Sony at CES unveiled its line of Bravia HDTVs that are environmentally and energy conscious.

As the first sets in the Bravia VE5-series, 52-inch KDL-52VE5, the 46-inch KDL-46VE5 and the 40-inch KDL-40VE5 models are the first to incorporate Sony’s own micro-tubular Hot Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (HCFL). Sony claims that this technology helps reduce power consumption by almost 40 percent compared to other LCD models it makes.

The VE5-series also incorporates a presence sensor, which will turn off the display when there is no motion detected in near proximity within a set time. When the sensor detects motion again, the TV will resume function. We were told by Sony that this feature will also work for those who fall asleep in the front of the television.

Another first for Sony LCD TVs is a zero-watt standby Energy Saving Switch, which as the name suggests, allows for a zero-watt demand when the TV is in standby mode.

The trio of energy friendly sets are also helped by a light sensor that will automatically adjust the backlight according to the environment. This would save energy in low-light viewing environments, as well as potentially improving image contrast.

Other standard Bravia features, such as 120Hz, USB input, 24p, four HDMI inputs and Bravia Link are available on the VE5 line.

We had some brief eyes-on time with the new models, which were displayed side-by-side with an existing Sony set. From the demo reel, the quality of the picture suffered none on the more energy friendly model. A sample scene surveyed had the VE5 running with just over 100 W whereas the existing Bravia required 166 W.

Sony was unable to tell us if the greener set would come at a price premium. We’ll all find out when the VE5 series launches this summer.

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