Sony Unveils Newest Additions To WEGAô Television Lineup

New Model With 40-Inch CRT Spotlighted

8-Jan-01

Sonyís three-year-old FD TrinitronÆ WEGAô line of televisions are growing up in a hurry. After pioneering flat picture tube technology, in just three years, the WEGA line has grown from two to 26 models (ranging in screen sizes from 13-36 inches) and has become the direct-view standard in the growing home theatre and custom installation markets. To display its commitment to both categories, Sony announced a 40-inch WEGA television, utilizing flat picture tube technology and the largest CRT in the industry. Sony also demonstrated the futuristic Grand WEGA, which will feature a 16:9 screen with rear projection LCD technologies that could set new standards in terms of picture quality and detail. The two models offer a look into the state-of-the-art in Sonyís television technology, along with a glimpse into the future. ""As the demand for large-screen TVs rises in the home theatre and custom installation markets, Sony continues to raise the bar in consumer television technology through its WEGA line,"" said Tim Alessi, Director of Television Marketing for Sony Electronics. ""Weíre setting new standards in size, technology and performance with these models."" Introducing The Industryís Largest CRT Television The first model making its debut in the extended lineup is the KV-40XBR700, featuring the largest and the only 4:3 40-inch FD Trinitron CRT in the industry. Exclusive to the U.S. market, the new XBR model incorporates Sonyís Trinitron technology with its proprietary Fine Pitch Aperture Grille. The Aperture Grille provides vivid picture details and is essential in stabilizing the 40-inch screen. The new 40-inch XBR model incorporates a Hi-Scan chassis that accepts and displays a high definition (HD) signal as 1080i, when paired with a satellite or digital set-top box via one of two HD component inputs. Along with its 16:9 enhanced mode feature, the viewers will enjoy widescreen content just as the director intended. The KV-40XBR700 builds on the success of the companyís popular WEGA XBRÆ series with the next generation proprietary Digital Reality Creationô (DRC) MultiFunction with CineMotionô reverse 3:2 pull-down process. The CineMotion process minimizes motion artifacts caused when 24 frame-per-second film is transferred to 30 frame-per-second video. Combined with DRCís digital bit mapping process that re-generates an NTSC signal with up to four times the picture density, the result is detailed pictures with improved sharpness and enhanced image dimensionality that approaches high definition. It also includes the Multi-Image Driver (MID-X) chip, allowing viewers to simultaneously watch todayís television broadcasts (NTSC) and high definition programming side-by-side with Flexible Twin-Viewô two-tuner picture-in-picture. ""The new 40-inch WEGA is for a serious videophile who wants to experience outstanding picture image no matter what the video source may be,"" Alessi said. ""With DRC providing picture quality rivaling high definition TV, plus the ability to display true HDTV, it is the ultimate NTSC television."" The KV-40XBR700 will be available in October 2001 and will sell for about $4,000. Projecting The Future TodayStriving for a picture perfect future, Sony also demonstrated the Grand WEGA, the companyís first 16:9, LCD-based rear projection television. The advanced LCD screen, which leverages Sonyís expertise in innovative LCD PC monitors, delivers powerful breakthrough performance by displaying the sharp, bright picture quality of a conventional CRT television, but in a slim, sleek, lightweight frame. The Grand WEGA further highlights the expansion to large-screen size sets, and also emphasizes the technological innovation that is synonymous with the WEGA line. The U.S. introduction date and pricing of the Grand WEGA has not been determined. The WEGA Line Continues To ExpandWith the introduction of the new models, the WEGA series is now comprised of 26 models, ranging in screen sizes from 13-inch to the new 40-inch set. Combined with unique advertising and other integrated marketing efforts, the WEGA line of televisions will continue to dominate the market niche it created. ""We are staying ahead of the competition by offering a broader line of flat-screen televisions with excellent picture quality,"" Alessi said. ""Many manufacturers can make a flat-screen direct view television. But only Sony can make a WEGA.""