Sony unveils world's first Professional HDV 1080i VTR

[Gregg Lengling]

VTR brings HD quality to Prosumer and Professional applications

TORONTO, Nov. 10 -- Sony of Canada Ltd introduced the world's first professional HDV 1080i video tape recorder - theHVR-M10U VTR.

"The HDTV market is rapidly expanding with Canadian consumer sales of HDTV capable sets continuing to strengthen, along with increased availability of Broadcast and specialty HD services, the professional market is now ready to make a move into affordable HD production," said Brian Young, Strategic Marketing Manager, Content Creation Group, Broadcast Communication Solutions Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. "The HVR-M10U VTR meets the demanding requirements of an ever-growing segment of the market - the professional producer."

The HVR-M10U is the world's first 1080i HDV VTR and extends many of the same benefits as the HVR-Z1U camera (see press release entitled, "Sony introduces world's first Professional HDV 1080i camcorder"), including "Multi-Operation," which allows the deck to work in DV, DVCAM or HDV modes, with support of 1080 60i or 1080 50i, NTSC or PAL scan rates. The deck also
incorporates the same down conversion circuit used in the HVR-Z1U, which allows flexible SD/HD operation. Further, it provides AC/DC battery operation, a 3.5" 16 X 9 LCD (liquid crystal display), Time Code support and much more all in an ultra-compact design.

The HVR-M10U VTR is the ideal companion for the HVR-Z1U camera, permitting playback and recording and dubbing of HDV, DV and DVCAM recordings and digital connectivity via i.LINK with a wide range of Non Linear Editors and other production equipment.

The HVR-M10U VTR will be available in late January 2005, at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$5,150. It will also provide operation menus selectable in either the English or French languages. For more information on HDV as well as a list of supporters see //www.hdv-info.org.

About The Broadcast Communication Solutions Group
The Broadcast Communication Solutions (BCS) Group is a division of Sony of Canada Ltd., headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. BCS Group markets and supports Sony's full range of broadcast, professional video and audio equipment, including high definition video, interactive and security applications for the broadcast, production, business, industry, government,
medical and education sectors through a network of authorized systems integrators.