Sony DVP-NS9100ES, NS3100 Precision Cinema Progressive Circuitry in action, Pixel being created

occur in part of the video image part of the time. Most people would not notice the artifact without being told when and where to watch for it. But Sony's program for these ES components required us to address even subtle distortions.

The problem is jaggedness in the edges that separate areas of the scene, especially when the edges are straight lines, when they're diagonal and when there's a big difference in contrast between the areas they separate. Rooflines, car hoods, venetian blinds and other lines in the scene can appear with unwanted stair steps not in the original program. Sony's Vertical Edge Compensation controls this artifact.

Pixels on the line above

Pixel being created

Pixels on the line below

Sony's Vertical Edge Compensation uses a broad range of pixels on the lines immediately above and below to calculate a pixel on moving edges. This controls the jaggedness that can sometimes distort edges in the video picture.

Vertical Edge Compensation uses the built-in motion detection to judge motion at the pixel level and to detect edges. When the circuit detects an edge, it refers to other edges within the field. The circuit then assembles data from a broad range of pixels on the lines immediately above and below to calculate the new pixel. This smoothes out the stair steps and results in consistent, natural- looking lines throughout the picture. It's just one more way that Sony raises the standard in DVD-Video picture quality.

Precision Cinema Progressive™

circuitry in action

We've devoted seven pages to Pixel-by-Pixel I/P Conversion and Vertical Edge Compensation—the technologies behind Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive circuitry. But while the technology is complex, the benefit only takes a moment to appreciate. Start with a high-quality DVD that you know well. Using HDMI or Y/Pb/Pr component video, connect the Sony® DVD player to a great High Definition or HD-capable television, monitor or projector. Then watch.

The original frames retain their integrity, even if they were originally shot on film or 24P progressive digital. You'll see full performance for every part of the picture, whether still or moving. The vertical edges on objects in your picture retain all their clarity, even when the objects are in motion. The horizontal edges are clean and clear, without the obvious stair steps or jaggedness. You'll

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