Second bad news for Sony today: Following the hack attempts at three of their networks, the company today announced [JP] that it will recall a total of 1.6 million BRAVIA LCD TV sets sold in Japan and other regions. The problem is a backlight component inside the TVs that could overheat and make the upper casing melt.

The eight TVs in question were sold after 2007. Here are the model numbers: KDL-40D3400, KDL-40D3500, KDL-40D3550, KDL-40D3660, KDL-40V3000, KDL-40W3000, KDL-40X3000 and KDL-40X3500.

A Sony spokeswoman told Bloomberg that a total of eleven incidents were reported in Japan since 2008. In this country, Sony started selling five of the TVs affected by the recall in September 2007 (using the model numbers KDL-40X5000/40X5050/40W5000/40V5000/40V3000).

Just 189,000 of the BRAVIAs were sold within Japan, meaning most of the users affected by the recall are probably located in the US and Europe. Sony claims that outside no incidents outside Japan were reported so far but urges owners everywhere to stop using the TVs in question and to immediately contact the company.

Sony has unveiled [JP] a total of six new BRAVIA LCD TVs to be released in Japan next month, and it looks like technically, Sony has focused on three key areas: the integration of 3D, web connectivity, and advanced picture processing.

All six TVs have a full HD panel, feature 3D support (glasses required) with S-Force front surround 3D sound, come with 4 HDMI and two USB ports, and have Sony’s X-Reality PRO picture processing engine and MotionFlow motion interpolation on board.

They also support Sony’s VOD service Qriocity, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and a handful of Japanese web sites.

The high-end HX920 series consists of a 55-inch model ($5,300) and a 46-incher ($4,300).

The HX820 series’ 55-inch ($4,550) and 46-inch ($3,580) models are slightly cheaper because they feature “just” edge-lit panels (the HX920 TVs come with Sony’s 3D “Intelligent Peak 3D LED” system for displaying brighter pictures in 3D).

The TVs of the low-end HX720 series lack Sony’s “monolithic design” and the Wi-Fi function the other new BRAVIAs come with. Sony plans to sell the 46-inch HX720 model for $3,500, while the 40-incher will cost $2,600.

Sony announced [JP] three new BRAVIA-branded TVs today, and – big surprise – none of them are 3D-capable. The main selling point here is that all models come with a built-in 500GB HDD and allow users to transfer content from the hard disc to external HDDs via USB.

The flagship model, the 40-inch KDL-40EX52H (pictured above), also features an LED edge-lit display with full HD resolution, a double digital TV tuner, Ethernet, 10W×2ch speakers, and 3 HDMI ports (price: $1,800).

Sony also announced two more basic models, the 32-inch KDL-32EX42H (pictured above) and the 22-inch KDL-22EX42H. These models share the main features of the big-size BRAVIA, but their screen only features 1,366×768 resolution (prices: $1,340 for the 32-incher and $1,100 for the 22-inch TV).

Sony plans to roll out all three models in Japan on March 20.

Mitsubishi showed them yesterday, and Sony followed [JP] today: All-in-one LCD TVs that feature 3D capability and come with built-in Blu-ray recorders and HDDs. The so-called BRAVIA 2 KDL series consists of three different 3D TVs (two of which come with “2D” Blu-ray recorders only).

All TVs feature full HD resolution, a Blu-ray recorder that plays 3D Blu-rays, a 500GB HDD, double TV tuners, LED backlight, 10W×2ch speakers, three HDMI interfaces, and a USB port. 3D glasses have to be bought separately.

In Japan, the TVs will be available in three sizes starting December 5: 40 ($3,500), 46 ($4,260/pictured below), and 55 inches ($5,200/pictured on top). These are exactly the sizes of the Mitsubishi models we’ve shown you yesterday.

Sony also introduced a 26- ($1,720) and a 32-inch ($1,780) TV, but both come with “inferior” specs: a 500 GB HDD, CCFL backlight, 1,366×768 resolution, and no 3D capability. They will be released in Japan on November 30.

