SONY DEVELOPS SILICON CRYSTAL REFLECTIVE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY FOR FULL HD VIDEO APPLICATIONS

NEW YORK, N.Y., Feb. 27, 2003 - Sony Electronics provided a technical briefing today related to the development of Silicon Crystal [X-tal] Reflective Display (SXRD), a new display technology that delivers full high-definition resolution (1920 x 1080) on a display panel, with over 3000:1contrast ratio. The company demonstrated how SXRD technology provides smooth, film-like picture quality unavailable in previous fixed pixel displays.

"Sony currently offers a variety of televisions using different display technologies which addresses virtually every consumer need," said Tim Baxter, senior vice president of marketing for Sony's Visual Network Products Division. "However, the most demanding home theater enthusiasts and custom installation specialists insist upon products that provide full HD resolution while maintaining optimal brightness and the highest contrast ratio. Only our remarkable new SXRD technology can provide this level of performance."

High Resolution, High Contrast Picture Quality

The extraordinary picture quality generated by SXRD technology is primarily due to its sheer picture density, with more than 2 million pixels contained in each image area. By reducing both the size of each individual pixel, as well as the space between the pixels, SXRD more than doubles the pixel density and achieves a 10-fold inter-pixel spacing in comparison to high temperature Poly-Silicon liquid crystal display (H-LCD) devices. It also has a pitch of nine micrometers arranged just 0.35-micrometers apart.

The SXRD display device with the world's smallest inter-pixel spacing enables delivery of full HD (1920 x 1080, 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio) resolution within an image area measuring a mere 0.78-inches diagonally.

In addition, each SXRD liquid crystal cell gap measures less than two micrometers, which is far thinner than conventional H-LCD or Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) devices.

Sony's SXRD liquid crystal materials utilize an innovative molecular material, which is vertically aligned to the cell substrate, in contrast to the twisted Nematic liquid crystal commonly found in other projection devices. This new material ensures improved optical performance and enhanced driveability even in such a thin cell gap. The unique combination of the new material and the thin cell gap results in exceptional black level performance with a contrast ratio of over 3000:1, in addition to a rapid response time of less than five milliseconds. This is nearly a three-fold increase over conventional projector contrast levels.

Innovative Liquid Crystal Cell Assembly

In order to make SXRD a reality, Sony had to overcome the longstanding challenge of incorporating an inorganic alignment layer to the liquid crystal cell. This inorganic material has successfully replaced the organic polymide film previously used to align the liquid crystal. This material greatly improves device longevity, while ensuring more consistent, high resolution performance of the device.

Additionally, with conventional H-LCD devices, the substrates must be assembled one at a time to ensure uniform cell gap, while spacers (sometimes known as "columns") would also be inserted within the display area. However, with the SXRD device, through the new planarization technology of Silicon backplane and alignment layer fabrication process, the entire wafer can be assembled at once, without the spacers. This process significantly reduces both dust and contamination possibilities and is better suited for high efficiency, panel mass production.

The new SXRD device is ideal for virtually any demanding application where high definition content must be delivered in the most accurate way possible. Its features and capabilities allow for possible future use in both front projectors and rear projection television devices. Sony will introduce SXRD products during 2003 for the U.S. market.

Sony of Canada Elevates New Grand WEGA LCD Projection Sets to Prestigious XBR Line-up
50- and 60-inch sets improve display, incorporate both Memory Stick media slot and DVI-HDTV interface

TORONTO - August 28, 2002 - Sony of Canada Ltd. today unveiled new 50- and 60-inch, 16:9 LCD-based rear projection Grand WEGA* television models. Featuring clear corner-to-corner focus, no picture flicker and a slim, lightweight design, the new KF-50XBR800 and KF-60XBR800 also incorporate a second generation, proprietary "Optical Engine." The Optical Engine's three wide XGA LCD panels and sophisticated UHP (Ultra High Pressure) lamp system renders high-resolution images with improved contrast and clarity across the entire screen.

