With the launch of the STR-DA1200ES, Sony has come up with a rare breed of an AV product that in all likelihood will stand the test of time. The popularity of the model is apparent due to the fact that even after spending a long time on the market, the AV device continues to post strong sales. Moreover, replete with a strong array of imaginative features, it easily fulfills any home cinema requirements and blends in seamlessly with any home entertainment centre.

The device doesn’t have any integrated decoding for high-definition audio formats; instead the same is done by carefully arranged compatible players. The design of the Sony STR-DA1200ES, on the other hand, is an epitome of aesthetic beauty, and has a minimalist approach. Build quality is also pretty robust making you almost drool over it.

The feature list of the unit is quite solid and consists of seven channels of 100W amplification, while you can also avail yourself of the luxury of indulging in some HDMI video switching options supported by 1080p signals. Then video up-conversion from composite and S-Video to component facility is there as well and plays an important role in improving the picture quality from your analogue sources to that of high definition levels. Meanwhile, the automatic calibration system plays its part in giving the device a definite edge over its contemporaries as it sets up the receiver much quickly and accurately than you can ever imagine.

When it comes to sound quality, it simply outshines many a famous names and compares favorably with Sony’s sensational sound quality. You can really get into some sensuous groove as the receiver creates an almost three-dimensional sound stage assisted by an innovative range of far-reaching dynamics.

Those who liked the performance delivered by Sony’s Bravia KDL-46Z4500 LCD TV, but were put off by its high price, now have something to look forward to in the form of the Sony Bravia KDL-52W4500. The unit is much more affordable than any similar models on the block, and you should love the fact that it features many contemporary and user friendly features. Together with these exciting features, the LCD TV is the ideal platform and cornerstone of any home cinema experience.

The design of the deck is also typical of the company, but boasts of a distinctive ‘window’ that runs across the screen. Connectivity of the Sony KDL-52W4500 is impressive as it comes equipped with a number of unconventional multimedia jacks. These include an Ethernet port that gives you the liberty to connect the deck to your computer so that you can enjoy JPEG and MP3 files. Then, there is a USB jack as well so that you can play similar sort of files from the USB storage devices. Further, the Digital Media Port incorporated in the device gives you the discretion to play to play AV files from a portable media player assisted by a compatible adaptor.

You don’t get the radical 200Hz feature of the Z4500 models, but do get more than you can handle in the form of Sony’s MotionFlow 100Hz engine. It comprehensively elevates the usual refresh rate so that you can enjoy pictures that are more smooth and lively than is normally the case with LCD technology.

The images are also delightfully bright, and you will really love the vibrant and wonderfully blending colours. The colours in addition are replete with natural hues and are for major part is in sync with the ongoing action.

The latest offer from Panasonic, the Tau FX 29FX20CDS3 CRT TV, has an outstanding picture quality, a trait which alone makes it a keeper. The picture quality easily supersedes those meted out by its rivals. The temptation to buy the unit will start increasing the moment you discover that this excellent picture quality can be all yours at a very reasonable price, and is a great value for money.

Despite weighing a high 43 kg, the deck is designed in a rather aesthetic manner and should look good on your living room. The build quality is compact as well thereby ensuring longevity.

Even if you ignore the picture quality, the Tau FX 29FX20CDS3 has a number of other good virtues that are sufficient to entrap you. The set up and connectivity of the deck is rather simple and uncomplicated and have the basic minimum features that you will normally need including- Composite Video Input and Component Video Inputs. The depressing thing for customers is however that they will be handicapped to a certain extent since there are no USB or HDMI inputs, like with modern day Panasonic LCD TVs, such as the Panasonic TX-32LZD95F. Meanwhile, the availability of only a solitary Component Video Input option means that you are provided with the liberty to connect only one device via the Component Video cable.

The performance of the deck matches up to the likes of Sony and Samsung, when it comes to Picture Quality at least in the CRT world. Another versatile aspect of the deck is its stunning high-definition image reproduction, pictures that are crystal clear, vivid and with a great deal of detail. Similarly, the audio quality is also superb and you can also enjoy the experience of a comprehensive sound.

The XBR series from Sony is known as much for its exceptional features as it is for its out of the world performance. This year the company has come up with an unprecedented three series of Sony sets and the 52XBR6 is the least expensive of the lot. The high point of the unit is that it has been fitted with hot-swappable speaker grilles, and is also competent enough to produce the deepest black shade that you will ever come across on a non-LED LCD TV. The downside of the unit, on the other hand, appears to be its inability to produce accurate colour reproduction and maintain a likable black level regardless of the program content.

