First Freeview HD enabled TVs on sale next week

 

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Posted on 26 Feb 2010 at 14:40

Sony has announced that its new range of Bravia TVs, which include a built in Freeview HD tuner, will be on sale in the UK from next week.

The new Bravia Monolithic range uses a new monolithic design concept which Sony says will make these new TVs "a stylish addition to any living room" thanks to its minimalistic and sleek lines. What's more, they feature a new option to recline the TV so that it's at a six degree angle to the vertical enabling you to get the best viewing angles from low, contemporary furniture.

Sony says that 75 per cent of its new 2010 Bravia range incorporates a built in Freeview HD tuner, enabling you to watch subscription free HD channels without needing a separate set top box or satellite aerial. The World Cup will be broadcast in HD over Freeview HD (as well as Sky), so if you're a football nut, this will undoubtedly appeal to you.

The range was announced at CES earlier this year and is split down into three categories, Cinematic, Network and Essential. Sony says the Cinematic HX703 range includes two models with 40in and 46in diagonals, which will allow users to "get cinematic pictures with amazing detail" thanks to the unique OptiContrast panel. They include an integrated Freeview HD tuner, Motioflow 200MHz Pro and Image Blur Reduction for smooth fast action and ultra-sharp detail, as well as support for Full HD 3D broadcasts and movies.

The Network range doesn't support Full HD 3D and instead they're much more connected TVs with sizes ranging from 32in to 52in depending on the model. The connected experience comes thanks to a built-in WiFi adapter which enables you to connect to the internet to consume online content, use internet widgets and DLNA enabled devices. They include Freeview HD and use an Edge LED backlight with Sony's Deep Black panel technology. Both Motionflow 200Hz and Image Blur Reduction technologies are also supported.

Finally, the Essential range includes a broader range of screen sizes still with models ranging from 32in to 60in, depending on the model chosen. They use the same Edge LED backlighting technology as the Network range and the EX703 model has an integrated Freeview HD tuner. Bravia Engine 3 and Motionflow 100Hz are included with this range, which isn't quite as good as what's included in the higher end models, but it does a good job of reducing blur while delivering "superb image quality" according to Sony.

Essential models are also "WiFi Ready", although Sony doesn't mention whether they've got a built in WiFi adapter - we suspect they don't, though. The Essential range also utilises a Presence Sensor and a number of other energy saving features.

We're waiting for confirmation on pricing and we'll bring you reviews of the new models as soon as we can.

Author: Tim Smalley