Updates from Sony Canada

Sony offers multi-format solution for HD broadcasts with new 1080/60P HDC Series portable cameras

TORONTO, Ontario – Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada’s leading supplier of electronic and computer products for consumers and business, today introduced its 1080/60P HDC-1000 studio and HDC-1500 portable cameras, both capable of 1080i or 720P HD operations – and both providing an unprecedented multi-format approach to high-definition broadcasting.

Considered by many video professionals to be the ultimate solution for high-defintion (HD) image capture, the new cameras will benefit studio facilities, OB truck companies and other users who need to satisfy a diverse range of client requirements.

“These cameras overcome the challenges presented by the varied requirements of DTV production,” said Ivan Reel, Product Manager, Acquisition & Professional Display, Broadcast & Communication Solutions Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. “It's no longer an issue of `one format or the other.' This technology enables a single studio or OB van to support both 1080i and 720P signal formats with no compromise in image quality.”

1080/60P combines the spatial resolution of 1080 lines with the temporal resolution of 60P, supporting all DTV formats to the highest degree.

At the heart of the new cameras are high-performance 2-megapixel 1920 X 1080 progressive scan charge-coupled devices (CCDs), which provide enhanced image quality and stability. This CCD technology combines native 1080/60P image acquisition with a newly developed video image processor, using the latest 0.11um semiconductor technology.

The 1080/60P performance of the new CCD combined with the camera's image processing algorithm permits an over-sampled 720P signal, resulting in unmatched spatial frequency characteristics and the highest level of 720P performance.

The new cameras operate across the entire spectrum of HD standards including:
· Interlace 1080i mode @1080/59.94i, 50i;
· Progressive 1080P mode @1080/23.98p, 29.97p, 24p, 25p; and
· Progressive 720P mode @720/59.94p, 50P.

Other shared features of the cameras include integrated down-conversion (standard digital interface (SDI) or VBS, with or without pull-down), dual HD SDI outputs, and output to VF signals with 60 hertz (Hz) scanning to minimize VF flicker even in 24P mode. Two-channel external control lines can be secured within the fiber system with RS-232C or RS-422 connections for virtual studios. Standard-definition (SD) monitors can also be used as sub monitors with these cameras.

Sony is also displaying the HDC-1550 triax interface portable camera, for current triax-based applications. Also, the HDLA-1500 large-lens adapter for the HDC-1500 and HDC-1550 cameras streamlines daily operation through the use of a quick mount mechanism.

The Sony HDC-1000 studio camera is planned to be available in August at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $130,000. The HDC-1500 is planned to be available in August at an MSRP of $117,000. The HDC-1550 triax interface portable camera is planned to be available in December at an MSRP of $120,000.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday May 11, 2005

Sony introduces new shotgun microphon for field and studio production

TORONTO, Ontario – Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada’s leading supplier of electronic and computer products for consumers and business, today unveiled the ECM-674 shotgun microphone, designed to produce superb sound performance from a compact, lightweight, rugged and cost-effective design.

“By combining high performance, great value and exceptional versatility, the ECM-674 shotgun microphone represents an ideal choice for a wide range of sound acquisition applications,” said Sebastian Scala, Marketing Manager, Professional Audio, Broadcast & Communication Solutions Group, Sony of Canada Ltd.

Designed for use with Sony's lines of HDV™, DVCAM™ and XDCAM™ camcorders, the unit's versatility is underscored by a two-way powering feature, which allows for either phantom power or battery operation.

The ECM-674 offers high sensitivity, low noise characteristics and both a flat and wide frequency response from 60 hertz (Hz) to 18kHz, with a dynamic range of at least 90 decibels (9dB).

Key features include:

· Two-Way Powering: This capability permits the ECM-674 to be driven by either external DC power (40 to 52V) or internal AA battery operation, making it suitable for both camcorder mounting and many other sound gathering applications;
· Superb Sound Quality: The ECM-674 offers a sensitivity of -36dB (0dB+1 V/Pa.) and a low inherent noise level of less than 19 dB SPL. This allows the microphone to be used for clear voice pick-up even in noisy environments;
· Compact and Lightweight Design: The ECM-674 measures only 10 5/8 inches in length and weighs seven ounces, maintaining good balance even when mounted on compact camcorders; and
· Built-In Low-Cut Filter: A built-in two-position (M, V) low-cut switch reduces undesired ambient noise.
The ECM-674 microphone is planned to be available in December.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday May 11, 2005

Sony unveils MXF-based, network-centric system

MediaVenue server bridges gap between AV, IT production environments

TORONTO, Ontario – Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada’s leading supplier of electronic and computer products for consumers and business, today introduced its MediaVenue system.