"We're experiencing explosive growth in the widescreen, large-screen TV category," said Joe Labriola, Product Manager of Advanced Display Devices, Sony of Canada Ltd. "These new Grand WEGA models offer videophiles a powerful combination of new LCD technology and outstanding picture performance in an attractive, modern design."

Enhanced Picture Quality
The Optical Engine utilizes Sony's three wide XGA high-resolution LCD panels (one for each of the RGB signals). This breakthrough technology results in a total of 3.15 million dots of resolution for a crisp and consistent picture across the screen and from corner to corner. Unlike most other projection televisions, the use of these LCD panels eliminates phosphor burning and 'misconvergence'. Also, with the proprietary dot line inversion drive technology, the set delivers images virtually free of blurring, shading and ghosting.

The Optical Engine features a special lens system, allowing Sony's new rear-projection set to have a lightweight, ultra-slim cabinet design. The lens system bends the light path, creating an ultra-short focal point while maintaining high levels of brightness. This proprietary lens system delivers vivid images from the centre to the edge of the screen.

In addition, the new Grand WEGA models incorporate an improved Green Trim filter for greater contrast ratio, and a new UV filter for improved black levels. As a result, the new models display a 25 percent improvement in overall black levels, further enhancing picture brightness and contrast.

Other key features of Sony's new Grand WEGA include the following:

Extended Longevity: By simply replacing the bulb, picture quality is renewed.

Superfine Pitch Lenticular Screen: Features a pitch of just 0.155 millimeter -- only one-quarter of conventional screens -- which enables faithful reproduction of high-definition digital broadcasts. It also expands the viewing angle vertically for wide vertical viewing angle of 60 degrees.

High-Contrast Double Anti-Reflective Screen: Produces sharp images by allowing only 1.5 percent of ambient light to be reflected back at the viewer.

Automatic Conversion to High-Resolution Progressive Output: With a native resolution (1366 x 768) higher than 720p and 1080i high-definition signal acceptance when paired with a digital set-top box (via HD component connections) and progressive-scan DVD signals, the set automatically converts all content to a high-resolution progressive output for a realistic and consistent picture.

Digital Reality Creation* MultiFunction V1 Circuitry (DRC): Gives viewers complete control over the level of DRC picture enhancement depending on the quality of the input signal or personal preference, thereby displaying clear, high-quality images, regardless of the video source.

CineMotion Reverse 3:2 Pull-Down Technology: This process minimizes motion artifacts caused when 24-frame-per-second film is transferred to 30-frame-per-second video, resulting in a superb picture with improved sharpness and enhanced image dimensionality.

Multi-Image Driver X (MID-X): A high-performance picture-and-picture feature which allows viewers to simultaneously watch analogue NTSC television broadcasts and high-definition programming side-by-side.

Secure Digital Visual Interface (DVI-HDTV) Connection: Enables copy-protected, uncompressed high-definition video content from a DVI/HDCP (High- bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compatible set-top box.

Nine Video Inputs: Enables connection to such high-definition sources as digital satellite, cable, progressive scan DVD player or HD receiver set-top boxes.

Memory Stick® Media Slot: Allows fast, easy access to favourite JPEG images converted to XGA images in high-definition quality - with no convergence adjustments. With a choice of full screen, index, or slide show, this feature provides a fast, easy way to showcase images taken with Memory Stick media-enabled digital still cameras and camcorders*.

TruSurround SRS® Audio Sound Processing, BBE, SteadySound* Automatic Volume Control and Multi-Amp Speaker System: Ensures dynamic audio performance by independently driving the three-way, six-speaker system. Positioned at either side of the screen, this speaker system provides powerful sound reproduction, adding to the cinematic viewing experience.

