million global music tracks from major labels.
A number of the new BRAVIA models will also have Skype™ embedded. After connecting the Sony camera and microphone (CMU-BR100, sold separately) users can enjoy free widescreen Skype-to-Skype video calls with friends and family from the comfort of their living rooms. Users can also make voice calls while simultaneously watching TV.
The new connected models also make certain users will never have to wonder what that song playing during their favorite movie, TV program, or commercial is again. Sony’s new Track ID powered by Gracenote, analyzes any selected song playing back on the TV, identifies it, and provides artist, album, and song information.
Expanding 3D
The 2011 BRAVIA line includes 16 new 3D models that deliver outstanding performance with Sony’s active shutter technology. Building on last year, the new line offers affordable 3D entry models all the way up to Sony’s top-of-the-line flagship models that pack best-in-class picture quality with every feature for the complete entertainment experience.
Improvements to this year’s 3D models include panel drive enhancements that deliver quicker response time helping to reduce crosstalk, 5:5 pull down for a more realistic cinematic movie experience, built-in 3D emitters on all 3D models.
Expanding the 3D content users can view, the new BRAVIA 3D capable models can display 3D images taken with Sony’s new Cyber-shot cameras like the DSC-WX9 via USB input.

Driving Picture Quality
From full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc, to broadcast HD, to user-generated Internet Video content, processing of incoming content is essential for an excellent picture. To this end, Sony has upgraded the BRAVIA processing power with the new X-Reality PRO and X-Reality Engine digital video processors.
The X-Reality PRO Engine is a two-chip digital video processor that optimizes high definition content, compressed HD signals, standard definition, and other sources including low resolution Internet content. Utilizing a vast database of “ideal” signal patterns developed by analyzing and indexing and enormous library of film and video, the X-Reality PRO Engine compares incoming signals pixel-by-pixel with ideal scenes to display vivid and detailed images.
Additionally, the engine’s multi-frame analysis helps create missing resolution and Sony’s Super Bit Mapping technology incorporates 14 bit up-scaling, processing and pixel mapping to smooth gradation and improve the quality of low-tone pictures.
Found in select models, the single chip X-Reality Engine utilizes Sony’s Intelligent Image Enhancer technology to deliver outstanding picture quality. Incoming video is separated into constituent parts (outline, texture, and color/contrast), and the appropriate image enhancement is added to each part. The engine also uses Intelligent MPEG Noise Reduction to automatically detect the incoming sources and noise level to apply the appropriate amount of noise reduction for each scene.
Also new for select models is Sony’s Intelligent Peak LED Backlight which uses full array local dimming for deeper blacks, while also boosting brightness in lighter scenes creating incredible on-screen contrast, while Sony’s OptiContrast panel elevates the picture to the front surface of the TV and creates a dark background for rich, vibrant, high contrast picture even in well-lit rooms.
Sony’s MotionFlow™ XR builds on previous versions of the company’s motion compensation technology and helps to reduce blur caused by quick camera movements, enhancing sharpness and creating a clearer picture.

Simplifying User Interface and Functionality
Select new BRAVIA models feature Sony’s improved user interface that delivers uninterrupted viewing and intuitive navigation. Retaining the intuitive operation of the award-winning Xross Bar (XMB™), the new UI provides uninterrupted viewing by disseminating the video and placing key menu functions and favorite along the bottom and side of the picture frame.
Additionally, the models feature an improved remote control and offer control via the Media Remote application on iPhone, iPod Touch or Android mobile device. The app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace, functions as a full remote with keyboard, allows online content search, and playback.

BRAVIA XBR-HX929 Series 3D Capable HDTV
Available in April, Sony’s new 3D capable (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses, sold separately), XBR-HX929 series features brilliant full HD (1080p) picture quality with Sony’s Intelligent Peak LED backlight for outstanding contrast.
The model also features Sony’s MotionFlow XR 960 featuring a precise backlight control that is synchronized with the liquid crystal movement from frame to frame creating clearer, sharper moving images.
The beautifully designed model features Sony’s improved Monolithic Design Concept that draws viewers into the picture when the TV is turned on, and blends into the room décor when turned off. The 2011 Monolithic Design BRAVIA models incorporate Corning®’s Gorilla® Glass allowing for thinner, lighter, and stronger screen material.
With integrated with Wi-Fi (802.11n), the XBR-HX929 models offer instant access to thousands of Internet movies, videos and music from BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity. Sony’s Media Remote app provides simple operation and search for internet content.
The XBR-HX929 models are also custom installation friendly with key features such as rear IR-input and a two-way RS232c connection for easier integration with third-party control systems.
Other XBR-HX929 Series features include:
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with full-array local dimming LED backlight
· Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
· Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
· X-Reality™ PRO Engine
· MotionFlow™ XR 960
· Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
· Screen sizes include 65-inch (XBR-65HX292, which is available in August 2011), 55-inch (XBR-55HX929), and 46-inch (XBR-46HX929)

Other new BRAVIA models include:

BRAVIA® HX820-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
· Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
· Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· X-Reality™ PRO Engine
· MotionFlow™ XR 480
· Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55HX820), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX820)

BRAVIA® NX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
· Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
· Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· MotionFlow™ XR 240
· X-Reality™ Engine
· Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60NX720), 55-inch (KDL-55NX720), and 46-inch (KDL-46NX720)

BRAVIA® HX729-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
· X-Reality™ PRO Engine
· MotionFlow™ XR 480
· Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
· Screen sizes include 65-inch (KDL-65HX729), 55-inch (KDL-55HX729), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX729)

BRAVIA® EX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in February
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
· X-Reality™ Engine
· MotionFlow™ XR 240
· Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60EX720, which is available in April), 55-inch (KDL-55EX720), 46-inch (KDL-46EX720), 40-Inch (KDL-40EX720), and 32-inch (KDL-32EX720)

BRAVIA® EX620-Series LED LCD HDTV
Available in February
· Brilliant Full High Definition (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
· X-Reality™ Engine
· MotionFlow™ 120
· Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55EX620), 46-inch (KDL-46EX620), and 40-Inch (KDL-40EX620)

BRAVIA® EX520-Series LED LCD HDTV
Available in February
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight
· X-Reality™ Engine
· Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™
· Energy saving Presence Sensor minimize power consumption
· Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46EX520), 40-inch (KDL-40EX520), 32-inch (KDL-32EX520)

BRAVIA® BX420-Series HDTV
Available in February
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with CCFL backlight
· Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices
· USB input for photo, music and video playback
· Scene select customized picture and sound settings
· Ambient Light Sensor
· Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46BX420), 40-inch (KDL-40BX420), and 32-inch (KDL-32BX420)

BRAVIA® BX320-Series HDTV
Available in February
· Amazing High Definition (720p) picture quality with CCFL backlight
· Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices
· USB input for photo, music and video playback
· Scene select customized picture and sound settings
· Ambient Light Sensor
· Screen sizes include 32-inch (KDL-32BX320), and 22-inch (KDL-22BX320)

For further details and pre-orders, please visit www.sony.com/bravia or Sony Style retail stores across the country.
To learn about the 3D world created by Sony, please visit www.sony.net/united/3D.