Sony Raises Curtain On 'Reference Standard' Performance With New DVD-Video Player Offering SACD Compatibility.

Business Editors

CEDIA 

BOOTH No. 810

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INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 7, 2000

First Video Product to Carry 'ES' Designation Unveiled

Just when you thought DVD-Video had achieved its full potential, along comes a new player from Sony that takes the format to a new standard...an Elevated Standard.

Sony today announced the debut of the DVP-S9000ES, the company's first video product to carry the prestigious "ES" designation, previously only featured on high-end audio products. The DVP-S9000ES features 480 progressive video output via advanced MPEG image processing, along with the superb audio attributes of the Super Audio CD format. It's designed for those consumers seeking unparalleled video/audio performance as well as stand-alone audio performance with SACD playback capability and Sony's most advanced CD design.

The DVP-S9000ES follows in the footsteps of the legendary DVP-S7000 and DVP-S7700 in extending Sony's "reference standard" legacy in DVD players.

"This is the product against which all others will be judged in terms of video and audio performance," said Mike Fidler, senior vice president of home video/digital media products for Sony Electronics. "Sony became the market leader in DVD by developing products that not only meet, but exceed consumer expectations. This product clearly continues that tradition and sets new standards for DVD performance."

Maximum Video Performance

Since DVD-Video was introduced in early 1997, Sony has continually raised the bar in terms of new technologies and innovative features.

The DVP-S9000ES features advanced digital technologies developed by Sony to provide superb video performance, especially when teamed with a high-performance monitor or television, such as one of Sony's new FD Trinitron(R) Wega(TM) or rear projection Hi-Scan (HS) sets.

The DVP-S9000ES is Sony's first DVD player with the ability to output 480P video images using a newly designed Precision Cinema Detection feature, which analyzes the original film/video frame composition, restructures it for DVD playback, and renders sharp, film-like progressive images as close to the original source material as possible. The player also employs a multifunction MPEG processor and the industry's first 12-bit, 54 MHz video D/A converter.

Other proprietary noise detection and cancellation technologies--such as Motion Adaptive Field Noise and Block Noise Reduction--are included to maximize picture quality by eliminating unwanted artifacts in scenes where gradated images (sky, water, skintones, etc.) and movement of objects between two fields are present.

Since image quality on DVD software can vary, with such factors as the authoring process, director's tastes, and equipment variations coming into play, Sony has also incorporated advanced video equalization circuitry. Using an on-screen display, consumers can adjust 11 parameters (everything from picture shade and sharpness to Field and Block noise reduction and chroma delay) to suit their personal tastes.

Superior Audio Performance

Not content with simply offering superb video performance with the DVP-S9000ES, Sony has added Super Audio CD compatibility to enhance the audio performance of the player when used with the latest high-resolution SACD recordings.

The DVP-S9000ES incorporates many of the key technologies and fundamental "pure audio" capabilities of Sony's critically acclaimed SCD-1 Super Audio CD player and SCD-777ES. Both players--and the DVP-S9000ES--draw upon Sony's resident expertise in digital signal processing and laser optic design.

The SACD format is based upon Direct Stream Digital(TM) (DSD) processing, a technology that records music signals at a high sampling frequency (2.8224 MHz) and converts them to 1-bit data.

SACD playback is optimized in the DVP-S9000ES with a number of proprietary technologies that minimize distortion, including an advanced DSD decoder LSI and an Accurate Complement Pulse Density Modulation System.

To handle both SACD and CD conversion requirements, an advanced Current Pulse D/A Converter transforms output voltage from the synchronous controller into a series of precision pulses. To enhance CD performance, the player also employs a new variable coefficient digital filter (VC24) for outstanding accuracy. There's also a GIC low-pass filter that helps reduce high frequency noise associated with sources that operate at different sampling rates.

Enhanced Construction and Convenience

In order to provide enhanced stability and low vibration, the DVP-S9000ES incorporates numerous construction enhancements.

For increased rigidity and noise reduction, the chassis employs frame and beam construction. The back panel and bottom are copper plated, while aluminum is used on the front panel. The disc tray and drive housing employ Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) for extremely low resonance, and cast iron offset feet are also supplied to improve resistance to mechanical vibration. The Precision Drive mechanism is also fix mounted in a rigid assembly.

From a convenience standpoint, the DVP-S9000ES has added many features that simplify daily operation. Standard features include a self-illuminating DVD Navigator(TM)

Remote Commander(R) unit, Jacket Picture, Custom Memory, and Playback Memory for 300 discs, as well as Custom Parental Control (for locking certain discs not suitable for children) and DVD/CD/SACD Text.

The DVP-S9000ES will be available this November for about $1,500.

Editor's Note: News releases and digital images with captions are available at http://www.sony.com/news. For digital images, please contact Linda Smith at 201-930-7454 or [e-mail]. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY.

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