Sony Realizes Long-duration HD Recording - Maximum 16 Hours on One Blu-ray Disc; Four New Blu-ray Disc Recorders Allow Users to Choose their HD Viewing Style

JCN Newswires, Sept 13, 2007

Tokyo, Japan, Sept 13, 2007 - (JCN Newswire) - Sony today announces four new Blu-ray Disc Recorders. These new models offer strengthened functionality to give improved performance in the key areas of "high picture and sound quality," "long-duration recording," and "easy operation." HD content in the home is rapidly increasing, whether it be digital broadcasting, personal/home video or movies. Sony envisions the Blu-ray Disc Recorder at the center of the HD era, and the four new models target three styles of customer viewing enjoyment: "HD broadcasting enjoyment," "personal/home video enjoyment" and "advanced picture and advanced sound quality home theater enjoyment." This range of choice will be a key factor in accelerating the diffusion of the Blu-ray format.

Blu-ray Disc Recorder Lineup with digital HD tuner and HDD

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Style                     Model          Release        Suggested
                                                        Retail Price
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Enjoying Broadcasts T     BDZ-T50
                          BDZ-T70
-----------------------------------
Enjoying Personal/Home                   November 8     Open Price
  Video L                 BDZ-L70      -------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Enjoying Home Theater X   BDZ-X90
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Major New Functions (available on all models)

1. Ample HD recording capacity: A new high-resolution HD encoder, adopting the high compression efficiency of MPEG4-AVC, allows ample HD recording capacity. A maximum of approximately 16 hours can be recorded on one 50GB BD1 and the HDD's capacity has been increased 3.8 times for a maximum recording capacity of about 166 hours.2

2. Fast HD dubbing: One hour of HD video can be dubbed to BD in a minimum time of

approximately 3 minutes.3

3. High-quality HD picture and sound playback: "24p True Cinema" and "HD audio-compatible HDMI audio output"

4. HD Handycam compatibility: Handycam video (AVCHD) can be transferred to HDD and easily edited. It can then be stored in HD on BD.

5. BRAVIA Link: Compatible with BRAVIA Link and BRAVIA Premium Photo

(1) When recording to a dual layer 50GB BD in LSR (AVC 6M) mode.

(2) Using "BDZ-X90" and recording in LSR (AVC 6M) mode.

(3) When one hour of video recorded in LSR mode onto a HDD is dubbed to BD (4x speed).

Main Features of Each Style

I. Enjoying Broadcasts T

- Ample Capacity to Record and Enjoy HD Broadcasts ("BDZ-T70" "BDZ-T50") -

1. "Ample HD Recording" function gives a maximum of approximately 105 hours4 HD recording on HDD and a maximum of approximately 16 hours1 on one 50GB BD (Available on all models.)

(*4) Using "BDZ-T70" and recording in LSR (AVC 6M) mode.

2. The "Keyword-relational Search" function and the "x-Omakase Maruroku (Auto AI recording)"(allowing simultaneous recording of two programs1) mean that viewers can catch all their favorite programs (Available on all models).

3. Just one touch of the remote control button gives simple and fully automated operation from startup to panel display (Available on all models).

II. Enjoying Personal/Home Video L

- Personal and Home HD Video Content Stored in Pristine Condition ("BDZ-L70") -

1. "One-Touch Dubbing Button" allows one-touch transfer of HD Handycam video content to HDD.

2. "x-Pict Story HD" assembles digital snaps and automatically creates "Pro-quality" slideshows. This can then be stored in HD on BD. Also available on "BDZ-X90".

3. "x.v.Color" offers advanced reproduction of video with a wide color range, and "full HD photo reproduction" is also available. These functions enhance the beauty of videos and photos for the full enjoyment of the user (Available on all models).

III. Enjoying Home Theater X

- Experience HD Home Theater with Superb Picture Quality and Sound "BDZ-X90" -

1. DRC-MFv2.5 recreates HD signals for an even more refined and higher resolution image.

Output at progressive HD 1125p (1080p).

2. "Deep Color" creates a smooth picture with rich color gradations.

3. All models have an HDMI audio output compatible with lossless audio. Further, Sony has pursued mastering studio quality through meticulous audio engineering, including the strict selection of quality audio parts.

Blu-ray Disc Recorder Assumed Market Price

"BDZ-X90" approx JPY 200,000

"BDZ-L70" approx JPY 180,000

"BDZ-T70" approx JPY 160,000

"BDZ-T50" approx JPY 140,000

* "Assumed market price" is Sony's projection of the price the market will set for a product before it goes on sale. The actual product price will vary by retailer.

Main model specifications are available at http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200709/07-0912E/07-0912E.pdf

About Sony

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading personal broadband entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $67 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net