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Sony KE-50XBR900 50" 16:9 XBR® Plasma WEGA™ Flat Panel Television and Media Box

Sony announces their new XBR series widescreen, high-resolution flat panel plasma televisions with advanced picture technology and a sophisticated design for discerning home theater enthusiasts.

Continuing the legacy of innovative WEGA technology, the new KE-42XBR900 (1280 x 768 pixels) and KE-50XBR900 (1365 x 768 pixels) models feature two-piece plasma panel/media receiver units and the new WEGA Engine(TM) system that displays brilliant images on the new high-definition panels. Heightening this experience is the model's chic, floating glass panel display, designed to be the centerpiece of any home theater system.

"Building on the tremendous success of our 2001 Plasma WEGA line, the new XBR models are for those with an eye for advanced, state-of-the art home theater products," said Tim Alessi, director of marketing for Sony Electronics' Visual Network Products Division. "Coupled with the most advanced picture technologies such as the new WEGA Engine system and stunning, new design that consumers expect from the XBR line, our new plasma models will set a new standard in the industry."

Introducing the WEGA Engine System

The XBR- series models debut the proprietary WEGA Engine, which delivers superb picture quality from any video source by minimizing the number of digital-to-analog conversion processes and maximizing picture performance. This full digital processing engine includes unique Sony technology, including:

-- The first step in the digital processing system, Composite Component Processor (CCP), which increases signal to noise ratio when converting the signal from analog to digital to optimize the level of DRC(TM) circuitry;

-- Digital Reality Creation(TM) MultiFunction V1 circuitry, 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;

-- MID(TM)-XU (Multi Image Driver), developed for fixed pixel devices, maintains the integrity of a converted signal by minimizing image loss in the scaling process, providing unique Twin View(TM) picture and picture features; and

-- CineMotion(TM) reverse 3:2 pulldown circuitry, which allows optimum performance of film-based video source display.

The final step in digital processing, the Digital Component Processor (DCP), fine tunes the signal and makes adjustments to improve overall contrast and sharpness before the image is displayed on the plasma panel.

The advanced picture technologies on the KE-42XBR900 and KE-50XBR900 plasma models are complemented by a stylish, modern cosmetic design. The ultra-slim, floating glass panel display is connected via proprietary cable to the supplied Media Receiver Unit (MRU), a convenient set-top box component for easy connection to any video and audio source. The MRU houses the WEGA Engine system and all necessary inputs, as well as a Memory Stick(R) media slot for viewing favorite JPEG images converted to high-definition quality(1).

The MRU also incorporates a Digital Visual Interface (DVI-HDTV) connection that enables copy-protected, high-definition video content to be delivered to the unit from a DVI/HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compatible set-top box, such as Sony's new SAT-HD200 HD/DIRECTV receiver.

Convenience features include scalable Twin View(TM) feature, which allows simultaneous viewing of two programs from two different sources side by side, and a Favorite Channel preview function for previewing and selecting from eight channels.

Audio features include built-in speakers, totaling 40-watts audio power, with TruSurround(TM) sound processing for a thrilling cinematic experience.

The KE-42XBR900 and the KE-50XBR900 Plasma WEGA models will be available this fall for about $12,000 and $15,000, respectively.

Key Features of the Sony KE-50XBR900 include:

• 50" Panel & Media Box
• WEGA® Engine System
• Digital Reality Creation™ MultiFunction V1
• Digital Component Processor
• CineMotion™ Reverse 3-2 Pulldown Technology
• Multi Image Driver MID™ XU
• Floating Panel Design
• DVI-HDTV Interface
• MemoryStick® Media Playback, JPEG*
• HDTV Monitor
• (*) All Sony digital still cameras and camcorders, except models DSC-D700, DSC-D770, DCR-TRV900, and DSR-PD100A, store images on a Memory Stick media in the DCF file format, which is required for playback on these televisions. If the image if re-named or manipulated the DCF filed format must be restored before playback is possible. Images captured on all other digital still cameras and camcorders will need to be formatted on a PC to the DCF file format (with third party software not supplied with the television) before they can be viewed.

Key Specifications of the Sony KE-50XBR900 include:

• Built-in NTSC Tuner (media box)
• Built-in Stereo Speakers
• 1365 x 768 lines of resolution
• Channel coverage CATV 1-125, UHF 14-69, VHF 2-13
• Steady Sound™ Auto Volume Control
• Input Signals: 480i, 480p, 1080i, 720p
• Color Temperature Adjustment
• Auto Wide/ Wide Screen Modes
• TruSurround™ Sound Effect
• Monitor Out
• Auto Channel Program
• Caption Vision (CC)
• Channel Skip/Add
• Clock Timer (two event)
• Favorite Channel
• Program Pallette™ Presets
• Sleep Timer
• V-Chip Parental Control
• 2 HD Component Video Inputs (Y/Pb/Pr)
• 1 Front / 2 Rear Video Inputs
• 1 Front 2 Rear S-Video Inputs
• Control S Ouput
• Fixed/Variable Audio Out
• Subwoofer Output
• Remote Control Supplied (RM-927Y)
• Optional Accessory: SU-P50T1 Table top stand
• Dimensions: W x H x D: 61 7/8" x 33 3/4" x 4 1/4" (157.3 x 85.6 x 10.8 cm)
• Weight: 116.8lbs (53kg)

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