XAV-70BT and XAV-60 to Provide Users with High Resolution Video and Intuitive User Experience

Dubai-UAE: 21 April, 2010 - Sony Gulf, the regional arm of consumer electronics giant Sony, is introducing two new in-car multimedia AV receivers, the Xplod™ XAV-70BT and XAV-60, bringing consumers the most innovative entertainment solutions to match digital lifestyles.

The double-DIN AV head unit XAV-70BT and XAV-60 boast a 7" and 6.1" widescreen WVGA motorised panel display respectively, which allows a wealth of visual entertainment and intuitive user experience. The ultra-bright WVGA offers high resolution pictures of 800 x 480 pixels, five times higher than mainstream QVGA AV centre displays.

Renowned for excellent picture quality in many of its products, Sony has applied its expertise in quality video to car entertainment as well as strong audio processing horsepower including Center Speaker Organizer (CSO), which aims to create a virtual 5.1 channel surround sound experience from stereo sources. Detailed care is taken to completely separate the signal circuit and power supply for video and audio to eliminate signal interference.

Both models feature a CD/DVD/VCD player that supports MP3/AAC/WMA audio files, DivX/MPEG-1/MPEG-2/MPEG-4 (Simple Profile) video files and JPEG picture files. They also sport a full-speed USB port, which provides the convenience and freedom to connect with almost any digital music player such as an iPod, iPhone, WALKMAN® or a USB memory drive.

The players also facilitate the charge and control function which stores music files from the head unit. The intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface) makes selections easier from the AV centre's touch screen. When connected to an iPod/iPhone, it is possible to search by artist, album or song title directly on the display. The layout of the playback screen shows a large album artwork image with the name of the song, album and artist - without the need for a busy screen-search while driving.

Touching the screen triggers virtual buttons to pop up for functions such as skip, shuffle, or pause. The track or album can also be changed by a simple sliding movement across the screen - right, left, up or down.

Creating music selections has never been easier than with the ZAPPIN™ and SensMe™ features, exclusive from Sony. One touch of the 'ZAP' button begins scanning and playing highlight clips of a music collection, allowing users to catch the song that feels just right. Another way to play music for the right mood is by making a selection in the 'SensMe channels' or the 'SensMe mood'.

Also used in WALKMAN digital media players and VAIO computers, Sony's proprietary 12 tone analysis technology automatically sorts music into different types of moods (e.g. Dance/ Relax/ Emotional) allowing a choice of 'mood channels' from a music library. Channels such as Freeway, Morning Commute, or Midnight Cruise reflecting specific driving moods have been added to the Sony Xplod car stereo range.

With the XAV-70BT and XAV-60, users can choose from a total of 21 different moods in the SensMe channels. In addition, play lists can be customised by selecting a zone or area in the SensMe mood interface where music tracks are interspersed graphically in an axis of selectable combinations of mood, type, style and time.

For mobile phone wireless music stream and hands-free phone calls, the XAV-70BT additionally has an integrated Bluetooth® feature.

Both products are available in select countries across the Middle East. In the UAE, they are available in all Jumbo Electronics retail stores as well as other major electronics outlets.

-Ends-

About make.believe
"make.believe" (make dot believe) is a Group-wide brand message that unites Sony's communications initiatives across electronics, games, movies, music, mobile phones and network services. "make.believe" symbolizes the spirit of Sony - the power of creativity, the ability to turn ideas into reality and the belief that anything you can imagine, you can make real.

About Sony Gulf
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 Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Pakistan, in addition to well over 250 accredited third party service centres reinforces Sony's presence in key markets in the region.

For further information, please visit www.sony-mea.com

For media inquiries, please contact:
Sony Gulf FZE
Neil D'Sylva
Tel: (971)-4-8815488
Fax: (971)-4-8817808
Email: Neil.Dsylva@ap.sony.com

Jiwin Public Relations
Muhannad Al Badri
Tel: 971 4 361 3572
Mobile:  971 50 8559907
Email: muhannad.albadri@jiwin.ae
Kay Braganza
Tel: 971 4 361 3596
Mobile:  971 50 7681684
Email: kay.braganza@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2010