Sony 2004 Annual Report Download - page 47

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Hi-MD format
Hi-MD is a next generation format that transforms
the MD into a recording medium suitable for a
variety of applications. In addition to functioning
as a conventional MD recorder, the Hi-MD
Walkman has a Hi-MD recording mode that
approximately doubles recording capacity. With a
Hi-MD disc, which holds an enormous 1 GB of
data, up to about 45 hours* of music can be
stored. The Hi-MD mode recordings are encrypted
with OpenMG for copyright security. Designed for
compatibility with a PC, the Hi-MD is also a
rewritable medium that can be used to store text,
as well as visual and many other types of data,
opening up more potential applications for this
new format.
Established on October 1, 2001 as a 50-50 joint
venture between Sony Corporation and LM
Ericsson, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications
AB combines the strengths of Sony in the areas of
consumer electronics, games, pictures and music
with Ericsson’s leading mobile telecommunica-
tions technologies. During the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2003, Sony Ericsson significantly
increased sales and became profitable. By improv-
ing supply chain management and increasing
operational efficiencies and expanding its product
portfolio, it has laid a solid foundation for the
company’s future growth.
As users increasingly demand more sophisti-
cated ways to communicate with others, the
multi-functionality of cellular phones has evolved
rapidly. By offering a wide range of innovative
cellular phones accessories, Sony Ericsson’s
cellular phones excel in the areas of easy-to-use
mobile imaging, messaging, entertainment and
connectivity. The T610, for example, has consis-
tently shown strong sales in all Global System for
Mobile Communications (GSM) markets and was
one of the most popular cellular phones in 2003,
winning a string of awards including the GSM
Association’s Best Cellular Phone Award. In the
Japanese market, the company bolstered its
market position through the popularity of mega-
pixel camera phones, SO505i/iS for NTT DoCoMo
Inc., and A5404S for KDDI Corporation. In addi-
tion, Sony Ericsson’s first 3G video phone, Z1010, is
transition from standard-definition (SD) to HD
cameras. For digital still cameras, the focus is
on unique features with the unmistakable
“Sony touch,” such as low power consump-
tion, large displays, slim profiles and a rotat-
ing lens. Equally important is further progress
in resolution and overall picture quality.
Chapter 2 of the VAIO business: The
quest for a world in which quality
pictures and sound can be enjoyed
easily through networks
Since its introduction, the VAIO PC has carved
out a new market as a PC with enhanced
audio and visual (AV) functions, making it easy
to enjoy video, audio and other forms of con-
tent. Today, as broadband networks are cre-
ating demand for new ways to enjoy such
content through networks, Sony has re-
sponded by taking VAIO to the next level. In
addition to the basic PC functions, VAIO is
now equipped with cutting-edge imaging
technologies that deliver a dramatic improve-
ment in picture and sound quality, enabling it
to be enjoyed as an AV device. Moreover,
portability is enhanced, owing to a more
compact size, lighter weight and lower power
consumption. VAIO also offers the ease of
operation that users expect from a mobile
consumer electronics product. Sony is intro-
ducing network AV products that function as
portable music players, taking the VAIO brand
into new business domains.
already rated as the best 3G phone in the markets
where it is sold. Sony Ericsson has also unveiled
Z500, the first camera phone equipped with true
EDGE technology which enables faster data trans-
mission speeds. It also features push-to-talk two-
way radio-style communication possibilities.
Home Electronics Mobile Electronics Game Entertainment Financial Services Other
Portable music player VAIO pocket
PC VAIO type U
Hi-MD Walkman
SO505iS A5404S
Z1010 S700
*Recording time from a PC using ATRAC3plus at 48
kbps to a 1 GB Hi-MD disc.