Granted, the seven new LCD (non-3D) TVs Sony announced [JP] in Japan today are not as sexy as their 3D counterparts, but they are worth mentioning, too. The new BRAVIAs break down into three series, the NX800, the HX700 and the HDD-equipped BX-30H. In contrast to the 3D TVs presented today, Sony didn’t go into details regarding international sales plans for their 2D models.

NX800

The NX800 series consists of a 40- and a 46-inch model, the KDL-46NX800 (pictured above). Both are full HD and come with LED backlight, four HDMI ports, a USB port, wireless LAN, and the so-called On/Off Conscious function, which makes sure the TVs get turned off automatically when they detect no people in the vicinity.

Prices: $2,200 for the small model, $2,900 for the 46-incher (release date for both: April 30).

HX700

The HX700 series consists of two models with the same sizes as the NX800 TVs. The 46-inch model, the KDL-46HX700, is pictured above. Spec-wise, these two displays lack the wireless LAN function and the LED backlight (they have CCFL backlights instead). Prices: $2,100 for the 40-incher, and $2,800 for the 46-inch model (release date: April 30).

BX-30H

The main selling point of the BX-30H series is the 500GB HDD the 22-, 26- and 32-inch models come with (the 32-incher, the KDL-32BX-30H is pictured above). All three models have CCFL backlights, feature just 1,366×768 resolution, don’t have a USB port and only three HDMI interfaces. Prices: $900 for the smallest version, $1,050 for the 26-inch model and $1,120 for the 32-incher.

All BX-30H TVs will hit Japanese stores on June 10.

The eight Sony 3D TVs are very nice too look at and appear to be less expensive than their Panasonic counterparts.

Here’s all you need to know:

LX900 series

The flagship LX900 series consists of four models with screen sizes between 40 ($3,200), 42 ($3,900), 50 ($4,800) and 60 inches ($6,500). Buyers will get 2 pairs of active shutter glasses, wireless LAN, full HD, 4 HDMI ports, a USB port, video-on demand, and LED backlight. The 60-inch model, the KDL-60LX900, is pictured above.

There’s also an “intelligent people sensor system”, which adjusts images and sound depending on where viewers are located. And through face detection, the TVs can even be “personalized”. For example, the TVs can detect if a child is sitting too close to the screen and display a warning message. And if nobody is in the room for a certain period of time, the TVs shut down automatically (“On/Off Conscious” function).

The 40- and 42-inch models will go on sale in Japan on June 10, followed by the bigger LX900 models on July 16.

HX900

The HX900 series consists of a 46- ($4,350) and a 52-inch ($5,250) model. For some odd reason, 3D glasses are not included in the price. These models are full HD, too. The HX900 series shares main specs with the KX900 (outlined above) but lacks the fancy sensor systems and wireless LAN. The bigger of the two models, the KDL-52HX900, is pictured above.

Both HX900 models go on sale on July 16.

HX800

Priced at $2,450 for the 40-inch model and $3,100 for 46-incher, the two models of the HX800 are the cheapest of all 3D TVs Sony unveiled today. The TVs feature LED backlights, full HD and all basic specs of the HX900 but come without wireless LAN or sensors. They also lack the 3D glasses, which buyers need to get separately. The picture above shows the 40-inch model, the KDL-40HX800.

The two HX800 TVs are scheduled to hit Japanese stores on July 16.

Sony wireless LAN adapter

The HX800 and HX900 TVs do have (wired) LAN but buyers can also get the UWA-BR100, a wireless LAN adapter that’s to be inserted into the USB port of the TVs. It’s already available in the US for $79.99.

Sony Active Shutter 3D TV glasses and synchro transmitters

As the HX900 and HX800 TVs don’t come with glasses, Sony also announced the extra-large TDG-BR100 in black and the smaller TDG-BR50 in blue or pink (price: $140 each) today. Then there’s TMR-BR100, a 3D “synchro transmitter”, which makes sure the glasses can actually display the 3D images your TV produces (price: an extra $60).

