We Got WEGA For Optimal Image Performance!
You're just going to love the high resolution images on this High Definition (HD) digital television! As part of Sony's Grand WEGA HDTV series, the KDF42WE655 offers further refinements in picture quality with advanced imaging technology. Its exclusive WEGA Engine System maintains a beautiful HD digital picture by converting all signals to digital and applying an entire system of processes to improve resolution, sharpness, contrast, and expanded picture dimensionality. All the various signals your HDTV receives, such as Standard Definition broadcasts, composite video, component video, high definition video (interlaced or progressive) and even Memory Stick images will benefit from the WEGA Engine processing of this TV. Because it accurately maintains a digital picture from the first to the very last stage, you get superb picture quality from any and all video sources.
Get Your Digital TV Here With This HDTV
DTV, or Digital TV, is the new digital broadcast TV standard and by December 2006 will entirely replace the current analog broadcast NTSC system. What exactly are NTSC and DTV? NTSC, which stands for the National Television System Committee that established broadcast standards almost 60 years ago, is an analog system of signal broadcasting that transmits a standard 525-line signal. Approximately 480 of those signals are used to create the picture on your TV screen while the remaining 45 (or so) lines transmit other data, such as closed-caption text. DTV, on the other hand, is one of 18 different digital types of ATSC signals, and happens to be the highest quality signal available. (ATSC is just an acronym for the committee that determines standards for the national digital television system-called the Advanced Television Standards Committee). The ATSC DTV signal is sent out via broadcast, cable, or direct satellite, then received and decoded by an ATSC receiver in your home. DTV comes in two different formats: medium-quality SDTV (Standard Definition TV), or wide-screen, high-quality HDTV with Dolby Digital audio. HDTV (High Definition TV) is considered superior to both SDTV and NTSC signals because it transmits 1,080 lines, while SDTV and the more familiar NTSC system only transmit about 480 lines. By having the much improved resolution of 1080i input, HDTV means you get much improved viewing pleasure with fuller screen images-but only if you have a HDTV-ready Monitor, like the KDF-42WE655, or a DTV with a HDTV tuner. Now, does owning a HD digital TV mean you won't be able to receive those analog NTSC signals anymore? No, not at all, it can receive both types of signals. And don't worry if you don't already get DTV signals in your area, you will. Currently, digital over-the-air broadcasts are transmitted to about 97 percent of the households in America-you're next on the list. And, if you already do get digital satellite or digital cable, you can now watch them with the much improved HD resolution of the KDF42WE655.
Cable With No Cable Box? That's Right!
Because this HDTV's built-in CableCARD slot makes it Digital Cable Ready you can plug the cable directly into your TV and enjoy HDTV and digital cable without having to use a set-top box anymore. And, not only does the CableCARD slot allow you to throw out the cable box, it also functions as a security component, enabling the delivery of secure digital audio and video signals. There is, however currently a limitation to the CableCARD as interactive CableCARDS are yet to come from consumer electronic manufacturers. If you use two-way, interactive services such as Program Guides, Pay-Per-View, or Video-On-Demand services you will want to also have an HD set-top box with your CableCard. But, if you don't use those services, the CableCARD will work great. And, if you should ever decide that you do want two-way interactive services, HD set-tops are available.
But, What If You Don't Get Digital Satellite Or Cable?
Well, don't be dismayed if you don't subscribe to digital satellite or cable because Sony has had a big break-though in big screen technology with its Digital Reality Creation Multi-Function Circuitry (DRC MF). DRC MF is part of the revolutionary WEGA Engine System and with it you'll be able to "up-convert" all non-HDTV signals (such as DVD, VHS, DBS, OTA, cable, etc.). The DRC MF improves any standard analog signal by reducing the visible horizontal lines on your screen so you get a more stable and smoother images-no matter the video source. DRC MF does this by replacing analog picture patterns with High Definition digital equivalents, which doubles the number of scanning lines and pixels so you get pictures with four times the original picture density-approaching the quality of actual High Definition! And, if you have a progressive-scan DVD player, you're especially going to enjoy the film-like quality of your DVDs.
