Sony KW-3600HD
The Sony KW-3600HD was a landmark Hi-Vision (HDTV) compatible CRT television released in 1990. It was the first consumer HD Trinitron television and featured a 36-inch 16:9 widescreen display capable of displaying 1125-line high-definition broadcasts via Japan's MUSE analog HD system.
Features
The KW-3600HD represented Sony's entry into the consumer HDTV market during Japan's early Hi-Vision broadcast era. Key features included:
- 36-inch HD Trinitron tube with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
- MUSE decoder connection terminals for Hi-Vision broadcasts
- 1125-line high-definition capability (approximately twice the resolution of standard television)
- Built-in MUSE-NTSC converter for standard broadcast viewing
Historical Significance
The KW-3600HD was designated as "Essential Historical Material for Science and Technology" by the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo. It was among the first affordable high-definition televisions available to general consumers before digital broadcasting began, though at an original retail price of approximately ¥2,300,000 (around $17,000 USD), it remained a luxury item.
The television weighed approximately 175 pounds (79 kg), typical of large CRT sets of this era.
