Introduction
On March 8th, Sony invited the press to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to preview their 2005 line of Audio, Video, and High Definition Television products. In previous years, Sony had held 3 individual Zone Shows for dealers and the press in East Rutherford (NJ), Chicago, and Los Angeles from late February to April. However, since the company moved its headquarters last year from Park Ridge, NJ to San Diego, it was felt that Las Vegas was a more centralized location to bring everyone together to view their new product offerings. With this new venue, the press was able to spend much more time with products.
Televisions – Micro Display
Rear projection LCD Micro Displays officially has been re-named 3LCD to reflect that the technology uses three panels instead of one (like DLP), and Sony unveiled four new Grand WEGA high-definition TV models, ranging in size from 42-in. to 60-in. According to Sony, the technology has been improved to generate natural color reproduction along with exceptionally bright images and striking detail. All Grand Wega models include Cinema Black Pro technology, which enables the displays? advanced iris shutter to automatically open and close according to the incoming signal level. Sony believes it creates brighter whites and better contrast in dark scenes. All models also provide access to Sony?s WEGA GATE, an easy-to-use on-screen guide that provides direct access to favorite channels, external inputs and the TV menu.
The new KDF-E42A10 (42-in.) and KDF-E50A10 (50-in.) models feature an entirely new design with a thick dark black bezel, a compact body (14 to 16-in. deep), and seemingly invisible speakers located at the bottom of the set. Both models offer screen resolutions of 1280×720 pixels or 720p native resolution. The other new Grand Wega models, KDF-E55A20 (55-in.) and KDF-E60A20 (60-in.), utilize Sony?s proprietary LCD Optical Engine, with Sony?s WEGA engine pushing screen resolution to 1366×768; this is more than a native 720p resolution. All four models will be available this Spring. Unfortunately, pricing was unavailable at presstime.
Sony KDF-E55A20
Sony also indicated that it is finally shipping its 70-in. QUALIA SXRD Micro Display. This set was originally introduced at C.E.D.I.A. last September. With image quality at 1920×1080 or 1080p, this 70-in. beauty has been re-priced at $13,000 (up from its original price of $10,000).
QUALIA 006 SXRD
Televisions – LCD
Sony has expanded its flat-panel LCD TV line with the addition of 26-in. and 32-in. high-definition models The new KLV-S32A10 (32-in.) and KLV-S26A10 (26-in.) flat panel sets join the previously announced KLV-S23A10 (23-in.) and KLV-S19A (19-in) models as part of Sony?s new S-Series. This widescreen 16:9 line-up features an HDMI connection and incorporates a high-performance, 1-chip video processor that integrates a 3D digital comb filter with a motion adaptive I/P converter. The models also feature Panel Driver technology, which improves picture contrast and detail while reducing video noise and image blur during fast action scenes. Reportedly, all new flat-panel LCD models feature a response time of 12m/sec. All sets include Sony?s new LightSensor technology; brightness can be automatically adjusted as a room?s lighting changes, with minimal loss of contrast or color fidelity.
Sony is emphasizing an eye-catching design with a thin, sleek look that features an integrated tilt and swivel table-top stand for flexible viewing angles. Both of the new models introduced feature six sets of A/V inputs (3 composite and S-Video pairs, one component, one PC, and one HDMI). Sound quality has also been enhanced by utilizing a digital amplifier with SRS TruSurorund audio system. The high-definition KLV-S32A10 ($2,300) and KLV-S26A10 ($1,700) will be available this summer. The previously announced high-definition KLV-S23A10 ($1,300) and KLV-S19A10 ($1,100) will be available this Spring.
Sony KLV-S23A10
Rounding out the Sony LCD line is their QUALIA 005 LCD flat-panel television featuring a 46-in. screen size. This model is a fully-integrated HDTV and digital cable ready. It is equipped with several Sony original and proprietary technologies, including the Triluminous LED backlight system, an HD-to-HD conversion algorithm that recreates standard and HDTV signals to the full 920×1080 quality and widens the color gamut to maximize the capabilities of the Triluminous LED backlight system. Rounding out this special flat-panel HD LCD display, the 005 includes a 100-watt S-Master full digital amplifier. According to Sony, the QUALIA 005 will be available this Spring for about $15,000.
Sony QUALIA 005
Televisions – Direct View CRT
Sony quietly introduced direct-view standard definition TVs that include an ATSC tuner, which allows them to receive high-definition signals but display them at 480p?the same resolution as that of DVD. These sets do not include any digital video inputs such as DVI or HDMI, but simply component video. Sony?s model KV-36FS130 (36-in. 4:3), which is scheduled for spring availability, will be priced at $999. While a 36-in. model was initially shown, we can probably expect 32-in. and 27-in. versions in the coming months. Happily, Sony has chosen to include a QAM Cable HD tuner along with its ATSC tuner.
