Sony’s Forgotten 100-Inch Flat TV From 1968

The Innovation That Predicted the Future of Screens

By the late 1960s, Sony was already making significant strides in television technology. From the introduction of the world’s first portable transistor TV, the TV8-301 in 1960, to the groundbreaking launch of the Trinitron in 1968, the company had a reputation for innovation. But that same year, a prototype emerged that could blow the minds of even the biggest tech enthusiasts: a 100-inch flat display that appeared to be straight out of a sci-fi movie.

This experimental model, known as the Sony 100-Inch Color Video Panel 25, was unveiled to the public at the Sony Building in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Standing at 1.5 meters tall, 2 meters wide, and just 25 centimeters deep, it was a big break from the bulky CRT TVs everyone was used to back then. Rather than using cathode-ray tubes, this display utilized 78,000 tiny light bulbs, each fitted with red, green, or blue filters, to produce its images. Crowds gathered to witness it, intrigued by this glimpse into a possible new era of television design.

What powered this prototype was its clever use of pulse-controlled light sources. By converting video signals into Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), the panel achieved bright, accurate colors at a refresh rate of 60 Hz. For its time, it was a revolutionary concept that seemed almost too advanced for the technology available then.

Of course, as with many ambitious projects, it had its limitations. The panel’s energy demands were enormous, and its intricate design was far from ready for mass production. Its resolution, while impressive for the era, couldn’t match today’s standards. Yet, these challenges didn’t render the project a failure. Instead, the 100-Inch Color Video Panel laid the foundation for what would eventually become modern flat-panel displays, from plasma TVs to LED screens. It also served as a precursor to Sony’s iconic JumboTron, which debuted in 1985.

Though the Color Video Panel never became a commercial product, its impact is still worth remembering. By showcasing it in the heart of Tokyo, Sony demonstrated its willingness to experiment and explore ideas that were ahead of their time. For those lucky enough to see it back in 1968, it must have felt like peering into the future.

The story of Sony's 100-Inch Color Video Panel is more about the ambition behind it than just the product itself. It serves as a reminder that daring ideas, even if they don't achieve immediate success, can influence the trajectory of innovation. This overlooked prototype provides an intriguing look at a crucial moment in display technology, connecting the bulky televisions of the past with the sleek flat panels we use today.