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17
Sony Corporation Annual Report 1997
systems and NTSC-format DVD-Video players.
By faithfully reproducing sound effects just as
they were created in the movie studio, this
processor recreates cinema-quality sound.
The unit also excels at generating three-
dimensional audio sensations.
Car Electronics
In the Japanese car audio market, models
combining a CD player and cassette deck, and
models with both an MD and a CD player had
strong sales. Car MD players are catching on
in Europe as well. Sony plans to add to its car
MD player lineup to stimulate further growth
in this market.
This navigation system displays traffic information transmitted
by the VICS service in three formats: as text, as a diagram, or
super-imposed on existing maps. Drivers can also look up
destinations by address or phone number. Clear directions
make even complex urban streets easy to navigate.
Consumers can assemble a home theater system that offers
high-quality DVD pictures and sound by combining Sony’s
Dolby digital processor (above) and AV amplifier with a DVD-
Video player and large-screen TV.
Personal Component Stereos
In November 1996, Sony unveiled the
industry’s first component stereo with a five-
disc MD changer. It was a hit in Japan.
Continuous playback is just one advantage.
The component stereo also adds tremendous
flexibility to recording operations. By using
this stereo’s five-disc CD changer, users can
record selected contents from up to five CDs
on a single MD, for example, or create five
separate MDs.
Dolby™ Digital Processors
In February 1997, Sony introduced a Dolby
digital processor in Japan. The processor has a
decoder that operates with the same Dolby
digital audio format used by movie theater
This single unit has a combined MD player, CD player, tuner,
and amplifier. Additionally, a built-in 7-band graphic equalizer
makes it easy to obtain the best frequency response for any
kind of music.
Japan’s car navigation system market
passed a new milestone with the spring 1996
start-up of the Vehicle Information Communi-
cation System (VICS). These broadcasts alert
drivers to traffic jams and construction sites.
This system also estimates travel time and
offers information on available parking space.
To capitalize on this development, Sony cre-
ated a navigation system designed to accept
an optional VICS reception unit. This system
was well received in the Japanese market.