Sony Unveils 70-inch TV With Zoom Capability

[Gregg Lengling]

Sony introduced their monster 70-inch Grand WEGA micro-display rear projection television that achieves full 1920x1080 HD resolution. Sony has also included a computer chip that allows viewers to zoom in on any part of a TV image while keeping the image sharp.

Sony's Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD) technology was originally introduced in the acclaimed QUALIA 004 front projector. The new rear projection model (KDS70XBR100) achieves higher panel pixel density than conventional micro-display devices. Its narrow inter-pixel spacing provides greater detail and more film-like picture quality with no visual artifacts.



The new model also employs vertically aligned liquid crystal for a high device contrast ratio exceeding 3000:1 and optimal black level reproduction. Additionally, an ultra-thin cell gap with less than a five-millisecond response time (sum of rise and fall time) enables crystal clear images -- even during the most action-packed sequences. The SXRD technology's high luminance three-panel design produces continuous uniform brightness across every frame, for truly accurate color and flesh tones.

However, the new Digital Reality Creation circuity (which allows zooming of the picture) may steal the show.

The KDS70XBR100 features other video signal process enhancements, including Sony's WEGA Engine and the latest DRC-MF video technology. Digital Reality Creation MultiFunction version 2 circuitry (DRC-MFv2) enables the digital mapping of not only conventional NTSC sources but also 1080i HD signals. DRC-MFv2 utilizes a proprietary algorithm to provide crisp, clear pictures along with an Image Format Processor (IFP) technology that optimizes contrast by providing the widest dynamic range possible. IFP's enhanced motion vector algorithm also reduces signal noise without reducing the overall level of sharpness.

It is this "Digital Reality Creation Multifunction v2" technology that allows users to pan around the TV image and then zoom in. A knob on a box attached to the TV adjusts the amount of zoom.

The KDS70XBR100 also has an HDMI connector with HDCP (High Definition Multimedia Interface connection with High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection). HDMI with HDCP is an enhanced version of DVI-HDTV -- the latest interconnect for digital sources that supports uncompressed high definition video through a single cable.

In addition, a Memory Stick media slot allows convenient JPEG, MPEG1 and MP3 file playback. The KDS70XBR100 also includes i.LINK (IEEE 1394) connectivity, which enables digital transfer of HD content to compatible home network devices.

The new KDS70XBR100 Grand Wega HDTV will be available early next year for under $10,000. Sony said that a box attachment with the zoom feature may be sold separately, but the date and price are still undecided.

Source: Sony