Rick Clancy: Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the Sony press conference at CES.
We know you’ve had a long day so we’re going to keep this as lively and as entertaining as possible.
I guess that’s why they asked me, the CE Industry’s Favorite Blogger, to be your host once again.
You may have noticed there are a few different things going on in our booth this year.
For one, we’re here in the spacious Sony Theater.
It’s one of the largest structures at CES.
And we thought we'd take full advantage of it to provide you with a little more space, while maximizing the impact of today’s presentation.
You also may have noticed that the layout of the exhibits in the booth has changed as well.
This year, we have three distinct zones on the show floor.
The first is dedicated to CREATIVITY, where the majority of products focus on digital imaging and other creative endeavors.
The second is our HDNA or High Definition area where obviously, HDTV, Blu-ray and other high-def audio and video products and technologies are highlighted.
Finally, there’s an area dedicated to MOBILITY.
Here you’ll find all the latest devices for the on-the-go lifestyle, including such products as our latest Reader electronic book, VAIO computers, the Digital Walkman and much more.
And for the first time ever, there’s also an area right behind you in the center of the booth that’s dedicated to Sony Pictures Television, where you’ll be able to learn more about innovative content and distribution plans, along with some pretty cool entertainment offerings. You’ll also notice some podiums sprinkled around the show floor.... they’ll be spotlighting hot new products and technologies that deserve your attention.
Before we dive into today’s presentation, I wanted to take a couple minutes and introduce a few executives from the wide world of Sony who have joined us today:
Please welcome.....
From here in the States, Sony Electronics’ Chief Marketing Officer, who led the team that put Sony’s CES plans together, Mike Fasulo
My former boss, who is now the global head and chief executive of Sony Ericsson, Dick Komiyama
The world-wide President of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, David Bishop The executive in charge of our global PlayStation business, Kaz Hirai
The Executive Deputy President of Sony Corporation, who leads our global consumer electronics business, Katsumi Ihara
And last but certainly not least, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Corporation, Sir Howard Stringer
Thank you all for joining us today.
There are some other key executives and special guests on hand as well.
And you’ll be hearing from a few of them a little later in the press conference.
Stay tuned for some real special news at the end the session.
To start things off, we have a brief video to usher in our first, one-of-a-kind product introduction.
So let’s kick things into gear, RIGHT NOW.....
(video)
Steve Haber At Sony, we’re always looking for new ways to entertain consumers. Some might even say that when it comes to the intersection of consumer electronics and entertainment, the street signs all read Sony.
As you saw in the video, our new Rolly employs several aspects from our successful entertainment legacy in portable audio, melded with here-and-now robotics, to create a unique, innovative device.
But make no mistake about it, despite its tiny size and a shape that brings the words “scrambled” or “hard-boiled” to mind, Rolly is a sophisticated piece of entertainment technology.
Let’s take a closer look ....
And once again, like the Walkman years ago and more recently, the Bravia Internet Video Link, we are inventing a new category.
Rolly is the latest example.
Simply stated, it provides a new way to listen and enjoy music right out of the box.
With 2 gigabytes of flash memory and built-in speakers, content can be loaded via a PC or streamed from a Bluetooth-enabled PC or mobile phone.
Just the push of a button gets the music started.
For motion and movement, Rolly has a self-motion function, allowing it to dance to its own beat.
We’ll be introducing a limited edition Rolly in the first half of this year at Sony Style stores and other select outlets.
Of course, portable entertainment is part of Sony’s legacy and one of the key tenets of the Sony brand.
Let’s face it, no discussion of portable entertainment at Sony would be complete without mentioning our Walkman Video MP3 players.
Frankly speaking, we were cautiously optimistic when we introduced our new models in mid-2007.
We kept our fingers crossed that consumers would embrace a product that delivered great performance in an “open” environment.
Well, our expectations have been exceeded.
The reaction from consumers in the U.S. has been tremendous, along with the praise many of you have provided.
Walkman once again is rising and being rightfully recognized as a key player in the portable audio/video space.
Another key member of the Sony family, is the latest PlayStation Portable, which provides users with the ability to enjoy packaged content as well as the choice to download all sorts of entertainment.
