Sony is continuing to lead the transition to high-definition television with the introduction of a new 70-inch Grand WEGA micro-display rear projection television that achieves full 1920x1080 HD resolution.

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.

"Last year our Qualia 004 SXRD projector set a benchmark in HD performance for high-end custom installations," said Mike Fidler, senior vice president of Sony Electronics' Home Products Division. "With the new KDS70XBR100, we'll bring the full power of HD to the rear-projection TV category so more people can enjoy the ultimate HD experience on high quality home theater systems."

Optimum Design in Rear Projection Television

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.

For greater brightness and improved color reproduction, especially with reds, the new 70-inch SXRD Grand WEGA television incorporates a 200-watt high-output lamp, along with a new optical engine complete with high contrast Cinema Black Pro mode. A special lenticular glass screen with ARCoating also reduces screen distortion while expanding off-axis viewing.

In addition, the new model has a built-in, low noise S-Master? digital amplifier that ensures crystal clear sound reproduction. It also has detachable speakers to provide custom installers with the option to add separate high-end speaker solutions.

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.