SONY ADDS FIRST LCD PRODUCTS TO PROFESSIONAL DISPLAY LINE UP

October 6, 2004

Flat Panel Models Combine LCD Panel and WEGA Engine for Stunning Image Quality and Superior Performance

Sony Electronics has added two new LCD displays to its professional flat-panel line for customers, such as government, in need of displays that deliver outstanding picture performance and advanced networking options.
The new 42-inch FWD-42LX1 and 32-inch FWD-32LX1 display products deliver a 1366 x 768 resolution and over one billion colors reproduction for outstanding image quality. With a 16 millisecond response time, streaming video content appears crystal clear.

"Our award-winning line up of professional displays continues to expand to meet the changing needs of our customers," said Jim Neal, general manager of Sony's Display Marketing group. "With networking options that allow for the delivery of high quality video content and advanced panel performance with LCD technology, the FWD-42LX1 and FWD-32LX1 are perfect options for our government and corporate customers."

The new models incorporate the Sony® WEGA Engine™ system, a digital processing system that reduces the amount of analog to digital conversions, minimizing video artifacts that can occur during the conversion. Also included is Sony's Block Noise Smoother feature to minimize video noise that can sometimes be found in 480p sources from DVD players and satellite receivers that process MPEG2 signals.

Both of the new models feature multiple component inputs, which allows up to five connections for display utilization. These connections are hidden in a rear panel with cable covers and routing for easy installation and overall clean look.

Networking Options

Another key benefit of the new displays is the ability to remotely monitor and control them and send content across a standard IP network. Sony's integrated EBS-N100 and EBS-N200 network boxes enable network status and control to monitor and troubleshoot multiple devices from a central location. Additionally, the EBS-N200 provides the ability to stream MPEG video, access the web and present remote desktop applications across a standard IP network. Customers can continuously loop feeds from internal sources, such as proprietary, in-house programming.

An internal network solution is also provided for these displays in the form of the BKM-FW31 networking card. The card provides network status and control functions, for use with Sony's PJNet! ™ software program (sold separately) for a centralized "command" center, which connects up to 255 networked devices including Sony's flat panel displays and LCD projectors.

Both new models feature Sony's new elegant, crystal-like design and are available in three colors (pearl white, cool silver and black).

The FWD-32LX1 and FWD-42LX1 displays will be available in December for about $4,000 and $7,700 respectively.