Apparently 1080i and 720p are still legitimate HD formats, but not quite as "full" as they should be, according to Sony's latest marketing campaign. In announcing its recent plans for its new Bravia flat-panel LCD and its SXRD (Silicon X-crystal Reflective Display) Grand Wega micro-display sets with 1080p, Sony is careful to always use the term "full HD" anytime it mentions the format. Sony calls 1080p the "holy grail of picture quality." (Still, all of today's HD content is transmitted in 1080i or 720p.)
Due to ship in the second half of 2006, Sony said a select number of its new models with 1920 x 1080 resolution will include 1080p input. The company said this new crop of goods is expected to complement its upcoming launch of 1080p Blu-ray products -- including its BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc player this summer, as well as a VAIO desktop PC with a Blu-ray ROM drive (MSRP $2,300).
According to published reports, as an apparent concession to content providers, Sony 1080p product will only be available with units equipped with HDMI (high definition multimedia interface) connectors that support copy protection. Sony's newly designed SXRD line will offer screen sizes of 50 to 70 inches. (And if the "X" in "SXRD" is confusing, it's only because Sony likes to spell "Crystal" as "X-tal.")
