Leak shows Sony XBR12, new OLED TVs
updated 12:35 pm EST, Fri November 13, 2009
Sony XBR11, XBR12, KDL-ZX hinted
A leak today hints Sony is planning to tackle the high end of the TV market with at least two new XBR models and a long anticipated update to its OLED sets. The KDL-ZX will allegedly be Sony's first OLED set since last year's XEL-1 and, though no details are mentioned in the HDTVLounge data, is likely to use Sony's recently previewed 21-inch OLED panel. Its screen is 10 inches larger than that of the XEL-1 and produces the same 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio but at a greater than 720p resolution.
Among LCD TVs, the XBR11 line would use white LED backlighting to improve its image quality above normally blue LEDs; the XBR12 would use an RGB LED with even better accuracy and local dimming to improve the contrast ratio in darker scenes. Sizes in the newer XBR line should range between 32 and 60 inches, and every set should have a Bravia Engine 3 Pro and a UV2 anti-glare filter.
Other sets are also planned but have few details. These would be headed up by the X-500 and 650 series mid-range and high-end sets, with edge-based LED lighting, but would also include direct sequels to existing models: the Z6100 should be Sony's best conventionally-lit set, while the W6100, V6100 and S6100 would handle the mainstream and budget fields.
Launch details aren't known but are likely to involve a CES introduction in January.
