Press Release

Toronto, ON – Adding a new category to its TV business, Sony of Canada Ltd. announced today it will launch the XEL-1, an 11-inch Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) television. OLED is a light-emitting display technology based on electroluminescent organic materials. It is extremely energy-efficient and will provide customers with unparalleled screen thinness and superb image quality.

"OLED display panels use extremely low power levels due to the light-emitting structure that eliminates the need for a separate light source. As a result, OLED panels can be up to 40 percent more efficient per panel-inch compared to conventional flat panel technologies", says Patrick Lapointe, marketing manager for television products at Sony Canada.

Aiming to expand its overall TV business, Sony will add the new XEL-1 model to the lineup of televisions that is currently centered on the "BRAVIA" line of LCDs. The new OLED TV model features an "Organic Panel", which was independently developed by Sony and has exceptional features.

Low-Power Consumption, Astounding Design and Crystal Clear Picture
Measuring only three millimeters at its thinnest point, the XEL-1 has a unique structure that achieves brilliant deep blacks and extremely high contrast images at ratios of higher than one-million-to-one. Also incorporated is Sony's distinctive "Super Top Emission" technology that allows for a high transmission of light coming from the organic materials that produces extremely bright pictures. In addition to the "Super Top Emission" Technology, the XEL-1 incorporates organic materials that offer bright colourations and embedded colour filters, resulting in excellent image reproduction and a pristine picture.

In order to smoothly reproduce fast-moving action and sports scenes, the XEL-1 has an extremely short response time. The self illuminating structure allows the OLED to consume less power than other display devices. (as low as 35 watts) The new model is very sleek with a light-weight/ thin panel and an aluminum side arm that makes the unit appear as though it is floating in the air. The black and silver colouring along the back of the panel and the thin, stylish remote add to the beautiful aesthetics of the ultra-modern XEL-1.

Evolution of the OLED TV
Sony first began researching organic materials in 1994 and began to launch mass production of small-sized, full-colour OLED panels in 2004 in commercial mobile products. OLED was subsequently positioned as a key, next generation display device, and further accelerated Sony's research and development of OLED technology.

Following more than ten years of OLED development, Sony has accumulated numerous related core technologies such as the proprietary "Super Top Emission" panel and manufacturing technologies gained from the experience of mass producing small-sized OLED panels.

In September 2007, Sony commenced with the production of its independently-developed "Organic Panel" used in the XEL-1. The launch of the new, 11-inch OLED television represents the first stage in Sony's OLED TV business. The company will continue to advance and extend beyond its OLED TV development and production to lead the expansion of surrounding industries and the OLED market as a whole.

The XEL-1 will be available February 29 online at www.sonystyle.ca and at select Sony Stores across Canada for an MSRP of $2,499.99.

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 High Definition.  Sony provides end-to-end solutions through products that include the market-leading Blu-ray player, BRAVIA televisions, Cyber-shot digital cameras, Handycam Camcorders, VAIO computers, broadcast cameras, IPELA security cameras and video conferencing and many more products that deliver the true entertainment experience.

Sony is one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world with a portfolio that includes electronics, music, movies, games and online businesses. 

With headquarters in Toronto, sales offices in Vancouver and Montreal and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Whitby, Ontario, approximately 1,200 employees support a network of more than 500 authorized dealers and 79 Sony stores across Canada.

Sony Canada is proud to support the communities in which it operates through corporate sponsorships of organizations that include the Make-a-Wish Foundation Canada, the United Way and Earth Day Canada. 

For more information contact:
Sony of Canada     
Tony Smith       
Vice President, Marketing Communications  
(416) 495-3707     
tony_smith@sony.ca