Pricing and Availability
The KF-50XBR800 and the KF-60XBR800 models will be available nationwide in October through selected authorized Sony retailers, the Sony store/Maison Sony retail chain and at http://www.sonystyle.ca for $7,999 (MSRP) and $9,999 (MSRP) respectively.

SONY MICROMV CAMCORDER UPS THE ANTE WITH 2 MEGAPIXELS

Company Puts The `Handy' In Two New Handycam Models

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 6, 2002 - Stepping up in quality and out in style, Sony's latest MICROMV™ Handycam® camcorders sport clever designs optimized for one-handed operation.

The DCR-IP220 model packs a 2.1-megapixel imager for higher quality video and still images (1600 x 1200) in a compact, barrel-shaped design. Another new model, the new DCR-IP55, features an innovative fold-down handgrip.

World's First 2-Megapixel Camcorder

The DCR-IP220 model is the world's first 2.1-megapixel CCD camcorder and offers 530 lines of horizontal video resolution to produce stunning video clarity and definition of even the subtlest colors.

The DCR-IP55 model features a 1.0-megapixel CCD, which offers 520 lines of horizontal video resolution and still image resolution of 1152 x 864. Its clever design allows users to grasp the camcorder by a new sure-grip, fold-out handle that is ideal for shooting video on an angle, above a crowd or following the fast-paced, back-and-forth action of a soccer match.

Both models also feature 10X optical/120X precision digital zoom, super SteadyShot® picture stabilization and, new to MICROMV Handycam camcorders, super NightShot® infrared system for recording in total darkness.

In addition their advanced video capabilities, both the new models offer enhanced digital still image features, including intelligent pop-up flash and Hologram AF -- an auto-focus feature designed to achieve accurate subject focus with minimal contrast in dark conditions.

Both models also feature high-quality Carl Zeiss® optics. And, with the DCR-IP220 model, users benefit from the advanced multi-layer coating of a Carl Zeiss T* lens, resulting in more vivid, true-to-life color saturation.

"Because of the MICROMV tape's miniature size, Sony has been able to develop innovative, one-of-a-kind camcorder designs," said Linda Vuolo, director of camcorder product management for Sony Electronics Digital Imaging Products Division. "In addition, these new MICROMV camcorders have features that make them easy to use, while creating stellar home videos."

It's In The Tape: Multi-Picture Search and Titling

The MICROMV tape is 70 percent smaller than a MiniDV tape and provides up to 60 minutes of high-quality digital video footage. It also has a 64K memory chip that allows for a multi-search function to access different recorded sections of the tape as one would a DVD, creating a thumbnail image of each recorded scene on the tape. Thumbnail images are created from the start of every recorded scene and, by engaging the multi-search function, users can instantly access the scene of their choice. In addition, an index titling function helps identify each thumbnail image with either a pre-set caption or a customized scene title.

Lastly, each time a MICROMV cassette is inserted into the camcorder or the VCR mode is used, cassette information is automatically displayed on the LCD showing the first and last date of use, how much recording space remains, and titling capability so the user can title the videotape.

The MICROMV Digital Experience

In addition to the exclusive applications MICROMV technology brings to the new camcorder models, below are additional features that lend to the MICROMV digital experience.

*

i.LINK® Interface -- The i.LINK (IEEE-1394) MICROMV interface allows for high-speed, bi-directional digital communication between two MICROMV Handycam camcorders or with compatible Microsoft® Windows® ME/2000 and later PCs loaded with compatible software.

*

NightFraming -- The DCR-IP220 offers NightFraming capability that allows users to compose still images in low-light situations and produce bright, full color results.

*

2.5" Precision SwivelScreen™ Hybrid Touch Panel LCD Display -- The LCD provides excellent viewing clarity with 211,000 pixels and touch screen technology transforms the LCD into a convenient control pad with the supplied stylus. The hybrid system allows for increased visibility in challenging lighting situations such as bright sunlight.

