Press Release

TORONTO, Ontario -- Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada's leading electronic and computer products solutions provider for consumers and business, today announced the introduction of the DFS-800, a Standard Definition (SD) switcher and DME Effect unit as a replacement for the DFS-700.

With its creative ability and high-quality special effects, the DFS-800 will serve as a powerful, yet cost-effective tool at live events, for small-scale production studios and editing suites. Aimed primarily at sales through the dealer network, the switcher is a significant enhancement to Sony's range.

"We're delighted to be supporting our extensive network of dealers with an extremely capable replacement for the successful DFS-700 system," said Ellen Heine, Product Manager, Switching & Production Equipment, Content Creation Marketing, Broadcast Communication Solutions Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. "It offers yet another valuable way in which our partners can increase their sales of Sony equipment and further extends our offering in this important business segment."

The DFS-800 switcher has been designed for small- and medium-sized video productions requiring a large number of high-quality picture effects. With its choice of SDI (serial digital interface) or I/Os (inputs/outputs) it will integrate perfectly with any small production studio or OB (outside broadcast) van.

The single mix/effects (ME) bus provides a range of creative tools to fit these production needs. More than 100 preset wipe patterns are available and these incorporate a number of adjustable parameters, including position, size, rotation, and borders. 

With the inclusion of a six channel 3D DME system the DFS-800 can perform even more complex picture transitions such as page turns, ripples, and swirls, which can be further enhanced by adding lighting effects. The DME channels are also assignable to any keyer for picture in picture and flying key effects.

For even more creative freedom an optional pre-combiner is available allowing for a composite image to be built up from any combination of inputs.

"With the addition of the DFS-800, Sony is able to offer a complete line-up of switchers," added Ms. Heine. "It's a powerful addition to our range and brings even greater creative freedom in live and post-production."

Other Key Features

•Up to 16 SDI I/Os;
•Optional analogue I/O;
•Six keyers with Chromakey functionality;
•Frame Memory / Still Store Function;
•Compact and Intuitive Control Panel;
•Eight GPI inputs and 24 parallel tally outputs;
•Serial port for control from editors;
•Proc amp and frame synchroniser function on each input;
•USB port on the control panel for connecting USB flash memory drive and mouse;
•Snapshot and sequence memory; and
•Compact 2-RU processor size.

The DFS-800 will begin shipping from December 2006.

About The Broadcast Communication Solutions Group

The Broadcast Communication Solutions (BCS) Group is a division of Sony of Canada Ltd., headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. BCS Group markets and supports Sony's full range of broadcast, professional video and audio equipment, including high definition video, interactive and security applications for the broadcast, production, business, industry, government, medical and education sectors through a network of authorized systems integrators.

About Sony of Canada Ltd.

Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in the manufacture and marketing of electronic and computer products for consumer, business, electronics publishing and multimedia applications on a global scale. With headquarters in Toronto, sales offices in Vancouver and Montreal and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Whitby, Ontario, approximately 1,000 employees support about 78 Sony stores and a network of more than 500 authorized dealers across Canada.

For further information, please visit us at www.sony.ca, www.thesonystore.ca, www.sonybiz.ca or www.sonystyle.ca, Sony's product information and e-commerce Web site, or contact:

John B. Challinor II   APR   
General Manager, Advertising  
& Corporate Communications   
Sony of Canada Ltd.    
(416) 495-3740    
john_challinor@sony.ca

Michelle Cowan Lefler
Account Executive,   
Technology Practice
Silverhammer Public Relations
(416) 324-2024
michelle_cowan_lefler@ca.cohnwolfe.com