Sony 1997 Annual Report Download - page 10

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8
The company that brings
ENTERTAINMENT
together
Sony Corporation Annual Report 1997
DIGITAL technology and
other new services, thereby raising the number of channels. More channels mean more demand for
programs. All types of content will benefit from this trend. Sony is therefore working to maximize the
value of its extensive software library.
Going beyond the sale of hardware and software, Sony is implementing a comprehensive strategy
that includes the distribution of contents. This thinking was behind the May 1997 investment in
JSkyB, a digital satellite broadcasting venture in Japan. With this investment, Sony can take part in the
management of this venture. In March 1997, Sony launched The [email protected] online service on
the World Wide Web. This Website draws on Sony’s vast stores of music, movies, TV programs, and
video games. Visitors to the site can enjoy interactive games, view information on soap operas and
children’s TV programming, listen to music samplings, and access many other services.
Building a Base of Digital-Ready Content
Sony began marketing DVD-Video players and software during the year. The next few years will see the
proliferation of digital satellite broadcasting. One point is clear. The future entertainment market will
reward those able to supply digital-ready content. The High Definition Center of Sony Pictures Enter-
tainment (SPE) has been busy converting SPE’s movie library into high-quality video formats. Sony is
prepared to meet demands for DVDs, digital satellite broadcasts, and other digital applications on the
verge of rapid growth. Meanwhile, Sony Pictures Imageworks is pursuing a separate facet of this drive.
By using Sony’s expertise in digital electronics, this company is incorporating state-of-the-art digital
special effects and animation techniques in movie and television production.
Digital devices and networks are quickly gaining a foothold in everyday life. We are helping to make
this possible. Sony is uniquely positioned to benefit from the powerful union of digital technology and
entertainment—whether by upgrading existing business lines or creating entirely new ones. We are
determined to lead the way in entertainment and dream creation. The process has only just begun...