Sony to offer set-top box for television Internet access by the fall; Company enters technology agreement with WebTV

Business Wire, July 10, 1996

PARK RIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 10, 1996--Sony Electronics Inc. announced today that it will introduce a set-top box for television Internet access this fall, as a result of a technology licensing agreement with WebTV Networks, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif.

According to Carl Yankowski, president and COO of Sony Electronics, the company's agreement with WebTV represents the first example of several new television peripheral devices envisioned in the convergence of audio/video products with computing and communications technologies.

Yankowski said that Sony Electronics will introduce a new television peripheral product based on the WebTV technology this fall, and that initial product demonstrations and further market announcements are expected in the next month or two.

"At Sony, we view Internet access via the TV as one of several aspects of our business strategy revolving around AVCC (audio/video, computing and communications) convergence," Yankowski said. "We look forward to providing an easy-to-use, economical system for Internet access for people who would prefer to do this through their television."

He said that the new set-top box based on WebTV technology will be manufactured in North America.

CONTACT: Sony Electronics Inc., Park Ridge

Leeann Lavin, 201/930-7321