AshKSONY HAS ANNOUNCED the new Z9D series of 4K HDR panels, the company’s next generation in television display technology with the ability to reproduce deeper blacks and brighter whites to showcase lifelike colours.
The Z series is the current flagship and takes the lead atop Sony’s current line-up of premium 4K HDR Ultra HD TVs, which includes the award winning X9300D series. The new “Z” moniker is said to indicate a significant step forward in display technology. With this advance, Sony brings 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) to a new level with Extreme Contrast and even more realistic, accurate colour.
The new Z9D series features a newly developed 4K image processor, the 4K HDR Processor X1TM Extreme, and a unique backlight technology, Backlight Master DriveTM, to attain extraordinary contrast and extremely accurate wide colour expression. It offers an even more impressive visual experience with more depth, texture and realism on the screen than was previously possible.
The new 4K HDR ProcessorX1TM Extreme is further refined with 40 percent more real-time image processing as compared with Sony’s previous 4K Processor X1TM. It incorporates three new technologies: object-based HDR remaster, dual database processing, and Super Bit MappingTM 4K HDR.
Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR creates a smoother, more natural picture. With 14-bit powerful signal processing, it breaks up the solid bands of colour of 8-bit (FHD) or 10-bit (4K) source, up-converting 14-bit equivalent gradation with 64 times more colour levels.
Additionally, the new Z9D series has adopted the Backlight Master Drive technology, which Sony introduced as a prototype at CES 2016. The Backlight Master Drive is precision backlight boosting technology which allows it to expand brightness and contrast even further in order to truly tap the full potential of 4K HDR. The Backlight Master Drive combines a dense LED structure with a super accurate lighting algorithm and unique optical design. Previously, local dimming was controlled in zone consisting of several LEDs. In combination with the latest accurate lighting algorithm, discrete LED control of Backlight Master Drive is able to dim and boost each LED individually.
The Z9D series has a new design that takes the form of a simple black slate. From the back, the design keeps all the cables completely concealed, ensuring that the device strikes an elegant look from any angle.
The 65-inch Z9D series will be available in New Zealand in October 2016, with pricing yet to be announced. Contact www.sony.co.nz for more information.
