There were 18 new LCD flat panel HDTVs introduced, bringing Sony’s flat panel lineup up to more than 50 models. (If you’re just getting back from an extended stay in the Antarctic, Sony dropped rear projection HDTVs from its line several weeks ago.) Most of the new models should be available this spring, but no prices were announced. The big introductions were two new Z-series models, the KDL-40Z4100 (40-inches) and the KDL-46Z4100 (46-inches). Apart from all the usual Sony features, including 24p input capability, 120Hz Motionflow high frame rate technology, and readiness for Sony’s Bravia Internet Video Link and other, future expansion modules, the Z models have new, thin-frame bezels and, at an estimated 2″ thick (the precise depth was not given) are the thinnest Sony flat panels yet and possibly the thinnest on the market (so far).
There were also new W- and V-series sets, each available in three sizes (40-, 46-, and 52-inches). Just where these models will fit into the Sony line relative to the XBRs, which remain the flagship designs, won’t be certain until we see the prices. Two new, smaller XBR models were introduced, the KDL-32XBR6 (32-inches and the KDL-37XBR6 (37-inches), both shipping in the summer. The “XBR6” designation hints at things to come for the larger XBR models, but the 40-, 46-, and 52-inch XBR4 and XBR5 sets remain unchanged, for now, and probably won’t be replaced until the fall.
Sony again featured its astonishing, $2,500 11-inch OLED flat panels. But affordable, home theater-sized models are likely a good way off. And no new 1080p projectors were announced (that’s also a CEDIA thing). But the relatively new VPL-VW40 SXRD ($3,000), a design that has trickled down from the discontinued $5,000 VPL-VW50 (now replaced by the VPL-VW60 at the same price) made a solid impression on an 87-inch wide, Stewart Studiotek 130 screen.
