Sony is introducing a new generation of professional master monitoring technology. The first model in the series will be the BVM-L230 LCD video reference monitor.
The 22.5-inch monitor (viewable area, measured diagonally) combines a new full resolution LCD panel, a newly developed high-precision backlight system and a display engine which has been in development for several years. The new LCD panel is the industry's first with a 10-bit driver and capable of producing 1,024 levels of gray scale, making the monitor ideal for high-end monitoring applications including digital cinema, digital intermediate, telecine and high end post-production, as well as program and preview monitoring in broadcast master control rooms or in OB trucks.

With this new monitor, video professionals can achieve the critical evaluation capabilities associated with Sony’s line of BVM CRT monitors, while gaining the benefits of flat-panel technology, including lower weight, lower power consumption, and a reduction in heat load, among others.

“This new monitor is a breakthrough technology for applications where visual performance and accuracy are paramount,” said John Kaloukian, director of Sony Electronics’ professional display group. “It is designed to be used as a visual measurement instrument, offering reliability and stability equal to our BVM CRTs while incorporating innovations that have resulted in more than 40 new patents for Sony display technology.”

The new monitor series is based on Sony’s TRIMASTER™ technology, which is designed to maximize the full performance capabilities of professional flat-panel displays, and to deliver higher levels of color accuracy and color reproduction, precision imaging and quality picture consistency with higher dimensions.

The BVM-L230 monitor incorporates key TRIMASTER technologies such as a newly developed wide color gamut panel, color management system, full HD resolution (1920 by 1080), high gray-scale gradation, motion picture response, precision signal processing, calibration and feedback system.

The monitor adds several new features specifically designed for professional monitoring requirements, including a new color space selection function, advanced picture-and-picture display and a true interlace display mode, which helps to accurately reproduce interlaced signals.

The monitor’s enhanced LED backlighting system offers a wider color gamut than found in any other direct view display technology including CRT. This new system can fully cover the range of broadcast-standard color spaces as well as support the new digital cinema standards. SMPTE C, EBU, and ITU 709 color gamuts are available via button selection.

The backlight system also incorporates a uniformity control function and a color feedback system that constantly monitors and compensates for color shifts, maintaining accurate luminance uniformity equal to the BVM CRTs.

Complementing the backlight system is a newly designed color management system developed specifically for the BVM-L series offering more consistent and stable color reproduction using a proprietary color feedback stability system. This technology is designed to accurately reproduce color spaces with 3D LUT management. A black frame insertion mode significantly reduces motion blur by combining a high frame rate and black frame inserted between image frames.

The monitor’s signal processing engine incorporates 12-bit accuracy, and also delivers a high-quality IP conversion algorithm for interlaced signal display and reduced processing delay.
The BVM-L230 offers multi-format monitoring capabilities, displaying SD and HD formats up to 1080/60P. In addition to HDTV data, the BVM-L230 supports a range of signal formats, including 2048 by 1080/24P for digital cinema applications and VGA-WUXGA (1920 by 1200) PC signals.

The monitor offers several connectivity options, including a standard DVI-D input. Optional inputs include HD-SDI/SDI SDI (4:2:2 10 bit and 4:4:4 10 or 12 bit), composite, Y/C, RGB/YPBPR/XYZ, and dual-link HD-SDI.

Sony is developing larger screen sizes for this new series of LCD monitors. A 42-inch version (viewable area, measured diagonally) is planned to be available next year.
The BVM-L230 LCD video monitor is expected to be available this fall, at a suggested list price of about $25,000.