Create your own entertainment hub with this great piece of hardware
These days, consumers are intrigued as well as curious whether some new televisions being promoted by big TV makers can transport the 3D excitement from cinema halls to our homes. The first question that comes to mind is this: Do we need to put on those old-fashioned cardboard glasses that we used to get at the picture hall? Will the picture be grainy and similar to the blurry double images that we used to encounter whenever we used to remove our 3D glasses out of sheer mischief or inqusitiveness? Above all, won?t we develop a headache?
Relax, visual technology has advanced by leap and bounds. Nowadays, one can experience vivid, life like pictures no matter what you are watching, in 2D or 3D; from full high definition Blu-ray to low resolution Web videos on various TV models available in the market place. Most TVs use high-tech active-shutter glasses, reasonably comfortable and light weight. 3D televisions are slowly inching into our living rooms and gearing up to be the next big thing for home entertainment. Especially with the new Sony Bravia HX850 3D TV, you?ll be ducking when that aircraft comes flying toward you, if you?re watching James Cameron?s epic motion picture, Avatar in 3D.
For those die-hard movie buffs out there or those looking to be one of the first to brag about Sony 3D in home, the Japanese consumer electronics maker has made available its 40 inch, 46 inch and 56 inch HX 800 series models at your local Sony store. It was also kind enough to send across a 46 inch model to us for a product review. The test unit came to us in a rather large cardboard box with all the specifications detailed on its sides.
Take my word, the high-definition images on these TVs have excellent three-dimensional depth, colour, and detail? especially with animated content?creating a compelling and realistic three-dimensional experience. Technical speak, features include a Dynamic Edge LED backlight display, Motionflow PRO 240 Hz technology, USB Wireless-LAN adapter (adapter sold separately), BRAVIA Internet Video, BRAVIA Engine 3, along with USB and DLNA photo/music/video playback.
But first, the television?s exteriors. Quite frankly, I was overwhelmed by the unit?s stunningly slender design with its new pure Monolithic design, a thin 0.7 mm single-surface of glass, contrasting materials and seamless edges. If you are new to Monolithic design but read about it everywhere, here?s what it is all about. Based on the Japanese design concept ?Tatazumai??when an object both stands out in the space but also blends in, Monolithic design aims to fit with the decor and style yet be the most attractive and eye catching element in that space. The new Bunchin stand features a beautiful floating appearance and adds integrated speakers giving you better sound quality. You will also be amazed by the lightness of this television; it weighs a mere 16.6 kg.
At my end, installation was a seamless affair. Once connected to the Tata Sky satellite cable and my two year-old Sony Blu-Ray disc player, I waited for the action to begin. With one button, you can experience vivid, life like pictures no matter what you are watching, in 2D or 3D. There isn?t too much to watch in 3D at this point. Few channels broadcast content in 3D, therefore, I would like to talk about channel watching in 2D only. Truth be told, I like watching sports year around. And watching the recently concluded London Olympics on the Sony TV was a visual treat! World?s fastest man Usain Bolt literally came alive during his 100 meters race on this Sony TV with its sparkling picture quality.
I played a couple of 3D movies from my Blu-Ray disc player. Here again, the TV impressed with its intricate video scenes. This breathtaking full high definition 3D TV produces vibrant and life-like pictures with Sony?s X-Reality PRO video processing technology. What?s more, the Sony TV comes with a host of other user-friendly functions. You can stay in touch with friends and family, wherever they are in the world. This TV lets you make the most of Skype?the world?s most popular internet voice and video telephony service. Enjoy crisp, clear video calls or join conference calls. It?s more fun and comfortable than sitting in front of your PC, and with no fiddly headsets to worry about. You can also seamlessly social network while watching TV. Keep pace with your Facebook news feeds and click on friends? likes, links, photos and videos.
So should you buy a 3D TV now? Absolutely, if you are an early adopter eager for a new experience. If you haven?t yet tried Sony 3D, its definitely worth a spin.
SPeCS
* Dimensions: 1077 x 640 x 35 mm (W x H x D)
* Screen size: 46 inch (117 cm)
* Display resolution: Full HD 1080 (1920 x 1080)
* Colour system: NTSC 3.58, NTSC 4.43, PAL, SECAM
* Video processing: X-Reality PRO picture engine
* Audio: Dolby Digital/ Dolby Digital Plus/ Dolby Pulse
* HDMI: 4 (2 Side/ 2 Bottom)
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi integrated
* Weight: 16.6 kg
Estimated street price: Rs.1,23,900
