Sony Video Walkman "Takes to the Sky" on Delta; nearly 15,000 video walkman systems now in flight worldwide

Business Wire, April 30, 1997

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 1997--Sony Trans Com, a leading full-service inflight entertainment systems provider, Wednesday announced an agreement with Delta Airlines to provide 2,046 Sony Video Walkman(TM) for Delta's B767ER and L1011-500 aircraft.

As a result of the agreement, Delta will equip select flights with Sony Video Walkman systems for first and business class passengers by May 15, 1997.

"More airlines today are recognizing the benefits of putting the control of inflight entertainment directly into the hands of passengers in a form that's fun, easy to use and affordable," said Greg Rabe, vice president of marketing and sales, Sony Trans Com. "Our Video Walkman provides an innovative and affordable solution to video-on-demand that requires no hard wiring and can be mobile within an airline's fleet."

The Sony Video Walkman is a hand-held wireless viewing device that gives passengers complete control of when and what types of programs they would like to view while in flight. Lightweight and compact in size, the Video Walkman can rest on a fold-down tray or a passenger's lap. Easy-to-use controls also allow the viewer to start, stop, fast-forward, rewind and control volume and picture clarity all with the touch of a button.

"Sony's Video Walkman will enable us to provide our passengers with a choice of 11 different movies -- at no charge -- in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish," said Joe Leach, manager, Onboard Programs, Delta Airlines. "Giving our passengers control of inflight entertainment through the use of the Video Walkman is just one more way we are enhancing our quality of service through technology."

About the Sony Video Walkman

The Sony Video Walkman uses space-saving Hi8(TM) tapes for individual playback on a high resolution 4-inch color liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. It is compatible with a variety of stereo headphones, and utilizes HI-FI Mega Bass audio for a deep, rich sound that is superior to other inflight audio systems. Each unit uses specially designed, long-life rechargeable batteries that allow for 2.5 hours of play time. The Sony Video Walkman is also compact, durable and completely self-contained, allowing for easy storage.

The Video Walkman is currently being used by other commercial airlines such as American, Canadian International, Royal Brunei, Qatar, Thai, United and Varig. For more information about the Sony Video Walkman, contact Hank Evers at Sony Trans Com; 1833 Alton Avenue, Irvine, Calif. 92606 USA. Phone: 714/252-0600. Fax: 714/252-0721.

With headquarters in Irvine, Sony Trans Com is a leading provider of inflight entertainment and cabin information systems. In addition to Audio and Video-On-Demand (AVOD) technologies, the company's comprehensive product line includes in-seat video systems, cabin music/announcement systems, audio and video reproducers, monitors, LCD retract systems and complete inflight programming services. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photography available upon request. Mega Bass, Video Walkman and Hi8 are registered trademarks of Sony Electronics Inc. or the Sony Corporation.

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