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Sony KE-42XBR900 42" XBR® Plasma Wega™
HDTV-ready plasma TV

Item # 70042XB900

No matter what display technology is involved — CRT, LCD, or in this case, plasma — Sony reserves the XBR...

No matter what display technology is involved — CRT, LCD, or in this case, plasma — Sony reserves the XBR...

Item # 70042XB900

Shop all Sony TVs

About the Sony KE-42XBR900

Steve Kindig
No matter what display technology is involved — CRT, LCD, or in this case, plasma — Sony reserves the XBR badge for only their most advanced and best-performing TVs. The KE-42XBR900 is Sony's first ever XBR plasma, and they really pulled out all the stops. When we were photographing the 42" 'XBR900 it was amazing how people from all over the building dropped by the studio to watch DVDs come alive on the screen.

No matter what display technology is involved — CRT, LCD, or in this case, plasma — Sony reserves the XBR badge for only their most advanced and best-performing TVs. The KE-42XBR900 is Sony's first ever XBR plasma, and they really pulled out all the stops. When we were photographing the 42" 'XBR900 it was amazing how people from all over the building dropped by the studio to watch DVDs come alive on the screen.

This is a 2-piece system; the separate outboard "Media Receiver Unit" tuner/switcher also holds the key to this TV's spectacular picture quality. It houses Sony's proprietary Wega Engine™ multi-step video processing system. Wega Engine combines the latest versions of several acclaimed picture-improving technologies with powerful "scaling" circuitry to maximize clarity and motion on this 42" progressive display:

  • Composite Component Processor converts the incoming analog signal to a digital signal so that it can be processed. This new circuit has improved signal-to-noise ratio.
  • Digital Reality Creation™ MultiFunction V1 upconverts NTSC (analog) signals to near-HD quality. This latest version of DRC is adjustable so you can fine-tune the amount of enhancement for each video source.
  • Multi-Image Driver (MID™-XU) is specially designed for "fixed-pixel" displays like plasma. MID-XU's primary job is to scale (convert) all incoming signals to match the panel's 1024 x 768-pixel resolution without degrading signal quality. It also provides unique picture-and-picture features like Twin View™ with scalable windows.
  • CineMotion™ 3-2 pulldown processing is a critical step for accurately displaying DVD and other film-based material. It eliminates picture artifacts created when 24-frame-per-second film is converted to 30-frame-per-second video — the integrity of the original movie film frames is preserved.

Thanks to Sony's elegant "floating glass" design, the KE-42XBR900 is striking to look at even when it's turned off. The black stripe framing the screen gives images extra pop. In fact, this plasma displays HDTV images with such clarity and depth that you'd swear you're looking out a window! It's startling at first glance ... and instantly addictive.

The KE-42XBR900 is HDTV-ready (a separate HDTV tuner is required to receive high-definition broadcasts). The wide assortment of inputs on the back panel of the Media Receiver Unit includes two HD-compatible component video inputs, plus a digital DVI input for compatibility with new-generation satellite HDTV tuners like Sony's SAT-HD300. You'll also find composite and S-video connections for your other video gear. A single "umbilical cord" connects the Media Receiver Unit to the plasma panel, keeping the look of your installation simple and clean.

A Memory Stick® slot lets you see digital photos in lifelike color and clarity. At your next party, pop in a Memory Stick and wow your guests with a slide show of that great vacation — no need to connect a camera to the TV!

Note: To set up the KE-42XBR900 requires either the SU-P42T1 tabletop stand or the SU-PW1 wall-mount bracket. Either way, this panel's ultra-thin design allows TV to fit into your home in a whole new way! (Click on "More Photos" above to see shots of the TV on the stand and wall-mounted.)

FREE In-home delivery! Because of its large size, the KE-42XBR900 will be delivered to any accessible room in your home. Delivery is available to physical addresses in the lower 48 states. (Sorry, no P.O. Boxes or freight forwarders.) Transit time is 5-7 business days once your order has been processed. Extra charges may apply for delivery after business hours or on a weekend, or if the TV must be carried up more than 5 flights of stairs.
Note: Free return shipping not available with this model.

