HDTV Zine

Sony’s 42-inch KDE-42XS955 gas-plasma television boasts a bright, detailed, and perfectly flat screen, stylish construction, and abundant image enhancements. The screen features a wide, 16:9 aspect ratio to match the dimension of most movies and HDTV broadcasts, and the set is compatible with standard-definition 480i, enhanced-definition 480p, and high-definition 720p and 1080i signals, delivering full-fledged HDTV reception right out of the box via its integrated NTSC and ATSC (HDTV) tuners. It also offers digital cable readiness with a CableCARD slot and the latest digital-video interface, HDMI.

With a plasma screen you get vivid colors like you’ve never seen before, extremely wide viewing angles (wider, even, than those of most LCD screens), and easy placement due to a plasma monitor’s slim profile–the KDE-42XS955 is a mere 6.25 inches deep, perfect for desk or wall mounting (for wall positioning, use bracket SU-PW3M). Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems. You do, however, need to be wary of image burn-in (wherein long-held stationary images leave a permanent impression in the screen).

Sony’s CineMotion 3:2 pulldown detection and reversal is a handy feature for watching progressive-scan movie programs in their native 24-frame format. Digital video mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture.

The set’s WEGA Engine system maximizes picture performance from any video source by minimizing the number of digital-to-analog conversion processes. This full digital processing engine includes Sony’s MID-X (Multi Image Driver), which maintains the integrity of a converted signal by minimizing image loss in the scaling process.

Digital Reality Creation (DRC) circuitry ensures high picture resolution, while proprietary Direct Digital II circuitry increases a video signal’s signal-to-noise ratio before it reaches the DRC circuit, ensuring rich, natural-looking images from any source.

Sony’s BN Smoother scans the frequency of a given image (such as those from DVD players, off-air HDTV programming, or even analog cable and broadcasts) to calculate the edges of each MPEG block. It applies an algorithm to each block edge, smoothing the transition from one block to another for a seamless picture.

The set includes numerous other features.

* Single-tuner PIP (picture-in-picture) lets you view 2 images simultaneously (such as 1 TV station and 1 video input).
* A Memory Stick media slot (compatible with Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Duo media) grants convenient viewing of JPEG and MPEG-1 files. It can also display customized slide shows using MP3 files for background music.
* Authorized CableCARD ability means the set will receive digital cable television systems services directly from the cable operator without requiring a bulky, external cable box.
* Sony’s exclusive S-Master 1-bit digital amplifier produces a powerful 25 watts per channel (x 2), pumping an additional 50 watts into a built-in subwoofer for rich, full-bodied sound from movies and music.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a lossless, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface to link the set with any audio/video source (such as a set-top box, DVD player, or AV receiver). HDMI supports standard-definition (SD), enhanced definition (ED), or high-definition (HD) video, plus multichannel digital audio–all using a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports up to 8-channel digital audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements.

What’s in the Box
TV, removable stand, remote control, remote batteries, a user’s manual, a quick-start guide, a cleaning cloth, and warranty/registration information.

Product Description:
Sony’s new KDE-42XS955 Plasma WEGA High Definition Television delivers amazing detail and clarity that will change the way you view television. Featuring the third generation fully digital WEGA Engine system and a beautiful 16:9 aspect ratio, the 42″ KDE-42XS955 produces picture resolution that is sure to impress. In addition to its ATSC Tuner, if features MID-X Multi Image Driver Circuitry for gorgeous picture in picture and CineMotion Reverse 3-2 Pulldown Technology allowing for enhanced customization. Its stylish semi-floating glass panel design is sure to compliment any decor. You can even listen to MP3 audio and view your photos with the built-in Enhanced Memory Stick(R) Media slot.
# BN Smoother Circuit
# Widescreen 16:9 Aspect Ratio
# High Contrast Screen with Double AntiReflective Coating
# Built-in ATSC HDTV Tuner and NTSC TV tuner
# Inputs and Outputs - HDMI Connection: Rear x 1, 1 Control S Input: Rear x1 1 Control S Output: Rear x1, Audio Output: (Variable and Fixed) x 1Center Channel Input
# TruSurround Sound SRS 3D Audio Effect
# Speaker Output: 2 way side speaker system
# Speaker Output: 25W x 2 + 50W Subwoofer
# Clock/Timer (Two Event)
# Favorite Channel Preview
# Program Palette presets
# Sleep Timer
# Built-in V-Chip Parental Control
# Flexible Twin View Picture and Picture
# Resolution: 1024 pixels (h) x 1024 pixels (v)
# Digital Cable Ready with CableCARD Slot
# Unit Dimensions: 44 7/8 x 29 5/8 x 14 1/4″ / 124 pounds
# Includes Instruction Manual, Quick Setup Guide, Cosmetic Design Remote Control (RM-Y1004), AA Batteries (2), Cleaning Cloth