Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada's leading supplier of electronic and computer products for consumers and business, today unveiled its 2006 Handycam camcorder models, products featuring unrivalled audio performance and providing consumers with an unprecedented choice of formats, including DVD, tape and hard disk drive-based versions. Leading the pack are two high-end DVD models and Sony's first hard disk drive camcorder. All of these models feature built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound and a unique centre-channel microphone capability. "Nothing preserves memories better than moving images with sound," said Samuel Yip, Product Manager, Handycam Camcorder, Consumer Audio Visual/Information Technology Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. "We are offering new enhancements to both audio and video performance in our 2006 product line." "Now when you record your child's lead performance in cinematic surround sound, you can be sure that his or her voice will stand out clearly in the troupe," added Mr. Yip. New DVD Handycam camcorder models The new Sony DVD Handycam DCR-DVD505 and DCR-DVD405 models support an optional wireless microphone that can be clipped to a subject while shooting. The microphone then amplifies the centre channel sound in the camcorder's Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound system. Thanks to Bluetooth technology, voices and sounds can be recorded wirelessly at distances up to 100 feet. In addition to audio enhancements, Sony is bringing new ClearVID(R) CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor technology to the Handycam DCR-DVD505 model. Combined with Sony's Enhanced Imaging Processor(R), ClearVID CMOS technology offers a host of user benefits. The DVD Handycam DCR-DVD505 delivers a wide dynamic range for outstanding picture quality with better lighting details. Also, the camcorder not only records stunning video but also 4-megapixel still images. Its Dual Record function allows users to shoot video and capture a 3-megapixel still image simultaneously. Other benefits from the CMOS technology include the smooth slow record function that allows users to view scenes in slow motion. Three seconds of video are played back in 12 seconds -- ideal for analyzing a golf swing or tennis back-hand. The DVD Handycam DCR-DVD505 model stands out from other camcorders thanks to its ClearVID CMOS sensor, compact body design, and wide 3.5" touch panel SwivelScreen(TM) LCD (liquid crystal display) with Clear Photo Plus(R) technology for brighter images with high-contrast that are easy to view in virtually any environment. In total, Sony is introducing five new DVD Handycam camcorders. Across the DVD line, Carl Zeiss optics are featured for exceptional video quality, improved menu functions and access controls for greater ease of use, and enhanced digital still functionality. Most models record digital still images in ratios of 4:3 and 16:9, perfect for slide shows on widescreen TVs. A Memory Stick Duo(TM) slot has been incorporated into select models so that images can be transferred easily from DVD disks to memory cards and vice versa. And with higher still image capability on these new models, PictBridge technology has been integrated for seamless personal computer-free printing. New Hard Disk Drive Handycam camcorder model The latest addition to Sony's marketshare-leading Handycam camcorder line is the hard disk drive-based DCR-SR100 model. It offers long record times and seamless personal computer connectivity. Unlike other camcorders in its class, the Handycam DCR-SR100 model features built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and supports Sony's new optional centre-channel Bluetooth microphone for a cinematic sound experience. The model also sports a 3-megapixel Advanced HAD(TM) CCD (charge coupled device) imager and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T(*) lens for excellent image clarity and colour resolution. It records on a 30 GB (gigabyte) hard disk drive, which eliminates the need for tapes or discs. Users can record up to seven hours of DVD movie-quality video or more than 21 hours in long play mode. Users will also enjoy the camcorder's 3-megapixel still capture in 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, built-in flash, and wide 2.7-inch SwivelScreen LCD display. For additional reliability, the Handycam DCR-SR100 model has a sophisticated back-up protection. The camcorder has physical shock absorbers to protect the hard disk drive. It incorporates G-sensor(TM) shock protection which safeguards internal mechanisms to help prevent data loss. Sony is also adding in-box PC applications to back up video memories on DVD. For example, a DVD burn button on the model allows direct transfer of video to a PC and automatically creates a DVD, with the entire process taking about 30 minutes for a full hour of high-resolution video. It also comes with DVD authoring software to edit footage. New MiniDV Handycam camcorder models On the digital tape front, four new MiniDV Handycam models aim to please cost-conscious video enthusiasts, with manufacturer's suggested retail prices beginning at $449.99. All the MiniDV Handycam models deliver a powerful combination of precise image detail and vivid colour reproduction thanks to Carl Zeiss optics and Sony's high-resolution CCD imaging technology. They feature top-side tape loading so it's effortless to replace tapes while shooting from a tripod, and wide LCD screens on select models to address the growing demand for 16:9 video. The high-end MiniDV Handycam DCR-HC96 and DCR-HC46 models are supplied with Handycam Station(TM) cradle, a tabletop cradle that charges the camcorders and connects them conveniently to a PC or television. The top-of-the-line MiniDV Handycam DCR-HC96 model offers advanced performance with its 3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD imager and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T(*) lens to capture vivid video and 3-megapixel still images in both 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios. The camcorder is equipped with a wide 2.7-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD screen, built-in flash, an intelligent accessory shoe, and Memory Stick Duo media slot. Sony's new DVD camcorder models:

