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By: Richard Del Cazzo
Web site: http://www.hdtv-hdtv.com
Flat screen plasma television: Expanding upon its success
with the TS1 line of Plasma WEGA™ televisions, Sony
announced today new XBR series widescreen, high-resolution
flat screen plasma televisions with advanced picture technology
and a sophisticated design for discerning home theater enthusiasts.
Continuing the legacy of innovative WEGA technology, the
new KE-42XBR900 (1024 x 768 pixels) and KE-50XBR900 (1365
x 768 pixels) flat screen plasma television models feature
two-piece plasma panel/media receiver units and the new WEGA
Engine™ system that displays brilliant images on the
new high-definition flat screen plasma televisions. Heightening
this experience is the model's chic, floating glass panel
display, designed to be the centerpiece of any home theater
system.
"Building on the tremendous success of our 2001 Plasma
WEGA line, the new XBR flat screen plasma television models
are for those with an eye for advanced, state-of-the art home
theater products," said Tim Alessi, director of marketing
for Sony Electronics' Visual Network Products Division. "Coupled
with the most advanced picture technologies such as the new
WEGA Engine system and stunning, new design that consumers
expect from the XBR line, our new plasma models will set a
new standard in the industry."
The XBR- series flat screen plasma television models debut
the proprietary WEGA Engine, which delivers superb picture
quality from any video source by minimizing the number of
digital-to-analog conversion processes and maximizing picture
performance. This full digital processing engine includes
unique Sony technology, including:
The first step in the digital processing system, Composite
Component Processor (CCP), which increases signal to noise
ratio when converting the signal from analog to digital to
optimize the level of DRC™ circuitry;
Digital Reality Creation™ MultiFunction V1 circuitry,
which gives viewers complete control over the level of DRC
circuitry depending on quality of input signal, thereby displaying
clear, stable images, no matter what the video source;
MID™-XU (Multi Image Driver), developed for fixed
pixel devices, maintains the integrity of a converted signal
by minimizing image loss in the scaling process, providing
unique Twin View™ picture and picture features; and
CineMotion™ reverse 3:2 pulldown circuitry, which
allows optimum performance of film-based video source display.
The final step in digital processing, the Digital Component
Processor (DCP), fine tunes the signal and makes adjustments
to improve overall contrast and sharpness before the image
is displayed on the plasma panel.
The advanced picture technologies on the KE-42XBR900 and
KE-50XBR900 flat screen plasma television models are complemented
by a stylish, modern cosmetic design. The ultra-slim, floating
glass panel display is connected via proprietary cable to
the supplied Media Receiver Unit (MRU), a convenient set-top
box component for easy connection to any video and audio source.
The MRU houses the WEGA Engine system and all necessary inputs,
as well as a Memory Stick® media slot for viewing favorite
JPEG images converted to high-definition quality1.
The MRU also incorporates a Digital Visual Interface (DVI-HDTV)
connection that enables copy-protected, high-definition video
content to be delivered to the unit from a DVI/HDCP (High-bandwidth
Digital Content Protection) compatible set-top box, such as
Sony's new SAT-HD200 HD/DIRECTV receiver.
Convenience features include scalable Twin View™ feature,
which allows simultaneous viewing of two programs from two
different sources side by side, and a Favorite Channel preview
function for previewing and selecting from eight channels.
Audio features include built-in speakers, totaling 40-watts
audio power, with TruSurround™ sound processing for
a thrilling cinematic experience.
The KE-42XBR900 and the KE-50XBR900 flat screen plasma television
WEGA models will be available this fall for about $12,000
and $15,000, respectively.
Additionally, following the success of last year's TS line
of flat screen plasma televisions with integrated NTSC tuners,
Sony is introducing second generation KE-32TS2 and KE-42TS2,
16:9 widescreen models offering the same elegant style with
improved technical and performance features to enhance the
home theater experience.
Both new flat screen plasma television models in the new
TS2 series offer a simple plug-and-play style with an integrated
NTSC tuner, audio amplifier, speakers and a tabletop base--
all in one unit. The new models also incorporate a Digital
Visual Interface (DVI-HDTV) connection that enables copy-protected,
high-definition video content to be delivered to the TV from
a DVI/HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compatible
set-top box. The improved high-definition panel generates
up to 43% brighter images and contrast for what may be the
best picture quality among integrated flat screen plasma televisions.
The new KE-32TS2U and the KE-42TS2U flat screen plasma televisions
will be available in the fall for about $6,000 and $8,000
respectively.
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