Sony said they will roll out these TVs globally at around the same time, meaning Panasonic will have a head start of about 3 months in the USA and 2 months in Japan. Just like Panasonic, Sony is expecting the 3D business to evolve into an important revenue machine in the near future.

Here’s a Sony Japan 3D promo movie released today:
http://www.sony.jp/video/player.swf

A total of eight new LCD TVs have been announced [JP] by Sony in Tokyo today, and all of them are part of the new BRAVIA EX series. Sony has unveiled four EX700 (flagship) models with LED backlight, one TV named EX500 and three rather basic devices branded as EX300.

The EX700 TVs (the biggest model is pictured above) will be available in four sizes: 32 inches (Japanese street price: $1,300) 40 inches ($1,860), 46 inches ($2,600) and 52 inches ($3,300). All of these models offer full HD resolution, LED backlight, 10W×2ch speakers, BRAVIA Engine V. 3, BRAVIA link, four HDMI ports, a USB port, digital and analog TV tuners, web video service connectivity (i.e. YouTube), and a cool motion detection sensor (the TVs will be turned off automatically if no human is in their vicinity).

Th EX500 (pictured above) is only available in one size (40 inches) and features basically the same specs as the EX700 models (full HD, same number of HDMI and USB ports, same speakers and web connectivity). But it only features CCFL backlight. It will cost $1,500.

The three models of the EX300 range are the most basic BRAVIAs Sony unveiled today. They offer the same basic functions and connections as the EX500, but these models offer only WXGA (1,366×768) resolution and weaker speakers. At least they’ll be available in four different pop colors, i.e. pink (see picture). Prices: $770 for the 22-inch TV, $900 for the 26-incher and $1,100 for the 32-inch model.

All of the EX TVs will hit Japanese stores on February 25.

Here’s a (Japanese) promo video:
http://www.sony.jp/video/player.swf

It’s safe to say that it looks like Kaká, the Brazilian footballer who has played for AC Milan for the past six years, is moving to Spain’s Real Madrid this summer. (Don’t worry, this is technology-related, I swear.) Milan’s vice-president, Adriano Galliani—here’s a photo of him (and new AC Milan coach Leonardo and SlashGear’s Vincent Nguyen) that I took at the San Siro in December—told an Italian newspaper that the Kaká has to leave for the financial well-being of the team. My question is: what happens to the Sony Bravia commercial—I’ve seen it on TV a few times now—that shows Kaká playing keepie-uppie?

While we await a response from Sony, if they even bother to respond (I realize that I could be the only person on planet Earth to have even thought about this matter), here’s a video compilation of Mr. Ricky Kaká. I suggest you mute the volume because the music stinks.

UPDATE Well, Sony just said they don’t comment on rumors, and no rumor is more flimsy than a football rumor. I guess I’ll try again next week.

See, just barely tech-related!

Here is some news from Sony, which comes directly from the who-on-earth-needs-this department. The company has launched a new service for the Japanese market that enables owners of Bravia TVs to send and receive e-postcards. Obviously, “Bravia Postcard” [JP] only works if you have an Internet-enabled Bravia at home.

Users can receive, read and magnify e-postcards sent from certain Japanese cell phones (made by Sony) or from other Bravia owners. It’s possible to write messages using the remote control.

Bravia TVs (at least devices sold in Japan) have an application that’s called “Bravia Postcard” they can open to write and send away the e-postcard. If users receive a message, a small window on the right of the screen pops up, asking to open the postcard.

The whole service is completely free and Japan-only for the time being.

Sony just pushed out a new series of TVs, the W, with 1080p resolution and Yahoo! widgets, Amazon Video On Demand, and other networked TV features. They’ll come in 52-, 46-, and 40-inch models and include 4 HDMI ports.

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

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.

I bet the boys and girls over at Sony breathed a huge sigh a relief when that “Kaka-to-Manchester-City” rumor finally died last month. After all, he’s the star of its latest commercial, seen here, promoting the company’s Motionflow technology. Fast-paced sports benefit from all those hertz (and a nice helping of signal processing).

