Sony launches new LCD and Plasma displays for businesses

Sony introduced several new LCD and plasma flat-panel professional displays that offer businesses both big and small advanced networking and display capabilities. The redefined FWD-32LX1R, FWD-40LX1 LCD and FWD-50PX2 plasma models offer improved engineering from their predecessors and are designed to fit a variety of businesses ranging from small retail shops to large hotels. The new models will also incorporate connectivity options, providing easy to use advanced networking solutions.

The 32-inch FWD-32LX1R and 40-inch FWD-40LX1 LCD displays deliver 1000:1 contrast ratio providing outstanding image quality. Both models also incorporate S-LCD panels which produce exceptional black level reproduction and drastically improves gradation.

Each display can be controlled remotely with Sony's current BKM-FW32 Network Management Card or recently introduced BKM-FW50 Network Media Card via Ethernet. The BKM-FW50 networking card also has the ability to remotely control multiple displays, as well as transmit movies or still images. At 40-inches, the FWD-40LX1LCD panel fits easily into most hospitality-standard dressers. As a result, guests are given a better viewing experience without the added expense of a major room renovation. This model also has a 178/178 degree viewing angle, a key feature for conference room space.

Both new LCD models incorporate the Sony WEGA Engine system, a digital processing system that reduces video artifacts that can result from those analog/digital conversions.

"These are significant upgrades to our professional display category," said Tak Inagaki, general manager of Sony's Display Marketing group. "Our diverse lineup and networking cards expand application-based solutions. They make digital signage easy and affordable for businesses of all sizes." Sony's new FWD-50PX2 model is a stylish 50-inch plasma display with a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and more than 60,000 hours of life. The display has both DVI-HDCP and dual option slots. Additionally, it features picture-in-picture, advanced video wall and optional network connectivity, making it ideal for a digital signage applications in office lobbies or reception areas. It also has a built-in digital amplifier and optional speakers.

The LCD models, the FWD-32LX1R and the FWD-40LX1, feature Sony's new elegant bezel or flat design and are available in three colors: pearl white, crystal silver and frosted black. The FWD50PX2 plasma has a new flat finish available in silver or black.

The BKM-FW50 Network Media Card and the BKM-FW32 Network Management Card fit into Sony FWD-series professional displays. Both units provide status and control while the BKM-FW50 provides streaming video and media as well. Users can create content on their personal computer for use on the BKM-FW50 with industry standard development languages/applications such as HTML, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Movie Maker and other Microsoft Windows applications.

The BKM-FW50 also includes a CompactFlash memory slot inside the monitor, enabling JPEG images and MPEG movies to be displayed in slideshow mode, allowing for local playback for users who do not wish to stream content. The FWD-32LX1R and FWD-40LX1 displays will be available in November for about $2,100 and $4,400, respectively. The FWD-50PX2 will be available in November for about $3,900. Both the BKM-FW50 and the BKM-FW32 are currently available for about $700 and $500.