Sony Announces New XBR Series Flat Panel Plasma WEGA Televisions

21-Aug-02

Expanding upon its TS1 line of Plasma WEGAô televisions, Sony announced new XBR series widescreen, high-resolution flat panel plasma televisions with advanced picture technology and a sophisticated design. Continuing the legacy of WEGA technology, the new KE-42XBR900 (1024 x 768 pixels) and KE-50XBR900 (1365 x 768 pixels) models feature two-piece plasma panel/media receiver units and the new WEGA Engineô system, as well as the floating glass panel display. ""Building on the tremendous success of our 2001 Plasma WEGA line, the new XBR models are for those with an eye for advanced, state-of-the art home theatre 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."" Introducing The WEGA Engine System The XBR series models debut the proprietary WEGA Engine, which offers full digital processing and includes exclusive Sony technology, including: - Composite Component Processor (CCP), which increases signal to noise ratio when converting the signal from analog to digital to optimize the level of DRCô circuitry - Digital Reality Creationô MultiFunction V1 circuitry, which gives viewers control over the level of DRC circuitry depending on quality of the input signal - MIDô-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 Twin Viewô picture and picture features - CineMotionô reverse 3:2 pulldown circuitry, which allows for optimized performance of film-based video source display - 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 plasma 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 set-top box component for connection to any video and audio source. The MRU houses the WEGA Engine system and all necessary inputs, as well as a Memory StickÆ media slot for viewing JPEG images converted to high-definition quality. 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. Convenience features include scalable Twin Viewô 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 TruSurroundô sound processing. The KE-42XBR900 and the KE-50XBR900 Plasma WEGA models will be available this fall for about $12,000 and $15,000, respectively. Second Generation TS Series Plasma WEGA Models Additionally, Sony is introducing second generation KE-32TS2 and KE-42TS2, 16:9 widescreen models. Both new models in the new TS2 series offer a 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. The improved high-definition panel is claimed to offer up to 43 percent brighter images and contrast than other flat panel plasma displays. The new KE-32TS2U and the KE-42TS2U plasma TVs will be available in the fall for about $6,000 and $8,000 respectively. For more information, visit www.sel.sony.com.

Read More:
http://www.sel.sony.com