DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 Wins Prestigious EISA Award

The DSLR-A100 was one of five Sony products to win an EISA Award this year

Berlin, 15th August 2006 - The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) has selected Sony Europe as the recipient of its EISA Award in five product categories. The awards span a broad diversity of digital age design concepts from consumer product design to internet-based streaming concepts.

Media consumption patterns are evolving rapidly, so that passive linear TV viewing on a standard definition small screen TV will rapidly become antiquated. The ability for savvy consumers to develop sophisticated networks for capturing, storing and re-presenting digital media is reflected in the make-up of Sony's award winning products. Sony's EISA Awards for 2006-2007 include European Streaming Concept (Sony LocationFree TV, LF-PK1), European High-End Video Projector (VPL-VW100), European LCD TV (KDL-32V2000), European HDV Camcorder (HDR-HC3E HDV Camcorder) and European Consumer Camera (DSLR-A100 Digital-SLR Camera).

"We live in tremendously exciting times, when technology can liberate our lifestyles in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago," commented Fujio Nishida, President, Sony Europe. "From the early days of Walkman and PlayStation, we have nurtured a pioneering spirit within Sony which is strongly reflected in our new product design. It is enormously pleasing to win such a large number of EISA Awards, over such a broad diversity of product groups."

In the tradition of EISA, the awards were presented after extensive consideration and discussion within the expert judging panels. "At Sony we are aware of the huge effort that is put into these awards by the judging panel made up from so many leading journalists and experts in this field," continued Fujio Nishida. "We are tremendously proud to accept these accolades and commit to extending our product and knowledge base for the benefit of consumers throughout Europe."

The 2006 EISA Awards will be presented at a special Gala Event on 1 September 2006.

Background to the EISA Award Winning Sony Products

1 - VPL-VW100 European High-End Video Projector: 1080 Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) achieved using three Sony SXRD™ panels which feature over six million tightly packed pixels ensuring crispness and clarity of image offering a contrast ratio up to 15,000:1 and a 2.5 millisecond response time. The EISA Judging Panel commented: "Directly derived from the gorgeous QUALIA 004, and even improving on that high-end statement in some aspects, the VPL-VW100 pushes the limits for a true, uncompromised high-definition image, at an incredibly reasonable price. Based on a trio of latest-generation SXRD panels (each with Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution), the VPL-VW100 combines top-specification all-glass optics with an exclusive variable-iris and a Xenon lamp, the preferred option for professional applications. Combined with Sony's advanced proprietary video processing circuits and a sophisticated set-up software system, the VPL-VW100 establishes a new reference in domestic video projection, to create the best home cinema experience available on earth."

2 - KDL-32V2000 European LCD TV: 32-inch flagship member of the Sony BRAVIA range of LCD TV. Fully HD Ready with integrated Digital TV Tuner and high-performance LCD panel and Live Colour Creation. The TV includes HDMI output for seamless connection to the rapidly increasing range of HD capable equipment. The EISA Judging Panel commented: "Sony's Bravia concept paved the way for the company's succesful comeback in the LCD market worldwide. And the beautifully designed KDL-32V2000, based on this concept, proves that it's more than simple marketing, but advanced technology and quality build as well. The Bravia Engine effectively gets rid of unwanted noise, and is able to highlight details in darker parts of the picture. By enlarging the number of colour graduations and multiplying the number of pixels by four times, digital artefacts are also greatly reduced. The visual result is a stunning picture performance at a clearly affordable price level."

3 - HDR-HC3E European HDV Camcorder: First in a new generation of Sony HDV Handycam. Significantly higher image quality and richness achieved using Sony's ClearVid CMOS sensor and Enhanced Image Processor. The EISA Judging Panel commented: "The making of your own HD movie has never been so affordable to video enthusiasts as it is now with the Sony HDR-HC3E, the lightest and smallest High Definition video camcorder on the market today. A new ClearVid CMOS sensor and Enhanced Image Processor secures professional levels of sharpness with realistic colour quality. An Easy Handycam button will satisfy beginners, while a HDMI interface allows this 1080i-capable camcorder to easily share its creative content without deteriorating picture and sound."

4 - DSLR-A100 European Consumer Camera: Sony's first ever D-SLR camera featuring 10 megapixel APS-C size CCD sensor, integral Super SteadyShot and an innovative anti-dust system. More than 20 interchangeable lenses including premium Carl Zeiss lenses. Up to 750 shots from Sony Stamina Lithium-ion battery.

The EISA Judging Panel commented: "With its 10 million-pixel CCD, the Sony α100 has taken a large leap into the market of digital SLRs. It has very useful functions like Super SteadyShot, (which reduces camera shake) and their Anti-Dust System, which operates every time the camera is turned off. Thanks to its Bionz image engine, it is now possible to reduce noise and improve colour and detail reproduction, and a Dynamic Range Optimizer function is provided for better backlight shots in difficult lighting conditions. The α100 is the first of a projected Sony DSLR system that includes a wide range of accessories and more than 21 different lenses."

5 - LocationFree TV European Streaming Concept: Revolutionary Sony concept that enables users to watch live TV, playback recorded programmes and set up future recordings from a PC, Laptop or PlayStation Portable (PSP). Built-in wireless technology allows you to roam through your home (and garden) whilst the Internet enables the remaining remote features. The EISA Judging Panal commented: "Enjoy your home's AV system virtually anywhere in the world, over a broadband Internet connection. At home, simply connect your AV system and an Internet line to the Location Free unit, and the system will integrate into your home's wired or wireless network, ready to stream audio and video content around your house. On the go, the Location Free can do the same via broadband Internet. You can enjoy your media by using a PC, a Lap-Top, a Wi-Fi enabled phone or a PSP anywhere in the world. One streaming concept is to use a Sony PSP in order to enjoy your local TV channels via a wireless hot-spot? globally. In addition you can change channels, pause, or start recording on your components at home using the on-screen universal remote. The quality of sound and picture depends of Internet line speed, but Location Free will automatically use the maximum bit-rate available in each situation."

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