The Secret To Great Picture Is MID X Circuitry
The big secret behind this television, however, is the Multi Image Driver X Circuitry, or MID X, and it has two purposes. First, its primary job is to scale all incoming signals, Standard or High Defintion, to the configuration of the panel without degradation of signal quality. This means it converts the incoming signal to the higher resolution of your screen. And, unlike conventional circuitry, the WEGA Engine system maintains the picture in the digital domain the entire time so that your TV generates a picture that's less like watching television and more like a window to the world. The second purpose of the MID X is to provide unique picture features that were once impossible for fixed pixel devices: Twin-View Picture, Scalable Windows, and Favorite Channel Preview. The Twin View is especially great for those of you who like to keep up on more than one program at a time by having two pictures side-by-side. And, with the zoom feature you can zoom each picture up or down in size, depending on what's going on and what's important to you. You can even watch two pictures from two different sources (1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i) at the same time for the ultimate picture-and-picture performance. Imagine the freedom of being able to watch a High Definition source side-by-side with a Standard Definition on the same screen. And, don't forget the Favorite Channel Preview-easy one-button access to the last eight channels you've watched, or you can preset it for your most favorite eight channels.
CineMotion Reverse 3-2 Pulldown Technology
Additionally, the superb picture quality of this HDTV is enhanced by the CineMotion 3-2 Reverse feature. This is high-scanning technology that overcomes problems when movie film (which is shot at 24 frames per second) is displayed on progressive scanning televisions (which operate at 30 frames per second). In order to display 30 frames, some televisions take scanning lines from two adjacent movie frames and force-fit them into one television frame. This causes artifacts, those unwanted visible effects in the picture created by disturbances in the video transmission of processing. And this frequently happens, too-occurring on two out of every five video frames! But, this problem isn't just limited to movies, it also happens during prime-time TV. Many dramas, music videos and commercials are also shot at 24 frames per second and that's why CineMotion 3-2 reverse pull-down is so important. It analyzes the picture, identifying the difference between footage shot on interlaced video and footage shot on film. And, for the times when you actually do get to watch film footage, the system will retain the integrity of the original film frames. You'll see a clearer, more stable picture, especially on scenes with movement. In addition the CineMotion Reverse 3-2 technology, the 3D Comb Filter on KDF42WE655 is also analyzing the picture over three dimensions: vertical, horizontal and time, to get superb detail and high color purity under the widest range of picture conditions. Sony's best comb filter design compares each horizontal scanning line with the lines above and below-and with the corresponding lines on the previous and subsequent video frames. You get higher horizontal resolution, higher vertical resolution and reduced video noise. The comb filter enhances the fine details, cleans up image outlines, and eliminates the extra colors.
Feast Your Eyes On This Screen
Chances are, you're not only looking at this Sony HDTV because it offers exceptional image quality; you're also considering it because it has a great, expanded LCD flatscreen. There are many types of TV screens out there and how do you decide which is best for you? Well, the 42" screen of the KDF42WE655 HDTV might be exactly what you're looking for if you are the kind of person who likes to watch movies, wants to be totally immersed in a full cinematic experience, and appreciates good technology. The LCD rear projection of this HDTV is a superior system that shines a high-intensity light through three individual XGA 0.87-inch wide LCD panels, one for each RGB (Red, Green, Blue) signal, that produce 1,092,168 million dots. This creates the picture with a total resolution of 3.28 million dots for CRISP, precise detail. The resulting light is then projected through a series of lenses and reflected off a mirror behind the screen. With the unique dot-line inversion drive technology of the LCD Optical Engine, the set delivers images virtually free of blurring, shading and ghosting. The lens system also creates an ultra-short focal point while maintaining high levels of brightness so you get vivid images from the center of the screen all the way to the very edges. Additionally, it is this 11-element lens system that allows the rear-projection set to be lightweight and compact so you can save your floor space for something else. In addition to great image quality, the 16:9 aspect ratio screen lets you watch widescreen movies and programs as they were meant to be seen. LCD panels of the KDF-42WE655 offer additional benefits other screen types just can't, making it well worth the investment. For one, the rear-projection LCD eliminates burn-in, image retention caused from things like abandoned video games, or paused DVDs. These panels don't require periodic convergence adjustments to keep the red, green, and blue electron beams correctly aligned so your picture not only is sharp right up to he edges, but always in focus. Finally, the LCD rear projection screen is worth owning because it is less susceptible to reflected glare. And with improved Contrast and Blacklevel, it is especially impressive if you have a little controlled background lighting to give the black portions of the picture a deeper, darker look for high contrast and brightness. This LCD-rear projection set is truly top-notch and will make watching your favorite programs and movies absolutely amazing.
