Sony has launched their new Bravia W4000 range of LCD HDTVs–comprising the Sony KDL40W4000, KDL46W4000, KDL52W4000 and even a 32″ 1080p true HD KDL32W4000–according to a press statement released on 31 March 2008. Here are some snippets of the press release along with our analysis.
The inclusion of the innovative Picture Frame Mode means that the BRAVIA W4000-Series actually enhances the look of a living space even when it’s not being used. Picture Frame Mode switches the set to a reduced brightness and displays digital photos in HD quality, with the natural warm characteristics of traditional film. You can personalise your TV with your own pictures from the USB Photoviewer or use the six pre-installed pictures, which range from Pop art to Van Gogh.
The Sony W4000 series will offer the function of a digital photo frame, which will appeal particularly to those intending to wall-mount their LCD television. Unlike plasma TVs, LCD HDTVs generally don’t suffer from image retention nor screenburn, making them suitable for displaying static images.
As well as the centralised control afforded by the award-winning Sony XMB interface, the BRAVIA W4000-Series features BRAVIA Sync technology.
XMB is short for XrossMediaBar, Sony’s award-winning graphical user interface (GUI) found on the Sony PS3 and the latest US Bravia LCD HDTV models (e.g. XBR4/ XBR5). This is the first time we will see it implemented on a full HD 1080p HDTV aimed at the UK market.
Sophisticated signal processing carried out by the BRAVIA ENGINE 2 gives a depth, richness and clarity unique to Sony BRAVIA TVs. 10-bit signal processing and a 10-bit LCD panel yield 1024 shades of gradation between colours compared to the 256 available from normal 8-bit panels.
In comparison, Sony’s current top-of-the-line Bravia X3000/ X3500 series utilises the Bravia Engine Pro video processing, while the outgoing W3000 features the Bravia Engine EX. Just like the W3000, and unlike the X3000/ X3500, the Sony W4000 range will not offer MotionFlow 100Hz motion compensation frame interpolation (MCFI) technology.
Perhaps the most fundamental piece of future-proofing is the inclusion of an integrated HDTV tuner and AVC-HD decoder alongside the DVB-T digital tuner. So there’s no need for a set-top box to access terrestrial HDTV programming where available.
This should be of interest to viewers wishing to take advantage when Freeview goes HD sometime in 2009.
Home Cinema enthusiasts are likely to be drawn to the 24p True Cinema mode.
Since the introduction of Sony Bravia D3000 series in June 2007, all the Sony LCD HDTVs we have reviewed correctly processed 1080p/24 video signal without telecine judder, and we do not expect the new W4000 range to be any different.
From past trends, the 40-inch Sony KDL40W4000 will probably be the most popular model, although buyers with larger living space may opt for the 46″ KDL46W4000 or 52″ KDL52W4000. A 32-inch KDL32W4000 will also be available, but it will lack the 10-bit LCD panel, 10-bit signal processing, WCG-CCFL and xvYCC found on its larger siblings.
Definite pricing and availability details remain unknown, though many expect the first models to be available for sale in the UK from May 2008.
Not too sure about the inclusion of the Panasonic-like silver trim along the bottom, all-black would better, and that wide strip of transparent perspex below the Sony emblum will surely reveal all your AV cables behind.
As a 40X3500 owner, I wonder if this Bravia Engine 2 is just a rebadged ‘Pro’, or will the ‘Pro’ still be the top dog reserved for the upcoming X or Z series. Whichever the case, I hope they decide once and for all to design out the rather pointless mini-fans in the back; find a way of eliminating the torchlight effect during dark scenes; and exclude the perspex and aluminium surround of the present X-series, it robs valuable space which otherwise could be filled with a top spec but hopefully ‘only as wide’ 46″ set. (Sony – of course).
PS. Love the new website design. Very profesh.
I’m sure the X4000 will have a Bravia Engine 2 Pro.
I like the 20° swivel ability of the stand. But I still think W3000 is more beautiful than this one.
Silver trims make TVs look like cheap models that want to look like expensive ones.
“As a 40X3500 owner, I wonder if this Bravia Engine 2 is just a rebadged ‘Pro’, or will the ‘Pro’ still be the top dog reserved for the upcoming X or Z series.”
