Sony Unveils ""Flagship"" CRT Projector For High End Home Theatre Applications
Sony Electronics, at a reception for the press on March 17 announced a high-end graphics-grade CRT projector, the model VPH-G90U that features new high-resolution 9-inch electromagnetic focus CRTs, a specified brightness of up to 350 ANSI lumens and a resolution of 2500 x 2000 pixels. The feature-rich projector was demonstrated at the Sheraton Princess Hotel in San Francisco. Flexibility was stressed as a key feature of this new projector. Sony envisions the VPH-G90 becoming the projector of choice for installation in large and medium venues, conference rooms, home theatre and virtual reality applications. The 135Mhz bandwidth capable projector can easily accommodate either motion or video or data/graphic displays. Large screen images can be viewed from a wide variety of signal input sources, such as composite video, Y/C video, component (Y/R-Y/B-Y), RGB and HDTV, and at horizontal frequencies of up to 150kHz. ""The VPH-G90U is a flagship product, resulting from out expertise in the display market,"" said Jim Sandy, Vice President of display systems for Sony Electronicsí Broadcast and Professional Company. ""The projector incorporates new technologies and features for high-end applications that we believe will satisfy even the most demanding user, be in the boardroom or home theatre."" One of these technology advances is a Sony-developed feature called DRCô (Digital Reality Creation). Unlike most projectors where line doublers or quadruplers are an expensive option necessary to help eliminate visible scanning lines, the built-in DRC circuitry doubles the number of active scanning lines, and it also doubles the number of pixels on each scanning line. The resulting image, says Sony, has four times the picture density of a standard 480i image. The electromagnetic focus CRTs, says Sony, represent another enhancement. The 20 percent improved beam spot projection and six-pole adjustment capabilities are said to contribute to the VPH-G90U projectorís ability to deliver resolution up to 2500 x 2000 pixels. For motion video applications, a three-line YC separation filter is available, while a 3D comb filter is available for data/graphic input to help eliminate more of the cross color and dot interference. A user-selectable on/off defocus mode for video provides higher contrast levels and whiter whites at the touch of a button. The VPH-G90U will be available now from select Sony resellers at a suggested retail price of $35,000. The VPH-G90U was demonstrated using an eight and one-half foot wide Stewart Filmscreen StudioTek 100 screen. Segments from Lost In Space on DVD were shown in both original format and enhanced DRC. Picture quality was excellent though there was no opportunity to verify performance with established industry test material. Such will have to wait until Sony provides Widescreen Review with a projector for review. Other material shown was high-definition scenes of above the nationís cities. Image quality was superb with outstanding focus, sharpness and detail. More information about Sony products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sony.com/professional, or readers may call 800 686 SONY. For more direct information, contact Mary Abram, Sony Electronics Inc., at 201 930 7160 or email mary_abram@mail.sel.sony.com or Gary Wind, Technology Solutions, at 212 320 2221 or email gwind@tsipr.com. For technical information contact Al Barton at 201 358 4223.