Sony Introduces Two New DVD-Video/CD Changers

In the announcement on March 17, Sony is adding a new 200-disc DVD/CD mega-changer, along with another five-disc DVD/CD changer to its line-up of DVD-Video players.Developed for consumers looking to integrate DVD-Video into their home theatre systems, the DVP-C650D five-disc changer and DVP-CX850D 200-disc carousel mega-changer can accommodate those seeing to replace their existing CD changers with the attributes of DVD-Video, or those with either extensive CD and DVD libraries looking for better storage and more efficient access to their collections.""For consumers, multi-disc capability is a very viable solution considering the installed base of more than 25 million multi-disc CD changers in the marketplace,"" noted Mike Fidler, Vice President of the Home A/V Marketing Division of Sony Electronicsí Consumer Products Marketing Group. ""Weíre encouraging those people with CD changers who are also interested in the DVD-Video format to switch to one of our multi-disc DVD/CD changers.""Late in 1998, Sony introduced the industryís first five-disc DVD/CD changer, the DVP-C600D. Like the new DVP-C650D, it was designed for those looking to move into the DVD-Video format without sacrificing five-CD playback flexibility. Sony says that the two new players take this promise to the next level with the introduction of several new technologies.Sonyís new players are designed to simplify cataloging, filing and accessing. The two players feature DVD/CD text capability, which facilitates the sorting and accessing of encoded discs. With DVD/CD text, the disc name automatically pops onto the display of the DVD-Video player and TV. Although a growing number of discs are encoded, consumers can also make their own notations using the ""Disc Memoô"" feature for any discs that arenít encoded.Along with DVD/CD text capability, Sonyís graphic user interface Disc Navigatorô technology simplifies sorting and facilitates the creation of home theatre ""libraries."" While the technology is found in both units, it is especially useful with the 200-disc mega-changer.Sony demonstrated how it works: When a disc is selected, the Disc Navigator graphic user interface system tells users the name (or title) of the disc and provides a graphic interface which allows for easy filling.Once the discs are filed and sorted, they can be categorized into personalized folders or labeled by genre. For example, both DVD-Video concert titles, and associated CD audio titles could be grouped together (such as James Taylorís latest DVD Live At Beacon Theater and earlier CD titles), or DVD-Video movies along with related audio CD soundtracks.The Disc Navigator and several other picture management features are handled with the DVD navigator remote, which uses updated graphic interfaces to guide consumers through available picture and disc options. The remote also features a jog and shuttle dial for convenience.""We worked diligently to find solutions for consumers for superior disc management,"" said Fidler. ""Itís one thing to develop multi-disc players. Itís another to ensure user-friendly operation.""Another disc management feature is Mega Control, which allows either carousel changer to be linked to other Sony Mega-StorageÆ CD devices, providing the maximum number of accessible discs within two formats.The new DVD/CD changers employ Sonyís exclusive Precision Drive System, which is said to provide faster, more accurate tracking and playback using a high-speed motor and Sonyís exclusive Active Tilt Servo Control with five-position DSP servo.Both the DVP-C650D and DVP-CX850D include DolbyÆ Digital decoders, DTSÆ Digital Out-pass through, and Sonyís exclusive Digital Cinema Soundô. DCS provides two Virtual Enhanced Surrounds, Virtual Rear Shift (rear and side) fields and Virtual Multi-Rear (rear and side) to enhance the soundfield experience, whether DVD-Videos or CDs are being played.The DVP-CX850D will be available in September at a manufacturerís suggested retail price of $999. The DVP-C650D will reach the market in August at a $799 MSRP.More information about Sony products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sony.com/professional, or readers may call 800 686 SONY.For more direct information, contact Dave Migdal, Sony Electronics Inc., at 201 930 7394 or email david_magdal@mail.sel.sony.com or Stacy Calder, Technology Solutions at 212 320 2317 or email scalder@tsipr.com.