Audio Video News

Sony Electronics has unveiled its new collection of Hi-Scan 1080i widescreen, HDTV-monitor rear projection televisions for 2002.

The new sets are significant, celebrating Sony's 20th anniversary in the rear-projection TV category. The new large screens include seven 16:9 widescreen rear-projection sets. Each new model features Sony's Hi-Scan 1080i chassis and incorporates a Digital Visual Interface (DVI-HDTV) connection that allows copy-protected, high-definition video content to be delivered to the TV from a DVI/HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compatible set-top box.

The 2002 Hi-Scan sets feature a number of new refinements, such as a new "floating screen" design with a metallic silver wraparound speaker base, and "Digital Reality Creation (DRC) MultiFunction V1," which gives viewers complete control over the level of DRC circuitry depending on quality of input signal, thereby displaying clear, stable images, no matter what the video source. Sony's HD MicroFocus CRT has increased beam strength and 30% smaller spot size than conventional CRTs, resulting in a brighter and sharper image. The HD Archromatic MicroFocus lens system provides clearer focus and---in the WV700 series---the new "Uniform Brightness Screen" provides a wider vertical viewing angle and more consistent horizontal brightness from top to bottom, resulting in brilliant picture images that can be seen from any angle.

The new widescreen models also include performance features as CineMotion reverse 3:2 pulldown circuitry for optimum film-based video source display, "multi-image driver-x" with scrolling channel index system, two-tuner picture-and-picture, and "SRS TruSurround" sound processing. They also feature two HD component video inputs (Y/PB/PR), and highest-quality connections to DVD players. Hi-Scan monitors are said to offer "outstanding performance with HD receiver/decoders."

"The breadth of our all digital projection TV line-up with seven new widescreen models clearly demonstrates Sony's leadership in the industry," said Tim Alessi, director of marketing for Sony Electronics. "These advanced televisions are loaded with innovative performance enhancing features that result in fantastic images." Each new set also includes a Memory Stick media slot for viewing JPEG images converted to 1080i high-definition quality.

Sony's new KP-57WV600 and KP-65WV600 rear-projection televisions will be available in August for about $3,700 and $4,200, respectively. Also available in August, the step-up models KP-57WV700 and KP-65WV700 models incorporating the double Anti-Reflective contrast screen and Uniform Brightness Screen technology will sell for about $4,200 and $4,700, respectively. The KP-51WS500, KP-57WS500 and KP-65WS500 models will be available in October for around $2,700, $3,200 and $3,700, respectively.