Sony's latest addition to the XBR series, the KP-53XBR300, is the smaller of the two HDTV-ready televisions available as of October 1999. The new Hi-Scan features a new version of the well-received Digital Reality Creation (DRC) technology. In the process of converting analog signals to digital, DRC doubles the number of scanning lines and the number of pixels to create a high-resolution picture.Sony branded the 300 series with the name Hi-Scan because of its ability to accept the 1080i and 480p DTV signals from an HDTV receiver. Your high-definition program can be viewed in 16: 9 presentation. The vertical compression allows this 4: 3 TV to do an anamorphic aspect ratio within the 4: 3 ratio of the screen thereby preserving the additional resolution of an anamorphically transferred DVD. The 3D digital comb filter and 7-inch CRTs further enhance resolution. Multi-Image Driver (MID) circuitry lends flexibility to the Twin-View 2-tuner Picture-and-Picture. MID enables you to manipulate the size and position of each PIP (picture-in-picture) frame. Each frame can be frozen, allowing you to jot down vital information from a commercial. Sony meets your home-theater expectations with a slew of A/V inputs and outputs including a component video input for connection to your HDTV receiver.

The Sony KP-53XBR300 53-inch projection television incorporates extended definition MICROFOCUS picture tubes, which generate a brighter, sharper image, and more accurate corner focusing. Equipped with Digital Reality Creation (DRC) multifunction circuitry, the Sony KP-53XBR300 can enhance NTSC broadcasts by displaying images as 960i or 480p. By maximizing the home theater experience with popular video sources, DRC multifunction technology lets you enjoy up to four times the picture quality of cable boxes, VCRs, and DVD players. This TV incorporates a 1080i chassis, which accepts and displays high-definition signals as 1080i when paired with a digital set-top box via HD component connection. Additionally, 480p content, like progressive-scan DVD, will be displayed as 480p. With a Multi Image Driver (MID-X) chip, you can simultaneously watch television broadcasts (NTSC) and high-definition programming side by side with flexible Twin-View two-tuner picture-and-picture.

The 3-D digital comb filter greatly reduces dot crawl and unwanted video noise. The dual-component design of its 53-inch screen integrates a lenticular filter, which increases the horizontal viewing angle. Sony's First Surface Mirror, which allows electron beams to pass through the mirror's surface only once, is another addition that enhances resolution, brightness, and contrast. Color temperature is controlled by a picture stabilizer, which also helps eliminate distortion when the screen rapidly alternates between light and dark scenes.

Audio capabilities include a Dolby Pro Logic decoder with 80 watts total output. The Sony KP-53XBR300 provides front and rear S-Video inputs, two RF inputs, two composite audio-video inputs, as well as outputs for a monitor system and fixed or variable audio.

Convenient features include a high-contrast protective screen, favorite channel programming, Snap Shot screen freeze, advanced scanning capabilities, and a closed caption decoder. The built-in V-chip gives parents the ability to lock out channels they deem inappropriate. A luminous joystick remote control is supplied.

The Sony KP-53XBR300 is only 24.5 inches deep, one of the slimmest projection-TV profiles on the market--even slimmer than most direct- view sets. Sony covers the picture tube for two years, and offers a one-year parts and labor warranty.