Sony KV-36FS130
Televisions – Plasma
There were no plasma TV introductions so far for Sony. Presumably, their 2004 models will carry over. There appears to be shift in emphasis in flat-panel display technologies from plasma to LCD at Sony. Remember that Sony and Samsung are now partners in a new LCD factory, which will produce 8th generation glass. Ultimately, LCD is poised to replace aging CRT technology in all direct-view sizes. As more LCD factories appear on-line, and inexpensive products continue to come out of China and Taiwan, LCD prices will continue to drop. This could likely turn CRTs into dinosaurs.
Home Video – DVD Players
Sony introduced three HDMI up-scaling DVD players, including a new 400-disc changer. The 2005 DVD line also includes two progressive scan models. All players/changers feature Precision Cinema Progressive circuitry, and 12-bit/108MHz video D/A converter for high-quality video output.
The DV-C995V 400-disc DVD/Super-Audio CD (SACD) changer up-scales (or up-converts) video to high definition (1080i/720p) resolution and transmits high-quality audio through HDMI. HDMI allows for the transfer of uncompressed digital signals to other HDMI-equipped components and TVs. Sony has re-designed its ?Disc Explorer? on-screen graphics user interface, providing intuitive access to the expansive disc library and making it easy for users to locate their favorite movies and SACD music. The changer features Sony?s Precision Cinema Progressive circuitry, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 channel outputs, and compatibility with DVD-RW/-R/+RW/+R, MP3, JPEG, CD-R/RW, VCD, and SVCD playback. Additional user convenience features include multi-disc resume (40 discs), custom parental controls (400 discs), and playback memory (400 discs). To complete the package, the changer includes coaxial and optical digital outputs and a universal remote. The DV-CX955V will be available this summer for about $400.
Sony DVP-CX995V
Model DVP-NS90V is a single-disc DVD/SACD player with HDMI output and 720p/1080i up-scaling. It includes a new feature this year, Fast/Slow Playback with Sound. DVP-N90V also includes A/V Sync, which aligns audio and video playback, and includes the same disc compatibility as the new changer. The DVP-NS90V will be available this summer for about $200. Model DVP-NS70H is also a single-play DVD player with all of the features of NS90V except SACD capability. It will also be available this summer for about $150.
Rounding out the standard DVD player line are two progressive scan models. Model DVP-NC80V is a five-disc DVD/SACD changer that features Precision Cinema Progressive technology and Precision Drive III for high-quality video output. The DVP-NC80V, available in black and silver, will ship this spring for about $140. Lastly, model DVP-NS50P delivers all of the features of the DVP-NS70V, but without HDMI output. The player comes in a silver or black finish, and will be available this spring for about $80.
ES DVD Players
Sony introduced its flagship ES DVD player: model DVP-NS9100ES, which features dual i.LINK IEEE1394 and HDMI outputs. The player includes 720p/1080i upconversion and plays back SACDs. Utilizing a spectacular 14-bit/216Mhz D-A video D/A converter with NSV, this single-play DVD/SACD player includes a special 4×2 D/A converter for 5.1 audio along with 2-channel analog outputs. Digital audio signals can be passed via the coaxial or optical digital outputs, the i.LINK digital interface or HDMI. The DVP-NS9100ES can playback multiple formats, including DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW, MP3, JPEG, CD-R/RW, VCD, and SVCD. Special features include Sony?s Precision Cinema Progressive, A/V Sync, and an RS-232C interface. The DVP-NS9100ES will be available this summer at $1,300.
Sony will also offer a single-play DVP-NS3100ES DVD/SACD player with HDMI 720p/1080i upconversion. It will feature 12-bit/216Mhz video D-A conversion with NSV, Precision Cinema Progressive circuitry, and A/V Sync. It can also playback the same multi-disc formats as the DVP-NS9100ES. The DVPO-NS3100ES will also be available this summer at price of $500.
DVD Recorders
At its line show, Sony introduced three new DVD Recorder models, including one with an integrated hard-disc driver and HDMI, a dual deck DVD recorder and VCR, and a stand-alone DVD recorder.
The top-of-the line is model RDR-HX715 DVD Recorder, which incorporates a 160GB hard-drive. It has broad media read/write compatibility with DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW and +R Double layer disc compatibility for longer recording time. The RDR-HX715 includes an i.LINK IEEE 1394 digital interface/Digital8 input, and a component video output along with the HDMI output for up-scaling images to 720p/1080i. TV Guide On Screen has been added, making it easy to find and record programming without the cost of monthly fees. Other highlights include Intelligent Scene Chaptering, which provides easy scene search and editing by indexing chapter at transition points, and the D-Matrix Noise Reduction System, which uses a combination of three types of noise reduction technologies for superior recording and playback levels. The RDR-HX715 will be available in September for about $700.
