Television viewers wanting a clearer picture off their older, non-high definition TV sets may find interesting a new product from Sony. However, with a price tag of $4,800 USD it may be more worthwhile to spend the money on a new high-definition set anyway.

Sony's Creation Box, to be released in Japan later this month promises to make pictures clearer and more vivid. Users with high-definition sets can also zoom in without distortion.

To improve the image quality, Sony used a proprietary technology that will adjust television signals so that the outlines and textures look sharper and clearer.

But, does it work? According to an Associated Press reporter who saw a demo of the unit, it does. He reported that "the outlines of distant trees sharpened, glass looked shinier and the sense of landscape perspective was enhanced."

Sony plans to add the technology to its new TVs, but recommends the box for use on its older sets, or cheaper models from its rivals. The company said it has no plans to release the box outside Japan at this time.