3DsoundSurge Press Release: Sony Adds First-Ever Skip-Prevention Technology to New Line of Portable CD Players

Sony Adds First-Ever Skip-Prevention Technology to New Line of Portable CD Players

- Takes Battery Life to New Levels -

PARK RIDGE, N.J., March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Joggers and other active people can now take their favorite CDs on their workout and enjoy skip-free music with Sony's new line of CD Walkman® portable CD players with skip-free G-Protection(TM) technology that reduces or eliminates skipping during many active uses. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000301/NYW004 )

``G-Protection combines three core technologies that move the CD laser pick-up in sync with the CD being played to actually prevent many skips before they occur, and the memory buffer is kept filled so that music is played continuously,'' said Ron Boire, senior vice president for Sony Electronics' personal audio division. ``The result is a virtually new skip-free experience for joggers, dancers, aerobicizers and anyone else who listens to music in active situations.''

G-Protection Units Bear New Name of CD Walkman

``Smaller size means cooler, sleeker styles that enhance portability,'' Boire said. ``For the first time, we're providing either a carrying case with a hand-strap or a built-in hand strap to make it easier to take your CD Walkman player with you.

``We've also changed the name of these premium models from Discman to CD Walkman, to signify a new era in portable CD player technology,'' he added.

Continuous Quality Sound with Compact Design and Long Listening Time

The key component of the G-Protection mechanism is 60 percent smaller than conventional mechanisms, allowing for a new super-slim design, with one CD Walkman player -- the D-EJ915 -- measuring just over 1/2-inch thick.

The improved laser diode in the laser pick-up of all CD Walkman models consumes less power and that extends CD Walkman player battery life to new record levels. The high-end D-EJ815 CD Walkman model has a battery life of up to 76 hours, while the entry-level D-EJ611 CD Walkman model has a battery life of up to 32 hours (twice as long as predecessor models).

Sony will offer 11 different CD Walkman models ranging in price from about $80 to about $200, including three car kit models, two Sports models and several with remote controls. Sony's CD Walkman portable CD players line-up for 2000 is as follows:

Estimated

Model # Description Price Shipping

    D-EJ611           Basic full-feature             $79.95           now

    D-FJ61            Full-feature w/AM/FM tuner     $99.95          June

    D-EJ615           D-EJ611 w/headphone            $99.95           now
                      remote, rechargeable battery

    D-EJ616CK         D-EJ611 w/car adapter kit      $99.95           now

    D-EJ711           Super slim w/MD link           $99.95           now
                      and CD text transfer

    D-EJ715           D-EJ711 w/Street Style        $129.95           now
                      headphone remote

    D-MJ95            Car kit model w/red back      $129.95          June
                      light and heat-resistant lid
                      and rotary Remote Commander

    D-EJ815           Full-feature w/extra long     $149.95           now
                      battery life

    D-EJ915           Full-feature w/super slim     $199.95           now
                      design, long battery life

    D-SJ15            Sports model with long        $129.95        August
                      battery life

    D-SJ01            Sports model with grip        $199.95           now
                      controller and long
                      battery life
    (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990804/SNYLOGO )

SOURCE: Sony Electronics Inc.