- DVD Handycam DCR-DVD105 provides the benefits of recording

video directly to -R/-RW/+RW DVD media. 680K-pixel Advanced

HAD(TM) CCD, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar(R) lens, 2.5-inch hybrid

SwivelScreen(TM) touch panel LCD, and colour viewfinder. It

is available in February at an MSRP of $649.99;

- DVD Handycam DCR-DVD205 includes the above-mentioned features

and adds a 1-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, 1-megapixel digital

still images, 2.7-inch wide (16:9) touch panel SwivelScreen

LCD, and digital still image capture in 16:9 and 4:3 aspect

ratios. It is available in February at an MSRP of $749.99;

- DVD Handycam DCR-DVD305 has the above-mentioned features and

adds Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound capability. Supplied

with a Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound microphone,

USB 2.0, and Memory Stick Duo media slot. It is available in

February at an MSRP of $849.99;

- DVD Handycam DCR-DVD405 features the above and adds built-in

Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and supports an optional

Bluetooth microphone for enhanced center channel sound. It

has a 3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, 3-megapixel digital

stills, built-in flash and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T(*) lens.

It is available in February at an MSRP of $1,099.99;

- DVD Handycam DCR-DVD505 has the above-mentioned capability

and adds a new ClearVID CMOS sensor, 4-megapixel digital

stills, a 3.5-inch wide (16:9) high contrast touch panel

SwivelScreen LCD with Clear Photo LCD Plus technology, a dual

record function to capture video and 3-megapixel stills

simultaneously, and smooth slow record function for slow

motion video. It is available in March at an MSRP of

$1,299.99;

- Hard Disk Drive Handycam DCR-SR100 has 30 GB hard disk drive

storage and built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. It has

a 3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, 3-megapixel digital still

capture in 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, built-in flash, Carl

Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T(*) lens, 2.7-inch wide (16:9) touch

panel SwivelScreen LCD, and supplied DVD burning software. It

is available in May at an MSRP of $1,299.99;

- MiniDV Handycam DCR-HC26 features a 680K-pixel Advanced

HAD(TM) CCD, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, 2.5-inch hybrid

SwivelScreen touch panel LCD, and colour viewfinder. It is

available in February at an MSRP of $449.99;

- MiniDV Handycam DCR-HC36 has the above capability and adds a

Memory Stick Duo media slot and supplied remote. It is

available in February at an MSRP of $529.99;

- MiniDV Handycam DCR-HC46 includes the above-mentioned

features and adds a 1-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, 1-megapixel

stills, 2.7-inch wide (16:9) touch panel SwivelScreen LCD,

and supplied Handycam Station cradle. It is available in

February at an MSRP of $649.99; and

- MiniDV Handycam DCR-HC96 offers the above plus a 3-megapixel

Advanced HAD CCD, 3-megapixel stills, Carl Zeiss

Vario-Sonnar T(*) Lens, digital still image capture in

16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, and built-in flash. It is

available in February at an MSRP of $949.99. 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 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 72 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; Erin Sufrin, Counsellor, Technology Practice, Silverhammer Public Relations, (416) 324-2024, Ext. 3, erin_sufrin@silver-hammer.com

Source: newswire