Sony 1998 Annual Report Download - page 20

[18] Sony Corporation Annual Report 1998
One new MD Walkman, introduced in Japan, the United States, and Europe, has a record-
ing capability yet is only 19.7mm thick. Sony also launched a model worldwide that can play
continuously for up to 6 hours on a single AA alkaline battery. A new lineup including these
models contributed to market expansion.
The MD personal component stereo system with a 3-disc MD changer and 3-disc CD changer,
which has been a hit in Japan, offers various recording and editing possibilities. For MD decks,
Sony introduced in Japan a model that can be connected to a PC to allow editing and the input
of song titles.
Looking ahead, Sony will work toward expanding MD system sales in the United States and
other regions where high-growth potential exists. To achieve this objective, Sony plans to intro-
duce models that are even more compact in size, and to continue proposing innovative ideas for
using MD systems with PCs.
CD Players
In the portable CD player sector, Sony continued to revitalize the marketplace by introducing
models that offer advances in terms of compact size, light weight, and improved specifications.
Examples include a unit that is only 20.1mm thick and weighs 175 grams, and units offering an
extended continuous playback capability.
Sales also climbed for CD radio-cassette tape recorders and CD players for the home, mainly
in the United States, the largest single market for these products.
IC Recorders
Incorporating flash memory, IC recorders combine ultra-compact size and light weight with
simple recording and playback operation. These characteristics make IC recorders ideal for use in
noting various memos and ideas. During the year, Sony launched worldwide a model with a
4MB(Megabyte) flash memory. This enables 16 minutes of continuous digital recording and
playback in the standard mode and 24 minutes in the extended mode. Up to 495 individual
entries can be stored in the memory. Furthermore, when the dedicated PC connection kit is used,
a huge volume of audio data can be stored and managed on a PC.
Car Audio
With a broad line of car audio products, such as MD players, CD players, and cassette decks, Sony
is taking an aggressive stance toward enlarging this business. During the year, units combining
CD and MD players posted strong sales in Japan. MD players also performed well, with particu-
larly strong sales growth in the United States and Europe.
« Video »
Home-Use Video Equipment
Sony extended its leading position in the home-use camcorder market during the year by posting
a strong increase in sales. In this sector, the market for digital camcorders is growing rapidly,
mainly in Japan, particularly due to their superior picture quality and compact size. Other merits
include their ability to perform editing with virtually no loss of picture quality. Sony’s Digital
Handycam models were popular, particularly in Japan. Sony plans to continue to build on its
solid position in digital camcorders.
Aggressive development of models with extended operating times, backed by the global
product theme “stamina,” has been an enormous success for Sony. New models distinguish Sony
from the competition. One is an analog 8mm Handycam that can record continuously for up to
12 hours. One new Digital Handycam now allows up to 8 hours of recording time.
Furthermore, improvements to Sony’s camcorder supply chain, from production through
sales, has shortened lead times substantially, made product supplies more stable, and re-
duced inventories.
In the home-use video deck market, Sony was first in the industry to introduce a model
that integrates the DV digital and S-VHS formats in a single deck. This product has been well-
received in the market.