PRESS RELEASE: SONY UNVEILS COMPLETE SXRD 4K DIGITAL CINEMA SYSTEM AT SHOWEST 2006

DCI-Compliant Solution Features Sony Media Block and Screen Management System

LAS VEGAS, Mar. 14, 2006 - Sony is showcasing a complete digital cinema solution here at ShoWest, including a newly developed media block and the Sony Screen Management System.

These new technologies, when combined with Sony's Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD™) 4K projector and packaged in a FIPS 140 enclosure, will provide exhibitors with an "all-in-one" package for displaying both 2K and 4K content at the highest high-definition video resolution levels commercially available. The Sony system is also compliant with all of the specifications of Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) for digital motion picture projection.

"As exhibitors continue to realize the benefits of digital cinema, it's critical that all the necessary security and content management tools be readily available in one easy-to-install package," said John Kaloukian, director of marketing for display systems at Sony Electronics. "This new system can provide that user-friendliness and peace-of-mind, while enabling a smooth transition from current projection technologies."

The new media block, model LMT-100, is a combined server and decoder that contains all the components required to ingest, decode and play digital content. Specific functions include: JPEG2000 decoding, security key management, extraction of audio and visual images from MXF files, alpha channel insertion for sub-titles, and audio and image watermarking.

The media block also features 16 audio channels. It can be connected to generic Redundant Array of Independent Disk (RAID) storage units.

The device can be controlled through either a local computer program using Sony's Media Terminal Control (MTC), or through the Sony Screen Management System. Files can be loaded through an Ethernet® or i.LINK® IEEE 1394 connection. A 25-pin connector on the media block's front panel allows for direct connection to digital theater sound systems.

Kaloukian said the company is supporting its digital cinema systems with flexible maintenance service plans designed with exhibitors' needs in mind. These programs, including Sony's CineWatch remote monitoring and diagnostics service, offer comprehensive customer support to maximize operational "uptime."

At ShoWest, Sony is also presenting designs for its 18,000 ANSI lumen version of the SXRD 4K projector, intended for screen sizes of 50 feet or more. This new model was designed specifically with the needs of exhibitors in mind for installation in commercial movie theaters.

The LMT-100 media block and Screen Management System are expected to be available in May and June, respectively, with pricing for each still to be determined. SXRD 4K projectors are currently on the market at suggested list prices of $98,550 for a 10,000 ANSI lumen model and $66,750 for a 5,000 ANSI lumen model.