Sony Introduces What May Be the Best Rear Screen HDTVs

Sony just introduced two new sets utilizing their acclaimed Silicon X-tal (Crystal) Reflective Display (SXRD) technology. Each of these sets delivers full 1920 x 1080 high-definition, progressive scan resolution that is the highest resolution broadcast today. True 1980 x1080 Progressive is the "best you can get".

These new 1080p sets are the KDS-R60XBR1 (60 inch) and the KDS-R50XBR1 (50 inch) Grand WEGA models. They compliment the two existing SXRD products -- the 70-inch QUALIA 006 micro-display and the QUALIA 004 front projector. This is Sony's highest technology "statement" series of products, and while more costly than lesser performing models, as the old saying goes, "you get what you pay for". 1980 P is the "next milestone in the evolution of high-definition television and a standard for the ultimate picture performance," said Randy Waynick, a head "honcho" at Sony, and he's right.

At the heart of these SXRD models are three new 0.61-inch SXRD panels -- one each for red, green and blue color reproduction -- delivering more than 2 million native pixels. Refinements to the panel circuit layout enabled Sony to reduce the pixel pitch on an individual panel to just seven micrometers, resulting increased pixel density, yields, quick response time giving a brilliant, film-like picture.

Maximizing the Picture
An "Advanced Iris" combines with the three panels and Sony's Cinema Black Pro mode to maximize up to 10,000:1 contrast (based on overall light levels of the original signal). The result is exceptional brightness and sharp contrast. Additionally, the aperture of the iris shutter has been reduced in size, resulting in more faithfully reproduced blacks (athough still not as good as Sony's 34" widescreen CRT XBR HDTV model number KD-34XBR960 which we still believe to be the finest consumer HDTV ---and it sells for less than $2,000).

Other video signal process enhancements include Sony's MultiFunction version 2 circuitry, which enables precise digital mapping of not only conventional NTSC (the old-style analogue) sources but also 1080i HD signals.

For greater brightness and improved color reproduction, especially with reds, the new SXRD televisions incorporate a 120-watt high-output lamp, along with a new optical engine.

The new models are digital cable ready with an integrated CableCARD slot. If you don't know what a CableCard slot is don't be ashamed, the cable companies don't want you to, because it allows you to bypass their cable box and you won't be tempted to order all those pay-per-view movies. These new sets each deliver high quality sound through integrated speakers or you could/should hook it up to your hi-fi and go for real suround sound. Other features include dual HDMI inputs, three i.LINK (IEEE 1394) inputs, a PC input, optical audio output, and a Memory Stick flash media viewer.

The new KDS-R60XBR1 and KDS-R50XBR1 models are produced at the Sony Technology Center -- Pittsburgh, and are available for about $5,000 and $4,000, respectively through SonyStyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores. (www.sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers nationwide.

John Lentz