approach the full glory of High Definition picture quality—from today's standard DVDs.
14-bit D/A Conversion (NS9100ES)
The binary word length used in video digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion helps determine the gray scale performance of the picture. This can be seen, for example, in the play of light across the face of an actress, as the light of a candle falls off into shadow. Longer word lengths contribute to smoother, more realistic transitions from dark to light.
Starting with the DVP-S7000, Sony led the way with 10-bit video digital-to- analog conversion. The DVP-NS900V raised the performance to 12-bit conversion, producing four times the grayscale levels. The DVP-NS999ES incorporated the Analog Devices ADV7304A, a 14-bit video D/A converter. Now the DVP-NS9100ES incorporates the Analog Devices ADV7324, a refined 14-bit converter. This produces four times the grayscale levels of common 12-bit designs—and a total of 16 times as many as earlier, 10-bit designs.
The 14-bit video D/A converter also includes the video encoder and processing for Macrovision™ Copy Protection.
Sony applies the 14-bit process both to DVD's luminance (Y) black-and- white channel and to DVD's two color difference channels (PB and PR). So you get more accurate rendition of colors from the deepest black to the brightest highlights.
216 MHz D/A converter oversampling
In DVD-Video playback, the ultimate in picture detail comes into direct conflict with the ultimate in picture clarity. Detail is a function of the video "bandwidth" or "frequency response." The highest resolution details occupy the highest video frequencies. Clarity is a function of video "noise." In the worst case, noise appears as "snow" or flecks and specks of unwanted color. In more
ES DVD Players 2005, Version 4.0 | Page 18 |