For more information, contact: Scott Gardiner, Sony Electronics Inc. at 201 930 7436, Email: Scott.Gardiner@am.sony.com.
Sonyís New DVD-Video Lineup Designed To Suit Digital Entertainment Lifestyles
Multi-Disc DVD/CD Changers, Portables, And Integrated A/V System Making Debut
Whether it's adding a new five-disc changer to the living room, bringing a portable on the road, or taking a new approach to digital home entertainment systems, Sony is providing a variety of DVD-Video solutions. As the leader in DVD-Video, the fastest-growing consumer electronics category, Sony is enhancing its lineup with flexible products that meet the needs of both videophiles and those looking to use the popular DVD format to meet their home entertainment needs. Sony is introducing three single-disc models, two advanced five-disc changers, two second-generation portables (including the first with a 7-inch LCD screen), and a fully featured lifestyle system combining DVD/CD functionality with a digital multichannel amplifier that includes DolbyÆ Digital decoding. ""As the leader in the U.S. DVD market, part of our charge is continuing to exceed expectations with products that become integral elements in any digital home entertainment system,"" said Mike Fidler, Senior Vice President of Home Audio/Video Marketing for Sony Electronics. ""Clearly, we're doing that with this year's remarkably broad, leading-edge product lineup."" New Five-Disc Changers Lead Home Lineup Sony, which created the multi-disc DVD/CD category with the industry's first five-disc changer, is now adding two advanced five-disc changers. ""With millions of consumers already owning sizable collections of DVD titles, the need for changers that maximize DVD and CD playback flexibility continues to grow,"" Fidler said. ""Sony's newest changers capture the benefits of both formats."" The new DVP-C670D and DVP-C660 models offer Sony's exclusive Disc Explorer feature as well as a new Custom Parental Control system. Unlike conventional systems, which require a DVD disc to be encoded with a Motion Picture Association of America rating, DVD-Video titles can now be accessed and individually locked. This feature can be used for controlling up to 200 discs on both models. Preferences stored in the unit's memory are maintained even when the power is turned off. Both units also share some of Sony's exclusive technologies, including the Precision Driveô System, which provides faster, more accurate tracking and playback, and Advanced SmoothScanô Picture Search for seamless transitions between video frames. Component video output is included on both units, as well as on all other DVD home decks. The DVP-C670D also adds Digital Image Enhancer technology, which utilizes innovative digital processing to make the highly defined edges on DVD-Video images even sharper. It also includes built-in Dolby Digital decoding and advanced circuitry to match the audio to dimensions of the room. Both changers will be available in July and are expected to sell for approximately $500 for the DVP-C670D and $400 for the DVP-C660. To address the rapidly expanding entry-level DVD market, Sony is also introducing several single-disc players. All provide advanced features and technology expected from Sony, including component video output and Custom Parental Control. Flexibility and affordability is also stressed with Sony's single disc players. The line includes the DVP-S360; the DVP-S560D, which features built-in Dolby Digital decoding; and the DVP-S570D, which has a brushed aluminum finish to complement Sony's award -winning line of FD TrinitronÆ Wegaô televisions. The three players (DVP-S360, DVP-S560D and DVP-S570D) will be available this spring and are expected to sell for approximately $250, $300, and $500, respectively. DVD Portables: At Home, On The Road Sony is also addressing the need for portable DVD/CD players with the introduction of two second-generation models. Designed to be used both on the road and as a portable home solution, Sony's super slim units deliver the high performance and exclusive technologies - including the Precision Drive System, Advanced SmoothScan and Custom Parental Control--found in Sony's full-size DVD players. This year's lineup is highlighted by the introduction of the DVP-FX1, Sony's first portable DVD/CD player with a 7-inch LCD TFT 16:9 display. Widescreen DVD titles can now be viewed in their correct aspect ratio. For added durability, the DVP-FX1 is housed in magnesium alloy casing. It is supplied with a Lithium Ion battery, which provides up to four hours of on-the-go use. The player and the battery together are as thick as three stacked DVD storage boxes. For those looking to take their portable on family road trips, an optional car battery cord is available. The DVP-FX1 is the perfect companion for airline travel, camping, poolside lounging, boating and visits to the beach. It will be available in May for approximately $1,500. The DVP-FX1 is joined in Sony's lineup by the DVP-F5, which shares many of the same design features, but without the LCD screen. The DVP-F5 also offers an optional A/V Laser Link transmitter. Additionally, it can be used with Sony's PLM-A35 Glasstron A/V eyewear and is a road-worthy companion for Sony's AC/DC television with a 9-inch screen (KV-9PT60). The DVP-F5 will be available in June for approximately $600. Lifestyle System Opens New Doors As part of its ongoing effort to expand the market, Sony is taking a new approach in home theatre systems by introducing a new lifestyle DVD system with components that are easy to select, install and use. The DVD Dream System (DAV-S300) has been specifically designed for those looking to add DVD entertainment to their homes. Its sleek, compact design is ideal for today's contemporary needs, whether used in an apartment or loft, vacation home, or college dorm room. The full 5.1 channel system incorporates an advanced digital switching amplifier that provides 180 watts of total system power. In addition to a combination DVD/CD player, the DAV-S300 features an AM/FM receiver along with Dolby Digital and DTSÆ decoding. To simplify setup, there are color-coded speaker connectors along with a pre-programmed A/V remote commander with a one-touch play feature. The DAV-S300 will be available in March and is expected to sell for approximately $600. About Sony Electronics Headquartered in Park Ridge, New Jersey, Sony Electronics (SEL) has more than 26,000 employees in North America. SEL is the largest operating unit of Sony Corporation, with annual sales of more than $10.6 billion. Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its music, pictures and computer entertainment operations make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. In the most recent fiscal year, Sony Corporation recorded consolidated annual sales of more than $56 billion.