It’s this flexibility, along with its outstanding performance, that helps the PSP succeed in its ever-changing environment.
We’re also introducing a new product that combines technologies from several products to provide a unique entertainment and communication experience.
It’s my pleasure now to present.... the new mylo personal communicator....
It brings you the Internet when you’re away from your PC, and is small enough to fit in your pocket.
Despite its small size, this new model is packed with new features.
There’s a 3.5 inch full-color screen and backlit keyboard so IM-ing your friends via AOL Instant Messenger is a breeze.
There’s a new camera for taking photos, and with Adobe flash, uploading them to sites like Facebook is a snap.
Flash also gives you the option of watching the latest videos from YouTube as well.
Of course, you can surf the Web, make voice calls with Skype Internet Voice Calling and playback back music files in all the popular formats.
Moving from pocket-sized to full size, there are several new VAIO PCs.
We’re super-charging five model lines with a new, powerful chipset from Intel which provides increased performance, faster processing speeds and improved battery life.
These premium models are the perfect solution for business travelers and multimedia enthusiasts who demand unparalleled power along with multi-tasking capabilities.
We’re also introducing both a high- and standard-definition version of our VAIO TP digital living system.
Think of the premium, or high-def version, as an entertainment system in the round.
While both models record, store and play back personal content on Blu-ray Disc, the premium version allows you to record two high-definition TV programs at the same time, as well as providing Internet access for viewing online TV programming.
Having the Freedom to Entertain is one aspect of being on-the-go Sony obviously takes seriously.
But freedom to travel is another ballgame all together.
You know as well as I do that the last thing anyone needs while traveling are products that fall short of our expectations.
Simply stated... we just want them to do... what they promise to do.
A great starting point on any trip is our latest noise cancelling headphones.
Sony utilizes an exclusive digital signal processing to reduce up to 99-percent of all ambient noise.
The noise canceling function is enhanced by Sony’s Artificial Intelligence technology which selects one of three optimal noise cancelling modes based on an analysis of the ambient environment.
While noise-canceling headphones have become ubiquitous... there’s an emerging category in which entertainment comes via text: e-books and the devices you use to read them.
With Sony’s latest Reader, the future of digital books is here.
The Reader continues to win critical praise and for the month of December, it was the number one selling device on SonyStyle.com.
What’s more, we’re excited to announce enhanced support for Adobe PDFs which improves the reading experience and underscores our commitment to open formats.
When you combine a vast library of reading material with Sony technology that’s geared toward ease of use and convenience, well, let’s just say that’s a best-selling proposition.
Now of course, combining reading and even listening to music on headphones while driving simply isn’t a wise move.
No, not even in the desert between here and L.A.
But Sony has the coolest co-pilots:
Here are our latest nav-u navigation devices.
Featuring 4.8 (one of the industry’s largest) and 4.3 inch widescreen displays, both products feature ultra-thin design, new technologies and enhanced functionality for those who would rather not drive aimlessly.
The larger of the two products features Sony’s unique GPS engine called Position Plus which provides accurate, interruption-free positioning.
The system can estimate where the vehicle is if a GPS signal is lost and provide navigation.
There’s also a full set of gesture commands on the touch screen, real-time traffic capability, as well as a new adhesion technology which provides simple and strong dashboard or windshield mounting.
We gave it catchy name, too: Super Suction Cup.
Additionally, Sony’s nav-u will be one of the first navigation device to be licensed to show retail brand icons on a route, for such stops as gas stations, restaurants, hotels and a lot more.
The larger of the two models will also feature Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling.
Both products will be shipping next month.
But at Sony, mobility is also about communication.
I’d now like to introduce the vice president of marketing, North America for Sony Ericsson, Karen Morris. Karen.....
Karen Morris: Thank you Steve.
Good afternoon, I’m proud to share with you the latest additions to Sony Ericsson's product portfolio.
And in particular, we're expanding our Walkman line of phones for North America as well as the rest of the globe.
First the playlist... Sony Ericsson’s line of Walkman phones have redefined the mobile music experience, selling 45 million Walkman handsets as of September 07.
To date, we’ve announced 25 Walkman phones and tonight I’ll be adding 2 more to that list.
