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15
Sony Corporation Annual Report 1997
Review of Operations Audio Equipment
MiniDisc (MD) System
Sales of MD systems rose substantially as Sony
expanded product lines in all player and
recorder categories. Sony unveiled new MD
Walkman units, MD decks, stereo systems
incorporating MD decks, and car MD players.
These innovative products helped stimulate
growth in the MD market.
In the MD Walkman sector, trend-setting
products introduced in Japan fueled a sharp
increase in sales. One model is only 13.5
millimeters thick and weighs 76 grams.
Another model is no larger than the jacket of
an MD, a new record for compact dimensions.
Both incorporate a new LSI that more than
halves power consumption compared with
previous models. As a result, these two models
can be powered by a single rechargeable
gum-stick shaped nickel-hydride battery, a first
for any MD player.
In the MD deck market, the company
launched a model offering outstanding sound
quality and upgraded recording capabilities.
Available in Japan and overseas markets since
August 1996, this deck generated a favorable
consumer response. In Europe, the new model
sparked much interest in the MD format.
CD Players
New Sony products continued to set the
standard in CD player excellence during the
year. In the field of portable players, Sony
introduced a unit featuring improved protec-
tion against skipping compared with previous
models. The player went on sale in Japan in
December 1996, followed by successive
launches in overseas markets. This model also
realizes lower power consumption; four
alkaline batteries enable approximately 40
hours of continuous playback.
Setting the pace in CD players for the
home, Sony during the year introduced a
changer capable of handling 200 discs,
generating strong sales in the United States.
Walkman Headphone Stereos
Sony continued to expand its Walkman lineup
during the year. One model offers up to 62
hours of continuous playback when powered
by a rechargeable battery and an alkaline
battery. This feat is made possible by advances
in energy-efficient designs and high-capacity
Dazzling sound quality and extended playback are just some
of this Walkman’s many innovations. The body has a mirror
finish to reflect the surroundings. It appears transparent when
viewed at certain angles and levels of brightness.
Sony’s IC recorder (right) has a flash memory to safely retain
recordings even if the batteries fail. An LCD monitor shows the
number of entries and makes it easy to access any given recording
instantaneously.
The micro-cassette recorder has a feather-touch mechanism to
permit control of playback and recording by gently tapping a
button. A removable speaker provides the flexibility needed to
adapt to a variety of situations.
Electronics