Audio Video News

TVs have long been the centerpieces of most American homes. New developments will make that position permanent.

In October, Japanese electronics giant Matsushita (parent company of Panasonic) should deliver the world's largest-ever plasma screen, measuring 65" diagonally. Initially available only in Japan, the massive screens will sell for approximately $19,000, with production capped at 500 units annually.

The current record is a 63" plasma display made by rival Samsung. NEC and Zenith both claimed to have been the first on the market with 61". Manufacturers are continually working to make larger flat-panels, both plasma and LCD. Neither technology yet rivals the size of rear-projection sets, and even the largest flat panel can generate an image only 25% the size of a good front projector.

Almost simultaneously with the Matsushita announcement came one from Sony, whose great leap forward isn't in size but functionality. A new Sony-developed microprocessor will allow users of its next-generation big screens to zoom in on any part of an on-screen image, such as a favorite soccer player or an intruder on security-camera footage.

Sony didn't announce when the technology would be incorporated into commercial products. The chip's capability—called "Digital Reality Creation Multifunction v2"—was demonstrated Wednesday, September 8 at a Tokyo press conference. Digital enhancement prevents enlarged images from losing resolution, Sony execs explained. The company may also market the chip as an outboard processor, according to the announcement.