First Five-Disc SACD Changer, New A/V Receivers Lead Sony Symphony of ES Product Debuts; 400-Disc Megastorage CD Changers, MiniDisc Home Deck Share Spotlight.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

CEDIA 2000

Booth No. 810

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

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

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

As audio enthusiasts celebrate the upcoming first anniversary of the Super Audio CD format, Sony is expanding its critically acclaimed line of SACD players.

Sony today introduced the SCD-C333ES, the industry's first SACD five-disc changer designed for consumers looking to upgrade their existing five-disc CD changers and who demand nothing less than the "pure audio" music power and performance of the SACD format.

Along with the SACD/CD changer, Sony is unveiling three ES receivers that feature 24-bit and dual 32-bit processing with Virtual Matrix 6.1 channel decoding to support future Dolby Digital(TM) EX and DTS(R) Extended Surround titles. Two 400-disc Megastorage(R) CD changers for improved access, management and storage for those with massive CD collections, and a new MiniDisc player/recorder, which provides nearly three hours of recording time on a 74-minute disc, are also making their debut.

"These ES products are geared toward those consumers looking to upgrade their existing home entertainment systems," said Tim Baxter, senior vice president of home audio products for Sony Electronics. "The focus this year is on providing consumers with products that feature not only technological enhancements, but improved performance."

Multi-Disc Capability Comes to SACD

The SCD-C333ES offers the convenience and flexibility of a CD changer with the superior sonics of the SACD format.

The newest SACD player--which incorporates many of the resident technologies found in Sony's "reference standard" SCD-1 and SCD-777ES such as a Direct Stream Digital(R) (DSD) decoder, Current Pulse D/A converter and 24-bit Variable Co-Efficient Filters--also has several new features which enhance performance and maximize utility.

Along with standard ES enhancements such as optical and coaxial digital outputs and dual R-core transformers, the SCD-C333ES features a newly developed single lens pickup with twin laser optics.

According to Baxter, since one of the major attributes of the SACD format is the ability to play back both CD and SACD titles, having dedicated lasers to read each format (which perform at different wavelengths) maximizes play back performance and speeds disc access time.

To offset vibration which may affect sound quality, the front-loading SACD/CD player also utilizes a new frame and plate chassis with a rigid aluminum front panel.

The SCD-C333ES will be available in November for about $1,200.

Receivers Deliver Outstanding Performance

In response to consumer demand for advanced receivers that maximize the home theater experience, Sony is introducing three new receivers in its ES lineup that incorporate the same powerful 24-bit plus dual 32-bit digital signal processing and proprietary Digital Cinema Sound(TM) technology found in the critically acclaimed STR-DA777ES.

For added flexibility, the STR-V333ES, STR-V444ES and STR-V555ES include Virtual Matrix 6.1 encoding, which ensures compatibility with most Dolby(R) EX and DTS(R) Extended Surround tiles. Together with Sony's Cinema Studio DSP and virtual rear speaker capability, the receivers offer a surround sound performance that approaches the motion picture theatrical experience.

For music applications, each of the receivers also includes two new Concert Hall modes that replicate the sonic environments of two of the Europe's finest concert halls. To support the growing custom installation market, all three models provide second room capability with independent source selection. The STR-V555 and STR-V444 also include audio and video second room capability with independent source selection via an additional supplied Remote Commander(R) control. Component video switching is also featured on both models.

The STR-V333ES, STR-V444ES and STR-V555ES will be available this fall for about $800, $1,000 and $1,300, respectively.

Megastorage CD Changers Reach 400-Disc Level

To accommodate those music enthusiasts with sizeable CD collections looking to simplify disc access, management, and storage, Sony is also introducing two advanced Megastorage CD changers.

The new CDP-M555ES and CDP-M333ES, the industry's only 400-disc changers, combine superior sonic performance with unprecedented flexibility. Both units incorporate new Twin Jog Dial(TM) controllers and twin fluorescent displays to simplify access of individual discs. There's also an Artist Name Search feature and a new On-Screen Graphic Interface (GUI). Sony's Advanced Mega Control, which enables users to daisy chain a second CD player and jog dial for rapid selection of discs or memo information, is also employed for controlling up to 800 discs. To simplify disc management and organization, a free keyboard for both models is also available to consumers with a mail-in coupon.

The CDP-M555ES even includes a two-way LCD Remote Commander(R) that provides complete CD title information. The CDP-M555ES and CDP-M333ES are available now for about $600 and $700, respectively.

New MiniDisc Recording Capability

In an ongoing effort to expand MD's capabilities, Sony is introducing an MD recorder that includes an additional MD-LP (Long Play) record/playback mode that's ideal for transferring music files that have been downloaded from the Internet.

The MDS-JA333ES utilizes a new ATRAC-3 encoding scheme that enables consumers to record nearly three hours of music on a standard 74-minute disc in near-CD quality.

These recordings can be enjoyed on the MDS-JA333ES or on several compatible MD-LP portable and mobile products available next year.

The unit is enhanced with a 24-bit Variable Coefficient Digital Filter, Dual R-Core Transformers, along with optical and coaxial inputs.

To facilitate Internet recording, a free Universal Serial Bus cable, which serves as a simple PC interface, is also available with a mail-in coupon.

Available this fall, the MDS-JA333ES will sell for about $1,000.

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 [e-mail]. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY.

Note: A Photo is available at URL: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.090700/bb6