From what I read on internet sites, the Z series (which is taking the place of the 2007 X series) will also have the Bravia Engine 2, not some kind of BE 2 EX or PRO. For me I woudn’t mind a bit to have a rebadged “Pro” or “EX” since the price is a steal compared to last years W3000 or X3000 and I don’t own either.
“I’m sure the X4000 will have a Bravia Engine 2 Pro.”
The X4000 series will be positioned above the new Z series (which takes the place of the 2007 X series in the hierarchy.) I’m guessing that it will have OLED and BE 2 EX and/or PRO in different X models.
OK just caught wind of this:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/14/sony-bravia-xbr-2008-roadmap-leaked/
XBR series will have the BE 2 PRO. What happened to the BE 2 EX is anyone’s guess.
That wide transparent strip design looks TERRIBLE!
What a shame.
AARGH! i just bloody bought a w3000.. damnit.
I getting more confused now. I don’t know if the BRAVIA engine Pro is better than the new BRAVIA engine 2 or vice versa. At certain times I think that the BRAVIA ENGINE PRO is better than the new BE2, but still don’t know.
And what about the upcoming BRAVIA engine 2 Pro? It seems that the upcoming X series are going to contain both BRAVIA engine 2 and BRAVIA engine 2 Pro depending on the size, or maybe there is going to be 2 versions of the X series like X4000 and X4500.
Sony have now put the full spec on their website: this shows that the UK model does not have an integrated HDTV tuner.
I really don’t like the design of that screen. That said, I probably wouldn’t have considered buying it as it’s lacking 100hz anyway.
I put my hope in this one. The specs are good and so are the chances that this TV could overcome the only critical points of the Sonys I know: trailing shadows. Nobody has seen the BE2 in action yet. Why would Sony deliever theyr new flagship the Z4100 with BE2 if it would be worse than BE Pro that is used in the old X Bravias?!
Besides I checked today and found that the lowest price in Germany is 1155 Euro for the 40W4000!!! Nice price! Should I buy it blind?
I’m a little confused here as Rob says the UK version doesn’t have HDTV (not mentioned in website also) however dcviews shows a spec that does include HDTV yet Sony UK have told me in an email on Friday 25th April that the UK spec has NOT yet been finalised – I asked Sony in the context of voice zoom as it does not show that in the W4000 spec Does anyone have a clearer picture?
Cheapelectricals are seelling this from today with
“Digital Television Certification HDTV ” as spec.
Is this the same as having an integrated HDTV tuner?
Huwie
I’m interested why this years updated models wont contain 100MWh Motionflow? As someone looking to buy HDTV with HD ready live sport as a prime driver, motionflow, as on the KDL32D3000, seems a must have.
Does anything else replace motionflow, or make up for the lack of it?
Is it likely to be available on later models this year?
Found some pictures of 52W4000 on this site:
http://www.avbuzz.com/audio-video/200804/Sony_W400/index.htm
Had more feedback from Sony today and they are still saying that the UK spec has NOT yet been fanalised. Komplett are ofering for sale orders for delivery on 21st May @ ?999 but when reading the fine print it states that they reserve the right to charge extra if the price is any different
I checked the specs on the german webpage and there is also no 16:9 Mode available, but instead of this a Wide mode compared with the W3000!
I really like the specs and the price, of course!
XMB is fantastic, also the panel is with 8ms and 10bit!
The question is how powerful is BRAVIA ENGINE 2 without Motionflow!
Hmmmmmm……So does the UK model have the capacity to pick up the Free Digital HD channels next year or not? Any you guys got an answer ,please, as one of those sexy new Samsung 6 series is hovvering into view in black/rose guise. Anybody had a serious look at one? Would welcome feedback. Cheers/Huw
I thought this thing looked hella ugly in the photos, but I saw one in the flesh yesterday and it looks utterly fantastic. The inner and outer sections of the frame (i.e. not what you see head on) has glittery stuff embedded in it. The glass hole looks really really good with the illuminated Sony logo.
The new menu system is like the PS3 interface, which is lovely, apart from the fact it’s not rendered in HD, so it seems, so it’s not as sharp as one’d hope, but that’s niggly. Picture performance seemed fine, but I didn’t have much time to fiddle, and I couldn’t find the white balance controls.
