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Sony Expands Digital Studio Desktop PC Series With Three New Models Packed With Enhanced AV/IT Functionality

The innovative VAIO Digital Studio PC series, which offers a powerful desktop solution coupled with unique Sony software, provides a creative platform for A/V and home video enthusiasts, demonstrating once again that PCs can transcend traditional business applications.

``Our research confirms that consumers want more from their PC than just the latest processor speeds and specifications,'' said Ken Omae, vice president of PC marketing for the Information Technologies Marketing Division (ITMD) of Sony Electronics. ``They want their PC to enhance the way that they live, work and play. With the VAIO Digital Studio series PCs, we are able to provide skilled and amateur enthusiasts alike with a creative, easy-to-use solution for all of their video, imaging and communications needs.''

According to Omae, with increased processor power and features such as the i.LINK® digital interface (IEEE-1394), these new desktop PCs underscore Sony's vision of high-performance AV/IT integration. The PCV-R522DS, which features a 466MHz Celeron processor and a 32X (max.) CD-ROM drive, is geared toward the entry-level PC user. The PCV-R526DS, which includes a 450MHz Intel Pentium III processor and a 6X (max.) DVD-ROM drive, has been designed to appeal to consumers who are familiar with using a PC and are looking for added features and benefits. At the high-end, the PCV-R528DS offers a 500 MHz Intel Pentium III processor with a dual drive CD-RW and 6X (max.) DVD-ROM configuration for the skilled enthusiast.

Sony's Digital Studio line-up has been redesigned both cosmetically and functionally to accommodate new, sleek features and increased user options. In addition to an elegant light gray color scheme with brushed metal accents, all of the systems offer more internal slots for enhanced expandability. Both the PCV-R522DS and the PCV-R526DS include an easily accessible open front bay. In addition, the PCV-R528DS is Sony's first dual drive system with both a CD-RW and DVD-ROM drive to provide the ultimate in storage options. Separate computer speakers now ship with each system to provide improved sound quality and to expand the user's display choices.

Sony will also be offering a variety of bundled solutions for those users who would like to purchase a whole new system or specific components. Through a promotion with Canon, consumers will be able to get valuable rebates when they purchase a top quality, 720 x 360 dpi Canon BubbleJet BJC-2000 printer with their Digital Studio PC. Some of the options include:

--   For the entry-level user: Purchase the PCV-R522DS Digital Studio
     PC with both a 15-inch (14-inch viewable image size) Trinitron
     display (CPD-100ES/L) and Canon printer (BJC-2000), and save
     $200. ($150 Sony rebate and $50 Canon rebate) The final package
     price will be $1,348.98(a).

--   For the mid-level user: Purchase the PCV-R526DS Digital Studio PC
     with both a 17-inch (16-inch viewable image size) Trinitron
     display (CPD-200ES/L) and Canon printer (BJC-2000) and save $200.
     ($150 Sony rebate and $50 Canon rebate). The final package price
     will be $1,998.98(a).

--   For the high-end user: Purchase the PCV-R528DS and receive a $100
     rebate from Sony. The final price will be $2,199.99(a) For an
     additional $449.99(a), Sony will offer the new Sony 17-inch
     (16-inch viewable image size) FD Trinitron(tm) Multiscan
     HMD-V200. This VAIO-colored display features the world's flattest
     Trinitron CRT and a new angle design that allows up to 25-degrees
     of tilt.

(a)  Prices listed are estimated U.S. selling prices and include $100
     manufacturer's rebate. Actual prices may vary.

Key Applications:

Digital Video Editing:

Consumers can import and edit clips from Sony Digital Handycam® camcorders via the i.LINK (IEEE-1394) digital interface, add titles, transitions and soundtracks and then output them to create high quality home movies.

Video Email:

Sony's unique Smart Capture software enables users to easily capture up to 60 seconds of compressed/uncompressed motion video in .AVI format and quickly create a video email. One click of a button attaches the video file to an email application for easy distribution to friends and family.

Simple PC Networking:

Sony's Smart Connect software, included in all three models as well as several notebook computers, enhances the use of the systems' i.LINK (IEEE-1394) ports. This software permits Sony VAIO PCs to seamlessly connect allowing for simple PC networking. For instance, by connecting a desktop and notebook PC through the i.LINK interface a user can share files, printers and even back up files from one system to the other. This is possible without complicated cables and device protocols via the i.LINK connection.

