PARK RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 20, 2007 – Sony is redesigning its LUMA™ line of professional LCD monitors with the introduction of three new one-piece, widescreen models.

The LMD-2030W 20-inch display (viewable area, measured diagonally) is the first member of the LUMA family with HDMI input connectivity. It is designed for compatibility with HDV™ camcorders and decks in portable video production applications such as event videography or on-location shooting.

The LMD-2450W 24-inch and LMD-2050W 20-inch displays (viewable area, measured diagonally) can accept 1080/60P signals via a standard DVI input and feature 10-bit processing. They are designed for use by technical directors, producers and editors working in broadcast, post-production, event video production, mobile trucks, and rental houses.

“High-quality video monitors are just as important in the field as in a high-end studio or post house, whether users are reviewing footage on-the-fly, previewing content for clients or editing video,” said John Kaloukian, director of Sony Electronics’ professional display group. “These new models build on Sony’s experience in developing LCD technology and they represent our ongoing efforts to develop technologies that meet professionals’needs.”

The LMD-2450W display delivers WUXGA, 1920 by 1200 resolution. The LMD-2050W and LMD-2030W both feature WSXGA+, 1680 by 1050 resolution.

LUMA LMD-2030W

The LMD-2030W model offers significant benefits compared to the PC-type monitors traditionally used in portable video production, particularly its ability to handle a variety of video source signals. This new monitor expands that capability with the inclusion of an HDMI input. It supports composite video, Y/C, RGB, component as standard and DI-SDI as an option.

LUMA LMD-2450W and LMD-2050W

The LMD-2450W and LMD-2050W displays offer wave-form monitoring and audio level meter display. Also available are EIA608 closed-captioning capabilities, which is a new feature in the LUMA series and a requirement for the U.S. broadcast market.

A multi-display function allows two images from different sources to be displayed side-by-side, and both models can automatically detect an HD or SD source.

The new monitors can accept multiple sources, including both video and PC (DVI-D and HD15). These models support composite video, Y/C, RGB, component as standard and SDI (D1/HD) as options. In addition to HD15, automatic detection of DVI sources is available as a standard feature.

Offering multi-format signal support and a variety of I/O options, the monitors’ interface allows users to easily adjust contrast, brightness, chroma, and phase. Each of the new models is suitable for AV or IT applications, with an easy upgrade path to HD production.

In addition, the new models also feature Sony’s ChromaTru™ color processing. This technology compensates for variations in LCD color levels commonly caused by differences in chromaticity coordinates, color temperature and gamma curves.

ChromaTru processing is based on color space conversion and white balance adjustment. Color space conversion adjusts chromaticity coordinates, color temperatures and gamma curves. White balance adjustment delivers broadcast-quality gradation while maintaining standardized gamma characteristics. The technology allows each model in this series to closely color-match not only other LUMA monitors but also the SMPTE-C, EBU or ITU-BT709 color standards traditionally used in CRT models.

The three new displays are expected tobe available in May, with suggested list pricing still to be determined.