First, the Walkman W760, ( unveil ) an eye-catching 3G handset in a slider form factor that will energize the lives of today’s tech-savvy consumers.
With the new Walkman 3.0 media player, consumers can easily create play lists, manage music files, and listen to songs depending on their mood with our unique SensMe application.
With Track ID for easy song identification, an FM radio and stereo speakers, the W760 is the coolest new way to take your music with you wherever you go.
For the ultimate in mobile gaming, the W760 has tilt gaming controls and features dedicated A and B gaming buttons.
Just imagine controlling game action on your phone with a tilt of the wrist.
Talk about interactive!
It features Bluetooth stereo, removable and upgradeable memory and all the other features consumers expect in a high-end Sony Ericsson Walkman device.
Finally, a handset is only as good as the service it receives, which is why we designed the W760 with tri-band HSDPA, quad-band EDGE and GPS services to deliver broadband speeds and immediate access to the data that users need on the move.
Sony Ericsson has a history of unprecedented designs and iconic products.
The second product I’m going to show you is the latest example, and bolsters our Walkman product line.
The W350 is one of our most inventive Walkman designs yet, seamlessly combining the all-important Walkman media player and phone functionality into a dual-face matchbook design.
A stylish flip cover allows easy access to the keypad when open, but when closed, it becomes a walkman player on the outside with dedicated music keys.
These music player buttons make it possible to pump up the volume, skip tracks and play/pause songs while the device stays closed.
The W350 boasts an impressive array of features and an unbelievable size -- 10mm thin.
Supporting Sony Memory Stick technology, Bluetooth, a 1.3 megapixel camera, and available at launch in 4 colors -- it is the must have fashion focused music handset of the year.
That brings me to our final handset announcement of the evening.
The Z555 elegant, stylish, affordable and sure to strike up a conversation.
Its diamond-inspired design covers the entire handset, even down to its bejeweled keypad.
Rounding out its elegant looks is a new feature called Gesture Control.
Easily wave away a distraction, with the ability to silence a call or snooze the alarm by simply moving your hand over the phone.
Combined with the hidden display on the front, you have a stylish phone that attracts attention where-ever you go.
The Z555, keeping in line with today’s fashion trends, will be offered in two unique colors: Dusted Rose and Diamond Black.
Together with these exciting new products are a number of accessories to take the Sony Ericsson experience further -- our first “Design Collection” of phone cases, and 3 additions to our Bluetooth Headset portfolio.
With tonight’s announcements, Sony Ericsson extends our North America lineup with our first 3G Walkman device -- the W760.
We continue to bring iconic designs to the mass market with the W350 and finally making fashion affordable with the Z555.
Drop by the booth this week to get a closer glimpse of how Sony Ericsson will amplify your life.
Steve Haber: Thank you, Karen.
At Sony, mobility is just one part of our overall strategy.
Creativity has also played an important role in the past and will have an even larger presence as we move forward.
Creativity is employed through many products.
Let’s take a quick look at a few.
Many of you are aware of our DVDirect recorder, which transfers home videos and digital photos to DVD without a PC.
Our newest version now has the ability to transfer Full HD videos to DVDs from such sources as Sony Handycam camcorders, which are playable in Blu-ray Disc players.
It also adds a USB port and inputs for Memory Stick and Compact flash.
This is one convenient, easy-to-use device that consumers continue to embrace.
Just as the DVD Direct recorder creates new opportunities and solutions for consumers, Sony’s Digital Imaging products continue to exceed expectations.
This category is clearly on the rise at Sony as we continue to make inroads and gain market share with cameras and camcorders that appeal to serious photo enthusiasts and novices alike.
Our Cyber-shot cameras have added a fun dimension to the point-and-shoot arena, with new technologies such as Face Detection and Smile Shutter, along with a full spectrum of model colors.
They’ve been a welcome addition to the industry and consumers seem to be embracing Sony’s strong one-two punch of performance and convenience.
In the camcorder arena, Sony is introducing 16 new models tonight, including our first hybrid plus model.
The high-definition hybrid models feature the ability to record video and photos on both a Memory Stick as well as a 3-inch DVD disc.
The top-of the line Hybrid plus model even features 8 gigabytes of internal memory as another recording option.
