Sony introduces thin and light multi-format LCD monitors with Full HD LCD panels

Ideal for monitoring high-quality sources and videos in applications ranging from studio use to outdoor filming.

Sony has just announced its new thin and light Full HD multi-format LCD monitors that add to its complete range of professional and industrial LCD monitors. The new models include the LMD-A240 (24-inch, 1920 x 1200), LMD-A220 (22-inch, 1920 x 1080), and LMD-A170 (17-inch, 1920 x 1080). These LMD-A series monitors were developed as part of a broader rethink of Sony's professional monitor range to sport a lighter, slimmer design, and join the November 2013 launch of the new PVM-A series Trimaster EL professional OLED monitors.

The LMD-A series monitors feature Full HD Ready LCD panels. This means that for HD productions users can monitor video at the original resolution without degrading it. Although the new models have larger screens than conventional models, they are lighter in weight and approximately 30% less depth compared to previous Sony models. Additionally, power consumption has been reduced by approximately 20 to 30% depending on the model. The results are high-quality, cost-effective LCD monitors that can be used in a wide variety of applications such as studio use, outdoor monitoring, or installation on monitoring panels.

Among the basic functions necessary to cover the video production process, the new LMD-A monitors also incorporate a series of operational improvements, such as an optimized I/P conversion system with low latency (a field less than 0.5 except the response time of the LCD pixels) and an on-monitor display function (TSL UMD protocol).

Thanks to Sony's complete range of professional monitors that cater to different applications, users have the possibility of implementing powerful and effective monitoring systems according to their needs and budgets. The Sony BVM series is used for the most critical evaluations, such as color decision and signal quality testing; The PVM-A series is used for applications with similar importance such as camera monitoring and control, while the new LMD-A series is used for source and video monitoring.

To streamline operations, Sony's PVM-A and LMD-A series feature a unified design and user interface. The adjustment operation is very simple if both product ranges are used in the same system. The ability to be powered by a DC power supply(3) makes the LMD-A monitors ready for outdoor use. They can also be easily installed in rack mounts or mounting yokes. An optional protection kit is available for the LMD-A170 to reduce damage during transport or use.

Used for studio or field monitoring, the Sony LMD-A240, LMD-A220 and LMD-A170 monitors offer high image quality, support ITU-R BT.709, EBU and SMPTE-C standard color emulation, and are the most cost-effective professional LCD monitors to suit a variety of content creation and live production applications.

Main features

• I/P conversion system with low latency (a field less than 0.5 except the response time of LCD pixels)
• The I/P conversion system offers signal processing automatically optimized according to the format of the input signals, with low latency of a field less than 0.5. This allows operators to avoid having to constantly change settings and provides effective real-time video monitoring during live productions.
• In-monitor display (IMD) function for source monitoring
• The monitors support the TSL UMD protocol provided by Television System. The IMD displays the two Tally indicators on the screen along with the dynamic text information received over Ethernet. Text can be placed at the top or bottom of the screen, depending on the IMD position setting, and a new feature adds support for European language symbols such as accents, umlauts, and more. For the video preview application on the LMD-A240, the position of the IMD can be changed to the top or bottom of the screen to prevent it from interfering with video images.
• High-speed source switching for perfect monitoring.
• Monitoring multiple video sources can be carried out seamlessly by accelerating source switching. This feature makes it easy to compare video sources, as well as verify color and update cameras. It is also available in Sony's PVM-A series of professional OLED monitors.
• Well equipped for different content creation needs.
• Optional mounting brackets are available for the LMD-A220 and LMD-A170 monitors. The monitors also have screw holes on the edges for mounting yokes commonly used in program production (third-party mounting yokes required). An optional protection kit is also available for the LMD-A170 with corner protectors that protect the monitor from scratches and bumps.
• Other functions are: On-screen Tally, EIA/CEA-608 and 708 subtitling, content identification monitor in the status menu, SDI BNC 2 inputs/2 outputs, waveform monitor, audio level indicator, vectorscope and camera focus.