SONY EXTENDS LINE OF TOP-SELLING NET MD WALKMAN RECORDER

AM/FM/TV/Weather Band Tuner, Software Upgrades and 64x Transfer Speed Bring Advanced Functionality to the Popular Digital Music Devices

LAS VEGAS (CES, Booth #N109), Jan. 8, 2003 - Expanding on the market of its Net MD™ Walkman® player/recorders, Sony is adding five new models with advanced software, and upgraded features.

The new models offer high-speed transfer from a PC via a direct USB connection and can record more than five hours of music on one 80-minute disc in LP4 mode. They also incorporate Sony's skip-free G-Protection™ technology, which eliminates or reduces skipping during many active uses. All models are compatible with RealOne® player and the pressplay online music subscription service. The devices play back ATRAC3™ files and support multiple Internet audio formats, such as MP3, WMA, and WAV for flexible music transfers.

"Long battery life, compact size and low cost media have made the Net MD recorder the number one selling digital music device in America," said Robert Ashcroft, senior vice president of marketing for Sony Electronics' Personal Mobile Products Division. "With this year's new line of recorders, Sony is dedicated to continuing our leadership position in the market by providing even more flexibility while maintaining competitive price points."

New software has been incorporated to the lineup that enables music lovers to personalize their mixes in a new way. In addition to the bundled SonicStage™ jukebox software and SonicStage simple burner application, Net MD products now offer consumers advanced software for managing and interacting with their music from MoodLogic Inc. This application offers a flexible and creative way for users to interact with their music.

MoodLogic software is an advanced system with capabilities beyond typical jukebox applications. Music can be compiled by mood or tempo rather than simply by artists and titles. For example, users can create a "romantic" mix consisting of love songs or a "house" mix comprised of fast-tempo club music. The MoodLogic software works directly with the SonicStage jukebox software allowing the user to move their mix directly into the jukebox for transfer to the Net MD recorder.

Additionally, MoodLogic includes ID3 tag cleaning, a feature that "cleans up" the user's music content by properly identifying and titling content via the ID3 tags.

The MoodLogic software also incorporates a unique feature developed by Sony specifically for Net MD product users called Music Marker™. This feature allows music to be "tagged" during playback on the Net MD Walkman player. Once the device is re-connected to a PC, the MoodLogic software retrieves the marks and connects the consumer to the Musiclub website where they are provided with information about the song and artist, and links to download new tracks or purchase CDs from that artist or similar artists. Both the Mood Logic and Music Marker feature will be able to be accessed by logging onto Sony's Musiclub website at http://www.musiclub.sonystyle.com/.

MZ-N10

The apex of the Net MD Walkman product line, the MZ-N10 model, packs a host of features into a compact body that weighs about 3 oz. Recording is made easier than ever with 64x transfer speed using the long play LP4 mode and a supplied matching USB cradle with a direct connection to the jukebox. Placing the unit in the connected cradle also ensures that it automatically recharges.

In addition to a microphone jack, six-band graphic equalizer and acoustic sound settings, the new model features a backlit LCD editing remote and a three-line dot matrix display, which is capable of illustrating nine characters per line for easy song searches and edits. Sony's Jog Dial™ navigator scrolls through the list vertically to search for songs and groups. By simply rotating the dial with one finger then pushing it, the desired point is accessed.

The MZ-N10 model will be available in April for about $350.

MZ-NE410

The MZ-NE410 Net MD Walkman recorder has everything necessary to create great-sounding music mixes. In addition to transferring music at up to 32x speed (using LP4 mode), the unit's SonicStage™ Jukebox management software stores and manages digital music files, custom playlists and music transfers directly to the device making transferring music quick, easy and fun.

Users can specify the way they want to listen to their music with the Easy Skip group folder function. With this feature, songs can be organized into "albums" or groups in the Sonic Stage management software and then, once transferred to the Net MD Walkman player; listeners can skip from group to group.

The model provides up to 56 hours of continuous playback time on one AA battery. It will be available in March for about $130.

MZ-N510CK

Stepping up in the line, the MZ-N510CK Net MD Walkman recorder has all of the basic features with the added convenience of a Bookmark function. This feature provides easy navigation, allowing users to "mark" or program their favorite songs on the disc during playback. Additionally, the unit is supplied with a remote control, AC adaptor and car kit accessories including a Remote Commander® remote control. It also will be available in March for about $150.

MZ-NF610

The MZ-NF610 Net MD Walkman recorder offers even more versatility with the addition of an AM/FM/TV/weather band tuner remote control allowing users to tune into their favorite radio or TV stations. This blue unit comes equipped with a rechargeable battery, bookmark function, and the "Easy Skip" group function. It will be available in April for about $200.

MZ-NF810CK

The MZ-NF810CK model is a feature-packed recorder that combines the functionality of both the MZ-NF810Ck and the MZ-NF610 models. This unit not only offers AM/FM/TV/weather band tuner remote control, the Bookmark function and the car kit accessories, but also includes a rechargeable battery with a charging stand and microphone jack.

Additional features include a six-band graphic equalizer (four presets, two custom), which helps users choose the sound setting that best suits their personal music tastes. It also has an acoustic sound setting that creates the sense of different listening environments.

The MZ-NF810CK model will be available in April for about $280.

Sony Electronics' news releases and digital images with captions are available at http://www.sony.com/news. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service locations, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY.

Editors note: Recording speed varies based on PC specification and does not include title transfer time