And because we know that faces are critical in photos as well as movies, many of the models feature Face Detection technology for photos and video to correct focus, exposure and color for optimized picture quality.
All the models will begin selling this spring.
We are also introducing five new AVCHD models which capture the highest HD resolution available -- 1920 by 1080 for stunning video and detail -- without sacrificing processing and recording speed.
They will be available in both hard-disc drive and DVD formats and feature 10 megapixel photo capture in the higher-end models.
Sony has managed to flex its muscle in camcorders for quite some time.
But over the past year, we also entered another area for which we have high expectations... the digital SLR market with our new Alpha cameras.
Today, I’m pleased to announce the latest addition to the alpha lineup, the new A200.
It’s designed for mainstream users and is faster, lighter and easier to use than its predecessor.
Upgraded features also include a wider LCD screen for easier playback viewing, a more compact body, and easier-to-use menu navigation controls.
It also features Super Steady Shot image stabilization as well as our Dynamic Range Optimizer for proper exposure under different lighting conditions.
The bottom line is this:
It’s the ideal step-up camera for those that are ready to take the next step in digital photography.
Look for it our new Alpha -- along with a full line of lenses and accessories -- in stores later this month.
While alpha is a cornerstone for future growth, there’s a technology we’re developing that could also play a key role for Sony moving forward. We’re calling it Transfer Jet, and it incorporates the latest Near Field Wireless Transmission technology.
Let’s go to the show floor for a quick demonstration.....
As Amy demonstrates, Transfer Jet enables users to send digital images, video or other data at more than 500 megabits per second.
Watch this....
Pretty amazing, isn’t it?
Best of all, it doesn’t generate any interference and the technology can be embedded into a variety of devices.
Look for Transfer Jet technology in a variety of new products in the near future as Sony continues to maximize the creative experience.
Now that we’ve had a drive-by of the Creativity and Mobility areas, I’d like to welcome to the stage my colleague Randy Waynick, who will talk about some of the latest developments in the HDNA/High Definition zone.
Randy.....
Randy Waynick: Thanks Steve.
It’s nice to be with you tonight here at CES.
As many of you know, HDNA is an integral part of Sony’s DNA.
There’s not another company here at CES or anywhere in the world that has the breadth and depth of Sony’s experience in HD.
Having this experience helps technology migrate to its highest possible level and where it’ll have the biggest benefit to consumers.
Almost everywhere you look, professional and broadcast technologies continue to migrate to consumer products at Sony.
Whether it’s our LUMA professional monitors to our BRAVIA TV sets, our 4K SXRD professional projector or our 2K home front projector or our pro XD Cam blu-laser decks or our Blu-ray players for the home, Sony’s ability to transfer knowledge and expertise between product categories continues to keep us as a company moving in a upward, positive direction.
Take Blu-ray Disc for example.
As many of you are aware, Blu-ray has made some great strides in the past year.... and Sony has played a meaningful role. On the hardware side, we’ve introduced several new home players, including our first BD player to earn the ES badge along with a home media server and an additional player, the BDP-S500.
Sony has also unveiled several VAIO PCs and Digital Living Systems with Blu-ray Disc functionality and today, we’re also taking the wraps off a new internal BD-ROM drive.
The new sub-$200 BD-ROM drive can be installed in an existing desktop PC to turn it into a BD player, offering consumers yet another option to discover and enjoy BD movies.
These products complement the power of the PlayStation3, which is being used not only as an outstanding gaming and home entertainment device, but as dedicated Blu-ray player.
But make no mistake about it:
Content and studio support from Hollywood remain two of the key elements that distinguish Blu-ray from the competition.
BD has held a 2:1 ratio in terms of software sales in the U.S. versus the other format for the past year and I’m confident that gap will grow even wider in 2008.
As I’m sure most of you saw, two days ago Warner announced that, in response to consumer demand, they will release its high-definition titles exclusively in the Blu-Ray Disc format.
We believe this decision will further strengthen and accelerate the adoption of the Blu-ray Disc Format.
The power of content is also evident on the television side of the businesses as well.
In this age of commoditization, the so-called “Value Up” proposition is more important than ever.
There are a lot of flat panel HDTVs in the marketplace, but they simply aren’t Sony.
