SONY PFM-500A2W

 As more and more boutique studios are popping up and independent moviemaking has been augmented by the use of digital cameras, nonlinear offline editing, compositing, post-production, and now – distribution and screening, people are searching for solutions to new problems and tossing out film headaches entirely. Consider that as an auteur in the new digital feature realm, your telecine, flatbed, and splicer become obsolete. The DVD\CD and fiber-channel network become your only optical media. The offline editor (Avid, Media100, Premiere, edit*, etc.) becomes your primary tool, and tape, disk, and camera become the logistic considerations. You'll need a way to display signal from various digital and video devices so that your work is easier.

The time has finally come for flat panels to take their rightful place in the studio (and home, too)! Sony’s Plasma Display technology is rewarding us with clearer images, more vibrant colors, a larger screen, multiple inputs, and more free space!

The PFM-500A2W is a High Definition (HD) video monitor with a 42" viewable area and physical depth of about 6". The unit has a satin black finish of plastic and aluminum and can be placed on any flat surface or mounted on a wall. Inputs and outputs are conveniently located on the sides of the monitor to prevent one’s having to dig around in a dark and cramped space.

The input/outputs are many, eight signal formats (NTSC, PAL, 480i, 720p, 1080i, VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA) are accepted, making this a do-it all/ all-in-one device. Inputs are as fololows: Y/C/Composite (NTSC/PAL) br>Y, P-Y, B-Y/Y, P, P,br>RGB HDVD BNCbr>RGB HDVD 15 pinbr>RS-232Cbr>Audiobr. Outputs: Y/C/Composite (NTSC/PAL)br>Y, P-Y, B-Y/Y, P, Pbr>RGB HDVD BNCbr>RS-232Cbr. What all this alphabet soup means is that you can connect your RGB equipment (BetaCam, etc.), SVHS VCR, a video camera, and a VGA-compliant computer, and still have room for more devices! Using the Remote Commander remote control, you can switch between these inputs quickly and from across the room without having to operate a signal switcher at additional expense.

With a resolution of 852x480 pixels, and screen dimensions of: 42" diagonal, 36 3/4" wide by 20 7/8" tall, the capability to display 16.8 million colors simultaneously, and an anti-glare screen surface, it is easy to see the new Sony’s appeal. With a default color temperature of 6500k, the monitor is right in the middle of the desired range for typical video and computer-based applications.

While the unit is a rather hefty 103 lbs., it COMES WITH CARRYING HANDLES! Something that much professional-grade equipment lacks. Sturdy foldout feet can place it on a desk or floor, while wall and ceiling mounts are also available to further maximize the return on space (see diagrams).

There is an integrated 7w+7w amplifier, for attaching speakers without an external amp, and a range of optional speaker and subwoofer combinations are also available as well. Another upgrade-friendly feature is the option slot, which accommodates the current SDI input adapter, as well as providing a place for future adapters to connect.

Check it out:

$7900 (Est. street price)

Sony Professional Monitors and Displays

www.sony.com