Sony 1999 Annual Report Download - page 17

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15
page
In home-use camcorders, Sony had considerable success by continuing to develop models
that are smaller, lighter, and have better picture quality as well as extended operating
times, a feature highlighted by the global product theme “stamina.” A new addition to the
Digital Handycam series made its global debut in the spring of 1999. Features include up
to nine hours of continuous recording along with a high-grade lens and other improve-
ments to enhance picture quality. And by incorporating a slot for the Sony-developed
Memory Stick IC recording medium, this new camcorder allows still images to be trans-
ferred with ease to a PC or other device.
In MD systems, Sony continues to increase market demand for MD products by expand-
ing its lineup in all categories, including MD Walkman models, MD personal component
systems, MD decks, and car MD systems. An MD deck that Sony will introduce in June 1999
can be used with a digital music distribution service that will start in Japan and be carried
through the SKY PerfecTV! digital satellite broadcasting service. When connected to a digi-
tal satellite broadcast reception system via an i.LINK cable, the deck can digitally down-
load music.
Sony’s VAIO home-use PC, sold in Japan, the United States, and Europe, has won praise
from consumers in all three regions. Besides offering unique new functions and designs,
Sony has created new ways to enjoy the VAIO series in combination with digital AV equip-
ment. During the year, Sony began selling in Japan and the United States compact-size
VAIO notebook PC models with built-in miniature CCD video cameras. This opened the
door to a new market by making it easy to capture moving or still images and store them
in a computer. In Japan and the United States, Sony also introduced VAIO desktop PC
models that have large LCD monitors and, true to the Sony tradition, compact yet highly
functional designs.
During the year, Sony introduced
these new VAIO desktop PC and
Digital Handycam models. Both in-
corporate built-in slots for the
newly developed Memory Stick IC
recording medium, allowing images
taken with the digital camcorder to
be easily transferred to the PC for
editing and processing.