Sony Announces 2009 Bravia Line

Sony is saying “bravo” to Bravia. Apparently the line is pretty popular, because they are adding a whole mess of them for 2009.

The Bravia VE5 series will feature three new models: the 52-inch KDL-52VE5, the 46-inch KDL-46VE5 and the 40-inch KDL-40VE5. Each one boasts a zero-watt standby power switch, along with motion and light sensors that can save viewers a few bucks on the energy bill, even while watching a sweet screen.

Each unit also features Sony’s exclusive micro-tubular Hot Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (HCFL). The company says this feature should cut down power consumption by almost 40 percent, compared to their other LCDs. Other features include the Bravia Engine 2, Bravia Sync, 24p True Cinema, and four HDMI inputs. All three will be available this summer.

If you care less about power consumption and more about the entertainment consumption, both the new XBR9 and Z-series will feature an Ethernet connection for direct access to BRAVIA Internet Video content. Aside from real-time info such as stock, weather, and other widgets, the unit will provide access to movies, as well as content from partners including Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Yahoo!, and Slacker.

Web-enabled models include the 32-inch KDL-32XBR9, the 52-inch KDL-52XBR9, the 46-inch KDL-46XBR9, the 40-inch KDL-40XBR9, the 52-inch KDL-52Z5100, the 46-inch KDL-46Z5100, and the 40-inch KDL-40Z5100. They all feature XrossMediaBar (XMB), TV Guide Onscreen, Bravia Sync, Motionflow 240Hz technology, and a USB input for photos, music and video from external storage devices. All will be available this spring.

If you don’t want bells and whistles, Sony will have nine other Bravia models, running the gamut in both size and price range. Expect to see new models in the L-, S- and V-series, ranging from 26 to 52 inches diagonally. All promise a full HD 1080p picture, Motionflow 120Hz technology, four HDMI inputs, Bravia Sync for simplified control, and a USB input. Expect those new models to start popping up this spring.