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To: Don Dorsey who wrote (28365)	1/22/1998 1:39:00 PM
From: Stoctrash	Read Replies (4) \| Respond to of 50808

Sony's New Worry-Free Handycam(R) Camcorders Put Home Video Recording in a New Light -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just in time For your DAZZLE!! Jump to first matched term NEW YORK, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- After today, a "shot in the dark" is one you'll never have to miss. Sony unveiled its new 1998 line-up of Handycam(R) camcorders that can record longer than ever before, and with higher resolution, even in a room that's pitch black. "With Sony's newest Handycam camcorders, even amateurs can record and play back impressive home video without ever having to worry about the results," said Jay Sato, vice president of personal video at Sony Electronics. "These new camcorders give consumers exactly what they've told us they want: advanced features that are easy to use." Sato said that this year, "Worry Free" has been taken even further with up to 12 hours of battery life and superior (horizontal) resolution in daylight, low light and now even no-light, using NightShot(TM) infrared technology. And Sony continues to offer popular features like SteadyShot(R) image stabilization and LaserLink(TM) wireless playback. To make sure important shots are never missed, only Sony's Handycam camcorders have InfoLithium(R) rechargeable batteries with Stamina(TM) battery life, which allows up to 12 hours of continuous recording on a single charge (with optional battery). Sony's camcorders have been re-engineered to use less power -- with more efficient tape mechanisms and power-saving electronic circuitry. To make sure the camcorder never runs out of power unexpectedly, Sony's AccuPower(TM) battery meter communicates with a microprocessor inside the InfoLithium battery to display the exact amount of available battery life -- accurate to within one minute. This information is displayed on the camcorder's SwivelScreen(TM) LCD monitor or color viewfinder. And while the battery is being recharged, a separate battery charge meter on the side of the camera even updates how much recording time is available. Also, unlike NiCad batteries used in many other camcorders, InfoLithium batteries use Lithium Ion cells which won't develop "memory" -- a common problem that leaves batteries unable to store a full charge. Battery charging has never been simpler either, with in-camera charging and convenient quick-charging that provides up to an hour's worth of use from 15 minutes' charging time. Each of Sony's new 8mm Handycam camcorders also features "XR" extended resolution to produce more lines of horizontal resolution than competing VHS-C products. Handycam Video8(R) XR camcorders can now record with up to 280 lines of horizontal resolution (standard VHS is 240 lines) and Sony's Video Hi8(TM) camcorders offer up to 50 percent more lines of horizontal resolution than VHS or VHS-C. The resulting images are visibly sharper, clearer and more true-to-life. And -- when the lights go out -- only Handycam camcorders can still record clear monochromatic images, using Sony's new NightShot infrared system. This feature uses an infrared transmitter as an invisible light source so the camcorder can capture images that are invisible to the naked eye. An optional infrared video light also can be attached to the camera's "intelligent shoe," extending its NightShot range up to 100 feet. And if shooting in the dark (or any other location) gives camcorder users the shakes, Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization uses motion sensors inside the camcorder to detect and compensate for hand-shake and vibration without compromising picture quality. Many other camcorders use less accurate stabilization methods that can degrade the picture. The "Worry Free" camcorder experience also includes easy home playback. Selected Handycam models offer the LaserLink wireless playback system which beams videos from the camcorder to an optional receiver that's connected to the television -- and even turns a Sony TV on and switches it to the appropriate input source. There are no cables and wires to connect, and no clumsy video cassette adapters to worry about. Sony introduced eight new 8mm and Hi8 Handycam camcorders today, with suggested retail prices (MSRP) ranging from $599 to $1,399. Most models will be available in retail stores nationwide during February. A variety of accessories are available for Sony Handycam camcorders, including the 12-hour InfoLithium battery (Model NP-F950) at an MSRP of $149 and the AC-V700 Quick Charger at an MSRP of $100. The Consumer A/V Products Group is the largest business unit of Sony Electronics, which had record annual sales for fiscal 1996 of more than $9.6 billion. Headquartered in Park Ridge, N.J., the company has approximately 24,000 employees in North America. Sony leads the worldwide personal video market with its line of 8mm and digital Handycam camcorders and its top-selling Digital Mavica(R) still camera. The company also is a co- developer of the Compact Disc and DVD technologies. SOURCE Sony Electronics /NOTE TO EDITORS: For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-7669. To receive copies of other Sony press releases, editors can call the Sony Access Fax-On- Demand System at 1-800-SONY-022. For photographs of Sony products, editors can call 201-930-6097. On the Internet, you'll find Sony at sony.com./ /CONTACT: Sean McNerney, 201-930-6178, or sean_mcnerney@mai1.sel.sony.com, or Dulcie Neiman, 201-930-6981, or dulcie_neiman@mail.sel.sony.com, both of Sony Electronics/ /Photo: newscom.com or NewsCom, 305-448-8411; AP PhotoExpress Network, PRN1; PressLink Online, 800-888-6195/ /Web site: sony.com