Sony BRAVIA V4000-Series Digital HDTVs

Sony have announced their latest HDTV range, the BRAVIA V4000-series.  Larger than the V4500 launched earlier this month, three sizes of V4000 will be available initially - 40-inch, 46-inch and 52-inch - with more options later on in the year.  Each packs 1080p high-def support, integrated DVB-C/DVB-T digital tuner and the BRAVIA ENGINE 2 processor for a 33,000:1 contrast ratio.

The high-end 24p True Cinema mode has also been carried to the V4000 range, for playing back Blu-ray footage at the frame rate it's encoded at (and thus making for a smoother picture and less audio distortion).  BRAVIA Sync is also present, for controlling all compatible Sony equipment with a single remote.  That includes Sony's more recent Handycam camcorders. 

Three HDMI sockets are on offer, together with stereo speakers slung beneath the screen, though you're likely to be pairing these sets with a standalone home theatre system.  No sign of the USB port present on the V4500, which lets you display photos from a memory stick, nor Sony's preinstalled "fine art" gallery.  I guess V4000 owners are likely to just get down to the serious business of watching high-def films.

No prices or availability dates as of yet.