Continuing its efforts to combine audio/video (A/V) production with Information Technology (IT)-based solutions, this video server combines MXF-based file storage, broad interoperability, high performance and cost-effective management and distribution of both standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) AV/IT content.

“The MediaVenue system's multi-format playout server provides a scalable, flexible platform for achieving total workflow innovation,” said Calvin Judges, Marketing Manager, Broadcast VTRs & Production Systems, Broadcast & Communication Solutions Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. “Its flexibility gives media organizations the ability to meet many operational needs economically and efficiently now or in the future.”

Sony's MediaVenue server supports MXF as a native file format and can provide seamless interoperability across many commonly used formats and compression standards. MXF serves as a common denominator, bringing together multiple HD (1080i, 720P) and SD standards as well as numerous codecs, including MPEG-2 Long GOP, Intra GOP, VBR, CBR and DV25.

Industry-standard control interfaces include virtual device disc control protocol (VDCP) for real-time control and FTP (RFC959) for file transfer. Gigabit Ethernet capability allows high-speed access and direct-mount compatibility for non-linear editors and other third-party devices.

Sony's random access independent disks (RAID) storage provides high reliability with multiple error correction for mission critical applications. All system components can be fully redundant to avoid having a single point of failure. Sony's exclusive Flexible Time Slot technology delivers fully simultaneous synchronous/asynchronous operation without any degradation in performance. The MediaVenue system achieves total workflow innovation by serving as the foundation of an end-to-end digital production system.

The Sony MediaVenue server is expected to be available later this year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday May 11, 2005

Sony expands XDCAM Professional Disc workflow capabilities with new products

TORONTO, Ontario – Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada’s leading supplier of electronic and computer products for consumers and business, today announced that its XDCAM™ Professional Disc™ system, the most widely used tapeless acquisition technology in the world, now includes new components that further strengthen the benefits of an optical disc workflow.

New models include the PDW-D1 drive unit, the PDJ-C1080 XDCAM cart system for automated ingest and storage and the PDW-R1 field recorder.

“The XDCAM system was designed to be as flexible and scalable as possible, offering customers the most production options for their current A/V-based workflows, while providing the right bridge into an IT environment,” said Calvin Judges, Marketing Manager, Broadcast VTRs & Production Systems, Broadcast & Communication Solutions Group, Sony of Canada Ltd.

With shipments beginning last month, the Sony PDW-D1 adds an external drive component to the XDCAM line-up. This compact drive eliminates the need for a deck when transferring files to or from the Professional Disc media, connects to a compatible laptop via an i.LINK IEEE-1394 digital interface, and supports AVC and File Access Mode (FAM) protocols. This battery- or AC/DC-powered drive features one optical head in a lightweight frame, making it suitable for use in the field, an edit suite or OB van. Operation in File Access Mode displays the PDW-D1 as a data drive in a Windows® Explorer® directory.

The XDCAM cart system can be used for automated ingest and play-to-air transmission, or as a short- to mid-term archival storage library. The robotics-controlled cart system can hold up to 80 Sony Professional Discs and up to four drives.

The PDW-R1 field recorder is a record/playback version of the XDCAM system's PDW-V1 player. The recorder, which can be AC- or battery-powered, features a tilt-up liquid crystal display (LCD) screen and a range of interfaces, including i.LINK, Ethernet, SDI and composite inputs and outputs, and two-channel analog audio I/O.

“It's critical to have flexible field tools that can work with as many formats as possible, and this new drive and recorder provide that level of support,” said Mr. Ibbotson. “The new cart system also takes advantage of the optical disc's excellent archival and storage capabilities.”

PC-centric and Network-centric

“Live logging” builds on one of the XDCAM system's key benefits -- the faster-than-real time transfer of proxy data. The live logging feature will be applicable to existing XDCAM system camcorders and decks.

