Sony XBR HX929 65", Full 3D & Full-Array Local Dimming LED Backlighting

Twenty-seven new Sony BRAVIA HDTVs were introduced. The leading character, and the new Sony flagship, will be the XBR HX929-Series, with full 3D capability and full-array local dimming LED backlighting. It's loaded with Internet features, and comes in three sizes: 65-, 55-, and 46-inches. Prices TBD. Available in March. Some of the new models also use Corning's new Gorilla Glass. It's said to be more resistant to damage than conventional glass...

http://www.hometheater.com/content/sony-cirque

Wow!

I you think about it, this display makes a huge statement:

After a long absence Sony re-establishes itself as the premier brand name in LCD televisions.

Fundamental was Sony's board of directors pushing out Stringer as CEO and letting back in innovative future-growth mindset. Quality has returned.

Consumer Reports currently rates the XBR-52HX909 (also with full 3D capability and full-array local dimming) as the best 2D and 3D LCD display, so this 65" should be a good bet.

For whatever reasons (profitability?), Samsung and Vizio have abandoned including the best technology in their 65" panels.

Sony Press Release:

Driving Picture Quality
From full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc, to broadcast HD, to user-generated Internet Video content, processing of incoming content is essential for an excellent picture. To this end, Sony has upgraded the BRAVIA processing power with the new X-Reality PRO and X-Reality Engine digital video processors.
The X-Reality PRO Engine is a two-chip digital video processor that optimizes high definition content, compressed HD signals, standard definition, and other sources including low resolution Internet content. Utilizing a vast database of "ideal" signal patterns developed by analyzing and indexing and enormous library of film and video, the X-Reality PRO Engine compares incoming signals pixel-by-pixel with ideal scenes to display vivid and detailed images.
Additionally, the engine's multi-frame analysis helps create missing resolution and Sony's Super Bit Mapping technology incorporates 14 bit up-scaling, processing and pixel mapping to smooth gradation and improve the quality of low-tone pictures.
Found in select models, the single chip X-Reality Engine utilizes Sony's Intelligent Image Enhancer technology to deliver outstanding picture quality. Incoming video is separated into constituent parts (outline, texture, and color/contrast), and the appropriate image enhancement is added to each part. The engine also uses Intelligent MPEG Noise Reduction to automatically detect the incoming sources and noise level to apply the appropriate amount of noise reduction for each scene.
Also new for select models is Sony's Intelligent Peak LED Backlight which uses full array local dimming for deeper blacks, while also boosting brightness in lighter scenes creating incredible on-screen contrast, while Sony's OptiContrast panel elevates the picture to the front surface of the TV and creates a dark background for rich, vibrant, high contrast picture even in well-lit rooms.
Sony's MotionFlow™ XR builds on previous versions of the company's motion compensation technology and helps to reduce blur caused by quick camera movements, enhancing sharpness and creating a clearer picture.

Simplifying User Interface and Functionality
Select new BRAVIA models feature Sony's improved user interface that delivers uninterrupted viewing and intuitive navigation. Retaining the intuitive operation of the award-winning Xross Media Bar (XMB™), the new UI provides uninterrupted viewing by disseminating the video and placing key menu functions and favorite along the bottom and side of the picture frame.
Additionally, the models feature an improved remote control and offer control via the Media Remote application on iPhone, iPod Touch or Android mobile device. The app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace, functions as a full remote with keyboard, allows online content search, and playback.

BRAVIA XBR-HX929 Series 3D Capable HDTV
Available in April, Sony's new 3D capable (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses, sold separately), XBR-HX929 series features brilliant full HD (1080p) picture quality with Sony's Intelligent Peak LED backlight for outstanding contrast.
The model also features Sony's MotionFlow XR 960 featuring a precise backlight control that is synchronized with the liquid crystal movement from frame to frame creating clearer, sharper moving images.
The beautifully designed model features Sony's improved Monolithic Design Concept that draws viewers into the picture when the TV is turned on, and blends into the room décor when turned off. The 2011 Monolithic Design BRAVIA models incorporate Corning®'s Gorilla® Glass allowing for thinner, lighter, and stronger screen material.
With integrated with Wi-Fi (802.11n), the XBR-HX929 models offer instant access to thousands of Internet movies, videos and music from BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity. Sony's Media Remote app provides simple operation and search for internet content.
The XBR-HX929 models are also custom installation friendly with key features such as rear IR-input and a two-way RS232c connection for easier integration with third-party control systems.
Other XBR-HX929 Series features include:
Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with full-array local dimming LED backlight
Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n)
Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
X-Reality™ PRO Engine
MotionFlow™ XR 960
Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
Screen sizes include 65-inch (XBR-65HX292, which is available in August 2011),

A great answer to this difficult question:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...9#post19790649
It must hurt a bit when the expectations were so high.

Sony XBR HX929 at the CES:

You suspect correct. The real issue is one of control, as manufactures want consumers to access the Internet through their proprietary hardware and interface. They can then track the sites you visit then insert targeted advertising.

Some TV manufactures are about to introduce the all essential keyboard to their interface.
But step back for a moment, and realize that we already own a PC which no one else controls. (They want to, but that would be too obvious.)

Sony, LG, Vizio and Samsung all want a piece of the Google advertising revenue. In the meantime this distraction stifles them from releasing TV's with better picture quality.
Similar redundant, soon-to-be-obsolete trends are well underway with Blu-ray players and even receivers. It is totally out-of-control.

As an extreme example: a $500 Blu-ray player even includes a eStata hard drive port, but it can't share the files and won't decode some popular formats. One could almost buy a blu-ray based htpc for this price alone.

Only a HTPC offers free time shifting. If you put an antenna in the attic the HDTV programming is free too.
In summary, I want my TV to display beautiful images, my Blu-ray player to play discs and my PC to access the Internet.
Forrest Gump would call it simple-stupid.