System Features:

--   i.LINK (IEEE-1394) -- Connect Sony Digital Handycam Camcorders,
     cameras and other compatible devices to create professional
     quality videos
--   Sony Original Software
	    --   DVgate(tm) Still / Motion
	    --   Digital Media Park(tm)
	    --   PictureGear(tm)
	    --   Smart Capture
--   Digital Video Editing
	    --   Use the i.LINK (IEEE-1394) interface to transfer full-motion
          digital video to and from your Sony Digital Handycam
          Camcorder
	    --   Edit digital video using Sony's exclusive DVgate(tm) Motion
          software or Adobe® Premiere® LE (both included)
	    --   Easily create entertaining videos your family and friends
          can enjoy
--   Digital Still Editing
	    --   Capture still images with Sony Digital Handycam Camcorders
          using DVgate Still
	    --   Use the i.LINK (IEEE-1394) interface to transfer digital
          still images
	    --   Manage and manipulate still images using PictureGear
--   Video Email
	    --   Use the i.LINK (IEEE-1394) interface to transfer up to 60
          seconds of full-motion digital video from your Sony Digital
          Handycam camcorder
	    --   Capture compressed video with Smart Capture software
	    --   Send a video email to family and friends
--   Smart Connect
	    --   Use the i.LINK (IEEE-1394) interface to connect your i.LINK
          products together (i.e. connect desktop to notebook)
	    --   Share drives between systems (i.e. back up your notebook
          files to a CD-R disc on your VAIO Digital Studio desktop PC)
	    --   Share printers and files between systems
	    --   Play network games by hooking up two or more VAIO PCs for
          multi-player games


PCV-R522DS               PCV-R526DS               PCV-R528DS
VAIO Digital Studio PC   VAIO Digital Studio PC   VAIO Digital Studio PC
----------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------

466MHz Celeron           450MHz Pentium III       500MHz Pentium III

10GB HD / 64MB SDRAM     10GB HD / 128MB SDRAM    13GB HD / 128MB SDRAM

3D 2X AGP Graphics       3D 2X AGP Graphics       3D 2X AGP Graphics
 (ATI Rage 128VR)        (ATI Rage 128VR)         (ATI Rage 128GL)

8MB Video Memory         8MB Video Memory         8MB Video Memory
 (SDRAM)                  (SDRAM)                   (SDRAM)

32X (Max.) CD-ROM        6X (Max.) DVD-ROM        CD-RW Drive

2 i.LINK (IEEE-1394)     2 i.LINK (IEEE-1394)     6X (Max.) DVD-ROM
 ports                    ports

2 USB ports              2 USB ports              2 i.LINK (IEEE-1394)
                                                    ports

Full Expandability       Full Expandability        2 USB ports
 (4 bays, 4 slots)        (4 bays, 4 slots)

3D Positional Audio      3D Positional Audio      Full Expandability
 (Aureal A3D)             (Aureal A3D)              (4 bays, 4 slots)

Programmable VAIO        Programmable VAIO        3D Positional Audio
 Smart Keyboard           Smart Keyboard           (Aureal A3D)

v.90 Internal Modem      v.90 Internal Modem      Programmable VAIO
                                                    Smart Keyboard

                                                  v.90 Internal Modem

Availability - June      Availability - June      Availability - June

ESP - $1,099(a)          ESP - $1,599(a)          ESP - $2,199(a)


Sony Recommended Bundled Rebate Offers

Purchase  Digital     Digital       Digital         Digital
          Studio PC   Studio PC &   Studio PC &     Studio PC,
                      Sony display  Canon BJC-2000  Sony display
                                    printer         & Canon
                                                    BJC-2000 printer
--------  ---------   ------------  --------------  ----------------
          $100 Sony   $125 Sony     $125 Sony       $150 Sony
          Rebate      Rebate        Rebate          Rebate
                                    $50 Canon       $50 Canon
                                    Rebate          Rebate
Total
Rebate    $100(a)     $125(a)       $175(a)         $200(a)


(a)  Prices listed are estimated U.S. selling prices and include $100
     manufacturer's rebate. Actual prices may vary.

Sony Information Technologies Marketing Division Background: Based in San Jose, Sony Information Technologies Marketing Division (ITMD) of Sony Electronics, markets branded computer products, including VAIO® desktop and notebook computers, Trinitron® and FD Trinitron® displays, and other multimedia products through distributors, resellers, consumer retailers. For additional information about Sony PC products, call (888) 315-SONY, or visit Sony's World Wide Web site at: www.sony.com/pc.

Contact:

     Sony Electronics Inc.
     Gina Aumiller, 408/955-4027
     gina.aumiller@am.sony.com
       or
     Mindstorm Communications
     Angel Badagliacco, 650/624-7999, ext. 208
     abadagliacco@mindstormcomm.com