Sony RDR-HX715
Sony has also added a DVD Recorder plus VCR for easy home movie dubbing. Model RDR-VX515 features one-touch dubbing, which makes it easy to archive old home VHS tape footage. The unit also offers an i.LINK IEEE1394 digital interface/Digital8 input for simplified digital recording of home movie footage from a camcorder to DVD. The combo unit also features progressive scan output for DVD, component video output and S-Video output for DVD and VHS playback. It will be available this summer for about $400.
Sony?s stand-alone DVD recorder is their model RDR-GX315, which features a new slim-line chassis and compatibility with +R double-layer DVD discs for longer recording time. It also features front panel i.LINK IEEE1394 digital interface/Digital8 compatibility. It will also be available this summer for about $300.
AUDIO – ES Recievers
Sony?s new ES Receiver line looks to bring these A/V centerpieces to new visual and aural highs. 3 new A/V receivers were presented at this years show. The new top-of-the-line model STR-DA7100ES ($2,000) is a 7.1-channel home theater receiver that features a new HDMI interface. All sources ? both analog and digital ? will be upconverted to the digital domain and passed along to an HDTV display device. This receiver features a new 32-bit S Master Pro digital amplifier that delivers 170-watts of power to seven channels. Other receivers introduced include the STR-DA3100ES ($1,000) that features a new 120-watt, seven channel analog amplifier and two assignable HD component video inputs with component video upconversion. The third model ? STR-DA2100ES ($800) ? is a 110-watt, seven channel amplifier featuring two assignable component video HD inputs.
ES Speakers
Sony has introduced a new 5.1 channel flat-panel matching speaker system. Designed to complement the aesthetics of flat-panel displays, the SA-FT7ED package includes five flat satellite speakers, wall mounting brackets, and a 150-watt powered subwoofer. The completely re-engineered flat-panel speakers measure only 1.25-in. thick providing a very thin profile. The SA-FT7ED speaker package will be available this Summer for about $2,000.
Dream Systems
Sony looks to provide innovative solutions for home theater enthusiasts, and has introduced five new systems to fulfill different environment needs. The Sony DAV-X1 Platinum DVD Dream System ($1,000) delivers surround sound with the use of only two front speakers and a powered subwoofer ? not the traditional 5.1 channel configuration. Using Sony?s proprietary S-FORCE Front Surround technology, it provides distinct separation of signals between front, center, and rear channels. The system?s speakers are specially designed with two unique drivers in each. The DAV-X1 includes a single-disc DVD/SACD system with advanced 720p/1080i video upscaling and an HDMI interface.
Sony DAV-X1
Other systems include Sony?s first wireless Dream System with DIAT technology. The DAV-LF10 Platinum DVD Dream System ($1,500) includes a single-disc DVD/SACD player housed in a floating glass main unit along with industrial designed brush aluminum speakers. The advanced DIAT technology transfers digital audio signals without compression. According to Sony, the system is not vulnerable to interference by other wireless information or data transmitted from household items. A second Wireless DVD Dream System ? model DAV-FX100W ($1,000) ? is also available that includes a five-disc slot loading DVD-SACD home theater system, and a 1000 watts of power. It also features DIAT wireless technology for the rear floor-standing speakers along with HDMI connectivity with 720p/1080i upscaling. Sony rounds out the Dream System line by two other systems. Model DAV-FX80 ($700) features HDMI with 720p/1080i upscaling, five-disc, slot loading DVD/SACD 5.1 surround system with 1,000 watts of power. Model DAV-FX10 ($500) is a five-disc, slot loading DVD/SACD 5.1 surround sound system delivering 1,000 watts of power.
Network Walkman
Sony has introduced nine new flash media Network Walkman players with extended battery life of up to 70 hours. All new Network Walkman players now playback both MP3 and ATRAC3/3plus music files plus now support WMA and WAV formats also. The new models are compatible with Sony?s Connect online music store and include SonicStage software to import, manage, and transfer music collections. New models include the tiny, round NW-E103 (256MB @ $90), NW-E105 (512MB @ $100), and NW-E107 (1GB @ $150) that weigh less than one ounce and are about the size of poker chip featuring up to 70 hours of continuous play on one AAA battery. The models connect directly to a PC?s USB port. Other models include the graceful NW-E405 (512MB @ $130), NW-E407 (1GB @ $180), NW-E505 (512MB @ $150) and NW-E507 (1GB @ $200) that are wearable art pieces, and include a three-line EL (organic electroluminescence) display. These models provide up to 50 hours of continuous playback, and include one-handed Jog Dial operation. Models NW-E505 and NW-E507 also include an FM tuner.
Sony NW-E105
