Sony Elevates New Grand WEGA LCD Projection Sets To The XBR Lineup

21-Aug-02

Sony Electronics unveiled new 50- and 60-inch, 16:9 LCD-based rear-projection Grand WEGAô television models. The new KF-50XBR800 and KF-60XBR800 feature a second generation, proprietary ""Optical Engine,"" which incorporates three wide XGA LCD panels and a UHP (Ultra High Pressure) lamp system. ""We're experiencing explosive growth in the widescreen, large-screen TV category,"" said Tim Alessi, Director of Marketing for Sony Electronics' Visual Network Products Division. ""These new Grand WEGA models offer videophiles a powerful combination of new LCD technology and outstanding picture performance in an attractive, modern design."" Enhanced Picture Quality The Optical Engine utilizes Sony's three wide XGA LCD panels, one for each of the RGB colors. Also featured is proprietary dot line inversion drive technology, claimed to result in images virtually free of blurring, shading, and ghosting. The Optical Engine also features a special lens system that allows the rear-projection set to have a lightweight, very slim cabinet design. The lens system bends the light path, creating an ultra-short focal point. In addition, the new Grand WEGA models incorporate an improved Green Trim filter as well as a new UV filter. The new models are claimed to display a 25 percent improvement in overall black levels. The Superfine Pitch Lenticular screen has a pitch of 0.155mm. It also expands the viewing angle vertically to 60 degrees. The High-Contrast Double Anti-Reflective screen allows 1.5 percent of ambient light to be reflected back at the viewer. The Grand WEGA LCD projection television sets have a native resolution (1366 x 768) higher than 720p and accept 1080i high-definition signals, as well as progressive scan DVD signals. The set automatically converts all content to a high-resolution progressive output. The new sets feature Sony's Digital Reality Creationô MultiFunction V1 circuitry (DRC) and CineMotionô reverse 3:2 pull-down technology. The DRC MultiFunction V1 circuitry gives viewers control over the level of DRCô picture enhancement depending on the quality of the input signal or personal preference. The CineMotion process minimizes motion artifacts caused when 24-frame-per-second film is transferred to 30-frame-per-second video.They also include the Multi-Image Driverô X (MID-X), a high-performance picture-and-picture feature that allow viewers to simultaneously watch analog NTSC television broadcasts and high-definition programming side-by-side. The new KF-50XBR800 and KF-60XBR800 models incorporate a secure Digital Visual Interface (DVI-HDTV) connection that enables copy-protected, uncompressed high-definition video content to be delivered to the TV from a DVI/HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compatible set-top box. The new sets also include nine different video inputs. In addition to three S-video inputs, these offer two component video inputs for connection to such high-definition sources. Additionally, a Memory StickÆ media slot is incorporated for access to JPEG images converted to XGA. The Grand WEGA TVs incorporate TruSurroundô SRSÆ audio sound processing with BBE, SteadySoundô automatic volume control and a Multi-Amp Speaker System to independently drive the three-way, six-speaker, positioned at either side of the screen. Available this fall, the KF-50XBR800 and the KF-60XBR800 models will sell for about $5,500 and $6,500, respectively. For more information, visit www.sel.sony.com.

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