SONY EXTENDS LINE OF POPULAR ATRAC CD WALKMAN PLAYERS
Burn 490 Songs on One CD Without Sacrificing Sound Quality
LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #N109), Jan. 7, 2004 - Music lovers can now enjoy more of their favorite tunes on a single disc with eight new ATRAC ® CD Walkman ® players, all with the ability to playback ATRAC3plus ™ and MP3 encoded CD-R/RW discs.
The ATRAC3plus format is a high-quality audio compression technology developed by Sony that effectively reduces the size of audio files while preserving more of the sound quality.
With ATRAC3plus compression, more audio files can be burned to a disc using a PC's CD-ROM drive. Music can be burned and compressed to 256, 132, 105, 66, 64 or 48 kbps (kilobits per second), allowing consumers to store more music or record at higher fidelity. By compressing at 48 kbps, users can enjoy up to 490 songs on one disc.
The ATRAC3 ®/MP3 CD Walkman players are bundled with Sony's new SonicStage ™ 2.0 software and are compatible with the new Connect online music service.
"With these new players, we've removed the price and convenience barriers from taking downloaded music with you", said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Sony Electronics' portable audio products. "Beginning at about $60, these ATRAC CD Walkman players provide the most flexible and affordable way for music fans to connect to and manage their music."
All the new models include virtually skip-free G-protection ™ technology for users who want uninterrupted music during active use. They also support CD text and ID3 tagging for organizing tracks. Sony's Jog Dial ™ control and extended battery life are also incorporated.
Additionally, the new players are enhanced with such advanced features as a customizable parametric equalizer to adjust sound preference, an off-timer that enables users to pre-determine their listening time and save on battery life, and an auto rank function that plays back songs in the order in which they are most often listened to. All eight new players will all be available in March.
Top-of-the-Line D-NE10 Model
The thinnest and sexiest player in the line is the D-NE10 model with its magnesium and aluminum body which sports an ultra-modern, metallic silver design. It provides up to 80 hours of continuous playback on a rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery, while a backlit remote puts music navigation at the user's fingertips.
The D-NE10 model also comes supplied with a battery-charging stand and a carrying pouch. It will be available for about $200.
Entry Level D-NE300 & D-NE306CK Models
At only around $60 the new D-NE300 model is a great way for just about anyone to take his or her music off the PC and with them anywhere. Offered in an ice-cool shade of blue, this introductory player looks great while achieving more than 80 hours of continuous ATRAC playback on two "AA" batteries. For about $70 the D-NE306CK ATRAC CD Walkman player comes in silver and adds car kit accessories for easy listening on the road.
Next up is the D-NF400 incorporating all the basic functions of the D-NE300 model, and has the added convenience of a built-in AM/FM/TV Weather band digital tuner with 51 preset stations. The D-NF400 will be available for about $80.
D-NE500 & D-NE506CK Models
Stepping up in the line with a smart-looking, high-tech design, there are two models—the D-NE500 and the D-NE506CK that feature a four-line, dot-matrix display to easily identify CD text and tracks. They also include a new clip style remote for playback at your fingertips. The D-NE506CK model is glossy black and comes supplied with car kit accessories, which include a car Remote Commander ® remote control with a "skip group" function that allows quick and safe access to music while driving. Both the D-NE500 and the D-NE506CK models come with a carrying case and will be available for about $100 and $120, respectively.
For digital music lovers who also want to tune in to the radio, television stations, or check the weather, the D-NF600 model includes an AM/FM/TV/weather band digital tuner. With a 51-station preset memory, favorite programs are never more than the push of a button away. This player also offers up to 50 hours of continuous playback on one "AA" type battery. It will be available for about $130.
The new D-NE900 player has an edgy design with a slim-line aluminum body. Sony's Jog Dial ® navigation with easy file search helps users quickly access their music and view track titles on the four-line dot matrix display. It will be available for around $150 and comes supplied with a backlit remote control and carrying pouch.
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.
