Latest range includes flagship DCR-DVD905 with 4 mega pixel resolution and recording in 5.1channel Surround Sound

Dubai, 19th March 2006 -The DVD camcorder market in Asia Pacific has been growing at a tremendous rate in the past year, with 2.5 times more DVD camcorder users compared to the previous year, and this number is poised to grow steadily in the current year. With major camcorder players in the market shifting towards DVD camcorders, Sony is expanding its DVD market leadership with the launch of 5 new DVD Handycam models - DCR-DVD905, DCR-DVD805, DVD755, DVD705 and DVD605

The high-end DVD Handycam model DCR-DVD905 misses no photo or movie opportunity to capture that best moment during a wedding or a trip, with its Dual mode recording. It can shoot high-resolution digital still pictures in 4 mega pixels with a one-touch button, instead of the usual VGA resolution available in most camcorders. The new Smooth Slow Recording function in DCR-DVD905 reduces quick movements that are too fast for the human eye. The DCR-DVD905 is also equipped with the new ClearVid CMOS Sensor imaging technology and Enhanced Imaging Processor to deliver faster image processing speeds for colorful and vivid moments captured in video. Its lower power consumption equals to longer hours of video. The wide 3.5-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus provides 1.6 times more contrast and more screen size than its previous hybrid LCD panels. 

Besides the DCR-DVD905, Sony's  comprehensive range of DVD camcorders include  the new mid-range models DCR-DVD805 and DCR-DVD755 which record surround sounds to provide a realistic setting, as well as the entry-level DCR-DVD605 which offers longer distant shooting with its 20x optical zoom.

Surround Sound for Complete Realistic Scene

With the Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator function, the DCR-DVD905, DCR-DVD805 and DCR-DVD755 can record omni-directional sounds for dramatic sound playback on 5.1channel home theatre system. These models come with an optional wireless mirophone ECM-HW1 which can pick up sounds from the original source even in busy or distant locations  and record them in high quality. For the novice users, DCR-DVD705 and DCR-DVD605 provide the basic features and convenience of a compact DVD camcorder. The DVD Handycam models have wide DVD recording compatibility, offering DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW. The DVD+RW allow consumers to instantly playback on most DVD players without the need to finalize the disc.

Transferring and storing of movies and still images are a breeze with this new range of DVD Handycam as they provide consumers the option to use the new Memory Stick Duo (for DCR-DVD905, DCR-DVD805 and DVD755 models)  which makes carrying memories along much more easier.

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Notes to Editors
About Sony Gulf FZE
Sony Gulf FZE is a 100% subsidiary of Sony Corporation and is the regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa regions. The company is engaged in the business of Sony Consumer Electronics, VAIO laptop computers, Computer Peripherals, Data media, Recording Media and Energy (Batteries), Mobile Electronics (Car Audio) and Computer Entertainment (PlayStation) products in more than 40 countries in the region.

Apart from stock operations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Establishment in Dubai, Sony Gulf FZE leads execution of various logistics, sales, marketing, advertising and customer services activities through its business partners and representative offices. A network of representative offices in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Lebanon and Kenya along with a multiple of service centres reinforces Sony's presence in key markets in the region.

Fact Sheet for DVD Handycam Camcorders

Dolby Digital 5.1channel Surround Sound
The DVD Handycam models enable sounds to be captured from omni-directions and playback on home theatre systems with 5.1channel Surround Sound capability for realistic scene experience.

CMOS Sensor
CMOS Sensor provides clarity with exceptional video and high quality still images. Compared to traditional CCD Imager, CMOS Sensor consumes less power and provides better battery performance. Its Enhanced Imaging Processor boasts improved video performance.

PictBridge
Based on the CIPA standard, PictBridge allows application between DVD Handycam and output devices like a photo printer that supports PictBridge to be standardized. This eliminates the use of the computer and selection of a particular photo to be printed can be done on the printer itself.

"Handycam", "Memory Stick" and "SteadyShot" are trademarks of the Sony Corporation.  All other trade names mentioned in this publication are trademarks of their respective holders.

Specification Sheet for DVD Handycam Camcorder Series

(Specifications are subjected to change after announcement and the journalist will be notified immediately)

DVD905

DVD805

DVD755

DVD705

DVD605

Technology Features

Image sensor type        

1/3" 3.31 Mega Pixels Primary Colour CMOS

1/3" 3.31 Mega Pixels Primary Colour CCD

1/5.5" 1 Mega Pixels CCD

1/5.5" 1 Mega Pixels CCD

1/6"  CCD

Mega Pixel Engine

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Variable Bit Rate

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Lens

Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T*

Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T*

Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar

Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar

Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar

Zoom

10x Optical

120x Digital

10x Optical

120x Digital

12x Optical

800x Digital

12x Optical

800x Digital

20x Optical

800x Digital

16:9 Widescreen Recording

Movie / Still

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Memory Stick Slot (Memory Stick Duo)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Viewfinder

123k Colour View Finder

123k Colour View Finder

123k Colour View Finder

123k Colour View Finder

123k Colour View Finder

LCD Monitor

3.5" Wide Hybrid Clear LCD Plus (211K)

2.7" Wide Hybrid LCD Monitor

2.7" Wide Hybrid LCD Monitor

2.7" Wide Hybrid LCD Monitor

2.5" Colour LCD

Touch Panel with Active Menu

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

5.1ch Surround Sound

Yes

Yes

Yes, with supplied mic

No

No

DVD-R / -RW / +RW Compatibility

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Camera Features

Super SteadyShot

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Night Mode

Super NightShot

Super NightShot

Super NightShot PLUS

Super NightShot PLUS

Super NightShot PLUS

Wide Select Button

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Start / Stop & Zoom Buttons on LCD Frame

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Active Interface Shoe

Yes

Yes

Yes

-

-

Colour Slow Shutter

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Personal Menu

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Easy Handycam Mode

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Multi-Language support

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Neil D'Sylva
Sony Gulf FZE
Tel: (971)-4-8815488
Fax: (971)-4-8817808
Email: Neil.Dsylva@ap.sony.com
 
Elizabeth Sen/Rukshana D'Mello
Promoseven Weber Shandwick
T: +971 4 321 00 77
F: +971 4 321 17 11
E: rukshana@promoseven.com

Press Release 2006