During the wireless live logging process, an XDCAM camcorder with a hybrid adaptor is connected to a personal computer through industry standard wireless Ethernet cards. Proxy data is transmitted to the computer, where clips can be wirelessly browsed and cataloged using the XDCAM system's PDZ-1 software. Field reporters or producers can title clips, add essence marks and annotate clips, even while the camcorder is capturing new footage. Then the information, with annotation data embedded as metadata on the disc, can be transferred back into the camcorder on the same wireless Ethernet connection.

Rather than using a Wi-Fi connection, a wired method of live logging employs an XDCAM deck (PDW-1500) and streams proxy A/V through Ethernet connections for cataloging.

Another planned feature on the IT-centric XDCAM roadmap is an accessory that provides the ability to record proxy data onto both optical disc media and plug-in media such as Memory Stick®, Compact Flash, Secure Digital or Microdrive media. The plug-in media can then be inserted into a PC for browsing and annotating data, and the metadata can be linked back to the disc where they will conform to the high-res material.

Other XDCAM system components in the works that merge the audio/visual (A/V) and information technology (IT) worlds include an internal drive that fits a standard 5-inch bay for direct personal computer integration. The XDCAM “jukebox” is being designed to operate as part of an Internet Protocol (IP) network to streamline ingest and provide a conduit from field acquisition and studio post-production to air and archiving.

The PDW-D1 drive is available now for a manufacturer’s suggested list price (MSRP) of $6,750. The PDJ-C1080 XDCAM cart system is planned to be available this Fall.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday May 11, 2005

Sony XDCAM Professional Disc System features support from third-party non-linear editing solutions

Optical technology now compatible with 24 leading editing platforms

TORONTO, Ontario – Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada’s leading supplier of electronic and computer products for consumers and business, today announced that support for Sony's XDCAM™ Professional Disc™ system, the world’s most widely used professional tapeless acquisition system, has been broadened to include non-linear editing solutions from 24 leading manufacturers.

According to these manufacturers, content captured on Sony's XDCAM system is now compatible with editing products from Adobe, Apple, Avid, Canopus, Dalet Digital Media Systems, EVS, GEE Broadcast Systems, Harris, IBIS, INCITE, Leitch, MOG Solutions, NewAuto, Omneon, OMNIBUS, Open Cube, Pinnacle Systems, Quantel, Sea Change, Silicon Graphics Inc., Sobey, SweDish, Telestream, Thomson/Grass Valley, and Sony's Vegas® and XPRI® systems.

“The true measure of success for any technology is its ability to work well and communicate with as many complementary products as possible,” said Jeff Ibbotson, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Content Creation Division, Broadcast & Communication Solutions Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. “Compatibility with these NLE systems further extends the XDCAM system's potential applications to a wider audience of broadcast and video production professionals. We've continually worked with NLE manufacturers to develop a technology that makes the most sense for them to interoperate with the XDCAM system and they have responded, enabling any video professional, regardless of their editing platform, to enjoy the workflow efficiencies and cost-effectiveness of optical production.”

The XDCAM system has already been embraced by several leading news organizations and the technology is quickly becoming the format of choice for reality TV production. In addition to broadcast and electronic news gathering (ENG), XDCAM technology can also benefit video professionals in corporate, education and cinematography applications.

“A major benefit of the XDCAM system's technological design is that it gives video professionals more control over their costs, streamlines their workflow and provides the bridge that can merge traditional A/V production with IT and network file-based environments,” added Mr. Ibbotson.

About The Broadcast Communication Solutions Group

The Broadcast Communication Solutions (BCS) Group is a division of Sony of Canada Ltd., headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. BCS Group markets and supports Sony's full range of broadcast, professional video and audio equipment, including high definition video, interactive and security applications for the broadcast, production, business, industry, government, medical and education sectors through a network of authorized systems integrators.

About Sony of Canada Ltd.

Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in the manufacture and marketing of electronic and computer products for consumer, business, electronics publishing and multimedia applications on a global scale. With headquarters in Toronto, sales offices in Vancouver and Montreal and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Whitby, Ontario, approximately 970 employees support 72 Sony stores and a network of more than 3,000 authorized dealers across Canada.

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