Sony launches eco-friendly Bravia Z5500 LCD TV

Posted by David Walker on Thu 30 Apr 2009

Keep up with every kick and high-speed car chase

Good for the environment and good for keeping up with every kick of the TV footie, that's the Sony Bravia Z5500 LCD TV.

The latter is down to Sony's Motionflow 200Hz and Image Blur Reduction technology. Using sophisticated algorithms, Motionflow 200Hz calculates three additional frames for every original, upping the frame rate from 50 to 200 per second. That's boosted further by Image Blur Reduction, which ‘cleans’ the original frames before new frame insertion for even sharper images. Result? The smoothest and clearest motion reproduction ever achieved by Bravia TVs, or so it's claimed. Although you might want to check it out with your own eyes at the local TV retailers next time there's a match on or if there's a showing of the Italian Job coming up for concrete proof.

Plenty more to catch your eye with this full HD TV too, not least the minimalist design, along with the Bravia Engine 3 for perfect contrast and colour, a built-in ethernet port for accessing networked content, AppliCast RSS feed reading via your big screen and home router and the option to download widgets, although the likes of a calculator, alarm, world clock and picture frame don't exactly get the pulse racing.

In terms of eco functionality, the Z5500 series consumes 25 to 35% less power on average than comparable 2008 models and offers up a series of eco-aware features, including an auto shut-off function, an integrated light sensor, which adjusts backlight brightness depending on the ambient room light to reduce power consumption and an optional power saving mode that reduces backlight illumination levels for 'comfortable' viewing in dim light. There's also an ‘Idle TV’ mode, which functions like a PC screensaver, switching to a standby mode to conserve energy if there’s been no user activity for a preset time - perfect if you're prone to falling asleep during the late night flick.

The Z5500 will be in stores late June in 40-inch, 46-inch and 52-inch sizes. Prices should start at around £1,800.

Link: Sony

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