Sony Reinforces DVD Leadership With New Models Offering Technological Advancements, Affordability

New Progressive Output Player, Five-Disc Changer Lead Lineup

8-Jan-01

Responding to the needs of the rapidly expanding DVD market, Sony is stretching its own boundaries with the introduction of new players that make its leading-edge technologies more accessible to consumers. Sony today introduced four new DVD/CD players that maximize Sonyís legendary DVD player performance while stressing flexibility and affordability. Each unit features Sonyís new Precision Drive2ô System, a newly developed tilt mechanism that provides faster, more accurate tracking and playback of DVDs. Whether watching a new DVD or one of the increasing number of disks available at rental outlets, Precision Drive2 can compensate for disk warp and other imperfections. Two highlighted models of Sonyís 2001 line include the DVP-NS700P, which offers progressive output to complement the growing high definition and Hi-Scanô television market, and the DVP-NC600, a five-disc DVD/CD changer that also offers users CD/CD-R/CD-RW playback capability. ""These new products represent a continuation of Sonyís efforts to give consumers a wide choice in DVD solutions,"" said Bill Cubellis, Director of DVD Marketing for Sony Electronics. ""With approximately 10,000 titles available on DVD, weíll continue to expand our lines with innovative products that address consumer demand at every price and performance level."" New Progressive Output Player Leads Lineup Utilizing some of the same technologies found in Sonyís newest ""reference standard"" player, the DVP-S9000ES, Sonyís high performance DVP-NS700P tops the new line of players, featuring 480p video output via advanced MPEG image processing. With 12-bit/54MHz D/A conversion and a multifunction MPEG processor, the DVP-NS700P provides optimal video performance from any DVD. The DVP-NS700P also features full 3:2 reverse conversion. This feature analyzes the original film/video frame composition, restructures it for DVD playback, and renders sharp, film-like progressive images as close to the original source material as possible. The DVP-NS700P features Digital Video Enhancer, developed by Sony to provide sharper edge detail on video images, especially when teamed with a high performance monitor or television, such as one of Sonyís new FD TrinitronÆ Wegaô XBRÆ or rear projection Hi-Scan TV sets. It also offers CD-R/RW playback capability. The DVP-NS700P will be available in June 2001 for about $400. New Five-Disc DVD/CD Changer Continues Legacy Sony, which created the multi-disc DVD/CD category with the industryís first five-disc changer, continues to lead the industry in innovative solutions. For 2001, Sony is introducing the DVP-NC600, a new unit offering CD-R/RW playback. The unit is designed for consumers looking to replace their existing single or five-disc CD changers, while adding DVD functionality. ""As the DVD market continues to expand, more and more consumers have become aware that DVD players also function as CD players,"" Cubellis said. ""With millions of multi-disc CD changers in the market, the need for changers that maximize DVD and CD flexibility continues to grow. Thatís where the NC600 comes in."" The DVP-NC600 will be available in June 2001 for about $300. In addition to the DVP-NS700P and DVP-NC600, other new models include the DVP-NS300 and DVP-NS400D, which offer quality DVD/CD playback for approximately $200 and $250, respectively. Both models will be available in May 2001. New Players Share Innovative DVD TechnologiesAll four new models incorporate Sonyís innovative technologies, including: Instant Replay - allows consumers to replay a particular scene with the touch of a button going back ten seconds to review important or interesting movie lines. Block Noise Reduction - aids in maximizing picture quality of MPEG-2 images by eliminating unwanted artifacts in scenes where gradated images (sky, water, skin tones, etc.) and movement of objects between two fields are present. Quick Setup - provides a simple on-screen setup program with easy navigation and user-friendly menus. TV Virtual Surround Sound - benefiting the non-home theatre user, this feature optimizes the sound capabilities of standard TV speakers and offers various surround modes including Dynamic, Wide, Standard and Night for sound reduction during late hours. This feature also creates a virtual center channel for clearer dialogue reception. For more information, visit www.sel.sony.com.

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