Sony unveils high-definition camcorder

Sony unveils high-definition camcorder

on September 08, 2004

Sony unveils high-definition camcorder

Japanese electronics and entertainment giant Sony Corp. plans to begin selling a camcorder designed for consumers that takes video at digital high-definition quality and is being priced at about $3,600.

Sony said Tuesday the 4.4 pound HDR-FX1 is set to go on sale next month in Japan and before the end of the year globally.

"Recording precious images at the best visual quality is important and the demand for that is sure to spread around the world," Sony vice president Shoji Nemoto told reporters at a Tokyo hotel.

A more affordable model is likely to follow, Nemoto said, but he declined to say when that would be available.

Sony said its new high-definition camcorder was the first aimed at consumers. It showcases Sony's newly developed computer chips that can efficiently process digital images, the Tokyo-based company said.

Sony showed a live video image of an open book taken on a standard camcorder next to one on the HDR-FX1, and even the small print on words that looked like blurs on the older model could be read more clearly on the new machine.

HDTV viewfinders that use LCDs are ridiculously, insanely expensive. This is because each pixel in an LCD is a discrete element and point of failure. The more pixels that you cram on to a given space, the greater the likelihood of failure is. HDTV LCD panels must contain many times the pixels of existing low-resolution LCD panels in the same physical area. Since relatively few HDTV LCD panels can make it out of production without fatal errors, the ones that are defect-free and can be sold have to be priced to make up for the huge numbers that were thrown in the trash right off the assembly line.

Microvision's technology stores the pixel information in inexpensive computer memory, rather than having physical elements fixed in place for each pixel -- and it's the only technology that allows for switching between 4:3 screen ratio and 16:9 on the fly, in software. Due to the simplicity and elegance of Microvision's solution, we will be able to produce HDTV electronic viewfinders that are much less expensive than LCD panels, and have richer, truer colors too.

Thanks to NoNo.

Comments

This blog is the author's personal website. It is not affiliated with MicroVision, Inc. or any company. This website does not recommend the purchase or sale of any stocks, options, bonds or any investment of any kind. This website does not provide investment advice. Disclaimer and Notices: Disclaimer: This website may contain "forward-looking" information including statements concerning the company's outlook for the future, as well as other statements of beliefs, future plans and strategies or anticipated events, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. The forward-looking information and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. The information on this website includes forward looking statements, including statements regarding projections of future operations, product applications, development and production, future benefits of contractual arrangements, growth in demand, as well as statements containing words like believe, estimate, expect, anticipate, target, plan, will, could, would, and other similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from the results implied or expressed in the forward looking statement. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements are included in MVIS most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the heading 'Risk factors related to the company's business,' and our other reports filed with the Comission from time to time. Except as expressly required by Federal securities laws, MVIS Blog undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in circumstances, or other reasons. Legal Notice: Although considerable care has been taken in preparing and maintaining the information and material contained on this website, MVIS Blog makes no representation nor gives any warranty as to the currency, completeness, accuracy or correctness of any of the elements contained herein. Facts and information contained in the website are believed to be accurate at the time of posting. However, information may be superseded by subsequent disclosure, and changes may be made at any time without prior notice. MVIS Blog shall not be responsible for, or liable in respect of, any damage, direct or indirect, or of any nature whatsoever, resulting from the use of the information contained herein. While the information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. MVIS Blog has not independently verified the facts, assumptions, and estimates contained on this website. Accordingly, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on the fairness, accuracy, or completeness of the information and opinions contained on this website. Consequently, MVIS Blog assumes no liability for the accompanying information, which is being provided to you solely for evaluation and general information. This website does not contain inside information, proprietary or confidential information learned or disclosed as part of employment relationships or under nondisclosure agreements or otherwise.