Sony Ships Worldís First Virtual DolbyÆ Digital Headphone System To Retail Stores

MDR ñDS5000, the worldís first headphone to reproduce Virtual DolbyÆ Digital surround sound, ships to retail stores this month. The new infrared, cordless system features a Dolby Digital decoder and exclusive Logic 3D digital processor that delivers an exciting new way to experience home theatre entertainment.When wearing the comfortable, lightweight headset (10 ounces), consumers are ready to experience dynamic surround sound anywhere in their home. The cordless, adjustable Open-Air acoustic headphones enables the listener to hear sounds - in front and in the rear - covering a 90 degree, 33 foot coverage range.Multiple infrared headphone sets can be used with the transmitter. Listeners can enjoy surround sound from virtually anywhere in the room without disturbing those around them.""The MDR-DS5000 allows consumers to turn any audio/video system, such as DVD-Video players, DirecTVÆ, LaserDisc and Digital Television (DTV) into a total personal sight and sound arena,"" said Masa Yamamoto, Vice President of Accessory Marketing for Sony Electronics. ""Our new MDR-DS5000 is ideal for listeners who want to turn up the volume on their multichannel audio source without disturbing friends, family or neighbors.""""We are pleased to work with Sony to incorporate Dolby Digital playback capability into their groundbreaking new headphone system,"" said Roger Dressler, Director of Technology Strategy for Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. ""Experiencing multichannel movies and concerts over headphones is something many people will really enjoy.""The MDR-DS5000 compact infrared transmitter, measuring 7 x 7 inches can easily be placed in virtually any audio/video component system. The unit features a built-in digital input for decoding any 5.1 or 2-channel Dolby Digital source.In addition, there is a pair of analog stereo inputs, for enjoying surround sound on prerecorded videocassettes and stereo television.The key to the MDR-DS5000ís outstanding performance is its proprietary Logic 3D processor with 24-bit digital signal processing that operates 44 million instructions per second.The Logic 3D processor converts Dolby Digital signals into binaural signals in order to produce a multichannel soundfield through the headphones.Other MDR-DS5000 features include separate controls for both balance and volume; an automatic power switch to conserve battery life; and front and rear infrared receiver diodes for optimum reception without leaving the sonic ""sweet spot.""The MDR-DS5000 system comes complete with A/C power adapter, nickel cadmium (ni-cad) batteries, battery charger and optical connecting cable. It is available now from Sony authorized audio retailers at a suggested retail price of $549.99.For more information, contact Susan Kwon, Sony Electronics Inc. at 201 930 7834 or email: susan kwon@mail.sel.sonycom or Dulcie Neiman, Sony Electronics Inc. at 201 930 6981 or email: dulci neiman@mail.sel.sony.com.