New Sony Bravia TVs have ‘Digital Hub’ ambitions

by Dean Evans at Monday 16th March, 2009 at 4:18 pm [0 comments]

Sony recently confirmed the details of its 2009 Bravia line-up. And the new WE5, W5500, E5500, V5500 and S5500 models have the smart home in their sights – they come packing Internet connectivity and DLNA-compliant media streaming.

The new AppliCast technology is similar to Yahoo’s Widget Engine and it enables Bravia models to access a range of online services. These include RSS feeds (news, share prices, weather forecasts, horoscopes and celebrity gossip) and TV ‘widgets’, small web applications that can be displayed on top of the normal TV picture.

Integrated DLNA compatibility, meanwhile, will allow some Bravia owners to stream music, digital photos and video content from a networked PC or home media server. Playback functions like pause, fast-forward and rewind can be controlled via the TV’s remote.

Some of the new Bravia models also include a USB Media Player for direct access to content stored on digital cameras, memory sticks and portable MP3 players. Read the slices of the Sony press release below.

New Bravia HDTV details

WE5 (40/46-inch): Inside the white cabinet design, the WE5 Full HD ‘Green TV’ features a new micro-tubular HCFL backlight that reduces power consumption by over 50%.

An Intelligent Presence Sensor switches off the picture when you leave the room, while a new Energy Saving Switch is more convenient than switching off and unplugging to save power when the set’s not in use.

Bravia Engine 3 is complemented by Motionflow 100Hz with Image Blur reduction for smoother moving images.

W5500 (32/37/40/46/52-inch): The W5500 series updates the innovative ‘Draw the Line’ design concept with a deep piano black finish and understated transparent detailing.

Motionflow 100Hz technology with Image Blur Reduction means the W5500 can deliver sharper, smoother images with fast-moving live action. Other key features include: Bravia Engine 3 and Live Colour, DLNA media streaming and AppliCast Internet connectivity.

E5500 (32/40-inch): This slim, super-stylish Picture Frame Full HD TV is available in a choice of black, aluminium and walnut-effect finishes. Technology highlights include: Bravia Engine 3 and Live Colour, Motionflow 100Hz with Image Blur Reduction, AppliCast, DLNA and a USB Media Player.

E5300 (22-inch): Sony says that this mini-TV is perfect for a bedroom or study. It doesn’t compromise on features either, boasting AppliCast, DLNA and a USB Media Player, plus four HDMI inputs to handle a variety of HD sources.

V5500 (32/37/40/46/52-inch): “It’s the hub of your networked digital world,” claims Sony. The V5500 series enhances ‘Draw the Line’ styling cues with a deep piano black finish accented by a subtle mirror accent. In terms of pure tech, the V5500 offers Full HD picture quality with Live Colour and Bravia Engine 3 pixel processing.

DLNA-compatibility, meanwhile, enables you stream video, music and photos from a VAIO, networked home PC or media server. AppliCast displays information from the Internet and other services as handy on-screen widgets.

S5500 (22/32/37/40-inch): Last, but not least, the S5500 is pitched as “a great-value entry to the Bravia experience”. The 37- and 40-inch models feature a Full HD panel, three HDMI inputs plus a USB input for viewing digital photos or listening to MP3 music tracks.

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