Easy To Operate
There are lots of features on this HDTV which make it not only nice to watch, but easy to operate-such as the on-screen display that shows which component is connected to each video input. The HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) program controls the monitor display and allows you to interact with the system that links one device to another, such as the satellite receiver and the TV. HDMI is an enhanced version of DVI-HDTV and with the use of an adaptor, is backward compatible with DVI (Digital Visual Interface), which transfers high-resolution video and multi-channel audio signals to the HDTV monitor. You also get Speed Surf so you don't have to waste time flipping through channels, Channel Fix so you don't inadvertently change channels, and Auto Channel Programs which automatically scans and adds the active channels during initial set-up. And because you want to be able to connect your HDTV to other electronic components, the KDF42WE655 features a variety of connections, such as the two rear component video inputs that are an extremely accurate way to connect video equipment (such as a DVD player, or satellite receiver). Plus, there are three composite connections, three S-Video connections and six audio connections.
Enhanced Memory Stick Media Playback
For digital imaging enthusiasts, convenient JPEG and MPEG1 file playback is available via the Memory Stick media slot. Simply slide the Memory Stick media (a small, stable, removable memory form that allows for the quick insertion of data) out of a compatible camera or camcorder, for example, and into the HDTV's slot so see your images on the TV screen. You can even impress friends and family by viewing your family's photos, or customized slide shows onscreen while listening to MP3 audio tracks.
TruSurround SRS Audio Processing
The dazzling visual experience of the Sony KDF42WE655 is further enhanced by a twin surround system (Virtual Dolby, TruSurround SRS), Toslink Dolby Digital, and steady sound (BBE) which provide rich, multi-channel surround sound with over-the-air ATSC or digital cable (Clear QAM) broadcasts for high performance audio. Sony's exclusive 30 Watt S-Master Digital Amplifier insures high power with minimal space resulting in superb, clear dialog sound reproduction that is free of digital noise.
Included With Purchase:
Instruction Manual, RM-Y915 Remote Control With 2 AA Batteries.
Comparison Specifications
- 42" HDTV Monitor - LCD Rear Projection TV
- Widescreen 16:9 Aspect Ratio
- CineMotion Reverse 3-2 Pulldown Technology
- Optical Engine, 3D Digital Comb Filter
- Three Wide XGA LCD Panels: 3.28 Million Dots Resolution (1386 x 788 x 3)
- WEGA Engine System Maintains Picture in Digital Domain
- Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Inputs: 2 Rear (1080i, 720p, 480p, 1480i)
- HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) Interface (1 Analog Audio In), CableCARD Slot (1 Rear), Composite Inputs (1 Front, 3 Rear), S-Video Inputs (1 Front, 3 Rear)
- Audio Inputs (1 Front, 6 Rear), Control S In/Out (1 Rear), Subwoofer Output (1 Rear), Toslink/Optical Audio Output (PCM Dolby Digital)
- Multibrand Remote Control Included (RM-Y915), With 2 AA Batteries
Additional Specifications
- Enhanced Memory Stick Media Playback (JPEG/MPEG1)
- Flexible Twin-View 2-Tuner Picture-in-Picture (HD, NTSC) With MID X (Multi-Image Driver X)
- Wide Modes (Normal, Full, Zoom, Wide Zoom)
- UHM Lamp (100W Drive)
- S-Master 1-Bit Digital Amplifier (30 Watts), TruSurrond SRS Audio Sound Processing, BBE Audio Effect, Steady Sound Automatic Volume Control
- High Definition Integrated (HDI) Televisin Monitor With Low Profile, Slim Tabletop Design, High-Contrast Protective Screen With Anti-Reflective Coating
- Steady Sound Automatic Volume Control, Audio Controls (Bass, Treble, Balance, Sound Mode)
- Digital Reality Creation (DRC) Multi-Functin Circuitry, DRC Palette Presets (Custom, Custom 2, Custom 3)
- Energy Star Compliant
- Improved Contrast and Black Level
Manufacturer Specifications
- No Misconvergence
- V Chip Parental Control
- On Screen Display In English/Spanish/French
- Color Corrector Circuit, Clear Corner Focus
- Video Label
- Channel Fix, Channel Label, Channel Skip/Add, Favorite Channel With Preview, Auto Channel Program, Speed Surf Channel Selection
- Picture Modes (Vivid, Standard, Pro)
- Power Requirements: AC 120V 60Hz
- Increased Longevity
- Included: Instruction Manual, RM-Y915 Remote Control With 2 AA Batteries
Dimensional Specifications
- Size ( Width x Depth x Height): 47.3" x 15.1" x 32.3"
- Weight: 72 lbs.
Sony KDF-42WE655 Warranty Details
1 Year Parts And Labor
