Sony intros thinnest-ever BRAVIA LCDs, 240Hz model

Japanese electronics giant Sony today introduced four new lines of BRAVIA LCDs, including the XR1 series, which sports a new LED backlight to endow the sets with a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio; the ZX1 series, featuring a sub-0.4-inch LCD thickness at the thinnest point; the W1 line, with Sony’s Motion Flow 240Hz display panel, and the X1 collection, which relies on existing CCFL backlighting technology to deliver 3,000:1 contrast. All are capable of 1080p resolution.

The XR1s are available as the 55-inch KDL-55XR1 and 46-inch KDL-46XR1. Apart from a high contrast ratio, the sets feature a 120Hz refresh rate and Sony’s 10-bit BRAVIA Pro 2 image processing engine.

The W1 sets, labeled Z4500 for European markets, should be the first commercially-available LCDs with a four-speed, 240Hz display panel, expected to significantly reduce or eliminate motion blurs and artifacts during fast-moving scenes. The W1s will be available in 46-inch KDL-46W1 and 40-inch KDL-40W1 variants.

The ZX1, only available in a 40-inch size, features a Wireless High Definition Interface (WHDI), allowing users to stream 1080p HD video from distant sources. It is 1.1 inches at thickest point, which may be the reason for requiring an external tuner.

The X1 sets, called EX1 in Europe, are the least feature-laden, although they do support wireless HD connectivity. They are divided into 52-, 46- and 40-inch sizes, and should benefit from the same 10-bit BRAVIA Pro 2 engine as the flagship XR1s, along with a narrow LCD bezel.

All of the eight new Sony BRAVIAs will also be equipped with DLNA and Digital Media Extender technology.

The XR1 and X1 TVs will start launching in Japan on October 10th, with the 55-inch XR1 priced at an equivalent of about $6,900, and the 46-inch version costing about $5,500. The KDL-52X1 will sticker for about $4,900, the mid-range KDL-46X1 at $3,950, and the smaller KDL-40X1 at $2,940. The ZX1 and W1 LCDs should launch on November 10th, priced at approximate values of $4,500 for the 40-inch ZX1, $4,700 for the KDL-46W1, and $2,700 for the KDL-40W1. European prices or release dates have not been revealed. A North American release is expected soon. [via Impress]