This technology is called dual-view and it will also allow users to play multiplayer games without the need of a split screen, which sounds like a great advance. Granted, headphones will be needed to make this workable, but it is quite interesting since a lot of us fight over TV channels.

A prototype of this technology was recently shown to Pocket-Lint as part of a customized Killzone 3 demo, allowing two players to see different game screens from a single PS3. Apparently, it’s very hard to photograph this feature and there’s yet no word when it will be available for HDTVs, but it does sound interesting.

[via Ubergizmo]

A few questions, Sony: why would you combine an HDTV with an old console that can’t take advantage of the high-definition display? Why not integrate a PS3 and a TV? A least this TV is only 1366×768 resolution, so it’s not a full HD set. And why won’t you just release a PS3 with a PS2 built-in?! You’ve got this whole amalgamation gimmick backwards.

But for gamers who are on the lookout for an HDTV for their rooms and have no PS2, this one is a no-brainer. The SONY BRAVIA KDL22PX300 is a 22-inch HD ready TV with 4 HDMI ports, Bravia Internet video, a couple of optical audio outs, and 2 USB 1.1 ports. And a PS2 built-in. For some reason. You can order it now at Richer Sounds for £199.95 (approx. $314 USD), which is actually a low price, considering you’re buying a Sony gadget.

[via Joystiq]

In addition to being able to adjust image quality based on viewing location, the sets can also be set to prevent kids from sitting too close to the TV, automatically blacking out the screen if they get too close.

TheLX900 sets offer a bright LED edge-lit 1080p LCD display, and include full support for watching 3-D programming, both will ship with a pair of Full HD active-shutter 3-D glasses. The displays also include wireless internet access and 240Hz motionflow capability for keeping images smooth as silk.

All four models will ship sometime this Summer. You can sign up to be notified when the sets are available here. Prices haven’t been announced.

For just $1299, you’ll get a good deal on the 46-inch Sony Bravia KDL-46S4100, plus you’ll get the 19-inch Bravia KDL-19M4000/S thrown in (via a $499 instant savings on the bundle). The KDL-46S4100 is a highly rated flat screen LCD with full 1080p resolution, while the 19-inch silver-bezeled LCD TV normally retails for $499, and displays 720p images (upscaled onto a 1440 x 900 display). The KDL-19M4000/S isn’t too shabby if you’re looking for an extra set for your office, kitchen or a bedroom and is a great bonus if you were already in the market for a large LCD for your living room.

If you want to get in on this deal, you’d better bust a move over to Dell before the offer expires tomorrow.

My ever-reliable imaginary sources shared with me a few sample scenarios that you and Neon may have: “Want to have washboard abs for just 5 seconds a day? It can’t be done, I’m sorry!”, “I see that you like Homer Simpson. May I recommend Odyssey on the Hallmark Channel?” and “No, don’t connect that Xbox 360. I resent that. Plug the Foreman Grill back in.”

Seriously though, Sony also says that the service can adapt its suggestions if  alerted that a child has joined the viewer. Neon may also be able to get content from a plugged-in PS3. Sony is also looking to get viewers to share recommendations with friends, although they don’t say how exactly that would happen. If anything, all of this points to two things: Sony is looking to integrate the PS3 and the Internet into their high-end TVs.

As for Neon itself, I honestly don’t see this service as being awfully helpful. It’ll come in handy when you’re bored, sure, but I think it’s actually risky when it comes to servicing kids. If children figure out that the service depends on input from them then they can actually discover more adult-oriented shows via your TV. Eeeeeexcellent. I mean bad. Bad & wrong. Bad-ong.

First up we have the DAV-HDX587WC!

The DAV-HDX587WC, a 1000-watt, 5.1 channel BRAVIA system, continues Sony’s sleek & black theme. The puck you see in the middle of the image is an iPod cradle, which obviously allows you to connect an iPod to the DAV-HDX587WC, allowing you to play music and video from the iPod and through the DAV-HDX587WC. The DAV-HDX587WC also features DMPort Booster Technology, that “enhances the sound quality” of audio and video coming from a connected iPod.

The DAV-HDX587WC holds up to 5 discs at once and can play CD-DA, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD Video, MP3 & JPEG formats. It can also upscale DVDs to near-HD quality if an HDMI cable is used to connect the DAV-HDX587WC to an HDTV. Finally, the DAV-HDX587WC is fully compatible with Sony’s S-Air technology, which allows users to wirelessly stream music from a central source to remote speakers. The DAV-HDX587WC includes a AIR-SA10 wireless speaker. Sony is already accepting pre-orders for the DAV-HDX587WC for $430 USD. Also, the image of the DAV-HDX587WC has the tall speakers flanking the rest of the system.

Now let’s look at the DAV-HDX589W!

