The displays were developed by Sony Electronics in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment, with a focus on production uses.
Just before next week’s virtual CES, Sony Electronics announced a pair of new Crystal LED direct view modular displays aimed at professional applications, including virtual production – an area that has seen an increase in interest over the past year and has been used in projects in The midnight sky for The Mandalorian.
Sony draws attention to the C series for its high contrast ratio and the B series to accentuate the high brightness. Sony reports that the B series was developed in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment to reflect production needs. For example, it has an anti-reflective coating with a matte finish, facing virtual scenarios.
Both series are equipped with Sony’s “X1 for Crystal LED” processor and incorporate the same Crystal LED technology used in their Bravia TVs. Features include the ability to display high dynamic range images, high frame rates of up to 120 frames per second and stereoscopic 3D. They also have no fan, for quieter operation.
A virtual production environment using the technology giant’s current display technology (which was initially unveiled for additional uses, including digital cinema) can be found at Sony’s Digital Media Production Center, a Los Angeles-based venture for filmmakers. This configuration was presented at Sony’s exhibition a year ago at CES 2020.
The new Crystal LED C and B series are planned to be available this summer. The price has not been announced.