Digital8 Handycam Camcorders Bring Color to the Night; Sony's New Line Offers Video Streaming and Super NightShot Color Mode

Business Wire, Jan 7, 2002

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

CES 2002

Booth No. N109/N114

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 2002

Sony Electronics is providing more reasons than ever to acquire a digital camcorder with today's introduction of its 2002 line of Digital8(R) Handycam(R) camcorders, focusing on picture quality, a full set of features and value.

Sharing Streaming Video With New USB Streaming

Sharing special moments with family and friends across the world is easy, with the incorporation of USB (Universal Serial Bus) Streaming into all 2002 Digital8 Handycam camcorders. USB Streaming allows users to stream live and recorded video to the Internet with their PCs using Microsoft(R) Windows(R) NetMeeting. This feature turns the camcorder into a webcam with a simple USB plug-in and Microsoft's free NetMeeting software. Now parents can either share baby's first steps live or stream a pre-recorded video of the event to loved ones who can't be there.

Enhanced Video Quality in Dark and Low-Light Settings

With the touch of a button, users can improve their video in dark and low-light settings by activating one of two recording modes. Sony's super NightShot(R) feature enables monochrome video taping in total darkness. By selecting Color Mode, full-color video is recorded in dimly lit places, enabling users to capture video of sleeping babies and nocturnal animals in color.

Megapixel Video and MPEG1 Without Limits

Another advancement found in both the DCR-TRV740 and the DCR-TRV840 models is MPEG MovieEX Mode, which captures video and audio onto Memory Stick(R) media up to the length of the media capacity. MPEG1 video can be captured directly to Memory Stick media or shot to the tape and converted in-camera to MPEG movie format later. MPEG MovieEX function makes it easy to share video as e-mail attachments, or insertion in Web pages and presentation materials.

Both the DCR-TRV740 and the DCR-TRV840 also have a megapixel CCD imager and feature 520 lines of horizontal resolution resulting in exceptional video and still image clarity.

All of the new Digital8 camcorder models offer the same outstanding sound quality as a compact disc. With an estimated price as low as $500, it is easier than ever to enjoy high-quality digital video and audio in combination with Sony's advanced Worry-Free Recording(TM) features, like SteadyShot(R) Picture Stabilization and an InfoLithium(R) Battery with the AccuPower(TM) Meter System.

In addition, four of the new camcorders in the line can play back any analog-recorded Hi8/8mm tape. And all of the models record digital video onto inexpensive standard Hi8/8mm tape and connect via i.LINK(R) (IEEE-1394) interface to compatible PCs for digital video editing.

Digital8 Handycam Camcorder Pricing and Availability

-- DCR-TRV140 -- 2.5" SwivelScreen(TM) LCD display, USB Streaming,
SteadyShot(R) Picture Stabilization, super NightShot(R) Color Mode,
InfoLithium(R) Battery with AccuPower(TM) Meter System, 20X optical/560X
digital zoom and Digital Program Edit for about $500. The DCR-TRV140 will be
available this month.

-- DCR-TRV240 -- 2.5" SwivelScreen(TM) LCD display, USB Streaming, super
NightShot(R) Color Mode, super SteadyShot(R) Picture Stabilization,
InfoLithium(R) Battery with AccuPower(TM) Meter System, 20X optical/700X
digital zoom, Hi8(TM) and 8mm playback capability, Digital Program Edit and LP
Recording. It will be available this month for about $600.

-- DCR-TRV340 -- includes all of the above features plus an 8MB Memory Stick
media card, USB Streaming, and MPEG Movie Mode. The DCR-TRV340 will be
available in this month for about $700.

-- DCR-TRV740 -- all of the above features plus a megapixel CCD imager for
higher quality video and still images, 15X optical/420X digital zoom and MPEG
Movie EX. The DCR-TRV740 will be available in March for about $800.

-- DCR-TRV840 -- adds a 3.5" SwivelScreen LCD and Progressive Shutter System.
The DCR-TRV840 will be available in March for about $900.

Editor's Note: Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging Product Division (DIPD) is based in San Diego. DIPD markets digital imaging products and services, including Cyber-shot(R) and Digital Mavica(R) still cameras, Handycam(R) camcorders, related accessories and ImageStation(SM) online imaging services. For additional information about Sony products, call 888/222-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: www.sony.com/di. Press releases and digital images are available for the media at Sony Electronics' news and information web site at: www.sony.com/news.>

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