Advanced Virtual Surround Headphone System Offers Both Dolby Digital and DTS Compatibility

Business Wire, Sept 7, 2000

Business Editors

CEDIA 2000

Booth No.810

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 7, 2000

Enjoy a "best seat" theater-quality experience

without disturbing the neighbors

Sony today announced the world's first headphone system to feature both Virtual Dolby Digital(R) and DTS(R) (Digital Theater Systems) certification to accurately simulate the 5.1 channel sound field of the two most popular surround formats.

The new MDR-DS5100 advanced digital surround headphone system is for DVD players and other components offering Dolby Digital, Dolby Surround or DTS Surround Sound. It incorporates several significant improvements resulting in a superb surround sound experience with enhanced sound quality and high-speed digital processing three times more powerful than previous models.

"In a traditional audio/video listening room, there is one 'sweet spot' where you can experience the best surround sound impact," said Phil Petescia, Director of Marketing for accessory products at Sony Electronics. "With the Sony wireless headphone system, you'll always be in this sweet spot as long as you're within range of the 33-foot transmitter. And because this is a headphone system, you can enjoy powerful surround sound anywhere and at any time without disturbing other family members or neighbors."

The MDR-DS5100 transmitter uses Sony Virtualphones technology and can easily be placed in almost any audio/video component system. The capability of the advanced logic 3D processor, the key element in Virtualphones technology, has been increased from 44 MIPS to 125MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second). This enhanced performance allows the MDR-DS5100 to provide an even better surround soundfield with a rich, natural sound quality and more substantial bass to enhance the sense of "live" entertainment.

The unit's built-in decoders for Dolby Digital, Dolby Surround and DTS replicates realistic audio renditions of most surround sound systems including state of the art 5.1 channel sound as well as Digital Theater Systems surround sound. Additionally, analog inputs enable the user to enjoy surround sound on prerecorded videocassettes and stereo television.

The MDR-DS5100 headphone system is convenient and flexible and includes the transmitter, which enables more than one person to listen at the same time.

The unique open air acoustic, cordless design and 33-foot transmission range allows the user to move freely around the room while still enjoying a totally immersive surround sound experience. The cordless design also although very lightweight (10 ounces), the MDR-DS5100 headphones have oversized 40mm drivers and neodymium magnets which are larger than most headphones for deeper bass response in a compact unit. The self-adjusting headband and soft cloth ear cushions provide added comfort for extended wear.

Other features of the MDR-DS5100 include separate controls for both balance and volume, and an automatic power switch incorporated into the headband to conserve battery life.

The MDR-DS5100 system comes complete with transmitter, headphones, AC power adaptor, battery charger, Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries and an optical connection cable. It is available now and expected to sell for about $500. Additional headphone set (MDR-IF5000) is available for about $150.

Editor's Note: News releases and digital images with captions are available at http://www.sony.com/news. For digital images, please contact Linda Smith at 201-930-7454 or linda.smith@am.sony.com. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY.