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Combo Drives Include Software Suite for Customizing DVDs and CDs

Both the DRU-120A ATAPI internal model and the DRX-120L i.LINK external burner combine DVD+RW/+R and CD-R/RW recording with DVD-ROM and CD-ROM playback -- all in one device that delivers compelling features for burning DVDs and CDs.

The new DVD+RW/+R and CD-R/RW combo drives and software suite enable users to seamlessly back-up or store up to 4.7GB of computer data on a disc, transfer and convert more than two hours of high quality (MPEG-2) digital video footage from a camcorder or VCR, and play back DVD-ROM and CD-ROM discs.

Both models support up to 2.4X maximum writing speed for DVD+R/+RW discs, 12X maximum recording speed for CD-R discs, and 10X maximum recording speed for CD-RW discs. For users of i.LINK (IEEE 1394)-equipped PCs, the DRX-120L provides the convenience of plug-and-play connectivity and the ability to daisy-chain other i.LINK devices (such as DV camcorders) to the drive.

DVD+R media, with its write-once capabilities, offers users an alternative to DVD+RW media for permanent storage applications or for sharing content with others, due in part to their enhanced compatibility with existing DVD-Video players and DVD-ROM drives. DVD+RW media is fully re-writable, and is ideally suited for data back-up and personal storage.

``Already, consumers are realizing the benefits of DVD+RW technology,'' said Toshi Naito, vice president of Component Solutions for Sony Electronics' Core Technology Solutions Company. ``With the introduction of a new software suite and a plug-and-play i.LINK DVD+RW drive, we are making it even easier for consumers to take full advantage of the multi-faceted benefits of CD and DVD recording.''

DVD&CD Software Suite

The combo drives come with a comprehensive software suite that allows users to create customized DVDs and CDs for video, music and data storage. The following are included in the software bundle:

• B's CLiP(TM) is packet writing software that allows users to drag and drop files and folders to DVD+RW and CD-RW discs as easily as to a floppy disk or hard drive;
• B's Recorder GOLD(TM) is mastering software that lets users create back-up copies of DVDs and CDs, as well as customized video, music and data DVDs and CDs from various file formats;
• Retrospect® Express is full-featured back-up software that provides users with instant back-up and disaster recovery capabilities;
• CyberLink's PowerDVD is DVD-Video playing software that enables interactive viewing of both DVD-Video and Video CD discs on a PC;
• MedioStream's neoDVDstandard authoring software that allows users to easily create custom DVD-Video and Video CD discs from digital or analog video tape; and
• MUSICMATCH® Jukebox(TM) offers users the most complete personal music system to play, record, organize and discover new music with a guide to thousands of streams of personalized music programming.

Availability, Pricing and Warranty

The Sony DRU-120A will be available in May for a suggested retail price of $499.99, and the DRX-120L model drive will be available in June for a suggested retail price of $599.99. Sony DVD+RW drives are sold through resellers and retailers nationwide, mail order catalogs, and select online shopping sites, including SonyStyle.com. Sony supports what it calls ``worry-free'' installation and easy operation with toll-free customer and technical service, Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST, along with a one-year limited warranty from the original date of purchase.

About the DVD+RW Alliance

The DVD+RW Alliance is a voluntary group of industry-leading PC manufacturers, optical storage and electronics manufacturers, including Dell, Hewlett-Packard Company, MCC/Verbatim, Philips Electronics, Ricoh Company Ltd., Sony Corporation, Thomson Multimedia and Yamaha Corporation. The companies support the universally compatible, rewritable DVD+RW format that enables convergence between personal computing and consumer electronics products. DVD+R and DVD+RW discs written on DVD+RW/+R recorder can be read and played in most DVD-Video players and DVD-ROM drives. More than 40 additional companies have pledged support for DVD+R/+RW technology. Further details about the DVD+RW Alliance and supporting companies can be found at www.dvdrw.com

Key Specifications

Sony Combo DVD+RW/+R and CD-R/RW ATAPI Internal Drive - DRU-120A

• ATAPI (EIDE) internal interface
• 2.4X writing (DVD+R/+RW), 8X (max.) reading 12X (max.) writing (CD-R), 32X (max.) reading 10X(a) (max.) writing (CD-RW), 32X (max.) reading
• Dimensions: 5.73 x 1.63 x 7.53 inches (W x H x L)
• Platform support: Windows 98SE/2000/Me/XP
• Burst data transfer rate: 33MB/s max
• Random access time: 140 ms (DVD), 120 ms (CD)
• Buffer memory: 2MB
• Recording method (CD): disc at once, track at once, session at once, and packet writing (DVD): Random Access Write (DVD+RW), Sequential Write (DVD+R/+RW)
• Compatible disc format: DVD-ROM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-ROM, CD-DA, Video CD, Photo CD (multisession), CD TEXT, CD Extra and others
• Availability - May 2002
• Estimated Selling Price - $499.99

Sony Combo DVD+RW/+R and CD-R/RW i.LINK External Drive - DRX-120L

• i.LINK external interface
• 2.4X writing (DVD+R/+RW), 8X (max.) reading 12X (max.) writing (CD-R), 32X (max.) reading 10X(a) (max.) writing (CD-RW), 32X (max.) reading
• Dimensions: 6.46 x 2.09 x 9.7 inches (W x H x L)
• Platform support: Windows 98SE/2000/Me/XP
• Burst data transfer rate: 400 Mbit/s
• Random access time: 140 ms (DVD), 120 ms (CD)
• Buffer memory: 2MB
• Recording method (CD): disc at once, track at once, session at once, and packet writing (DVD): Random Access Write (DVD+RW), Sequential Write (DVD+R/+RW)
• Compatible disc format: DVD-ROM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-ROM, CD-DA, Video CD, Photo CD (multisession), CD TEXT, CD Extra and others
• Availability - June 2002
• Estimated Selling Price - $599.99
• (a) Using High Speed CD-RW disc

Note to Editors: i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that the product contains on IEEE 1394 connector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.

Based in San Jose, the Desktop Storage Product Division of Sony Electronics' Core Technology Solutions Company markets storage solutions through commercial distribution, industrial distribution, VARs, retail and reseller channels. For additional information about Sony DVD+R/+RW and CD-R/RW products, call 800/352-7669, or visit Sony's News and Information website at http://www.sony.com/news or http://www.storagebysony.com.

Contact:

     Sony Electronics Inc.
     Elizabeth Mousourakis, 408/955-5616
     elizabeth.mousourakis@am.sony.com
                or
     The Hoffman Agency
     Heather Carlson, 408/975-3034
     hcarlson@hoffman.com