*

MPEG Movie AD Mode -- Through the MPEG Movie AD Mode, the DCR-IP55 and DCR-IP220 allow users to capture MPEG1 compressed video and audio for up to 60 seconds directly to the Memory Stick® media in four different quality modes: light, standard, fine and super fine.

USB Streaming and Networking Capability

Both of these MICROMV models offer the ability to stream live and recorded video via a USB connection and video conferencing software such as the Microsoft® Windows® NetMeeting® application. They also provide access to the Internet through Bluetooth™ wireless technology. Like all Network Handycam camcorders, these new models can connect to the Internet without a PC when used in conjunction with an optional Bluetooth adaptor or a compatible Bluetooth cell phone.

Thanks to the networking function, these new camcorders allow users to send and receive e-mail messages with MPEG1 movie and JPEG images attached or upload still images and MPEG1 video directly to Sony's online photo sharing service, ImageStation.com. The camcorders can also be used for Web browsing using the LCD display. The DCR-IP220 is the first Network Handycam camcorder to provide connectivity through the America Online (AOL) service and will allow AOL members to enjoy all of the networking features with the exception of receiving e-mail messages.

All Network Handycam camcorders can also be used with Sony's So-netSM Internet access service or a compatible ISP. Both Sony's So-net service and AOL are designed for easy set-up and connection between a Network Handycam camcorder and the Internet.

The DCR-IP55 and the DCR-IP220 will be available in October 2002 for about $1,500 and $2,000, respectively.

Editing Made `EZ'

In addition to the MovieShaker™ video editing software bundled with all MICROMV Handycam camcorders, Sony is launching a new EZ Editor® home editing kit for MICROMV footage. This versatile home editing solution comes equipped with everything needed to edit home movies on a current Windows PC, including Pinnacle System's Studio version 8SE software, i.LINK® (IEEE-1394) card, i.LINK cables and two blank cassettes. The kit also includes one blank Sony CD-R disc and will sell for about $100.

Sony of Canada Launches All-in-One Desktop Replacement

New VAIO PCG-NV170 Notebook PC Features High-Speed Pentium 4-M Performance, 15-Inch Display and Superior Audio Capabilities

June 2002 - Sony of Canada Ltd. today announced the availability of its newest full-size notebook PC, the VAIO PCG-NV170. With desktop performance, laptop luxury and a wealth of functionality, Sony's newest notebook model offers a refreshing take on multi-purpose bays by including three hot-swappable modular devices and a convenient weight saver in addition to an on-board, integrated CD-RW/DVD combination drive.

The notebook's bay accommodates a self-contained subwoofer that punctuates music or enhances the DVD viewing experience. It also includes a 10-key numeric touch pad, providing an ergonomic, full-size feel to the keyboard, while ensuring ease of use for those who perform extensive calculations in the workplace. The model's weight-saving storage bay holds up to three Memory Stick® media cards, as well as a supply of business cards, in addition to a standard 3.5-inch floppy drive.

"Home office PCs need to be equipped to run more than just day-to-day productivity applications," said Rolland Manger, product marketing manager, VAIO PC products, Sony of Canada Ltd. "In addition to serving all business needs, the VAIO PCG-NV170 notebook PC is ideal for those seeking a computer with a powerful portable music system built right into the system."

Combining Power and Performance
Sony's new VAIO PCG-NV170 notebook PC packs the punch of a desktop PC with a Mobile® Intel® Pentium® 4 processor, 1.60GHz-M and 256MB of DDR SDRAM. Sony's i.LINK (IEEE 1394) digital interface supports high-speed digital, audio and data transfer capabilities among compatible products. In addition, three USB ports allow users to hot sync a handheld device and download photos from a digital camera at the same time for maximum convenience.

The VAIO PCG-NV170 notebook PC also features a Memory Stick media slot for maximum connectivity among a variety of different products including camcorders, digital still cameras, printers, voice recorders and handhelds. Sony's Memory Stick media, a widely adopted removable digital storage format, connects a whole suite of disparate products by facilitating the seamless transfer of information such as music, voice, still and video images and data. Memory Stick helps consumers fully embrace and enjoy the benefits of a new "digital lifestyle."