The DAV-HDX589W, a 1000-watt, 5.1 channel BRAVIA system, continues Sony’s sleek & black theme. The puck you see on the lower left of the image is an iPod cradle, which obviously allows you to connect an iPod to the DAV-HDX589W, allowing you to play music and video from the iPod and through the DAV-HDX589W. The DAV-HDX589W also features DMPort Booster Technology, that “enhances the sound quality” of audio and video coming from a connected iPod.

The DAV-HDX589W holds up to 5 discs at once and can play CD-DA, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD Video, MP3 & JPEG formats. It can also upscale DVDs to near-HD quality if an HDMI cable is used to connect the DAV-HDX589W to an HDTV. Finally, the DAV-HDX589W is fully compatible with Sony’s S-Air technology, which allows users to wirelessly stream music from a central source to remote speakers. The DAV-HDX589W includes a TA-SA100W wireless speaker. Sony is already accepting pre-orders for the DAV-HDX589W for $430 USD. Also, the image of the DAV-HDX589W has the tall speakers bunched up together on the right side.

If you’re still with me then I’m sure you will agree when I say that the person who came up with these models and the person who created Where’s Waldo must be one and the same. One and the same. Because the only real distinction between the two units are the included S-AIR accessories. The core systems are the same, it’s the S-Air speakers which are different. I fear that the 40GB PS3 may soon be called PSC340XGB while the 160GB PS3 will be PSX3X1X6X0BGXXXXHDXC.

Here’s the S-Air speaker that the DAV-HDX587WC has, the SA-10:

And here is the S-Air speaker that the DAV-HDX589W has, the TA-SA100W:

Yep. As of now the TA-SA100W does not exist. So if I were you I’d get the DAV-HDX587WC, or the third model, the DAV-HDX285, which will sell for a much lower price of $300 USD. I’ll cut through the Waldo and tell you that yes, it’s very similar to the more expensive models except that it doesn’t have an included S-Air wireless speaker (but the system is still compatible with said S-Air speakers) and it has two small speakers in place of the two tall ones. You’re welcome mom and dad.

If you don’t believe me – I can barely believe me myself – check out Sony’s product page for these systems. $5 says you’ll be squinting and cursing the whole time you’re there. The product names in this article link to the corresponding page; you can also pre-order each system from their respective product pages.

All three HT systems come with an “Easy Setup” disc “that provides step-by-step instructions on how to set-up the main unit, wire speaker cables and calibrate all system speakers.” In addition to that, I wish Sony would include an “Easy to Understand and Differentiate Product Models” disc. Or maybe a “Let’s Sell the Home Theaters as Core Units at Lower Prices and Then Give the Customers the Option to Buy the S-Air Speakers at a Lower Price for Each Purchase of a Home Theater System” disc.

The Bravia VPL-VW200 is the top-of-the-line successor to Sony’s flagship VPL-VW100 projector. The new model improves upon the old by new 1080p SXRD panels that can run at twice the refresh rate of the prior generation, pretty much eliminating any motion blur that you might see. They’ve also added a system that lets you tweak the positioning of the panels so precisely that you can get red, green and blue pixels perfectly aligned.

The projector has a bright 275W Xenon lamp that can kick out up to 4000 lumens (most sane people will use it in low power mode to save lamp life, and keep fan noise down). Sony claims a 35,000 to 1 contrast ratio thanks to their well respected dynamic iris system as well as improvements in the SXRD panel design. The VW200 also adds wide gamut (xvYCC) color support via dual HDMI 1.3a inputs.

On the downside, the VPL-VW200 costs nearly twice what the VW100 costs, at an MSRP of $15,000. It’s expected to ship this October. For those with slightly smaller bank balances, Sony has also announced a new, moderately priced model, the VPL-VW60, which loses the Xenon lamp, 120 fps and wide color support, but otherwise is quite similar. That model hits stores this month, and lists for $5000.

[Press Release]

All of the models feature a full HD 1080p 10-bit LCD panel. However, the W5000 series gets a wide gamut backlight, x.v.YCC color, and MotionFlow (120Hz refresh rate to reduce motion blur.) In addition, the W series offers dual analog and digital tuners, while the V series only has a single tuner. The only other significant difference is the number of HDMI ports. The W5000 and V5000 sets have three HDMI inputs, while the V3000 sets have only two.

From what I can tell, the cosmetics for all the models are identical. There’s no word on release dates outside of Japan yet, but in all likelihood, we’ll see these displays worldwide in 2008.

[via AV Watch]

Sony’s new A3000 series features three new displays, a 50-inch (KDS-50A3000), a 55-inch (KDS-55A3000) and a 60-inch (KDS-60A3000). These models are about 20 percent slimmer than the previous A2000 series. Sony also revealed two new sets in the XBR line, the 60-inch (KDS-Z60XBR5) and the 70-inch (KDS-Z70XBR5 – shown above), which are a whopping 40 percent thinner than the last generation models.

