Sony to showcase its impressive range of High Definition products, organize definitive sessions on HD technology, allowing visitors to see, feel and enjoy the realm of High Definition

November 15th, 2006: Sony Gulf is set to showcase its spectacular portfolio of award winning and market leading full High Definition and HD enabled products at the `Sony High Definition World' during the forthcoming GITEX 2006. Visitors to the Sony Hall (Al Multaqua Ballroom 4A) at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre will witness the brand's unique innovations, aimed at offering the ultimate performance in every product category from November 18-22, 2006.

The key focus of the 'Sony High Definition World' will be the latest professional high definition cameras, high definition editing software and high definition video conferencing equipment. On the consumer front, the VAIO AR28, the first notebook PC in the world with a built-in Blu-Ray recorder; twelve models of full HD and HD-ready BRAVIA LCD televisions; High Definition Handycam camcorders in all video formats and the 10.2 mega-pixel Digital-SLR camera - the Alpha A100.

Visitors will also get the opportunity to preview the much-awaited PlayStation3 and Blu-Ray Disc player which will be launched next year. While all these products will be the key focus of the 'Sony HiHigh Definition World', the Sony Hall will be abuzz with excitement around the latest introductions from Sony-Ericsson, Cyber-shot Digital Still Cameras and Walkman MP3 music players.

Additionally, the Sony Hall will also feature multiple demonstration sessions and back-to-back technical presentations for trade visitors and technology buffs who wish to understand the stunningly lifelike world of High Definition picture quality, making it the single most important stop for those who wish to jump onto the HD bandwagon.

Mr. Masaru Tamagawa, Managing Director, Sony Gulf said, "Our conviction about the potential of high definition to revolutionize the electronics industry is now well-established, given the  consumer's overwhelming response to Sony's recent launches. Sony's depth of experience and degree of excellence in High Definition is unparalleled and we are best positioned to facilitate the shift from standard to High Definition. Our participation in GITEX, the world's second largest IT exhibition, will give attendees a first-hand experience of how Sony is shaping the future of entertainment through High Definition. "

The impending introduction of HD broadcast signals in the Middle East and the gaining popularity of HD products in this region are clear indication that the transition to HD in the Middle East is imminent and will reach critical mass in two to three years. Sony is already the world's leading HD Company and is uniquely well positioned to enjoy the forthcoming consumer transition to high definition products. Sony has pioneered HD and since 1981 has introduced many new products and technologies for professional, broadcast and cinema. Sony's expertise in professional High Definition equipment is allowing the company to take the lead in rolling out innovative consumer HD products.

Key highlights of Sony's HD portfolio in the Sony High Definition World

Professional Products

The highlight of Sony's professional product display at GITEX will be Vegas 7, the ultimate all-in-one Non Linear Editing for creative professionals, the HDCAM camcorder HDW-750P, the XDCAM HD camcorder PDW-F350, The HDV camcorder HVR-Z1E and the HD Video Conferencing System IPELA PCS-HG90. These products cover most applications from Acquisition, Editing, Production, and Video conferencing.

Handycam - Recording personal videos in High Definition in all media formats

The latest introductions in the Handycam camcorders in the Middle East include the world's first high definition (HD) Disc based Handycam HDR-UX1 and hard disk-based Handycam HDR-SR1. These along with the tape-based HDV Camcorder HDR-HC3 complete the full-circle of Handycam recording formats in high definition. The UX1 and SR1 feature the new AVCHD format which enables recording and playback of movies and images in high-definition on various media including 8 cm DVD disc and hard disk.

VAIO AR28 - The world's first Blu-ray recorder

The VAIO AR28 is the first notebook PC that features the ability to capture, edit and record in High Definition. Combined with unsurpassed storage capability this new Blu-ray Disc enabled notebook computer offers users with limitless creative possibilities. Blu-ray Disc has dramatically greater storage capacity than any other format. With five times the capacity of a DVD, a 25 GB single layer Blu-ray Disc stores two hours of high definition video. A dual-layer higher capacity (50 GB) Blu-ray Disc is expected to be introduced by Sony in the near future.

BRAVIA X-Series and SXRD Models - Widest ever range of HD TVs

Covering the entire spectrum of screen sizes, prices and design aesthetics, the BRAVIA range featured at GITEX include the X-Series and the SXRD TVs that features the full High Definition (1920X1080) resolution. The SXRD models are available in 70-inch, 60-inch and 50-inch screen sizes. The X-Series features an elegant floating glass design that is sure to inspire interior decorators to rethink the modern home.