Design wise the model is bulkier than models in the compact Z-series, like the Sony KDL-52Z4500, but taking into account its specifications as a large HDTV it is quite sleek. Covered in a glossy black frame on all the four sides of the screen, the unit also has a transparent plastic that holds the up a silver, horizontal speaker bar stretching the width of the television.

The feature list of the unit is an all inclusive one and consists of all the in-demand features in contemporary times. To start with the unit has the very basic networking functionality. The Ethernet port can be found on the rear and facilitates the unit to work with DLNA-compatible media server software, such as Windows Media Player 11, and thus allows you to source photos from a networked PC to display on the TV’s screen.

A native resolution of 1080p, apart from effectively upscaling average video quality to high-definition levels, plays its part in reducing blurring effects. Moreover, the features works in tandem with the company’s dejudder video processing technology to act like a “Motion Enhancer” and consequently facilitates the free flow of images.

The two giants of the LCD format, Sony and Samsung are always having a go at one another since the time the format was launched. It is no different this time around with Sony coming up with its latest weapon in the form of the Bravia KDL-55XBR8. The battle between these two giants has always been about cutting-edge technologies, and at times top-of-the-line LED-backlit models which invariably turn out to be extremely expensive for mainstream consumers. Despite coming at a heavy price, the performance of these models has contributed to their popularity. The KDL-55XBR8 goes a step further in terms price, as it is one of the most expensive flat-panel HDTVs to ever hit the market.

Design wise the unit has a much wider cabinet measuring good 46-inches. The deck has been equipped with side-mounted speakers and consequently is unlike its less-expensive predecessor the KDS-52XBR6 which featured mounted speakers along the bottom.

The one feature that you will captivate you the most is the LED backlighting feature, which signifies a significant milestone in the illustrious history of the company. The technology used in this Sony LCD TV makes use of the more sophisticated and result oriented LEDs, as opposed to standard fluorescents, and provides the illumination that powers the picture. Three colors of LEDs are used by Sony, viz. two green, one each red and blue. This is in stark contrast to Samsung who uses only white LEDs.

Other notable features of the Sony device include a 120Hz refresh rate, which effectively removes blurring in motion and works in coordination with the company’s dejudder video processing technology to comprehensively augment the picture quality. Then, there are four picture presets as well which can be adjusted independently per input. You should also love the fact that there is a pair of noise reduction settings, apart from three color temperature presets.

The Bravia series by Sony is unequivocally one of the greatest achievements in the company’s colourful history and it still witnessing tremendous successs. The latest from the company’s profile is the Sony Bravia KDL-40E4000 and one thing that will immediately attract your attention is its unique colour combination. It moves away from the conventional black models, which are generally the norm, and instead displays a bold white frame smartly complemented by black shades.

The design of the unit is pretty simple, uncomplicated and is conspicuous for the bold white bezel that surrounds the screen. The front of the Sony KDL-40E4000 is kept fairly simple with out the unnecessary gloss and complicacies so as to ensure you a smooth passage through the various features of the deck.

A pair of HDMI inputs is to be found on the rear of the deck, which however is a dampener considering that most modern decks are providing at least four HDMI sockets. Nevertheless, you get to have two Scart sockets, component and VGA inputs, apart from an optical audio out that enables you to connect the TV to a speaker system of some kind.

Another interesting feature included in the scheme of things is the somewhat unpredictable XrossMediaBar, or XMB feature, especially considering the fact that you can reap the benefits only if you manage to get over the travesty of the English language. Anyone who has a first hand knowledge about PlayStation 3 user interface stands to gain the most out of this arrangement. Other notable features include 24 Hz playback for Blu-ray that in all probability make HD viewing a more enjoyable and smooth experience. Moreover, as the deck supports 1080p video and display it natively you can less assured to getting the best out of Blu-ray movies and games on a PS3.

Launched by the world leader in digital entertainment, The Sony, NAS-S55HDE is a hi-fi juke box designed to meet the needs of the pro music maniacs. This acoustic machine has got two sophisticated speakers and one main unit. It can be used to store and play music tracks.

The NAS-S55HDE features a built-in 80 GB hard disk drive, which offers a decent space to integrate and manage all the necessary data without any hassle. You can also play CDs in its CD player section and copy songs from it to HDD. The NAS-S55HDE can easily handle a huge audio library consisting of 15000 songs.

