Sony NZ to Offer In-Store 3DTV Demos

March 3, 2010 0 Comments

This is no joke — Sony will demonstrate its first range of 3DTVs in its Newmarket, Wellington and Christchurch Style stores from April 1.

The global launch will follow later in the year, with 3D home theatre systems and a PlayStation 3 firmware update to complement the groundbreaking new models.

As well as 3D movies on Blu-ray and Bravia Internet Video (or Internet Protocol TV), Sony plans to release sports, like the 2010 FIFA World Cup in 3D, on Blu-ray before the end of the year given there’s still no commitment to 3D broadcasting here.

“Our aim is to provide 3D content at the same time as the 3D hardware launch so that consumers can enjoy 3D entertainment on their Bravia immediately,” Sony NZ’s managing director Martin McManus said in a statement.

The Bravia LCD TV line-up of 26 new models includes a new signature look called Monolithic Design, enhanced picture quality technologies, 3D home entertainment and Internet TV on demand (the Briavia TVs that connect to the Internet will let viewers to explore a wide range of content and services from the living room accessible through the TV’s XrossMediaBar).

The NX800 and NX700 series, which sell from $4,600 for a 40-inch display, boast built-in WiFi, access to Bravia Internet Video and Widgets, Motionflow 200Hz and Image Blur Reduction (NX700 will have Motionflow 100Hz), Deep Black Panel and Edge LED backlight, and an optional brushed aluminium designer stand with adjustable 0º-6° positioning.

The top-of-the-range LX900 will add integrated 3D, Motionflow PRO 200Hz and an OptiContrast panel to minimise the reflection and refraction of light and produce deeper images with strong black levels even in bright rooms.

The entry-level EX Series, which sells from $999 for a 32-inch display, is Wi-Fi ready, and some models will include 100Hz Motionflow, LED backlighting, and Internet Video.

For more hands-on information, see CNET’s reports on Sony’s launches in Australia and Asia while CNET in the US has just published one of the first reviews of the NX800 models.