Just a few weeks ago, I did a post on Two Eyes cool-looking customizable self-concealing HDTV.
What I didn't know then, and do now..is that last May, Sony introduced their self-concealing Bravia LCD TV in 32" to Europe*, calling it the Esprit Series. The greatest product difference between this and the Two Eyes self-concealing LCD HDTV is that Sony's "concealing" panel which they call a "grille" is actually a flat panel speaker system with a top loading CD/DVD, thereby making more than a self-concealing tv but a self-concealing home theater system.
*The Sony Tav L1 is available in the US and is marketed without the Esprit name and with fewer panel options
Sony unveiled the Esprit TAV-L1 theatre system in May 2006 to European markets, initially with a plain solid black front panel.
A sleek, beautiful home entertainment experience packed, wire-free, into a simple, clean-lined box. The L1 boasts a grille net, effectively a flat panel speaker that rises in front of the BRAVIA LCD TV, like a silk screen fencing off the horror of 24-hour news.
With a unique motorised front panel that hides the TV screen when you're in standby mode or listening to music and glides open for TV and DVD viewing.
The new Esprit line boasts a touch-sensitive speaker grill in front of the 32-inch BRAVIA HDTV that protects your precious LCD during audio mode. Touch the speaker grille and it glides down the pedestal to reveal the high-def flat panel.
A top-loading CD and DVD slot complements the 50 watts-per-channel 2.1 sound complete with a 100 watt sub.
The 32-inch model is said to soon be followed by a 40-inch model.
You now have the option to swap the Midnight black panel for one of their Limited Edition patterned panels or buy their special offer, TAVL1-3PAN, and get three additional panels in Mint green, Sunset orange and Sand cream, so you can personalize your living room to suit your mood.
Above: the Special offer edition (available here - europe only) that comes with three solid color swappable panels.
Above & below: Their limited edition panels patterned panels (see enlargements below):
Then they came out with more panels and called them the Prestige Collection (designed by Ligne Roset).
The Esprit's Prestige Collection has been created for discerning 'style tech' customers, who choose consumer electronics products for style and design integrity as well as superior technology and is only available from Sony Style and Sony Centres.
The ethos of the brand is 'beautiful simplicity', creating highly functional, fuss-free solutions, which will look good and work well in today's modern urban living environment.
Below are examples of some of Ligne Roset's panel designs for the Esprit Prestige collection
Above: Grille cover "Twiggy"
or here.
Or , in the US, here.
and here.
And in regards to the 40" version, I have yet to see it on the market.
Specs for the 32" version are:
Screen size: 32"
Resolution: 1366 x 768
Integrated digital tuner
EPG (Electronic Programme Guide)
HD ready
FM tuner
3D Digital Comb Filter
1-Chip video processor
Audio features:
S-Master
Dolby® Digital, Dolby® Prologic II, DTS Digital Surround
S-FORCE Front Surround
Front power output: 50 W x 2
Sub woofer (RMS) power output: 100 W
1 Composite Video In
1 S Video In
2 SCART
1 HDMI
PC input
DVD-R/+R/+R DL/+RW/-RW/-RW(VR) playback
DivX
MP3 playback
Precision Cinema Progressive
Size (L x W x H ): approx. 1069 x 856 X 470 mm
Weight: approx. 58 kg
Buy the 32" Sony esprit here (for those in Europe).
A Little Something For Those More Traditional
If the idea of a motorized flat tv is just a little too sci-fi/futuristic for you or your home decor, Sony has just started offering their Bravia HDTVs with colored monitor frames (see pic below):
Buy them here.