Press Release

July 28, 2008

Reader Digital Book by Sony opens a new chapter on eBook formats

New Format Support Paves the Way for Vast Amounts of New Content

TORONTO - Sony announced that its Reader Digital Book will be the first eBook reading device to support the EPUB format, the International Digital Publishing Forum's XML-based standard format for reflowable digital books and publications.

Starting next month, new Readers model PRS-505, will be able to access and accept secure and non-secure ebooks in the EPUB format. EPUB has gained acceptance among major trade book publishers, many of whom have committed to begin publishing forthcoming ebooks in the format. Additionally, the device will support Adobe eBooks with digital rights management and have the capability to reflow standard text-based Portable Document Format (PDF) eBooks for improved flexibility and readability. These enhancements are now made possible with the support of Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 software, which is available as a free download at www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions.

"The Reader is an open device and we will continue to explore formats that will provide the widest variety of content for Reader users," said Junior Ali, senior director of marketing for portable audio products at Sony of Canada Ltd. "This upgrade opens the door to a whole host of paid and free content from third-party eBook stores, web sites and even public libraries."

Reader users can transfer these documents to their devices using Adobe Digital Editions software, or via the updated Sony eBook Library software that comes packaged with new Readers. Current owners of the PRS-505 model can upgrade their units now from the Sony support site: http://esupport.sony.com.

"We are excited about the support of the EPUB format, PDF reflow and Adobe Digital Editions in one of the most popular and advanced eBook reading devices," said Dan Baum, vice president, New Business Initiatives at Adobe. "Adobe Digital Editions is transforming the digital reading experience through its support of open standards and broad content availability from retailers and libraries." PRS-505 model Readers will continue to support BBeB formatted eBooks offered at the Sony eBook Store. Therefore, users can retain and grow their current collections of eBooks without having to reformat or repurchase them. All files are conveniently managed by the eBook Library software. In celebration, Sony will introduce a red PRS-505 model. It will ship with EPUB and enhanced PDF support right out of the box. The red Reader will be available next month at Sony Style stores across Canada and online at sonystyle.ca.

About the Reader
The Reader Digital Book by Sony is a portable reading device for eBooks. Its high-resolution electronic paper display delivers a realistic print look that rivals traditional paper and uses minimal power. A single battery charge provides up to 7,500 pages of continuous reading. The Reader retails for about $300 and comes complete with a USB cable; eBook Library software; and a color-coordinated, protective soft cover. Users can download the upgrade for current PRS-505 models, starting on today from the Sony support site: http://esupport.sony.com and Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 software from: www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions. More information about the Reader Digital Book is available online at www.sony.ca/reader.

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 Disc™ players, 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 80 Sony Style retail 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® Canada, the United Way of Canada and Earth Day Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Sony of Canada
Candice Hayman
Public Relations Specialist
(416) 718-5048
candice_hayman@sony.ca

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