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 Creating a display to replace the CRT is a dream I have harbored since the television was born. I'd like to see Sony create a ground-breaking sensation in the TV industry once more by implementing innovative ideas and braving new fields. These were the words Ibuka delivered in 1988 at the 20th anniversary ceremony of the Trinitron. As if in response to his call, in June 1995,  Plasmatron, a flat panel display using entirely new technology, was announced to the press in Japan.
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The FD Trinitron featuring a vertically and horizontally flat CRT screen
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The WEGA Series home-use high vision color television "KW-32HDF9" was launched in 1997
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To date, several manufacturers have developed and marketed a variety of plasma and liquid crystal displays. However, the Plasma Addressed Liquid Crystal (PALC) technology Sony developed in collaboration with Tektronix, Inc. of the U.S. was unique. This technology enables the manufacture of large-sized liquid crystal displays which are relatively thin and lightweight. The flat panel prototype shown to the press boasted a 25-inch display only 3.7 mm deep and weighing approximately 1.7 kg. Plasmatron is a new product concept with the potential of realizing large, wall-hanging televisions for home-use. With further technological developments, this flat panel display has strong potential for use as a multimedia terminal.
The CRT, however, is still brighter, has higher resolution and is more cost-effective than the Plasmatron. But by adding Plasmatron to its powerful Trinitron products and projectors lineup, Sony is well positioned to maintain its top ranking in display technology. Idei summed it up at the Plasmatron technology press launch by saying, Manufacturers who are masters of display technology will eventually rule the multimedia business of the future.
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