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To: John Rieman who wrote (253)	4/7/1998 9:30:00 AM
From: Maya	Respond to of 324

Microsoft and Sony to Collaborate in Creating the Convergence of Personal Computer, Digital Television and Consumer Audio-Visual Platforms REDMOND, WA/NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 1998--Microsoft Corporation [Nasdaq:MSFT - news] and Sony Corporation today announced plans to begin collaboration to create a convergence of the personal computer and consumer AV electronics platforms. To facilitate the fusion of the PC and AV platforms, the two companies plan to cross-license key software technologies. Sony intends to license Microsoft's Windows CE operating system for use in certain future products. Similarly, Microsoft intends to license Sony's Home Networking Module for use with certain versions of Windows CE. Windows CE is a leading operating system for use in a wide range of digital consumer electronics products. Sony's Home Networking Module is middleware that supports home networking standards currently being proposed. Cooperation between the two companies will help realize the creation of a home-networking environment that applies the best innovations from both the Consumer Electronics industry and the PC industry for the benefit of consumers. ''The time has come for the PC industry and the AV industry to shake hands,'' said Nobuyuki Idei, President of Sony Corporation. ''Sony supports the establishment of an open architecture that will enable the seamless integration of PC and AV products. The cooperation between Microsoft and Sony will play a key role in making this happen.'' To ensure that PCs and AV equipment do not continue to evolve on separate paths, Microsoft and Sony will support and endorse various DTV formats. Issues related to three key steps -- production, transmission and reception -- will be addressed jointly by the two companies to enable the seamless transmission and display of digital content. Because video formats can differ at each step, Microsoft and Sony plan to support the formats that will enable the fastest migration to Digital Television. Microsoft and Sony will support the use of 1080 interlaced as the preferred format for HDTV production and archiving because it is the highest resolution format which is cost effective and currently available. In addition, Sony will develop 480 progressive production equipment in the near future and 1080 progressive equipment as the ultimate goal in the longer term. Sony will also support any of the ATSC transmission formats, including progressive scan formats. Sony will market DTV receivers capable of displaying all digital television programs, regardless of the format in which they are produced or transmitted. ''Sony's ability to develop consumer electronics products with broad consumer appeal is second to none'' said Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft Corporation. ''We hope that our combined efforts will give birth to even more exciting products and applications in both the computer and AV entertainment arenas.'' Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its music, pictures, and computer entertainment operations make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of over $45 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, and it employs more than 163,000 people worldwide. Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day. NOTE: Microsoft and Windows CE are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Microsoft and Sony will hold a teleconference on April 7 at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time/ 9:30 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Questions regarding today's announcement will be answered by Craig Mundie, senior vice president of Microsoft Corporation, and Howard Stringer, president of Sony Corporation of America. Please call 1-800-553-0349 in the U.S. , or 612-332-0802 from outside the U.S. (The teleconference will be limited to the first 100 media calls.) Media unable to participate can listen to a replay of the teleconference by calling 1-800-475-6701 in the U.S., or 320-365-3844 from outside the U.S. The access code is 386914. Replay is available from 3:30 p.m. on April 7 to 12:00 midnight on April 10 Eastern Daylight Time After the teleconference, inquiries from the press should be directed to: Sony Electronics Inc. Rick Clancy (201)930-6909/rick_clancy@mail.sel.sony.com Mack Araki (408)955-5673/mack_araki@ccmail.sel.sony.com For Microsoft Windows CE: Phil Missimore Waggener Edstrom, (408) 986-1140/philm@wagged.com Ann Goldmann Waggener Edstrom, (503) 245-0905/anng@wagged.com For Microsoft broadcast format: Sally Julien (at NAB) Waggener Edstrom, (408) 986-1140/sallyj@wagged.com Sue Barnes Waggener Edstrom, (408) 986-1140, sueb@wagged.com Contact: Microsoft Corporation Craig Mundie, senior vice president and Sony Corporation of America Howard Stringer, president 1-800-553-0349 or 612-332-0802 from outside the U.S. For questions after the teleconference, see the above contacts biz.yahoo.com