It’s so rare that I get to combine my favorite sport with technology. Oh, I try to shoehorn it in every once in a while, but nine times out of 10 I’m really, really stretching it.

As far as this commercial goes, it’s airing right now in Australia (of all places). I wonder if/how Sony will present the commercial here in the U.S., where all of 14 people know Kaka.

Good and faithful servant Steve Jabs found the deal at TigerDirect, but in checking around I noticed it for $50 more but with free shipping at B&H. Saves you $50 if you’re into that.

[Thanks, Steve.]

The short answer is: almost certainly not. The benefits of a 120Hz refresh rate are pretty clear, but as I noted when Sony had people playing Gran Turismo at 240FPS, there is a point at which the human eye can no longer distinguish any difference. You’re getting seriously diminishing returns after 100-150Hz, but adding considerably to cost. Not only that, but the smoothing of the image can eliminate the “implied motion” of a 24FPS picture that makes it so compelling; it’s not without reason that every film in theaters is displayed at 24FPS or a close approximation.

The picture, I’m sure, is very good, and for many things a high refresh rate will improve the visual quality, but paying $1000 for the 240Hz option is looking a bit like paying $500 for cables: Yeah, there’s technically a difference, but the placebo effect of owning these things is greater than the actual effect.

AC Milan Brazilian midfielder Kaká scored the winning the goal against Catania only a few minutes ago. This, believe it or not, is relevant to us here at CrunchGear, for the Manchester City-bound player (if you believe the European sports pages) is Sony’s new frontman for an upcoming Bravia ad campaign. And if you’ve spent any amount of time on YouTube then you know what to expect from such a campaign: a big idea and an even bigger budget (Kaká’s no fool) leaving you wondering, “Wait, this is about TVs, right?”

That quick, shaky (sorry!) video shows you some behind-the-scenes action of the shoot in a Turin square. It also shows one Dan Magness breaking a whole bunch of keepie-uppie records. Incidentally, Turin is home to Juventus, one of AC Milan’s principal rivals.

Some explanation is in order.

The big spinny thing you see in the video is a zoetrope, which was an early device used to give the illusion of motion. The point of the campaign is to convey the idea that the Bravia’s Motionflow technology—basically, Bravia TVs run at 240Hz— eliminates the blur you’d find in TVs that operate at lesser hertz. Hence Kaká and the fast-moving sport of football as the vehicle for all 240Hz. And yeah, you read that correctly: 120Hz was this year’s TV star feature, and now Sony has doubled that number. Whether or not the human eye can see the difference between 120Hz and 240Hz, I don’t know (because you can see the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz); I do intend to call around tomorrow though, bothering doctors and researchers for that info.

What’s most interesting to me, as a sports fan, is if Kaká does leave AC Milan in the coming months—I do believe Manchester City’s owners, the Dubai royal family, are offering Milan an unlimited amount of money for the player—how would this affect the commercial? I mean, it’s not gonna be out for a few months yet, and having a Milan-clad Kaká saying sweet things about his Bravia and Motionflow can’t be ideal for Sony.

Sony’s $300 Internet Video Link add-on box for BRAVIA-series TVs has recently added the Slacker streaming music service to the list of available channels. Also added was content from Howcast.com, a site that contains a series of user-generated how-to videos. Slacker ought to lend some good music features to Sony’s service and Howcast has won some awards from TIME and PC Magazine, so both seem like good additions.

Full release after the jump…

SONY ADDS SLACKER PERSONAL RADIO TO BRAVIA INTERNET VIDEO LINK SERVICE

Howcast Also Added to Expanding Channel Line Up

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 19, 2008 – Sony today introduced Slacker Personal Radio and Howcast Media as the latest Sony^® BRAVIA^® Internet Video Link content providers.

Slacker Personal Radio delivers millions of licensed songs and more than 100 individually programmed genre music stations, while Howcastoffers up a selection of its engaging how-to videos. Both channels offer content at no additional charge to BRAVIA Internet Video Link users.

