Sony and Sharp wow with thin-panel HDTV\'s. Image: Sony Corp.
The adage ‘bigger is better’ can certainly be applied to modern LCD high-definition televisions. However, more and more often these days, the attraction of expanding screen size is being bolstered by positively anorexic panel thickness (or lack thereof), which is an attribute perfectly encapsulated by new sets offered up this week by Sony and Sharp.
Given a rollout at the IFA Consumer Electronics trade show in Berlin, the new Bravia ZX1 made its skinny entrance with Sony Corp. hailing it as the “thinnest and lightest” set of its class, measuring a mere 9.9mm in terms of screen depth and tipping the scales of convenience at just 12.2kg.
Adding spec-based appeal to its obvious aesthetic worth, the new 40-inch Bravia ZX1 delivers 100MHz processing and a 24p Cinema Mode for upper-tier picture quality, while it’s also a notable market standout thanks to the inclusion of an onboard HD-compatible TV tuner and wireless HDMI (a.k.a. Bravia 1080 Wireless).
Specifically, while the set itself is armed with a single HDMI port for wired connection, the ZX1 also comes complete with a separate media receiver that offers up three HDMI points that enable users to connect external devices such as videogames console or a Blu-ray player.
Other features and functions on the ZX1 include HDTV resolution up to 1080p, while the freestanding media receiver includes a LAN port and also a USB connection point. Resolution is restricted to 1080i when utilising the media receiver.
The Bravia KDL-40ZX1 (to give it its full name) is scheduled to hit the Japanese market in early November before later shifting focus to other regions. Sadly, its price tag follows the trend of expanding screens, which means prospective tech junkies eager to see the ZX1 occupying pride of place will need to find around 490,000 yen (approx. $4,515 USD) for the privilege.
Similarly embracing the sexy-thin ethos at the IFA trade show, Sharp has whipped the covers off its Aquos XS1, which delivers a screen depth of 23mm, which, while not as oomph-worthy as the new Bravia, is supported by mammoth screen sizes between 52-inches and 65-inches, 100MHz processing, 10,000:1 contrast and 1080p resolution.
Not yet saddled with an official price tag, the new Aquos XS1 line is expected to arrive in October.
Sony SnobAug 31st, 2008 - 17:55:34
SWEEEET! I just hope it is all it's cracked up to be :)
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