It does do digital(freeview) and is apparently better than 3000, i have looked at pcture(i sell them) but not a massive deal of difference.Sorry
It does swivel unlike the old 3000 but i do think the 3000 had a better picture.
Sony say that as the price of Flat Panel TV erodes then there will be less money to develop tv specs etc.
Thanks for answer, but what I was really after was if the spec , as initially thought, contains the HD converter that will allow non-sky bods like me to pick up next years, 3 free HD digital channels without a set-top converter box. If it DOES as was anticipated earler then I would deffo buy one rather than the beautiful new Sammy. Ta again, guys. Huw
I was looking forward to buying this tv, but the glittery stuff is probably going to keep me from doing so. Damn it.
The BE 2 will probably improve on video processing but it will still need Motionflow 100Hz for sports.
These days I reckon Motionflow should be standard on all of Sony panels.
Sorry Sony, you fail.
Vincent:
The Fundraising has passed the £150.
WHen do you thing the review process will be complete ?
Regards
Walter
Yeah! We want the review! Please.. :(
Sheesh….give him a chance to order the TV in and spend a few days with it won’t you?
It will be done in probably two weeks.
I just bought a 40W4000 yesterday from the Sony Centre in Carlisle. Managed to knock them down a little on the price too. I intended to buy either the 40A656 from Samsung or the Tosh 40XF355, but then I saw this.
Initial impressions on getting it set up, picture quality is fantastic on blu-ray. No motion judder and excellent detail. GT5 Prologue on PS3 awesome.
Probably need to mess about with settings to get it looking its best, but all in all very happy. Also styling is much better in real life than what the pics on the web show.
I have x3000. While this also has DVB-T tuner, no good for HD freeview in UK when it comes, as this will use DB-T2 standard and H.264 HD, which is not compatible with the Sony’s. Probably explains why they aren’t marketing the HD tuner capabilities anymore.
Yours, feeling (slightly) ripped-off.
Chris
Oops – meant DVB-T2
Here’s the official announcement.
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/dttfuture/statement/summary/
just bouth the sony kdl40w4000 on line at expansey for 1309.95 euro inc vat .
looks ok in photos realy liked the w3000 it had the hd tuner as in irelant we
have one hd channel on test the piture was beter then the sky hd my opinon
will have the w4000 on june 6 realy good price as i paid over 2000 euro for the
w3000 from local shop ..
Looking to buy either the sony KDL40w4000 or KDL40x3500. having looked a readup and this site cannot decide any suggestions. watch a lot of sport but do not use it for games, BB
I want a 42 inch LCD full HD 1080P Tv. I want to pay about 1000 to 1300 Euro, but will consider outside of these parameters also.I want a fairly narrow frame all round which I consider looks better. I want a 100 hertz model if possible. My choices would be a Toshiba, Sony, Samsung, JVC, Panasonic, although these brands would not be an absolute choice if someone suggests a better choice.I never play games on my Tv.I have Sky Plus.
Any help you can give would be appreciated,
Mike
I’m in between buying the Sony 40W4000 and the Panasonic 42THPZ80, I don’t play games but I do watch alot of sport. I’m interested in knowing which one is more future proofed. Would also lile to know which one has the better sound quality.
Does the KDL40W4000 have a intergrated HD ready freeview tuner or not? Ive not been able to get a definate answer!
I,m looking for an LCD FULL HD 40″ or 42″ inch I prefer sony KDL-40W4000 what do you thing? Feel free to talk I need information cause I need to buy an LCD soon as possible.
I’ve been recommended a SONY KDL32D 3000 but they’re now ‘thin on the ground’. Is the KDL32W 4000 a better model?
I can get one locally for £800 inc 5 year warranty.
Any help you can give would be appreciated,
May be too late now, but that TV can be had for £630 if you shop around a bit, or the 40 inch version for around 700.
Dave on 16 December 2008 13.35pm
Have just bought the KDL40W4000 at Sony Centre for £840 including 5 year guarantee with a Sony DVD Recorder thrown in as a package deal, other deals available.
After set-up, very pleased with TV, great picture and sound pretty good, haven’t tried HD programmes yet or blue ray so looking forward to that.
In my local paper it says Sony Centre’s are doing KLD-40W4000 with Blue-Ray Player and glass stand for £799, looks like a ood deal if you can get it!