SONY ANNOUNCES QUALIA MINIDISC PLAYER, A MARVEL IN DESIGN AND SOUND

NEW YORK, Apr. 21, 2004 -- Achieving new heights in product design and sound, Sony Electronics announced today its QUALIA™ 017 MiniDisc player. Individually crafted from a solid brass block and perched on a beautifully designed charging station, the QUALIA 017 MiniDisc player is truly an objets d'art.

"We expect the QUALIA 017 MiniDisc player to appeal to the 3 million plus MD enthusiasts in the U.S. both for its sound and its beauty," said Kenichi (Ken) Sugawara, Sony Electronics' QUALIA U.S. executive vice president.

In addition to being a fine example of Sony craftsmanship, the process of starting with a solid block of brass significantly reduces seams on the product which in turn provides a more rigid casing, reducing the wear and tear that day to day use can impose on today's small portable audio devices.

Included with the QUALIA 017 MD player is a set of high quality, low profile ear bud headphones that feature an extended bass capability. The ear buds fit comfortably in your ear providing rich sound with true-to-source audio reproduction.

The QUALIA 017 MD player includes a built-in rechargeable battery and exquisitely crafted charging stand. Simply place the player in the charging slot and go.

The MD player comes in a unique carrying case with a magnetic lock and is available in three color options -- chrome finish, silver plate or gold plate.

Special orders for the QUALIA 017 MD player will be taken beginning in June for a base price around $1,900.

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Editor's Note: News releases and digital images with captions are available at http://www.sony.com/news. For information regarding QUALIA, your readers can call 1-877-QUALIA3. For additional information about QUALIA, consumers can visit the QUALIA website at http://www.sony.com/QUALIA. Specifications are subject to change.