Sony Enhances Projector Lineup With Eight New Models, Showcases Wireless, E-Conference, Network-Ready Solutions

Business Wire, June 13, 2001

Business & High Tech Editors

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photo is available in a Smart News Release(TM) on

Business Wire's Home Page at www.businesswire.com and at

www.newstream.com

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 13, 2001

INFOCOMM 2001 Booth # 20011--Sony Electronics today spotlighted a new class of "smart projectors" equipped to launch "PC-less" presentations and enable any PC on the same network to have direct communication exchanges.

Sony also lifted the cover on new SuperLite ultra-portable projectors, including a model with Memory Stick digital media storage for "PC-less" presentations.

The smart projectors include the computing processing power of Microsoft Windows CE operating system and feature the capability to be accessed by a local area network (LAN) to conduct diagnostics and remote maintenance.

"Sony is leading the trend toward sophisticated smart projectors that eliminate the need for a projector to be tethered to a laptop," said Jonathan Holmes, display systems marketing manager for Sony Electronics Broadcast and Professional Company. "This now means the LCD projectors can function in a cable-free environment allowing for real-time communication with other peripherals sharing the same LAN via wired or wireless access."

Holmes also remarked that many future Sony projectors will be IP-addressable, allowing remote meeting participants on the same network to conduct time-saving interchanges during presentations using peer-to-peer software, which will be sold separately as part of Sony's new E-conference system.

Sony's E-conference Presenter software will enable participants from their PC to communicate with Sony's IP ready network devices, including projectors and videoconferencing systems. This graphical user interface (GUI) will work with IEEE Ethernet network standards, wired or wireless via IEEE 802.11b -- the industry's fastest wireless Ethernet transmission standard at up to 11 megabits per second - to interface with other devices in the enterprise without the need to directly connect to a PC or laptop.

Sony is offering a variety of projectors that range from units for the road warrior looking to sell a customer on a product or idea, to highly sophisticated models designed for conference and board rooms.

For large screen venues, Sony is introducing two network-ready projectors for tabletop or fixed installation use, including the following models:

-- VPL-FX50: The class of the 2001 projector lineup. The model projects a
brightness of 3500 ANSI lumens(a) and the projector's network capability
protects the investment for the future. A bold departure from the traditional
bulky and boxy-looking projectors, this LCD projector with Windows CE operating
system features a center-mounted lens and its slim, ergonomic design, makes it
more installation-friendly. With the connector panel located at the front of
the unit, it is easier to hook up other devices such as a laptop or
videoconferencing set-top box. The projector's white and twilight blue titanium
finish accentuates its visual appeal by blending with the elegant craftsmanship
and detail found in contemporary conference and board rooms. Optional lenses
are available for a variety of applications including long-distance projections
in large auditoriums to short-distance rear applications. At about 23 pounds,
it is the lightest of the Sony installation projectors. It is now available at
a suggested list price of $14,000.

-- VPL-FE110: The four-lamp system with 4000 ANSI lumens, uses the existing
standards and protocols of Windows CE operating systems to display Microsoft
Word, Excel, PowerPoint presentations, as well as to view image (JPEG/GIF)
files and browse the Internet and multimedia applications. The unit is capable
of storing 30MB of memory with additional memory storage via the PCMCIA Type II
slot. With an Ethernet network interface card (NIC), wired or wireless, the
VPL-FE110 can communicate over the LAN. Designed to be used in ceiling, floor,
or rear-projection environments, the projector can be stacked for higher
brightness with the SU-PJ2000 optional projector stand. The unit includes video
picture display technology with four times the resolution of a conventional
video signal and supports UXGA computer signals. It is now available at a
suggested list price of $22,000.

In the multi-purpose category, Sony is highlighting three 0.9-inch LCD panels models for portable use or fixed installation, either floor- or ceiling-mounted.

-- VPL-PX15: A network-ready projector that features a high

brightness 2000 ANSI lumens and produces high-contrast levels,

making it ideal for projection in high ambient light

conditions. It also includes a PC card slot, which allows

users the option of connecting the projector to any PC on the

same network. Alternatively, the projector can be connected to

a LAN through the 10Base-T/100Base-TX interface or via a web

browser to allow for projector-to-PC communication. It will be

available in July at a suggested list price of $7,800.

-- VPL-PX10: A stand-alone unit that also features 2000 ANSI