“Internet content is expanding faster than ever and Sony is bringing it straight to BRAVIA televisions,” said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division. “Slacker andHowcast are great examples of new types of entertainment that are bridging the gap from an Internet experience to entertainment shared in the living room.”

Slacker’s library of CD-quality music across all genres and eras ensures that music lovers can enjoy radio stations on their BRAVIA HDTV ranging from music of the golden-era classics to today’s hottest hits. By simply linking their BRAVIA Internet Video Link to your online Slacker account, users can easily enjoy their own custom Slacker stations created online where they have fine-tuned categories to set artist, year, popularity and more.

Slacker’s service also allows users to personalize choice across the web, BRAVIA Internet Video Link, Slacker G2 or soon on BlackBerrysmartphones, ensuring that your favorite artists and ratings follow you to whatever device you’re using.

Recently named a top website of 2008 by both Time and PC Magazine, Howcast.com features useful how-to videos and guides. Howcast will offer nearly 100 videos on the BRAVIA Internet Video Link including select content from channels like “Hot How-To’s,” “Fun & Games,” “Food & Drink,” “Home & Family,” and “Health & Beauty.”

The BRAVIA Internet Video Link Module, which attaches to the back of a compatible BRAVIA TV, streams on-demand entertainment including hit movies, televisions shows, user generated videos, and a variety of other high-definition and standard-definition content not found on network or cable/satellite TV. The module connects to the Internet via an existing broadband Ethernet connection and streams content, much of which is available at no additional charge.

The Slacker and Howcast channels add to the existing BRAVIA Internet Video Link lineup, which already includes Amazon Video OnDemand; YouTube; Dailymotion; CBS; Yahoo!; Sports Illustrated; blip.tv;CondéNet’s Style.com, Men.Style.com, Epicurious, Wired.com and Concierge.com channels; Sony Pictures’ Crackle, and others.

The device is currently available for about $300 and can be purchased online at www.sonystyle.com, Sony Style retail stores and Sony authorized retailers across the country.

http://blip.tv/play/ih_Q7ViJ5FQ
The second video shows a 40-inch Bravia full HD TV that is just 9.9mm at its thinnest part (they made it flip so it looks good on video). That’s it from Sony at CEATEC this year. But the OLED screen is really cool.

Sony is aiming to bring back simplicity to its Bravia flat-panel TVs with Link Modules. These devices hook to the back of Bravia LCDs and add different functionally to the set, but allows the owner to use the same remote and menu system. These add-ons will be priced will with the 1080i Wireless Link (DMX-WL1) going for $800, the DVD Module (DMX-DVD) for $200, and Input module (DMX-SW1) that adds four more HDMI ports for $150 but they are a great idea.

Remember back before all those extra set-top boxes invaded and the only clicker was for the TV. That’s what these modules are going to facilitate and Sony shouldn’t be stopping with these three. Eventually, there will be a Tru2Way module that will replace your cable box and still provide all its functions without a cable card. Sony showed off that box at CEDIA ’08 so that day cannot be that far off.

PR

Who hasn’t sat in front of their HDTV thinking about wonderful little apps that could float on top of live TV all widget-like: weather, RSS feeds, webcams, sports scores, anything. Now Sony has released the SDK for its Japanese Bravia TVs with the hope that developers will create such apps. Samsung high-end LCDs have had a similar functionality but Sony is taking it to another level with this Windows-only app aimed at creating your own. Sony is even holding a competition with only restriction is that the apps max out in size at 1.3MB for speedy load times. Winners will get a Bravia 40-inch LCD, Blu-ray player or digital cam with the runners up receiving digital Walkmans. Hopefully Sony will work out all the bugs over in tomorrow land and we will see a similar option sometime soon here in the States.

Starting today, customers using Amazon’s Video On Demand will be able to watch ad-free content on their Mac’s, PC’s and select TV’s. Previously, users had to use the Unbox application or use TiVo. Users can still use the Unbox app to download content, but options are opened with the ability to view directly in the browser.

