You've got to be a seriously dedicated early adopter to want to stump up the cash for one of Sony's XEL-1 OLED TVs.

Recently made available in Japan, and destined to stay there, these TVs still have a distinctly "I'm still a prototype" feel to them, but are still being unleashed on the US public this month.

While launching an OLED TV may indeed be "one of the most important industry landmarks" (so says Randy Waynick, senior VP of Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division, most consumers are going to see this as a step backwards, aren't they?

After all, most consumers want a decent-sized flat screen telly, and while Sony's offering is definitely flat (around 3mm thin) it's not large.

It will be available in limited supplies from Sony retailers, priced at around $2,500. Pretty hefty for such a small display. Buyers may well be heralding a whole new style of technology, but better wait a few years until OLED is truly mainstream and can deliver large displays at lower cost.

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Sony has unveiled the latest models in its BRAVIA line of LCD high definition TVs — 17 of them to be precise. These are generally additions to existing "series" of BRAVIA TVs, but expect some funky new designs and updated technology (or updated technology lingo at the very least).

Z Series

Two new models join the Z Series of BRAVIA TVs. The 40-inch KDL-40Z4100 and 46-inch KDL-46Z4100 are both full 1080p LCD TVs featuring the new BRAVIA Engine 2, Motionflow 120Hz high frame rate technology, x.v.Color, WCG-CCFL backlight with Advanced Contrast Enhancer, and 10-bit processing with a 10-bit panel.

Aesthetically, they feature an elegant slim bezel, and connections-wise have the BRAVIA Sync feature, four HDMI inputs (good move), two components, and PC input.

Sony has shown off the latest version of its VAIO TP Home Theatre PC, and it's now kitted out for high definition.

Available in two configurations — standard and premium — both come with a Blu-ray Disc optical drive, with the premium model featuring two external CableCARD-compatible TV tuners for receiving and recording two HD programmes simultaneously (not much use in the UK yet, then).

Other tech includes full 1080p support, BRAVIA Sync, HDMI-CEC, wireless connectivity, and wireless keyboard, while the unit's small, circular shape is designed to fit well into non-geeky areas of the house.

It uses an Intel Core 2 Duo processor T8100 processor and comes with Windows Vista. Prices start at around $1,600 for the standard model, available in polar white. The premium model will go for around $3,000, and comes in piano black. Available from the end of the month.

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Sony has introduced its first sub-$200 internal BD-ROM drive, aimed at those upgrading an existing desktop PC into one which can play high definition Blu-ray Discs, while still retaining DVD and CD read functionality.

Presumably, most users will want to add the BDU-X10S in a second drive bay, as this is purely a read-only device, so standard DVD and CD burning functions would be lost if replacing an existing DVD burner.

However, it does offer a reasonably cheap way into high definition, and with the increasing likelihood that Blu-ray will survive, probably not a bad move if you're going to be watching movies on the PC or using it as part of an entertainment centre.

It comes with CyberLink's PowerDVD BD Edition software, and starts shipping this month. UK details to follow.

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Sony has introduced its new Sound Wall RHT-S10 home theatre stand which includes an integral 5.1 channel surround sound system.

The Sound Wall is Sony's first 5.1 channel system offering built-in speakers, amplifier, and subwoofer, in a slim speaker package. It's then attached to a free-standing wall facade that allows a TV to be mounted on it.

Wires are hidden behind the "wall" and connected to an integrated AV rack anchored at the base of the media stand.

Syntax-Brillian has announced that it will be showing off a new range of Olevia high definition LCD TVs, featuring their latest 120Hz Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation technology and full 1080p resolution.

ME/MC technology is supposed to produce crystal clear motion images by reducing motion blur.

Additional features include upgradability of firmware via USB, a Universal "learning" remote control unit which can learn the commands for up to eight devices, on-screen installation guide, and JPEG/MP3 support.

The Olevia sets come in three series: the Olivia 2 Series, Olivia 6 Series, and top-of-line Olivia 7 Series. They'll come in screen sizes of 42, 47, 52, 55, and 65 inches, and will be available towards the end of 2008.

Syntax-Brillian

LG Electronics and Netflix, the online movie rental service, have announced that they're partnering to create an Internet-connected set top box for consumers which will allow online movies and other content to be streamed directly to a high definition TV without the need for a PC.

The service will work by utilising technology embedded into an LG networked player scheduled for release later this year.

"Consumers crave compelling and immediate content, and the Netflix online streaming movie feature can provide instant gratification. This alliance underscores LG's goal of developing smart technologies that deliver flexibility, convenience and control to consumers," said KI Kwon, President of the Consumer Electronics Division of LG Electronics USA.

"Internet to the TV is a huge opportunity," said Netflix Founder, Chairman and CEO Reed Hastings. "Netflix explored also offering its own Netflix-branded set-top boxes but we concluded that familiar consumer electronics devices from industry leaders like LG Electronics are a better consumer solution for getting the Internet to the TV."

No word on whether such a service will arrive in the UK.