If you think you’ve seen it all in terms of cutting edge HDTVs, think again. Sony dropped a bomb last night, announcing three new LCD TV series additions to its current BRAVIA HDTV lineup: the XBR6, XBR7, and XBR8. The company also unveiled the HT-IS100 Theatre Micro System home theater unit, which uses super-tiny satellites for discrete deployment around the house. Other interesting news includes Sony’s plans to upgrade its BRAVIA Internet Video Link service to provide content from YouTube directly to its TV sets. We were lucky to get a sneak peak of all this gear at an event here in New York City. Take a look at our slideshow to get the virtual experience.

First, Sony’s top-of-the-line XBR8 models will be available in 46- and 55-inch panel sizes, with a full 1080p resolution. The XBR8 boasts LED backlighting using Sony’s TRILUMINOS three-color technology capable of local dimming. Sony claims that the result will be a greatly improved color range along with much higher contrast. In fact, at last night’s press event, Sony set up the XBR8 TV and a high-end plasma set from a competing brand for side-by-side comparison. Though plasmas are widely touted for having superior contrast, the company reps were happy to point out how the XBR8 provided a much darker image with richer colors.

From www.pcmag.com