Consumer Alert: This component has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation's transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission's digital television website at: www.dtv.gov

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Product highlights:

  • HDTV monitor (compatible with HDTV/SDTV formats — when connected to a separate HDTV tuner — and displays them at 768p)
  • 42" plasma panel (measured diagonally)
  • widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio
  • 1024 x 768 pixels
  • progressive display (all pixels display at once)
  • 160° viewing angle
  • side-mounted stereo speakers
  • 53-1/4"W x 28-3/8"H x 4-1/8"D
  • weight: 86 lbs.
  • warranty: 1 year parts & labor
Media Receiver Unit:
  • 181-channel NTSC tuner
  • Twin View 2-tuner picture-and-picture (split-screen)
  • Wega Engine video processing
  • Digital Reality Creation MultiFunction V1 (upconverts NTSC signals)
  • CineMotion 3-2 pulldown processing
  • MTS stereo reception
  • 15 watts x 2
  • SRS TruSurround™ for enhanced 2-speaker sound
  • multibrand remote
  • 6 A/V inputs, including:
    • 3 composite video (2 rear, 1 front)
    • 3 S-video (2 rear, 1 front)
    • 2 rear-panel wide-bandwidth component video
      (compatible with 1080i/720p/480p/480i signals)
    • 1 rear-panel DVI HDTV input with HDCP copy protection
      (compatible with 1080i/720p/480p signals)
  • 1 A/V output (composite video and S-video)
  • 2 RF inputs for antenna/cable
  • Memory Stick slot (JPEG playback)
  • 16-15/16"W x 4-1/8"H x 15-3/16"D
  • warranty: 1 year parts & labor
  • MFR # 0

What's in the box:

  • This system comes in two separate boxes (Display Unit box/Media Receiver Unit box):
  • The Display Unit box contains:
  • PDM-4200 Flat panel display unit
  • "When you use the TV at home/Before installing and using the TV" note (taped to the front of the display)
  • The Media Receiver Unit box contains:
  • MBT-XBR900 Media receiver unit
  • RM-927Y Wireless remote control
  • 2 "AAA" batteries
  • Two 8' AC power cords (each cord has an in-line ferrite core)
  • 9.5' Display interface cable (has a DVI-D connector and a proprietary 26-pin connector on each end)
  • 8' Antenna cable
  • 1 Plastic AC plug holder
  • 1 Cleaning cloth
  • Operating Instructions (English)
  • Operating Instructions (French)
  • Operating Instructions (Spanish)
  • Owner Registration Card
  • US warranty sheet
  • Canadian warranty card
  • "Use of the Cleaning Cloth" sheet
  • 2 Correction sheets
  • "Notes on the Plasma TV" sheet

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More details on the Sony KE-42XBR900

Research Team

Product Research

Features
Remote Control
Inputs and Outputs Notes
Dimensions

Features

Mounting: To set up the KE-42XBR900 requires either the SU-P42T1 tabletop stand or the SU-PW1 wall-mount bracket.

WEGA Engine: Sony's Proprietary WEGA Engine consists of 4 key technologies engineered and designed by Sony:

  • Composite Component Processor: The Composite Component Processor converts the incoming analog signal into a digital signal so it can be processed. This new circuit has improved signal to noise ratio.
  • Digital Reality Creation Multifunction V1: Unlike conventional line doublers, the DRC Multifunction feature replaces the signal's NTSC waveform with the near-HD equivalent, while doubling the number of vertical and horizontal lines. This results in four times the density for quality sources, such as DVD, satellite, and digital camcorders. The Video Menu allows you to select high-density, progressive, or CineMotion output. The DRC Palette option lets you customize the level of detail (Reality) and smoothness (Clarity) to create up to three custom palettes.
  • Multi-Image Driver (MID-XU): This Multi-Image Driver is designed for fixed pixel devices. MID-XU is utilized in two ways. First, its primary job is to scale all incoming signals, SD or HD, to the configuration of the panel without degradation of signal quality. Second, the Multi-Image Driver provides unique picture-and-picture features once impossible for fixed pixel devices. Features like Twin View Picture-and-Picture with scalable windows and Favorite Channel Preview are possible.
  • CineMotion 3/2 Pulldown Processing: This function provides an optimized display by automatically detecting film content and applying a reverse 3/2 pulldown process. Moving pictures will appear clearer and more natural-looking.

Digital Component Processor: The Digital Component Processor makes the necessary adjustments to improve overall contrast and sharpness. It calculates these improvements by analyzing the signal and parameter of the plasma panel.

PDP Driver IC: The newly-developed PDP driver IC achieves high-precision gamma characteristics using Sony's unique digital technology. Fine gradation of dark scenes is realized by greatly enhancing resolution in the low brightness range.

HD Detailer Wideband Video Amplifier: All televisions have a video amplifier, the device that takes the original video source and "amplifies" it to deliver a useable signal to your television screen. The bandwidth rating of a video amplifier determines the amount of detail that can be displayed on a television. Sony's HD Detailer wideband video amplifier delivers great detail on even the finest images by getting the most out of high-bandwidth sources, such as the 1080i signal available from some set-top boxes and satellite feeds.

