Press Release

TORONTO, Ontario -- Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada's leading electronic and computer products solutions provider for consumers and business, today announced that it is once again adding to its HDCAM family of products with the introduction of two new Video Tape Recorders (VTRs), the HDW-1800 and HDW-D1800.

With a feature-set optimized to offer a lower-cost entry point, the two new models have been designed to offer the benefits of HDCAM production to an even wider audience.

The HDW-1800 and HDW-D1800 feature the same HDCAM picture and sound quality for which the format has become globally renowned and they share many of the operational features of the existing HDCAM VTR line up. Both models operate at the frame rates necessary for international production, recording and replaying HDCAM at 1080/50i, 59.94i, 23.98PsF, 24PsF, 25PsF and 29.97PsF. The HDW-D1800 also adds MPEG IMX and Digital Betacam replay, to provide a smooth migration from standard definition to the world
of High-Definition.

In contrast to other studio VTRs within the HDCAM family and to increase the models' affordability, the HDW-1800 and HDW-D1800 feature a simplified control panel, without editing controls. The panel includes a compact LCD display for on-the-spot picture monitoring and cueing and access to set-up menus, with frame accurate assemble, insert and pre-read editing being facilitated via 9-pin RS-422 control.

The video, audio and control interfaces have also been carefully selected to offer a great balance of features and cost.  Both models include HD-SDI input and output, SDI output and analogue composite output. An optional HKDW-105 i.LINK (HDV) input board can be installed for direct input of material from HDV camcorders and decks. An optional HKDW-104 3:2 pulldown board which also provides 720p conversion can also be installed to provide a 720 60P or 50P output when replaying either 1080 50i/60i/24P HDCAM cassettes, or when upconverting from MPEG IMX and Digital Betacam cassettes.

"The last 12 months have seen Sony strengthen the HDCAM line-up significantly, with the new HDW-F900R HDCAM camcorder and version 2 software for the HDW-750 being two good examples," said Calvin Judges, Marketing Manager, Broadcast, Content Creation Marketing, Broadcast Communication Solutions Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. "HDCAM sales around the world have now reached 27,000 units and with the introduction of the HDW-1800 and HDW-D1800, we're bringing the HDCAM experience to an audience who may have considered HDCAM to have been out of budget until now. This is a further demonstration of our commitment to the HDCAM format and its users around the world and is another step forward in our vision of High Definition for all."

The two new models join the HDW-2000, HDW-D2000 and HDW-M2000 HDCAM VTRs and the HDW-M2100 Player.

First deliveries are scheduled for 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