Among the other new features, the displays offer 120Hz frame refresh rates and xvYCC color technology for a much wider color range than the prior displays. The sets all feature Sony’s Digital Media Extender technology for adding on additional accessories, such as their BRAVIA Internet Video Link device for downloading video content. One important point: although they all have a native 1080p display resolution, the A3000 models will only up-convert non-HD content to 1080i, while the XBR models will up-convert to 1080p resolution.

While the XBR models don’t even appear to have visible speakers (maybe they’re hidden in the case?), the A3000 will offer interchangeable speaker grilles in four colors: Burgundy Red, Metallic Silver, Satin Black and Cacao.

The KDS-50A3000, KDS-55A3000 and KDS-60A3000 models will launch this August for about $3,000, $3,300 and $3,500, respectively. The KDS-Z60XBR5 and KDS-Z70XBR5 ship this fall for about $5,000 and $6,000 respectively.

The $199 device lets you wirelessly stream music (ATRAC, AAC and WMA formats) from your PC to your Bravia home entertainment system (assuming you have one of the models with Sony’s proprietary Digital Media Port.) While the tiny 3-inch black cube looks really cool, it does have one significant limitation – it can’t stream DRMed tracks from any place other than the Sony Connect store.

Surprisingly, it also doesn’t appear to stream the files in the ubiquitous MP3 format. This is a clear case where form and function didn’t go hand in hand. Too bad.

[via Le Journal du Geek via Gizmodo]

Both projectors feature a widescreen 3-LCD panel with 720p native resolution, and a bright 165-watt UHP lamp. They both include versions of Sony’s well-reviewed advanced iris system, providing the AW10 with a 6000:1 contrast ratio and a 12,000:1 contrast ratio for the AW15. The more expensive of the two models also includes lens shift capabilities to provide installation flexibility. They’re also designed for quiet operation with a low noise fan mode that can be as quiet as 20dB.

If you’re looking to set up a really big screen home theater set up (say between 80 and 200 inches diagonal,) and don’t have a lot of money to invest, this looks like it could be a great way to get into the game. Sure, the projector doesn’t have the full 1920×1080 resolution of today’s more expensive models, but it is capable of handling 720p, 1080i and 1080p sources, so you’ll be able to enjoy all high definition content regardless. Both projectors are both expected to start shipping this June.

[Press Release]

So what makes this television so special, and why would you want to spend as much as a new car on it? The new set features a number of improvements to image quality over standard LCD panels. For starters, there’s xvYCC color capability (Sony calls this “x.v.Color technology,”) which is supposed to the gamut of colors by 1.8x over the today’s color standards. The XBR3 also features 120 Hz refresh rate (aka “Motionflow”) with motion compensation, which should significantly reduce or eliminate motion blur and other unpleasant artifacts. The display panel is 10-bit 1080p native, and illuminated by LED backlighting.

The set also features a 178-degree viewing angle and Sony’s Digital Reality Creation v2.5 circuitry. Contrast ratio is rated at 7000 to 1, which is very good for an LCD (although Samsung is working on an LCD with a 50,000 to 1 contrast ratio, so there!) Now one thing that kills me is that while the Sony includes a reasonable number of HDMI inputs (3), the recently announced 60-inch Vizio Plasma comes with 4 HDMI inputs at 1/10th the price. With more and more devices sporting HDMI outputs these days, you’d think that a $33k set could throw in a few additional inputs.

So if you’ve just gotta have the biggest, baddest, most expensive toys, the new 70-inch Bravia LCD set might just be right for you.

The Sony KDL-46XBR3 features all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a top-notch display. The panel features full 1080p (1920×1080) native resolution and three 1080p HDMI inputs (two on the back, one on the front). The set is also equipped with a wide variety of analog connections including one S-Video, three Composite, two Component and one VGA inputs. Also on-board is an ATSC tuner for receiving over-the-air HDTV signals. However, there are no cablecard slots, which is a bit of a bummer.

The set offers Sony’s advanced “Digital Reality Creation” v2.5 video system, which improves sharpness and dimensionality, while limiting nasty artifacts like edge enhancement. Full-black to full-white contrast ratio measures admirable 7000 to 1 and Sony says you can expect a “real world” number of 1300 to 1. Backlighting is provided by a wide color gamut cold cathode fluorescent lamp, said to provide a wider than normal color range.

List price is $4599.99 and the set is available now from SonyStyle, but can be found through other retailers for about $500 less. The set’s 52-inch (KDL-52XBR2 and KDL-52XBR3) brethren should also be available in November for about $2000 to $2500 more.

And no, this wasn’t done with computer animation. Danish director Nicolai Fuglsig really did this all in real time, with real superballs. The clip was shot over 2 days back in July 2005. Special compressed air cannons were used to blast balls into the air, and industrial earth movers dumped thousands into the streets.

The YouTube version really doesn’t do it justice. You can download the high quality version of the commercial here.