Additionally, the Full-HD X-Series and the SXRD models are complemented with the HD-Ready V-Series and the S-Series, which utilizes the S-PVA Sony panel to deliver high contrast ratio, deeper depths in dark scenes for a three-dimensional feel at an ultra-wide viewing angle of 178 degrees. The new V-Series features the proprietary, Live Colour Creation technology that delivers a sharp and rich picture from both colour SD and HD sources.

Alpha

The recently launched D-SLR camera the Alpha A100, powered by Sony's breakthrough Bionz image processing engine and the 10.2 mega-pixel high resolution CCD, photographers can now achieve sharp, vivid and noise-free images in a compact, lightweight body. With the Super SteadyShot anti-shake function built into the camera's body, the ?100 prevents blurry pictures caused by inevitable hand and body movements.

Innovations in other areas

Sony Ericsson

GITEX visitors to the Sony-Ericsson stand at the Sony Hall can touch and feel the latest introductions from Sony Ericsson and a host of mobile accessories. The Walkman phone W950i the Cyber-shot phone K800i and the Bluetooth watch MBW 100 are the key highlights this year. The W950i is an ultra slim, ultra-stylish, UMTS enabled device with 4GB of built in memory complete with touch screen for simple navigation through music genres, play lists, individual songs or music albums. It also features Track-id that enables the phone to recognize any song title, singer and album name just by recording few seconds of it. More than just a music phone, the W950i is a broadband fast email and web browsing tool with a suite of high performance entertainment applications adding to its capabilities, making it one of the most versatile phones in the Sony Ericsson portfolio.

The K800i is the first phone labeled with the Cyber-shot tag. Boasting a 3.2 Mega pixel digital camera with Auto focus, Xenon flash and Bestpic features, the K800i showcase the best of Sony Ericsson's well known imaging technology. The K800i is the first to come with a built in blogging capability. All the user has to do is select a picture and then pick the option for sending via "Blog"; by default this will link the user directly to Google's blogger service.

Also on display will be Sony Ericsson's innovative and stylish Bluetooth Watch MBW-100. The MBW-100 is the must have mobile phone accessory for people who enjoy using the latest technology to stay connected to the world around them. It has sleek lines, classic looks and represents a first as a mainstream Bluetooth fashion accessory from a mobile phone supplier.

Sony Ericsson has covered all of its bases this year for GITEX to bring you the most complete line up of mobile technology on the market.

Walkman

The new Sony MP3 Walkman range is now stronger than ever. GITEX visitors can choose from the latest NW-S700F series, which feature noise cancellation earphone that reduce up to 75% of ambient noise to deliver the ultimate audio experience. The NW-S200 series is the ideal companion for sports and energetic users who prefer a sturdy companion for their music requirements. Introduced in July 2006, the Walkman E200 series integrates cutting-edge style with essential functionalities, in a selection of 512MB, 1GB and 2GB flash memory.

Cyber-shot Digital Still Cameras

The newly launched Cyber-shot T50 and N2 features easy-to-use touch panels for enhanced playback of photos, and premium Carl Zeiss "Vario-Tessar" lens which provide close-up shots of subjects in both movie and photo mode up to 3 times in greater details.

In fact, the Cyber-shot N2 can take extremely high resolution and sharp pictures in 10.1 mega pixel resolution with Sony's unique Super HAD CCD 1/1.7" size. The GITEX Cyber-shot range includes twenty models and several accessories.

VAIO Notebook Computers

Sony will be showcasing the next generation of PC mobility and power with its new VAIO SZ and TX series. Taking portability to the next level, the VAIO UX series, the world's smallest and lightest PC will also be displayed at GITEX. Making its Middle East debut at GITEX is the VAIO L-series with innovative design and portability. Around 12 VAIO notebook computers will be on display at the VAIO stand in the Sony Hall.

Handycam

Sony's  comprehensive range of DVD camcorders include  the high-end DCR-DVD905 and the new mid-range models DCR-DVD805 and DCR-DVD755 as well as the entry-level DCR-DVD605 which offers longer distant shooting with its 20x optical zoom. Sony is expanding the SR-series hard disk drive Handycam camcorder family with its highest capacity 60GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam camcorder, DCR-SR80 and 30GB Handycam camcorders, DCR-SR60 and DCR-SR40. Compact and lightweight, these camcorders are designed to take advantage of the features that hard disk drive can offer, including long recording time, a 'Visual Index' function for fast search and display recorded contents, and high speed data transfer to PC.

-Ends-

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 and Kenya along with a multiple of service centres reinforces Sony's presence in key markets in the region. 

For Media Enquiries, 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
Tel: (971)-4-321 00 77
Fax: (971)-4-321 17 11
Email: rukshana@promoseven.com

© Press Release 2006