With such upgrades as the BRAVIA Internet Video Link as well as advanced technologies such as Sony’s Xross Media Bar, Motionflow 120Mhz, BRAVIA Sync and others, we’re providing consumers with more value, more performance for their dollars.
And the proposition is about to get much stronger.
We started selling the BRAVIA Internet Video Link in the U.S. a few months ago.
Working with compatible BRAVIA LCD HDTVs, it’s designed to change the television viewing paradigm, moving it from passive to active and broad-based to personal.
This device brings Internet video content into consumers’ home without the need of a PC and no subscriber fees.
We’ve recently added several new key content partners such as Sports Illustrated, Conde Nast’s Conde Net, blip.tv and several others.
You’ll be hearing about several other key content additions in a few minutes.
Now, I’m pleased to announce tonight that Sony will be expanding its lineup from a single module ( the BRAVIA Internet Video Link ) to three new modules in the near future.
Enabled by Sony’s Digital Media Extender technology, or DMeX, these new modules ensure that consumers will be able to choose the application that suits them best and provide future upgradeability.
The lineup includes the BRAVIA DVD Link, which connects to any compatible TV via the DMeX interface, providing seamless DVD combo solution.
Just think, now there’s no need to add another component; just this module, which mounts to the back of your TV and extends to the side of the set for easy loading.
For those of us with too many components and not enough inputs, The BRAVIA Input Link provides another solution.
This module also connects to the back of your compatible BRAVIA television, adding at least three additional HDMI inputs.
The connected components can then be controlled with your TV remote, eliminating wire clutter while enhancing flexibility and convenience.
The third new module is perhaps the most compelling.
It’s called the BRAVIA Wireless Link and serves as a wireless HDMI connector between up to four HD source components and your TV.
It’s a two part system:
An HD transmitter connects to your AV gear and sends information to a receiver which is connected to the back of your television.
The components can be up to 200 feet away from the TV and there’s no need to manage cables going to the TV.... the only cable you’ll have to concerned with is the TV power cord.
These three new modules, along with the current BRAVIA Internet Video Link, obviously help separate Sony and BRAVIA from the competition.
Those who have been following Sony for the past few years know that content is important, but the displays utilized are also absolutely critical.
In fact, our BRAVIA line of LCD HDTVs, along with new television technologies, will be our sole focus for the U.S. consumer television business in 2008.
As some of you know, we recently decided to exit the microdisplay business and concentrate all of our resources and efforts on those flat panels.
In today’s marketplace, given the emphasis on flat-panel, our goal is to continue to lead in these two important categories and let the others follow.
I’m extremely confident that we’ll have plenty of new models with the right mix of screen sizes and technologies to satisfy the vast majority of consumers.
And because they’re Sony televisions, consumers will pay attention when shopping for LCD HDTVs.
We’re already right on track.
According to the NPD Group, Sony was the market share leader in both dollars and units in November heading into the holidays even with the highest average selling prices in the industry.
That tells us one thing:
Give consumers the best performance, technology and design and they’ll dig a little deeper in their wallets.
Today, the BRAVIA lineup expands with the addition of 17 new models, ranging from a new 19-inch model with amazing response time and a 178 degree viewing angle.
Plus there's also a new series with thin bezels and slimmer depth in 40 and 46 inch screen sizes..... to the first ever smaller size Full HD 1080p XBR models in 32- and 37-inch screen sizes with DMeX connectivity.
Most of the new models have a new 3D graphic interface as well as another interface that provides viewers the ability to acces video from portable devices, such as Walkman and others.
Additionally, 10 of the new sets will be Full HD 1080p, which as you may recall, Sony created and popularized a couple years ago.
This includes several new 52-inch models, as Sony looks to reinforce its lead in sets 40-inches and above.
It’s a great lineup and I urge you to check all the BRAVIAs out in the HDNA/High Definition zone.
In fact, let’s go there right now for a demonstration of a future technology that will be just as revolutionary as BRAVIA was when it was first introduced.
For the first time in the U.S., I’m pleased to show you a 4K image being shown on a prototype 82-inch display.
That’s 8 million pixels at work, folks.
With this 4K technology from Sony, viewers can either watch one 4K image -- at more than four times the resolution of Full HD -- or up to four 1080p images simultaneously.