If you have a compatible Sony BRAVIA television set, you’ll be able to stream directly to your TV via Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video Link. The set-up is currently in beta, but consider this another possible nail in the physical disc coffin. Just add some more compatible TV’s (like all of them) and I’ll be on-board.

Read the whole press release after the jump.

Amazon Customers Can Now Instantly Watch Ad-Free Movies and TV Shows on Macs, PCs and Compatible Sony BRAVIA Televisions Starting Today on Amazon Video On Demand

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), today announced that customers can now instantly watch ad-free movies and television shows on Macs or PCs with Amazon Video On Demand, Amazon’s digital video service offering thousands of movies and television shows. Previously, customers could only download titles and watch them on a PC (using the Amazon Unbox application) or on their TiVo box. Now customers can either watch instantly within their web browser or download using the Unbox application and watch anytime. Additionally, customers can now rent or purchase Amazon Video On Demand movies and TV shows directly through Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video Link device on compatible BRAVIA® television sets (currently in beta). Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video Link device seamlessly streams Internet video content directly to compatible Sony HDTVs through a broadband connection.

Starting today, to make it even easier for customers to decide whether they want to rent or purchase a title, the first two minutes of every movie and TV show automatically plays for free as soon as they visit the product detail page. At any time during the free viewing period, customers can choose to purchase or rent the title to watch it in its entirety. Once a customer orders a video, it is automatically added to Your Video Library. With the new Your Video Library, customers can access and stream their Amazon videos through popular web browsers on Macs and PCs. Customers can also access Your Video Library through the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link device on their compatible Sony BRAVIA televisions.

“We’re continuing to create new, convenient ways for our customers to watch digital movies and TV shows. The ability to watch content instantly without downloading first was among the most requested features of our customers, and now it’s live—customers can instantly watch the ad-free title of their choice on a Mac, PC or compatible Sony BRAVIA TV via Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video Link device,” said Roy Price, director of Amazon Video On Demand. “Amazon Video On Demand provides customers with the choice of how to watch their favorite movies and TV shows, be it on their PC or Mac, on the TV with TiVo or through Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video Link device on compatible Sony BRAVIA TVs, or on the go with a portable video player.”

Also starting today, Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link users can rent or purchase and instantly watch movies and commercial-free TV shows directly on their compatible BRAVIA TV. With the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link, customers can explore and purchase or rent from the Amazon Video On Demand library with the push of a button. To get started, customers simply go to www.amazon.com/videoondemand/bravia and link their BRAVIA to their Amazon.com account. After a purchase is made, the title can be immediately watched. A backup version can also be found in Your Video Library, accessible from the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link device user interface or on Amazon.com. Customers interested in purchasing a Sony BRAVIA television and/or Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link device can do so in the Amazon.com Electronics store at www.amazon.com/electronics. Amazon Video On Demand through the BRAVIA Internet Video Link is currently in beta.

Amazon Video On Demand, operated by Amazon Digital Services, Inc., is the only U.S. digital video service that gives customers the choice to stream or download premium movies and TV shows. With over 40,000 licensed movies and TV shows, customers can now watch on their Mac, PC, Sony BRAVIA TV, TiVo box, Windows Media Center extender devices such as Xbox 360, and portable media players. The Amazon Unbox Video Player will remain as the client application for downloaded content, allowing customers to watch purchased content on their computer when they are not connected to the Internet or transfer it to a portable media player. With Fall TV starting in early September, Amazon Video On Demand will have a full selection of the most popular returning and new shows, including pilots, premieres, and full episodes.

The 40-inch 1080p KLV-40ZX1M LCD weighs a mere 26 pounds, but this one can only claim a 120Hz frame rate. This, too, will be available in December.

DENVER, Sept. 3, 2008 (CEDIA Booth #600) – Sony continues to push the limits of display innovation and technology with today’s introduction of two new BRAVIA® flat-panel LCD high-definition televisions appealing to the hard-core home theater enthusiast and design-conscious consumer alike.

