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    Sony unveils Crystal LED Display prototype, refreshes BRAVIA HX, EX, and BX series

    Sony unveils Crystal LED Display prototype, refreshes BRAVIA HX, EX, and BX series

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    Technically, Sony just announced ten BRAVIA HDTVs and one prototype, but it's not as daunting when you start breaking down the key elements. For what matters, the company announced refreshes to three series: the internet-connected 3D-supporting HX series, the mid-tier EX series, and the entry-level BX series.

    By Ross Miller / @ohnorosco

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    Sony HX850 EMBARGO for 1/9
    Sony HX850 EMBARGO for 1/9

    Technically, Sony just announced ten BRAVIA HDTVs and one prototype, but it's not as daunting when you start breaking down the key elements. For what matters, the company announced refreshes to three series: the internet-connected 3D-supporting HX series, the mid-tier EX series, and the entry-level BX series. But first the prototype: a 55-inch Crystal LED Display. Sony is dubbing it an "industry first full HD self-emitting display using LEDs as a light source" capable of much higher contrast. It'll be featured here at CES, and trust us — as soon as we get a glimpse, so will you.

    As for the consumer line, the flagship HX850 (pictured) sits at the top of that list in both 46-inch (KDL-46HX850) and 55-inch (KDL-55HX850) models. On paper alone, the model is nearly identical to the XBR HX929 currently out in 46-, 55-, and 65-inch varieties: Gorilla Glass and OptiContrast Panel, X-Reality PRO optical engine, 802.11n Wi-Fi, access to Sony Network Entertainment (Video and Music Unlimited) and its apps (Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Skype, and so on), and Motionflow XR 960 processor. Sony seems to be touting improved 3D capabilities here, but we should know more during today's CES press conference.

    The HX750 one step down (46-inch KDL-46HX750 and 55-inch KDL-55HX750) takes the same feature set except for a downgrade to the X-Reality (non-pro) engine and Motionflow XR 480. The EX640 Edge LED-backlit LCD HDTV lacks 3D support and drops Motionflow XR 240. It's Wi-Fi ready with a bundled adaptor. These and the HX series are all due out first quarter. Rounding out the new arrivals, Sony's entry-level BX series CCFL-backlit LCD HDTVs in 31.5-, 40-, and 46-inch sizes.