Sony Demonstrates It's 'Like No Other' With New Products

Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Reinforcing the depth and durability of its "Like No Other" marketing mantra, Sony Electronics today spotlighted its latest new products and technologies at a press briefing during its annual Open House event for the nation's consumer electronics retailers.

Whether it's the industry's most comprehensive line of integrated HDTV televisions designed to comply with CableLabs CableCARD technology; new high-definition digital cable receiver/hard disc recorders; eye-opening portable audio products in the PSYC, S2 and Street Style lines; or new intelligent digital imaging products, Sony again displayed its ability to combine its signature design with innovative technologies geared toward providing both simplicity and enhanced entertainment value to consumers.

"We're delivering on the 'Like No Other' message not only with new technologies and designs, but with the breadth and depth of our product lines," said Mark Viken, senior vice president of corporate marketing at Sony Electronics. "These three words aren't just a theme with us, they are a core part of our DNA, our legacy, and we continue to reinforce it."

Viken, along with Tim Baxter, the senior vice president for Sony's Home Products Division, employed a "Top 10" list approach to present the spotlighted products at the annual Open House. Beginning at number 1, they included:

1. High-Definition Products: Providing cable subscribers access to secure high-definition content without the need for a set-top box, Sony introduced 12 fully integrated HDTV sets designed to include CableCARD-based interface technology. With the new technology (formerly referred to as POD), consumers insert a cable card into an integrated slot in the television. The card acts as a removable "key," opening the world of HDTV on any compatible TV set or HDTV receiver. Sony's line-up is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, featuring models ranging from 30 to 60-inch screen sizes and encompassing FD Trinitron WEGA direct view CRT, Grand WEGA micro-display LCD, and CRT rear projection television categories. The first integrated HDTV sets with planned CableCARD-based interface technology start shipping this August.

2. High-Definition Digital Cable Recorder/Hard Disc Recorders: Sony's new high-definition cable receiver/hard disc recorders are the answer for HDTV owners seeking access and control of the high-definition content on compatible digital cable systems. Sony's DHG-HDD200 features a 250GB hard disc drive, which can store more than 250 hours of standard definition content or the equivalent of approximately 25 hours of HD content. The DHG-HDD100 features a 120GB hard disc drive for 120 hours of standard definition and 25 hours of HD programming. The internal hard disc drive also gives consumers the ability to record live television programming for later viewing. Access to non-subscription services such as high-definition digital terrestrial and analog broadcasts is also available with the receiver/recorder. Both products will be available this fall.

3. Location Free Portable Broadband LCD TV: Updating one of the biggest technology debuts at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show, Sony announced the expansion of the Location Free portable broadband LCD TV line-up with the addition of a 7-inch monitor and base station. Featuring the same functionality as the previously announced 12-inch monitor/base station system, the 7-inch monitor is the perfect travel companion. The industry's first dual-band, three mode wireless connection provides for location-and PC-free TV viewing or Internet compatibility. At the same tine, Memory Stick media and Compact Flash media slots enable the LF-X5 to be used as digital photo album, displaying digital photos and MPEG-1 files. Look for Sony's Location Free systems at retailers nationwide later this year.

4. Practical Super Audio CD 5-Disc Changer: Amazing affordability, sophisticated features and uncompromising performance are all watchwords for Sony's new 5-disc Super Audio-CD Changer. At just $149, the SCD-CE595 is the perfect solution for those audio buffs looking to build a new component system or replacing their conventional CD player to move into the high-resolution, multi-channel SA-CD format.

5. Flexible Adaptive Speaker System: This modular speaker system (SA- VS300H) is a sound solution for those moving into multi-channel home entertainment, but faced with space limitations. Combining innovation and design, Sony has developed a speaker system that can adjust to 5.1, 6.1 or even 7.1 channels of audio by using a unique joint bracket system. Looking to create a 7.1 channel soundfield with a 5.1 channel footprint? Simply join four surround speakers together on two stands and you're rolling. The speaker system can also handle up to 120 watts of power and seven channel amplification. It will be available this summer.

6. Wireless VAIO Portable Notebooks: Sony's portable notebooks continue to set the standard for design, convenience and outstanding performance. Three of the latest from Sony are among the first to feature Intel Centrino technology for connecting to 802.11B and 802.11G wireless networks. One of the notebooks, the PCG-TR3A model, is about as big a hardcover book, yet it features a DVD-RW drive, a built-in web cam and an impressive suite of multimedia software.

7. Smaller DVD Handycam Camcorder: On the heels of last year's U.S. marketplace success in this category, Sony introduced two new DVD Handycam camcorders, the DCR-DVD101 and DCR-DVD201 models. Both camcorders are smaller and sleeker this year with enhanced features and functionality. Besides their ability to capture video directly onto a 3-inch DVD disc, they also have the ability to capture JPEG still images. Both camcorders will be available in April.

8. Sleek Cyber-shot Digital Still Cameras: About the size of a deck of cards, but flush with features, the 5-megapixel DSC-W1 is enjoying the spotlight. It has a surprisingly large 2.5 inch LCD screen, a Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 3X optical zoom lens and Sony's proprietary Real Image Processor circuit, which translates into great pictures and faster shot times. When used with a Memory Stick PRO media card full motion (30 frames per second), the new camera can also capture VGA quality video. The Cyber-shot W1 camera will be available this June and will culminate the launch of several other Cyber-shot camera models with Sony's Real Image Processor.

9. Hot Portable Audio Products: Fulfilling the needs of the active lifestyle set, as well as the fashion-forward crowd, Sony's latest S2, PSYC and StreetStyle products are ablaze with new colors and designs. The PSYC network portable audio products incorporate high-fidelity ATRAC3plus and MP3 playback capability. They're the perfect solution for capturing songs from secure music sources, such as the Connect online music service. Also keep an eye out for aerodynamic- looking StreetStyle headphones and the latest S2 ATRAC/CD Walkman models with their LCD displays on the handstrap.

10. New CLIE Handhelds: Leading the way in both entertainment value and new functionality is the new CLIE PEG-TH55 handheld. It features built in 802.11B wireless capability; a built-in voice recorder; and an improved CLIE organizer function that combines your date book, address book, notes and other functions all into one. Powering this application is Sony's efficient Handheld Engine processor circuit. The PEG-TH55 model is joined by the PEG-TJ37 and PEG-TJ27 models. Like the TH55 model, they feature high-resolution color screens, along with 300K pixel cameras, and 32 megabytes of built-in memory. All of these models will be available later this month with prices starting at about $200.

Source: Sony Electronics Inc.