New Vaio home PC line from Sony

Electronic News, June 24, 1996

New York--The entertainment-computing convergence took another step forward last week with the unveiling of Sony's first PC line. Kuki Ando, president of Sony's new Information Technology division, stated that Sony was inspired to enter the PC market after observing "the convergence of information technology into our core A-V technology" and added that Sony hopes the new products will "actively change the way we live."

The new line, named Vaio--for video, audio, integration and operations--initially includes two models, the PCV-70 and PCV-90. The PCV-70 features 166MHz Pentium processors, 16MB of RAM and a 2.1GB hard drive, while the PCV-90 has a 200MHz Pentium processor, 32MB RAM and a 2.5GB hard drive. Both models have 28.8 DSVD modems and 8x CD-ROM drives. Both models are scheduled for shipment before the end of the year, priced between $2,000-$3,000.

During a press conference, Sony Information Technologies VP Tim Errington stated that Sony intends to use its own components when feasible. The new systems accordingly incorporate Trinitron monitors and an integrated 3-D sound system specially designed and manufactured by Sony. Sony is also manufacturing the systems' RAM as well as the CD-ROM and floppy drives.

Sony also designed a 3-D graphical user interface environment, known as the Vaio space, that works with Windows '95. The environment includes an A/V "media wall," an "applications wall," a utility "foundation" and a "communications sky," arranged around a central workspace. Sony has emphasized entertainment with its extensive software bundle, which will include games, entertainment guides, a karaoke program and several clips from Sony Pictures films. Sony designed the MPEG decoding software used in video playback.

Sony Electronics CEO Carl Yankowski said Sony's decision to enter the PC market was "a logical one," noting that Sony has manufactured peripherals for some time and citing the increasing popularity of PC entertainment applications. Sony's brand equity and past participation in crossover technologies, such as CD-ROM, were described as strong advantages for the new venture. However, Sony refused to release any sales goals they may have for the project, with Mr. Errington stating it would be "very difficult to put a figure" on sales, and adding, "This is a first-generation product--you have to start somewhere."