Please keep in mind this is a future technology Sony is exploring and there’s no timetable for introduction, but 4K is hardly a pipe-dream.
It’s similar to the technology employed by our professional SXRD projectors for digital cinema and other applications such as museums, universities and house of worship.
So with all of that news, I’d like to thank you for your time and attention.
And introduce Stan Glasgow.
Stan...
Stan Glasgow: Thank you Randy and hello everyone.
Being with you all at CES is always exciting.
I’m especially gratified this year -- not only from our new product announcements -- but also by the business strides we’ve made in the U.S. over the last 12 months.
I stood before you last year in this very booth and promised you we’d deliver our Bravia Internet Video Link.
We did that, and yes, as Randy mentioned, more interesting applications are on the way.
We also said we’d continue to lead in innovation and make significant inroads in digital photography, which we clearly did with the growth of our Cyber-shot business, which was much greater than expected.
Actually, I’m very pleased with the performance we’ve had in the digital imaging business area across the board.... including our first digital SLR products and our continued industry leadership in camcorders -- especially high-definition camcorders.
Beyond this, I believe that Rolly certainly warrants praise for its deployment of several different hardware, software and robotic technologies developed by Sony.
But perhaps most importantly, we have improved the way we communicate with our retailers and consumers.
Over the past year, we as a company have become better listeners.
For those of you in the media, being a good listener is almost a prerequisite for your jobs.
In the corporate world, it is a learned response.
But we were able to change and adjust.
We’ve become better at it; and in turn, consumers have reacted positively.
According to our initial reports, Sony's consumer electronics sales in the United States increased this holiday season by double digits over the prior year.
I don’t have to tell you that the environment we operate is extremely competitive, and at times, downright hostile.
But we’ve done a remarkable job this year in providing consumers with the products they want... with the technologies they seek.... at prices they can justify.
What were this year’s holiday winners?
Our industry leading BRAVIA brand of LCD TVs were sold out at many retailers, along with our Reader and new open standard Walkman.
Our Blu-ray players, despite extreme pricing pressure from the competition, sold through exceptionally well.
Digital Imaging products, which continue to play an increasingly important role in our revenues, also enjoyed stronger than expected sell-through, thanks to our DVD and HD camcorders, as well as our Cyber-shot cameras.
We also received amazing contributions from our VAIO notebooks, which continue to lead the industry in style and design.
It’s years like this that makes someone like me -- -- who has been in this business for a very long time -- step back and say:
“I knew we could do better.
"We simply had to listen to our customers, have the confidence to change... and act accordingly.”
But doing the right thing doesn’t only mean adjusting your business strategies.
Sometimes it means becoming a better corporate citizen.
We’re stepping up in this area as well.
As some of you know, I made it a personal commitment this year to make environmental responsibility in the U.S. a top priority and to help consumers to recycle and dispose of electronic devices in a sound (excuse the pun) manner.
Working with Waste Management, we established the Sony Take Back Recycling Program with the goal of recycling one pound of unwanted consumer electronics equipment for every pound of new products we sold.
The program started off with 75 drop-off locations across the country and is now up to 89.
And today, I’m pleased to announce that since starting the program in September 2007, more than 532 tons of electronics waste has been recycled.
That’s important for the environment.
And it’s important to Sony.
Like I mentioned, we couldn’t handle a project like this on our own.
Having a company like Waste Management on our side has been extremely beneficial.
But there are other alliances I'd like to announce today.
Working with other companies hasn’t always been Sony’s strong suit, but we’re getting much better at it.
Today, I’d like to recognize several of the country’s top companies and their executives and some of the projects we’re involved in with them:
Let’s start with a strong 1-2 punch:
In support of our new mylo personal communicator, Wayport will be providing free Wi-Fi access in approximately 10,000 hotspot locations nationwide, including more than 9,000 participating McDonalds restaurants.
Please welcome Dan Lowden, vice president of business development and marketing for Wayport, and Jim Sappington, the Vice President of Information Technology from McDonald’s Corporation.
Next, I’d like to announce that Sony has entered into an agreement with the Ford Motor Company to become the exclusive supplier of branded audio systems in Ford and Mercury vehicles in North America.