Sony’s NAS-S55HDE takes you beyond the traditional music players. You can use its music recognition feature to tag your songs from 3, 50,000 albums and it also manages and updates the entire collection automatically. Powered by the Sony’s x-DJ technology, the Sony NAS-S55HDE music system intuitively categorizes your music files under 27 different categories. It also lets you create your own customized play lists, surf them and choose from a variety of listening environments and moods as per the song.

NAS-S55HDE main attractions:

• Great sound quality
• Supports CD to HDD ripping @ 16x
• Music transfer to Sony walkman, Ericsson mobile and other compatible devices @ 50x
• 4.3″ color LCD
• High quality speakers and powerful bass duct
• Radio tuner
• DMPORT adapter for iPod
• Compliant with L.PCM, ATRAC, MP3 and WMA files

Organic light-emitting diode technology or OLED seems to be the next trend of major consumer electronics companies. It may look like a new invention, but it was actually introduced in 1999. After a long wait, OLED has finally moved to the big screen.

Although some consider it to be a gamble for the small screen, OLED’s supporters believe in its immense potential. They are pretty confident that its features can make it the perfect home cinema display.

Leading the charge, Sony is the first manufacturer to use OLED in a TV. Introduced in the end of last year in Japan, the Sony XEL-1 actually gives a glimpse of the futuristic flat TVs. Carrying a high price tag, the XEL-1 is a unique model that features an arm supporting a bulky unit.

Well, the model will hit the UK market in 2009 and we will have a better idea of its sales success.

As far as Sony’s future plans are concerned, the company seems to be a big (if not the biggest) supporter of OLED. This is evident in its recent moves that include an investment of £100 million in making bigger editions of OLED screens. In fact, Sony has a long way to go with its innovation. If Sony or and another brand is able to take to the world of home cinema, OLED is likely to outshine its rivals: Plasma and LCD.

The coming years will reveal the success or failure of the technology that looks promising yet uncertain.

Sony has launched its new flagship product called the STR-DA6400ES 7.1 channel network A/V receiver. It is a complete home entertainer and takes care of all your digital needs.

The Sony AV receiver features dual Faroudja DCDi Cinema chips that enable up-scaling of standard definition content to 1080i in up to two rooms. You can use it as a full entertainment hub by connecting an Ethernet cable to it and then sharing music, photos and videos. One of the best parts of the Sony ES series, such as the Sony STR-DA 5400 ES, is their strong connectivity. This DA 6400 ES A/V receiver can share digital data with the PC even if the two devices are kept in separate rooms. Connection to Ethernet makes data manageability and network upgrades really easy.

The STR has got an Xross Media Bar inspired GUI that has been enhanced to offer simplified access to content on a networked PC and can also be used in second room. You can enjoy your iPod, Walkman player, SHOUTcast Internet Radio and Rhapsody Music Service in up to three rooms through dual Digital Media Port (DMP) inputs. One unique feature that is found only in Sony STR-DA6400ES is its Quick Click onscreen remote control. It allows the users to easily operate all the compatible sources. The advanced A/V technology generates the audio formats via DTS and Dolby Labs.

As the latest addition to Sony’s ES range, the DVP-NS 9100 DVD player is an elegant looking model that offers competitive performance and innovative extras. Along with its attractive appearance, the Sony DVP-NS9100ES DVD Player also includes some very advanced features.

As an HDMI enabled device, the DVP-NS 9100 offers a great platform for connecting the video of your choice. This ability is further enhanced with the progressive scan options that allow you to deal with various resources. Compatible with MP3s, CDs and JPEGs, the player also produces high-quality images with vibrant colours. Unfortunately, you cannot play your DIVXs and WMAs with the high-quality device as it does not support them; even though low-end players like the Sony DVP-NS 38 do. But the 9100ES does permit you to scale the images up to 1080i/720p, in order to achieve a rich and vibrant picture quality.

The other specifications of the admirable DVD player comprise a 5.1 photo output, two 1RGB scarts, a composite video output, as well as the digital audio and electrical optical options. The S-video output and two link ports round up the player’s connection portfolio. As a result, the system assures adequate connectivity while transferring the SACD’s DSD signals.

All in all, the DVP-NS 9100 DVD player is a pretty good system for fulfilling your audio/video requirements at all times.