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Sony unveils two new HDV videocassette recorders (7/4/2006)

1080i Recording and Playback Decks Expand Family of Professional HDV Products

Sony is expanding its line-up of professional HDV(tm) products with the introduction of two new videocassette recorders (VTRs) capable of 1080i recording and playback.

"These new HDV VTRs compliment our range of camcorders and allow users to work with HD images in an easy to use and cost effective way," said Stuart Reed, Product Marketing Manager of HDV products for Sony Europe. "These are the first Sony HDV VTRs to be compatible with both standard-size and mini-size DV cassettes - which ideal for customers that require longer recording times." The new decks - models HVR-M25E and HVR-M15E have a number of features designed specifically for professional use including:

* HDV 1080i, DVCAM and DV SP recording and play back capability - providing users with an easy migration from standard- to high-definition production * Compatible with both standard and mini-size DV cassettes - ideal when longer recording times are required. (Standard-size cassettes that allow more than four-hour HDV recording with compatible tapes) * Down conversion function from HD to SD * Switchable between 50 and 60 Hz (PAL/NTSC) - to provide full flexibility depending on production needs. * Ability to copy external timecode through the "HDV/DV in TC" feature * i.LINK(tm), component output, S-Video I/O, composite I/O, and analog audio I/O. Additional features of the HVR-M25E includes: * 1080/50i to 720/50p and 1080i/60i to 720/60p conversion capabilities (through analog component and HDMI output only). * HDMI output for connections to consumer TVs. * A ClearPhoto LCD plus(tm) 2.7-inch (viewable area, measured diagonally) 16:9 panel - for enhanced user convenience. * Edge Crop adjustment - allowing users to adjust edge crop areas manually while down-converting in this mode. * Duplicate Plus feature - a dubbing function which duplicates work tapes with the same time-code the original tape contains through i.LINK connection.

The HVR-M25E has a Custom Repeat feature, while the HVR-M15E is compact, with a small footprint that enables it to be unobtrusively added to existing work environment - and it can be placed either horizontally or vertically. The new decks are compatible with both standard- and mini-size DV cassettes. These new models complement Sony's standard size version of its DigitalMaster(tm) professional videotape, which is the recommended media for professional HDV applications. The standard size tape will offer up to 276 minutes of HDV recording time.

DigitalMaster is Sony's highest-quality line of 6mm DV videotape. With its unique dual-active magnetic layers, DigitalMaster tape features a greater carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) that equates to higher retentivity, higher output and lower noise. The result is a more robust tape with significantly lower dropouts and errors, compared to consumer DV tape.

The HVR-M25E and HVR-M15E are planned to be available in June.

www.sonybiz.net

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