Sony Teams with Candescent, Pluto in Advanced TV Technologies
November 5, 1998 (SAN FRANCISCO) -- Sony Corp. is cooperating
with U.S. venture companies to develop core technologies for thin,
flat-panel computer displays and an MPEG-based multi-channel server for
digital TV production and transmission.
Sony, which has an extensive presence in the Silicon Valley, is partnering
with U.S. start-up firms in California and elsewhere to advance its
technology in the digital TV arena. Because the television know-how of
tomorrow is so highly specialized, even global innovators like Sony must find
partners to develop new technologies.
The Tokyo-based electronics company is working with Candescent
Technologies Corp. to commercialize high-voltage field emission display
(FED) know-how for flat-panel computer displays. Candescent is based in
San Jose, Calif.
Also, its Sony Electronics unit is collaborating with Pluto Technologies
International Inc. to build an MPEG-based multi-channel server for digital
TV systems. Pluto, which is based in Boulder, Colorado, is developing a
non-linear MPEG server system for SDTV operations that is based on
Sony's MPEG technology.
In its work with Candescent, Sony seeks to develop 14-in. and larger
full-color high-voltage FEDs as a flat-screen display format for volume
production before 2001.
The high-voltage FED hardware that Sony and Candescent is developing is
intended to be used to create full-color displays in which each pixel on the
screen produces light separately by an electrical discharge array
(micro-electron gun). Each electrical discharge array utilizes advanced
microchip technology to activate a single picture element (pixel).
Candescent said that this is the same light-generating principle used by
CRTs, and for this reason it is feasible to achieve a similar level of
brightness, viewing angle and response speed.
And, because there is no need for an electron gun or deflection plate, FED
displays can be manufactured using thin and lightweight panel-type designs.
High-voltage FED displays employ technology that can produce a high level
of brightness, and they offer longer life, reduced power consumption and
superior color quality as compared with low-voltage types.
"Candescent is a leading developer of high-voltage FED technology and
we're looking forward to working closely with them to bring this very
promising display technology to market," said Ryosuke Ashiya, senior vice
president of Sony's Display Co.
Candescent said it seeks to become a major supplier of flat panel displays
for notebook computers, communications equipment and consumer
products.
Also, Sony Electronics and Pluto Technologies International are
collaborating to develop an MPEG-based multi-channel server for digital
TV production and transmission.
Pluto is developing an MPEG server system for SDTV operation that is
based on Sony's MPEG technology. Shipments are expected to begin in the
second half of 1999.
The new MPEG-based multi-channel server will provide broadcasters and
production facilities with an environment for seamless non-linear editing and
program play-out as part of an end-to-end MPEG broadcast solution for
digital TV transmission. The companies said that users in the production
system will be able to easily handle digital audio-video media on an MPEG
network.
MPEG is a digital broadcasting format that facilitates flexible digital network
operations. With its scalability, MPEG handles SDTV multi-channel
operations as well as high-definition TV.
As digital TV rolls out, the demand for MPEG-based broadcast systems is
projected to increase in an industry that requires reasonably priced solutions
for its digital broadcast operations.
"Sony and Pluto both share the goal of providing MPEG products to deliver
the MPEG value proposition for DTV implementation," said Anthony
Gargano, senior vice president of the Communications Systems Division of
Sony Electronics. "Pluto is providing a critical product in the end-to-end
MPEG production systems of the future."
Sony's plans call for its MPEG products to interface directly with Pluto
servers, Gargano said.
"From a total operational point of view, and with consideration to the
emergence of DTV, Sony's philosophy is that MPEG is the solution that
provides the very best quality throughout the production chain," Gargano
added.
(Neil Davis, Asia BizTech Correspondent) |
