Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada's leading supplier of electronic and computer products for consumers and business, today unveiled its latest DVD-based camcorders, products featuring enhanced technology, highly-stylish design and even greater value.

Starting at a manufacturers' suggested retail price (MSRP) of $849.99, five new Sony DVD Handycam camcorder models deliver such exciting features as Dolby(R) Digital 5.1 channel surround recording, DVD+RW/-RW/-R compatibility, and touch-panel displays. Personal DVD recordings can be played back using most current home DVD players and personal computer drives, as well as later releases of PlayStation(R)2 videogame consoles.

"The marriage of advanced technology and elegant design in our latest DVD Handycam camcorder models will make recording video as much of an everyday occurrence as listening to music or watching TV," said Samuel Yip, Product Manager, Camcorders, Consumer Audio Visual/Information Technology Group, Sony of Canada Ltd.

Addressing the expanding appetite for a home theatre experience, several of the new DVD Handycam camcorders provide surround sound recording. The DCR-DVD403 Handycam model has a built-in mic to record in 5.1 channel surround sound, while the DCR-DVD103 and DCR-DVD203 Handycam models offer the ability to record in rich, surround sound with an optional accessory microphone.

The pinnacle of the DVD lineup, the DCR-DVD403 Handycam camcorder unit is the first consumer camcorder to include Dolby(R) Digital 5.1 Creator. This unique technology incorporates built-in, multichannel microphones, so you can record your home movies in dramatic 5.1 channel digital surround sound for an immersive audio experience.

This feature-rich model also has a 3.3-(gross) megapixel Advanced HAD(TM) CCD (charge coupled device) for higher picture quality video and outstanding 3-megapixel still images. For viewing on wide-screen televisions, the model has a 2.7-inch wide hybrid SwivelScreen(TM) touch-panel LCD (liquid crystal display) screen. That allows users to switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios.

Easy menu control and the ability to see the screen whether shooting in bright daylight or a dark room, ensures that users always get the best shot. A Carl Zeiss(R) Vario-Sonnar(R) T(*) Lens and built-in flash complete this fully-equipped package.

The DCR-DVD403 DVD Handycam camcorder will be available this Spring at an MSRP of $1,299.99.

The DCR-DVD203 Handycam camcorder has a 1.07-megapixel Advanced HAD(TM) CCD for shooting clear, crisp video and one megapixel still images. It also features a 2.7-inch wide hybrid SwivelScreen(TM) Touch Panel LCD Screen and will be available this Spring at an MSRP of $999.99.

The DCR-DVD103 Handycam model offers an Advanced HAD(TM) CCD and 2.5-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen(TM) Touch Panel LCD Screen. It will also be available this Spring at an MSRP of $949.99.

Another highlight of the line, the DCR-DVD7 Handycam model has a distinctive new design sure to be the subject of envy on soccer sidelines and at school plays everywhere. This compact model has a one-of-a-kind round shape, which is extremely comfortable in the hand.

"The design alone of this model is enough to motivate hours of movie-making," said Mr. Yip.

The DCR-DVD7 Handycam camcorder is gripped much like a digital camera, where full advantage can be taken of its 2.5-inch Hybrid Touch Panel LCD Screen. It has an Advanced HAD(TM) CCD and convenient features like Super SteadyShot(R) Image Stabilization and the NightShot(R) Infrared System. It will be available this Spring at an MSRP of $949.9.

Rounding out the Lineup

- DCR-DVD92: Entry-level model provides the benefits of DVD recording
at an MSRP of $849.99. Advanced HAD(TM) CCD and 2.5-inch Hybrid
SwivelScreen(TM) Touch Panel LCD Screen. Available this Spring.

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 970 employees support 73 Sony stores and a network of more than 3,000 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; Kim Roman, Counsellor, Technology
Practice, Silverhammer Public Relations, (416) 324-2024, kim_roman@silver-hammer.com