The agreement kicks into gear this year, with the launch of the 2009 Ford Flex, F150 truck and the Ford Fusion.
Eventually, Sony’s technology will be in ALL Ford and Mercury brands.
Joining us today from Ford is Group Vice President, Global Product Development Derrick Kuzak. ( CUE-ZACK )
Finally, although Randy Waynick touched upon it earlier, we continue to seek top-level partners to provide content for our BRAVIA Internet Video Link. Although we’ll be making some other partner announcements today, here at our press event I’d to spotlight our latest alliance with..... CBS Interactive.
CBS will be providing us with Internet video content including prime time episodes of shows like “C-S-I” and “How I Met Your Mother,” daytime programming such as “The Price is Right,” and also CBS Sports.com content.
Representing CBS today is Martin Franks, an Executive Vice President of CBS Corporation ( stands and acknowledges crowd)
Thanks to all of you for your support.
It’s greatly appreciated.
Those are all important alliances for us and they represent the types of things Sony will be doing in 2008 and beyond.
We’re not a company that’s comfortable standing still.
We have to continue moving forward in order to grow and ultimately prosper.
With this in mind, before we end tonight I’d like to bring Sir Howard Stringer on stage for one more significant announcement.
Sir Howard Stringer: Thank you, Stan.
It’s my pleasure to join all of you here today.
As you can probably guess, all of us at Sony are feeling "Blu" today... but that's a good thing.
And from the looks of things, it appears to be a very full house out there... It’s great to see so much interest in Sony and what we are planning for 2008.
As you’ve already heard, we have some products and technologies with strong upside potential coming out shortly.
It’s also satisfying to see Sony Pictures Television right here in the middle of our booth at CES.
There’s nothing like seeing “Sony United” in action, in a place where the lines between content and products are becoming less pronounced every day.
But the name of the game here at CES, and at Sony, remains the next “Champion” product.
Once in a great while, a product comes along that has the ability to not only set the standard for others to strive for, but symbolizes where Sony is as a company today as well as our direction for the future... I believe we have such a product with us.....
Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow me to introduce our latest innovation..... Sony’s new O-L-E-D TV....
Have you ever seen a more beautiful television?
Even the name OLED, sounds like a Viking warlord.
I think it’s safe to say that this television encapsulates Sony today.
It’s innovative, it’s technologically advanced and clearly represents a leap forward in terms of style and design.
This 11-inch television has a depth of just three credit cards -- 3 millimeters to be exact -- with no backlight and 1 million-to-1 contrast ratio.
As for picture quality, well, I’d say it’s absolutely stunning.
This introduction of an O-L-E-D television, reinforces our ability to lead the industry: Sony is the only company that is already selling these televisions.
Our O-L-E-D TV is a fantastic combination of real world technology and our vision for television in the future.
I’ll leave all the other features and other benefits to those entrenched in those matters, but rest assured I’m thrilled about this product and urge you to be on the lookout for even more innovation from us moving forward.
Stan, what do you think?
Stan: I only want to add two footnotes to your announcement.
First, our OLED TV is on sale NOW at Sony Style stores, including the one right down the street at Caesars Forum Shops.
And, as a glimpse of where we are headed with this technology, we are also displaying a prototype 27-inch O-L-E-D H-D-T-V on the show floor.
I encourage everyone to experience this for yourself.
As an engineer, I’m ecstatic about this technology, as it clearly embodies Sony’s direction and positive momentum.I’d like to thank you, Sir Howard for joining us today.
I’d now like to invite Rick back on stage for some final comments.
Rick Clancy -- thanks Stringer and Glasgow
So there you have it.
If this press conference hasn’t satisfied your need for new product and technology news, I’m not sure what will.
I urge you all to check out the three zones I mentioned before, as well as the Sony Pictures Television pavilion, and the new product and technology hotspots.
There are experts stationed around these areas now to answer any questions you may have.
Of course, all the news you heard today will be featured on our news and information website.... sony.com/news and rest assured, I’ll be blogging throughout the show.
And we'll have reports from some guest bloggers as well.
Please remember to check out the blog and weigh in with your comments or feedback.
Thanks again for coming today, and enjoy the rest of the show.
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EVENT ENDS.