Sony's new notebook also features a suite of pre-installed multimedia digital editing software (including Sony's SonicStage*, MovieShaker*, Digital Print and Smart Capture applications) which allow users to capture, mix and burn digital audio, images and presentations.

SONY BRIDGES ADVANCED PERFORMANCE WITH LIFESTYLE CONVENIENCE IN NEW INTEGRATED DIGITAL A/V RECEIVERS

Stylish Super Audio CD/DVD-Video Components Incorporate Digital Amplifiers

NEW YORK (HOME ENTERTAINMENT SHOW), May 30, 2002 -- Sony Electronics today announced two new integrated digital A/V receivers in its ES (Elevated Standard) line with both multichannel Super Audio CD (SACD) and progressive scan output DVD-Video playback. These components can serve as the foundation for a home theater system, providing enthusiasts with superb multichannel performance and elegant styling.

Sony's newest ES components, the five-disc AVD-C70ES and single-disc AVD-S50ES, set the "elevated standard" in integrated A/V design by incorporating such key technical advancements as a multichannel SACD D/A converter; full multichannel bass management; progressive scan output DVD-Video playback, and a newly developed high-powered digital drive amplifier.

"With over 1 million SACD players installed worldwide, the demand for high-resolution audio in the home has never been greater," said Tim Baxter, senior vice president of the Home Entertainment Products Division at Sony Electronics. "Our new ES components offer outstanding performance, along with graceful design and superb build quality to provide even the most discriminating A/V enthusiast with a potent home entertainment solution."

Superb Multichannel Audio Performance

Among the key attributes of the AVD C70ES and AVD-S50ES is the power and detail of SACD playback. In order to capture and reproduce the full performance of SACD, Sony is utilizing a new multichannel Super Audio D/A converter that shapes and suppresses high-frequency noise while maintaining the superb frequency response of the 1-bit, 2,822,400 Hz Direct Stream Digital® signal.

There's also multichannel bass management for accommodating a wide variety of speaker options. These include large front/small surround speakers, system with or without center channel speakers and systems with or without subwoofers.

For those looking to match speakers with the AVD-C70ES and AVD-S50ES, Sony is also offering home theater packages including the SS-LA500 and SS-LA300 5.1 speaker systems.

Audio Performance Enhanced by S-Master™ Process

Both of the new receivers provide multichannel SACD playback by employing a new, digital amplifier that directly accepts the 1-bit converter output for optimal performance. .

In addition, a proprietary S-Master process helps reduce the effects of low frequency jitter. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, a clean data cycle is regenerated and the result is equivalent to the A/D converted signal processed in the studio.

A precision pulse height volume control is also used to maintain audio data in the digital domain for more uniform sound reproduction and at any volume level settings.

High Quality Combined with Elegant, Simple Design

Like all Sony ES products, the emphasis is not only performance, but also on the seamless integration into the home environment. These models utilize a simple, elegant design with aluminum front panels that complement the design found on many Sony television and video products

These new integrated A/V components are easy to operate with simple panel controls and a clever remote. Their graceful designs are save space and integrate beautifully into a home theater system.

The AVD-C70ES, with 600 watts of total system power (120 watts x 5), is also equipped with a preprogrammed LCD remote control, providing for simply remote management of an entire home theater system. The AVD-S50ES provides a picture-in-picture remote control and offers 500 watts (100 x 5) of total system power

The AVD-C70ES and AVD-S50ES will be available in September for about $1,000 and $800, respectively, and are covered by Sony's ES five-year parts and labor warranty.

For those looking to complement the new receivers with a speaker package, Sony is also offering these models in home theater packages that include the SS-LA500ED and SS-LA300ED 5.1 speaker systems.