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 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.