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Sony Previews A High(er) Definition Television Future with 82-inch 1080p Flat-Panel LCD and Slim Cabinet SXRD High Definition TVs (31/1/2006)

Sony Electronics is previewing the latest developments in high-definition television technology here at the Consumer Electronics Show this week.

One example is the world's first 82-inch Full HD 1080p flat panel BRAVIA LCD with Extended Video YCC (xvYCC) color reproduction technology. Another is a slim cabinet 55-inch 1080p Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD(TM)) micro-display.

Additionally, Sony previewed a new home network system compliant with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) standards and an all-in-one home theater system featuring an LCD TV/DVD player and 2.1 channel surround audio.

"Our vision of 'Higher Definition' is embodied by championing the highest possible picture quality, seamless integration with A/V devices and matching aesthetic appeal," said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of the Home Products Division at Sony Electronics.

Expanding the scope of full 1920 x 1080 HD resolution, Sony's 82-inch xvYCC-compliant BRAVIA LCD prototype features Triluminous LED backlighting. The xvYCC technology expands the current color data range of video by approximately 1.8 times more*. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is currently planning to standardize xvYCC. "This prototype is a statement of Sony's intention to being at the forefront of the technology," Waynick said. "The 82-inch BRAVIA not only illustrates that LCD is ready to challenge plasma in the larger screen size market, but that we are continuing to strive for picture quality perfection."

Also being spotlighted at CES is Sony's new 55-inch SXRD HDTV featuring a slim cabinet that is 30 percent thinner than the previous 50-inch SXRD model. Sony's SXRD displays have been hailed by critics as among the best TVs and projectors ever made. The new slim rear projection design provides flexible options for people looking for large screen TVs for smaller spaces without sacrificing picture quality. Also, unlike other slim cabinet rear projection televisions, Sony's SXRD model achieves its slim profile while maintaining the same height ratio found in SXRD models previously introduced. "SXRD remains a very important focus for us and this new model demonstrates how the microdisplay will fit into Sony's future of higher definition," Waynick added.

Preparing for that future when home entertainment products will feature easy plug and play Ethernet or WiFi wireless networking, Sony also previewed a TV-centric digital home network featuring the Xross(TM) Media Bar(R) (XMB) user interface. Based on DLNA industry standards, the network utilizes XMB to provide easy on-screen access and control of connected content servers and devices like PCs, personal video recorders, DVD players, and digital cameras, so that consumers can enjoy their TV programs, photos and music from anywhere in the home.

Also being previewed is a new concept in packaged home theater systems. Merging a 32-inch LCD TV, DVD/SA-CD player and 2.1 channel surround sound system, the unit's space-saving design appeals to those looking for a high quality home theater solution that is easy to use and stylish. The system features a motorized audio unit that automatically slides down, revealing a 32-inch high definition LCD TV. Also featuring a powerful subwoofer and Sony's 32-bit S-Master(R) digital amplifier with S-Force(R) Pro 2.1 channel surround system, the system delivers realistic surround sound without rear speakers.

* based on "Munsell Color Cascade", which is a color chart that defines the colors of all natural objects and is used to evaluate color expression capability of displays.

www.sony.com