Native Resolution: The DVI-HDTV input will accept 1080i, 720p, and 480p, and will display them as 1024 x 768. The component video inputs will accept 1080i, 720p, 480i and 480p, and will display them as 1024 x 768. All other input signals will also be display as 1024 x 768.

Twin View: Using the Multi-Image Driver, Twin View allows you to watch two programs side-by-side with the ability to zoom in on one picture and listen to the program in the selected window. You can watch pictures from two different sources (1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i) simultaneously. 

Note: Only the left Twin View window can display 1080i, 720p, and 480p sources.

Favorite Channel Preview: This feature allows you to preview up to 8 favorite channels without leaving the current channel.

Freeze Function: This function allows you to temporarily capture a program's picture. The display switches to Twin View mode and displays the "frozen" picture on the right, while the current program continues on the left. This function only works in normal view mode; if you are in Twin View mode already, it will not work.

Picture Modes: You can select one of the following Picture modes:

  • Vivid: enhances picture contrast and sharpness
  • Standard: displays a standard picture for normal viewing environments
  • Pro: displays a picture with minimum enhancements
  • Mild: displays a natural, soft picture

Wide Screen Modes: You can select a default screen mode to use for 4:3 sources. While watching a channel, you can use the Wide Mode button to cycle through the wide screen modes. If the 4:3 Default is set to anything but Off, the wide screen mode setting changes only for the current channel. When you change channels, the wide mode is automatically replaced with the 4:3 Default setting. You can choose from the following screen wide screen mode options:

  • Wide Zoom: select to enlarge the 4:3 size picture, while the upper and lower parts of the picture are condensed to fit the 16:9 screen
  • Normal: returns the 4:3 picture to normal mode
  • Full: enlarges the 4:3 picture horizontally only to fill the wide screen
  • Zoom: enlarges the 4:3 picture horizontally and vertically to an equal aspect ratio that fills the 16:9 screen

Screen Saver: You can select one of the following screen savers:

  • Orbit: moves the picture position to reduce image retention. This does not prevent image retention completely if the same picture is displayed for an extended period of time.
  • All White: displays a white screen to reduce image retention

Vertical Center: This feature allows you to move the position of the picture up and down in the window.

Vertical Size: This feature allows you to adjust the vertical size of the picture.

Audio Effect Modes: You can select one of the following audio Effect modes:

  • TruSurround: adds a three-dimensional sound to stereo programs
  • Simulated: adds a surround-like effect to mono-channel programs

Steady Sound: This feature stabilizes the volume level, preventing unwanted blasts of sound during commercials.

Sleep Timer: The sleep timer switches the television off after a specified amount of time. The sleep timer can be set to 15, 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes.

Timers: This unit has two timers that can be set by day, time, duration, and channel.

Memory Stick Playback (JPEG): The media receiver has a front-panel Memory Stick slot to let you easily view your JPEG images. You can choose from an index of the images stored on the Memory Stick, or you can run a slideshow of those images. You can also customize the features of the slideshow by selecting the length of time that each image is displayed, toggling the display of file information, and rotating each image. 

Note: The media receiver's Memory Stick viewer is compatible with Memory Sticks up to and including 128MB. It is not compatible with Memory Sticks that exceed 128MB.

Remote Control

Multibrand Remote: The supplied remote is pre-programmed to operate this unit and a number of functions on other brands of A/V components, including VCRs, laserdisc players, DVD players, cable boxes, and satellite receivers.

Inputs and Outputs Notes

System Connections: The display has a white DVI-D input and black proprietary 26-pin input and the media receiver has a white DVI-D output and black proprietary 26-pin output. The components are connected using the supplied display interface cable. 

DVI-HDTV In: This input consists of stereo RCA jacks and a DVI-D terminal. The DVI-D terminal can accommodate a copy-protected digital connection (HDCP) to other devices (such as digital set-top boxes) that have compatible interfaces. The DVI-D terminal is compliant with the EIA-861 standard and is not intended for use with personal computers.

Note: The DVI-HDTV input will accept 1080i, 720p, and 480p.

Component Video Inputs: The component video inputs will accept 1080i, 720p, 480i and 480p.

Monitor Out: The monitor output consists of stereo RCA jacks, an RCA composite video jack and an S-video jack. This output lets you record the program you are watching to a VCR.

Subwoofer Output: The subwoofer RCA jack allows you to add a powered subwoofer to this display.

Dimensions

Dimensions:

  • Display Unit: W=53.25", H=28.375", D=4.125"
  • Media Receiver Unit: W=16.9375", H=4.109", D=15.1875"

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