Sony Expands DVD-Video Market With New Generation Player That Accentuates Style And Versatility

15-Mar-01

Recognizing the evolution of the DVD market into new segments of the home, Sony Electronics is unveiling its first DVD-Video player with cross-generational appeal and an innovative style that has made Sony the U.S. market leader in DVD home entertainment. Sony's new DVP-F21 redefines style with its versatile three-position functionality, slim shape and slot-loading disc mechanism. The silver-toned player - which can be used vertically, horizontally or hanging on a wall - is versatile enough to complement any A/V system, whether it's in an ultra-modern living room, a stylish bedroom, a hip dorm room or high-tech office environment. ""This DVD player's appeal results from the combination of form and function,"" said Bill Cubellis, Director of DVD Marketing at Sony Electronics. ""With its design versatility and performance, it's an ideal addition to almost any setting."" With the DVD hardware market booming - more than 20 million players are expected to be sold by U.S. retailers in this year - this stylish model's versatility permits it to be used as a primary or complementary player. An optional, self-powered speaker system featuring two speakers and a subwoofer is expected to be available later this year, giving the DVP-F21 exceptional standalone functionality. In addition to playing both CDs and DVDs, the new player has CD-R/CD-RW playback capabilities, enabling consumers to listen to music from their personal libraries they have recorded on compact discs. The DVP-F21 also features Sony's Precision Driveô System, a new tilt mechanism providing faster and more accurate tracking and playback of DVDs. Precision Drive allows viewers to watch their favorite DVDs - whether they are part of an owner's library or one of the increasing number of rentals available - despite most imperfections or physical flaws on the disk. Another plus is the unit's TV Virtual Surround Sound circuitry. Benefiting the non-home theatre user, this feature optimizes the sound capabilities of standard TV speakers and offers various surround modes. These modes include dynamic, wide, standard and night for sound reduction of loud passages during late hours. The surround sound circuitry also creates a virtual center channel for clearer dialogue reception. Other features of the DVP-F21 include Advanced SmoothScanô Picture Search for seamless transitions between video frame, and Custom Parental Control, which prohibits access to discs with a personalized code, even if the disc doesn't carry a Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rating. The DVP-F21 will be available this fall for about $300. The speaker system will also be available in the fall, with pricing to be determined.