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.

Just look at how much bigger this TV is than that “tiny” 37-incher on the left (and the life-sized woman to the right for that matter.)

Not much is known about the television, other than the fact that it’s a rear projection model with a 5,000:1 contrast ratio and that it’s gonna cost an arm and a leg when it hits the market in Japan this December. The retail price for this bad boy will be 6 million yen (appx. $50k USD) so start filling up that piggy bank now.

[via Digitimes via BornRich]

As is the case with all of Sony’s rear-projection liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) televisions, this one runs at full 1920 x 1080 resolution. It features an excellent 10,000 to 1 contrast ratio, primarily due to Sony’s stellar iris control system that’s present in all of their SXRD models. From what I can tell, the only improvement is cosmetic, in that the new model features an all-black case versus the black and silver case of the earlier model. For those of you with serious home theater aspirations, that might be enough to make a difference.

Like the A2000 before it, the set offers three component inputs and two HDMI inputs, and supports full 1080p input resolution. It’s also got the same excellent 2.5 millisecond response time that its predecessor offered, which virtually eliminates motion blur.

One other plus is that the A2020 will cost $100 less than the A2000, listing at $2899 instead of $2999. What’s not to like?

[via Devicepedia]

The new LCD rear projection micro-displays are the 46-inch KDF-46E3000 and 50-inch KDF-50E3000. They feature a svelte new profile, measuring in at just 12.6 inches deep for the 50-inch model, and 11.9 inches deep for the 46-inch model. Similarly sized LCD and plasma flat-panel displays are around 5 to 6 inches deep without a stand, and around 11 to 13 inches deep with a stand, so these sets take up just about the same amount of space as flat panels if you’re not planning on hanging your display on a wall.

The displays both feature full 1920 x 1080 resolution with full 1080p inputs via HDMI. They support both 1080/60p and 24p frame rates for optimal playback of both high definition broadcasts and film content. The sets also include Sony’s advanced iris control for optimal contrast performance. Both models are compatible with Sony’s new $300 BRAVIA Internet Video Link module, which provides access to IP-based programming via an Ethernet connection.

Both sets are expected to be released this July. Pricing should be available a little closer to the release date.