Just in time for Spring, Sony has announced the new 1080p W-Series (52-inch KDL-52W5100, 46-inch KDL-46W5100 or 40-inch KDL-40W5100), which like their bigger sisters, the XBR9 and Bravia Z5100, sport not only an ethernet jack which will allow for updates, but also have access to Yahoo! Widgets like news and weather. From there on, these units will also have access to Sony Pictures content, Amazon Video on Demand and YouTube. Of course, one could presumibly see Netflix and Blockbuster Streaming come via an update, but that seems doubtful. Other new features to the W Series is Sony’s Motionflow 120Hz technology, DLNA compatibility, a USB port for loading up external media, BRAVIA Sync (HDMI-CEC), four HDMI inputs and the Xross Media Bar (XMB) interface.

Sony has set a goal of having most of their equipment connect to the web by 2011 and we see this in their new Bravia series, as well as their Cybershot G3. With that in mind, Sony can help push their content and I cant help but think, that Sony needs to have PSN (PlayStation Network) part of this strategy somehow. They are already offering PS3 and PSP users with loads of content. Why not offer the Bravia users access to the same Movies and Rentals, if they already plan on giving them Sony Pictures content.

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

• BRAVIA Sync™
• 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.