Sony's NVX-F160 brings mobile navigation nationwide with the inclusion of EtakGuide USA software.

PARK RIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 24, 1996--Getting lost anywhere in the United States will soon be a thing of the past. Starting in July, Sony MobileComm will be offering EtakGuide USA software with its NVX-F160 in-vehicle mobile navigation system. With the inclusion of EtakGuide USA, Sony becomes one of the first manufacturers to offer map coverage of the continental United States and detailed street coverage of 32 major U.S. cities, all on a single disc.

The NVX-F160 combines advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) technology for precise navigation, detailed digital moving maps that track the motorists progress in real-time and a wealth of instantly accessible travel information about RV campgrounds, parks and shopping. With the new software, the NVX-F160 will provide detailed map coverage for the 48 continental states, including all county roads, state highways and federal interstates, for a total of more than 500,000 miles of roads.

"Whether you're an RV enthusiast, a mobile professional or a family on vacation, EtakGuide USA was designed for anyone who makes travel an integral part of their lifestyle, said C. Edward Brice, Manager, Mobile Navigation, Sony MobileComm. It not only provides maps of the entire continental U.S., but also has information on everything from arenas to zoos."

Interactive Listings Provide Valuable Travel and Recreation Tips

To further enhance the travel experience, EtakGuide USA for the Sony navigation system offers Integrated Information Services (IIS): an extensive library of helpful and interesting information accessed through the CD-ROM databases.

The travel information is drawn from more than six tourist guides and government information sources, including the directory of TL enterprises, publisher of Trailer Life Magazine for recreational vehicle enthusiasts.

The IIS in the EtakGuide USA contains detailed maps, down to the residential street level, for 32 major U.S. cities, over 1,000 national and state parks and forests, over 5,000 attractions including, universities, sightseeing, arenas, race tracks, zoos and over 500 top-rated RV campgrounds. EtakGuide USA also includes a database of 1-800 numbers for motels/hotels, car rentals, airlines and hotlines for state road conditions.

The IIS library of travel data is linked directly to the digital maps and is very easy to access. Each listing is marked on the map with an icon which, when selected, displays the information on the screen. You can also enter the name or address of a desired location, such as an RV campground and the system will immediately retrieve the listing. The screen display can then be quickly returned to the map and the vehicles current position.

Global Positioning and Moving Maps Mean You'll Never Get Lost Again

Sony's navigation system receives positioning signals from the Navstar network of 24 satellites that are currently circling the globe. It pinpoints the vehicles location on EtakGuide USA's color moving maps and shows the exact location in relation to the drivers destination.

Accessed on-screen or by a wireless remote, the digital maps are easy to read with clear text and crisp, rich graphics that not only identify, but also distinguish between interstate highways, state roads, local streets, parks, landmarks, airports and natural boundaries. Navigating through EtakGuide USA is made easier by audio and video prompts, icons and colorful screen menus. A "talking help" feature explains instructions.

To make sure you always know where you are, the Sony GPS receiver updates your vehicle's location every second and continuously displays the vehicles movement in real time. This makes it very easy to choose a route, evaluate alternatives and change course in response to road and traffic conditions often without the need to stop the car.

A Trip Planning Tool

The driver can target a starting point and five additional destination points, with the system displaying the general direction and straight-line distance to each point. Up to 100 personal landmarks can also be defined and displayed on the moving maps for additional visual reference. With GPS tracking switched on, the drivers recorded tracks are displayed on the map at all times. A position button centers the vehicle on the map.

A Complete Mobile Navigation System That Is Easy To Use and Install

The Sony in-vehicle mobile navigation technology consists of four elements: -- Map Disc Player: A compact disc device that integrates an

8-channel parallel receiver and a CD-ROM drive that plays removable

and interchangeable map and database discs conforming to Naviken

specifications. The map disc player is simple to install, can be

connected with a cigarette lighter adapter and operates

independently of the vehicles audio system. -- GPS Antenna: A small, circular-shaped antenna, approximately

3/4-inch thick and 3-3/8-inches in diameter, placed in a

location that provides a clear line of sight--either on the

exterior or interior of the vehicle--for receiving satellite

positioning signals. -- Five-Inch Color LCD Display: An active matrix color monitor 

with anti-reflection filter that mounts easily on the

dashboard and can be removed for added security. -- Wireless Remote Control: A slim-line infrared remote for fast and

simple operation of the on-screen menus and system features.

The NVX-F160 with EtakGuide USA is available at selected Sony Autosound dealers for a suggested retail price of $2,995. EtakGuide USA will also be available separately for a suggested retail price of $150.

Mobile electronics products, such as in-vehicle mobile navigation systems, are part of the MobileComm America division of the Sony IT/Communications Group. In the fiscal year 1995, Sony Electronics sales were approximately $8.5 billion. Headquartered in Park Ridge, N.J., the company has nearly 20,000 North American employees. A recent Harris Poll survey found Sony to be the most popular brand in the United States, noted for such product developments as the MiniDisc digital audio system, micro-floppy disc and Trinitron(R) technologies, and leads the worldwide personal video market with its line of 8mm Handycam(R) camcorders.

Etak is the premier publisher of digital maps, digital business and travel information products and navigation technology. Etak map databases cover the entire U.S. as well as the United Kingdom. Applications of Etak maps and technology range from fleet management and utility facility management systems to a variety of consumer products used in vehicles, homes, offices and hand-held products. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Etak is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. For more information on Etak's products and services, visit the home page on the Internet at http://www.etak.com. -0- Editors Note: For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, you can call 1-800-222-SONY. To receive copies of other press releases, editors can call the Sony Access Fax-On-Demand-System at 1-800-SONY-022. For photographs of Sony products editors can call 212-593-5891. On the Internet, you'll find Sony at http://www.sony.com.

CONTACT: Sony Electronics

Joanne Trout, 201/930-6868

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Kahn Communications

Howard Solomon, 212/593-6375