Sony Launches New NW-HD3 Network WALKMAN with MP3 & ATRAC3plus Playback

Sony UK today announces the launch of the Sony NW-HD3 (NWHD3), a new addition to its Network WALKMAN range. The Sony NW-HD3 plays back both ATRAC3plus and MP3 files, stores up to 13,000 tracks, has a 30 hour battery life and is available in four colour variations. The Sony NW-HD3 will hit the shelves in the UK in December 2004.

London, UK November 30, 2004 -- Sony UK today announces the launch of the Sony NW-HD3 (NWHD3), a new addition to its Network WALKMAN range (www.products.sony.co.uk/sony_nw-dh3.asp). The Sony NW-HD3 plays back both ATRAC3plus and MP3 files, stores up to 13,000 tracks (*1), has a 30 hour battery life (*2) and is available in four colour variations. The Sony NW-HD3 will hit the shelves in the UK in December 2004.

The Sony NW-HD3 comes with a range of features designed to deliver quality, choice and convenience for every fan of http://www.products.sony.co.uk [portable music].

Key Features of the NW-HD3:
* ATRAC3plus and MP3 playback
* Over 30 hours of playback time
* G-Sensor (*3)
* 20GB HDD = 13,000 tracks (900CDs) (*1)
* 4 colour variations (Silver/ Black/ Pink / Red)
* Aluminum body
* Headphones and AC adaptor supplied
* USB cable supplied
* USB adaptor supplied

The built-in 20 GB hard disc can hold the equivalent of 13,000 tracks or 900 CDs worth of music when using high quality ATRAC3plus audio compression technology. It offers 30 hours of uninterrupted playtime from a single battery charge and withstands almost all kinds of movement to deliver a skip-free performance.

Specially developed G-Sensor technology enables the hard disc to resist impact to protect your valuable music or other data. Its aluminum body makes it light to carry, and the four colour variations of silver, black, pink, and red have been selected to provide a myriad of refreshing options.

Dave Andrews, Product Manager for WALKMAN at Sony said: "With the NW-HD3, Sony again demonstrates its commitment to combining style with technological excellence to make this new Network Walkman a must-have for the most discerning and fashion-conscious of music lovers. High performance features, ATRAC3plus and MP3 playback, contemporary design and competitive price make the Sony NW-HD3 the ideal digital music player in today's emerging world of PC and online music."

The Sony NW-HD3 is the latest addition to Sonys Network WALKMAN family. Other models in the range include the recently launched NW-E95 and NW-E99, which also playback ATRAC3plus and MP3, and the NW-E55 and NW-E75, which now support both formats, with a free software download from the Internet (www.sonydigital-link.com/DNA/NWW/nww.asp).

All Network WALKMAN, Net MD WALKMAN, Hi-MD WALKMAN, ATRAC CD WALKMAN owners can log onto Sonys digital music site 'CONNECT', which provides over 500,000 downloadable tracks from both major and independent labels. The NW-HD3 is also shipped with the latest version of Sonys SonicStage software (version 2.3), which allows users to manage and transfer ATRAC3plus and MP3 files.

NOTES
Please find below further details about products and services mentioned in this story.

SonicStage Software
SonicStage Software is Sonys music management programme, which allows you to catalogue your music, buy your music directly on the CONNECT service, and transfer files to your Network WALKMAN.

ATRAC3plus
ATRAC3plus is Sonys audio compression technology. You can choose different levels of compression when you record music from CDs onto your PC using SonicStage software. ATRAC3plus has been developed to offer the best sound quality.

G-Sensor
G-Sensor technology monitors and calculates the gravitational velocity of NW-HD3 in its three dimensions (height, width and depth); the sensor device clears the recording head away from the hard disc when the unit receives physical impact during operation. As a result, recorded content is protected by preventing the recording head from potentially scratching the hard disc surface (*3).

CONNECT
Sony Europe launched its European online music download service in July, starting in the UK, France and Germany. CONNECT offers more than 500,000 songs including albums and singles from both major and independent record labels. Tracks are available in the ATRAC3 format at prices starting from 79p in the UK. Visit CONNECT to download music at www.connect-europe.com

(*1) Calculated on the basis of 4 minutes per song and using ATRAC3plus 48kbps.
(*2) In ATRAC3plus 48kbps mode.
(*3) G-Sensor provides excellent shock protection but does not guarantee protection for the player from all types of impact.

For more information, please contact Emma Cross or Tracey Legg at the Sony Press Office at 01932 816417. In addition, for any queries about Sony in your respective country, please contact your local Sony PR office.

About Sony
Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technology products for the global consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to become a leading personal broadband entertainment company in the 21st century. In Europe, Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of EUR 13.47 billion (yen 1,765 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, based on an average market exchange rate for the same period of yen 131 to the EUR. Sony Europe, headquartered at the Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, is responsible for the company's European electronics business and registered consolidated sales of EUR 8.71 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004.

Contact Details:
Emma Cross and Tracey Legg
Sony Press Office
tel: 01932 816417
fax: 01932 817029
email: e-mail protected from spam bots / e-mail protected from spam bots

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