Sony Bravia KDL-40EX40B LCD/Blu-ray combo available for pre-order at $899

Did you know that Sony was nearly ready to drop a 40-inch 1080p HDTV with an integrated Blu-ray player? A quick Google search proves you're not the only one who didn't. But apparently it's close enough to be available for pre-order at JR.com, though not close enough for the site to provide a firm availability date.

The Sony KDL-40EX40B has the usual features a basic Bravia LCD possesses, including an Ethernet port and support for Sony's Bravia Internet Video and Widgets as well as DNLA compatibility so you can stream media files from your home network. The big news, however, is that Sony is joining Sharp in offering a LCD/Blu-ray combo, which seems a natural fit that TV makers seem to be ignoring/resisting. Just as newsworthy is that Sony is apparently willing to sell the the KDL-40EX40B for $899 (at least according to J&R's Website).

The price may not seem so surprising considering that the same retailer is selling the Sony KDL-40S5100 40-inch 1080p set for $669 and the Sony BDP-S360 Blu-ray player for $129. In other words, you save a $100 buying the components separately. But a 40-inch HDTV with a built-in Blu-ray player for $899 sounds like a great deal, doesn't it? Would you prefer having a Blu-ray drive integrated into your set? Let us know in the TalkBack section.