Text: Happy | Translation: dilettante | Photo: Chan Kin Wai
THE NEW TECHNOLOGIES BY SONY
For many years, SONY symbolises innovation in concept and technology. The company constantly pushes the boundary for visual and audio technology, from ‘Trinitron’ CRT television, the iconic ‘walkman’, headphones; to recording media such as CD, MD and the latest Blu-ray Disc.
In 2008, SONY is presenting their latest hi-tech creation to set yet another new records. ‘XEL-1′ Organic Panel TV is the first product to utilise the OLED technique; ‘PFR-V1′ Personal Field Speaker revolutionalises headphone design.
SONY XEL-1
OLED ORGANIC PANEL TV
LCD took over from CRT in the market as the main technology, providing solutions to viewing issues such as angles and shadows of motion visuals. However, in terms of pure visual quality, LCD still cannot replace CRT completely.
SONY exclusively processes the Trinitron technology since CRT era. The recent Bravia LCD series is also a success. Taking one step further, SONY is launching ‘XEL-1′ – the first television with OLED organic screening technology. This machine is slim, with quality that is comparable to the traditional CRT television. OLED adopts an organic luminescence technique similar to a firefly, its organic layer is so thin that it is measured by millimeters. XEL-1 is no thicker than 3mm (including its case), making it a truly flexible screening device.
OLED adopts an auto-luminescence structure. Pixels are lit by the stream of electricity, making an absolute display of every little part of an image with maximum megapixel and vividness. The electricity-based luminescence reacts instantly, reducing shadows in motion images (which is the downfall of LCD). OLED materialises the ‘Super Top Emission’ exclusive technique to show the three primary colours in extremely high intensity, reduce unwanted reflection and increase luminosity. This results in a screen that showcases the spectrum of colours comparable to Mother Nature. Imagine a CRT, with its visual and audio quality intact, minus its heavy shell. Neither LCD or Plasma television can compare to this.
XEL-1 is the first OLED TV worldwide, with an 11″ screen and 960 × 540 resolution. With a fourth of the 1920 × 1080 Full HD, therefore a fourth of the pixels of 1080p Full HD screen. This proportion avoids unnecessary definition issue due to image resizing. Other thoughtful details include beaming buttons that automatically diminishes and stylish minimalistic black case. XEL-1 is the perfect hi-end personal theatre device.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Power Consumption (standby) : 45W (0.84W)
Screen Size (measured diagonally) : 11″
Native Resolution : 960(H) × 540(V)
Audio Power Output : 2W (1W + 1W) Impedance : 8 ohms
Dimensions (Approx.) : 11 5/6 × 9 15/16 × 5 1/2″ (287 × 253 × 140mm) with stand
Weight (Approx.) : 4 lbs 3 oz (2.0Kg) with stand
AC Input: AC100V 50/60Hz (Transformer necessary for use in Hong Kong)
RF Connection Input(s) : Indoor antenna input for ground digital braodcast,
75-ohm F connector for outdoor ground
Digital broadcast and BS/110 degrees CF (not suitable for Hong Kong)
HDMI Connection(s) (w/ Analog Audio In) : 2 inputs, Digital RGB / Y Cb(Pb) Cr(Pr),
supports 1080p/60, CEC capable, PCM (32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz)
Headphone Output(s) : 1 (Side)
LAN (10/100) Connection : 10BASE-T/ 100BASE-TX connector
USB Connection : Hi-Speed USB
Price: ￥200,000
SONY PFR-V1
PERSONAL FIELD SPEAKERS
PFR-V1 might make a somewhat confusing first impression. In fact, SONY does not claim these to be ‘headphones’, but a brand new category named ‘Personal Field Speakers’.
Why are they to be worn away from the ears? The reason is to allow a broader ‘field’ for the sound than conventional headphones, hence the name ‘Personal Field Speakers’. According to the innovation department, the concept of a broader ‘field’ exists 20 years ago but it took years for it to become popular. A substantial base used to require a much bigger headphones and therefore impractical with such design.
Inspired by a straw from a vending machine, staff from the innovation department attached a tube next to the external auditory meatus for the base note. That became ‘Extended Bass Reflect Duct’ in the PFR-V1 series. For alt, a ball-shaped device is set in such angle that it transmits the sound directly into the auditory meatus, making the impression of a live performance.
Suitable material is the key to materialise this brand-new concept. The frame (which holds all the components) is made in LCP, which makes a lightweight but substantial shell. It maintains the sound quality, reduces unnecessary jolt, and responses to frequencies similar to the way wood does. Magnet, controlling the membrane to flutter, is a vital part. Improvement over the last 20 years results in the increase of the flux of the magnet, hence up scaling the sound quality. Such technique is fundamental in creating such conceptual product like PFR-V1. Only the very best material and technique (similar to mega speaker) is used to execute PER-V1.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Output Level : 93dB/mW
Frequency Level : 35Hz – 25kHz
Impedance : 16 ohms
Power source : Two AAA batteries
Connectivity : 3.5mm audio mini-jack
Included accessories : In-line amplifier; padded case; 6.3mm adaptor
Price: ￥55,650
SONY DRIVE
http://www.sony.jp/