The BRAVIA KDL-52XBR7 LCD TV features 240Hz high frame rate technology, delivering exceptional motion detail in movies, sports and video games. Meanwhile, the BRAVIA KLV-40ZX1M LCD monitor features a revolutionary slim design measuring just 9.9mm, or about the thickness of a Compact Disc jewel case.

“Sony continually pushes performance and design innovation beyond any other television manufacturer,” said Jeff Goldstein, vice president of marketing for Sony Electronics’ Home Product Division. “From the top to the bottom of our TV line, Sony offers unmatched performance and design.”

The full HD 1080p 52-inch diagonal KDL-52XBR7 incorporates Sony’s new Motionflow™ 240Hz technology delivering an exceptionally crisp and detailed image with natural motion.

The Motionflow algorithm goes beyond traditional 120Hz technology by quadrupling the frame rate of conventional LCD TVs and interpolating three new frames, producing remarkably crisp and natural motion.

Other picture enhancements include Sony’s Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE), which helps deliver a dynamic contrast ratio of 80,000:1 and BRAVIA Engine™ 2, Sony’s digital video processor that enhances all incoming signals to match the TV’s 1080p resolution.

The model also is compatible with Sony’s BRAVIA Link modules providing the ability to seamlessly add new features. Optional expansion modules include the BRAVIA DVD Link, the BRAVIA Wireless link, the BRAVIA Input Link, which will ship later this year, and the currently available BRAVIA Internet Video Link.

The BRAVIA Internet Video Link module attaches to the back of a selection of Sony’s 2007 and 2008 BRAVIA LCD flat-panel television models. The service seamlessly streams on-demand entertainment including movies, TV programs, your favorite YouTube videos and a variety of other content not found on network or cable/satellite TV. The service connects to the Internet via your existing broadband Ethernet connection and streams content, much of which is avaialble at no additional charge Content is easily navigated with Sony’s Technical 2007 Emmy® award-winning Xross Media Bar (XMB)™ user interface.

Rounding out the feature set is Digital Media Port (DMP) compatibility, which provides access to video and music from portable media devices like compatible Walkman® and iPod® players and other DMP accessories, which are sold separately. The models also can display digital photos and play digital music using a creative multi-plane 3D graphics slideshows from USB devices, as well as access photos from your PC in another room using Digital Living Network Alliance® (DLNA)® compliant devices via your home network.

Sony’s new 3D Favorites Menu complements the XMB graphical user interface, which has also been enhanced with Sony-unique integration of TV Guide providing easy access and navigation of content and menus through colorful thumbnails and logically placed icons.

Inputs found on the KDL-52XBR7 include four 1080/60 24p HDMI™ connections (HDCP), two 1080/60p HD component inputs, a 1080/60p-capable PC input, and an Ethernet (RJ-45) port.

Sony is also introducing the 40-inch diagonal 1920 x 1080p KLV-40ZX1M flat panel LCD monitor. The revolutionary super-slim display measures just approximately 9.9mm deep – about the depth of a Blu-ray Disc jewel case – and weighs about 26 pounds.

The model features an edge-lit wide color gamut LED backlight delivering exceptional color reproduction and detailed contrast and Sony’s Motionflow 120 Hz technology for exceptional clarity and resolution when viewing film or video content with motion.

Other features include Sony’s BRAVIA Engine 2, a single HDMI input and compatibility with Sony’s BRAVIA Wireless Link allowing users to stream high-definition content wirelessly to the monitor from high-definition sources such as a set-top cable or satellite tuner or Blu-ray Disc™ player.

Other optional accessories include a flat-matching speaker bar with four full-range speakers and two tweeters and a wall-hugging bracket that completes the stunning package.

Both the BRAVIA KDL-52XBR7 and KLV-40ZX1M will ship this December. They will be offered at sonystyle.com and at Sony Style retail stores nationwide, as well as at authorized Sony dealers across the country.