New Delhi,Sony in India plans big initiatives for the Blu-ray market with the introduction of Blu-ray audio-visual products at a starting price of Rs. 9,990/- and doubles the number of Blu-ray movie titles to 500. Blu-ray enabled products will be available in a wide range of products including Blu-ray Disc™ Players, Home Theatre systems, PlayStation®3 & VAIO, which will provide High Definition picture and audio quality as well as internet connectivity to consumers. So, whether you are watching movies, listening to music, playing games, recording and storing content or all of the above, Blu-ray technology makes your High Definition world come alive. Looking at a ten-fold growth in volume, Sony plans to capture 60% market share and increase number of outlets to 4000 by FY2012. Sony also offers a mega consumer promotion deal. On the purchase of every BD player worth Rs. 9,990/-, consumers can avail two free Blu-ray discs™ of Legion &  Michael Jacksons This Is It.

Mr. Masaru Tamagawa, Managing Director, Sony India, said, Sony Blu-ray is poised to take over the market as the new benchmark for the next generation of audio-visual entertainment. Only with Sony, you can enjoy new audio-visual entertainment concept through a wide range of Blu-ray products with base price of Rs. 9,990/-. As always, we continue to offer products and technologies that manifest innovation at its highest level as well as the ability to deliver the best customer experience to the world.

Mr. Keith Ribeiro, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, said, Over the past decade, rapid growth in technology has evolved the way in which home entertainment and consumer electronic industry is perceived. A collaboration of these two industries can certainly promote cutting-edge media and entertainment devices. He added, Blu-ray is paramount in delivering the best picture and sound quality and is a perfect complement for HDTV, the fastest growing category in consumer electronics. Hence, we have joined force with our counterpart at Sony electronics to help consumers discover the incredible potential of Blu-ray. We also plan to double the number of Software Titles to 500 by FY2010 to woo consumers. I am certain that this integration will further cement Sonys unified presence as a leader in consumer electronics space.

Software enhancements like BD Live, Enhanced Bonus Views, Interactive features will help expand the appeal of Blu-ray products. With Internet Video, a service platform, you can enjoy various Internet video contents without PC. You can watch internet-based content from video-sharing sources like YouTube, or from Video On Demand (VOD) on your TV to which Sonys BD Player is connected.

About Blu-ray: Blu-ray is next generation optical disc format for storing digital information, similar to a CD or DVD but with much higher capacity for high definition video and audio. While current optical disc technologies rely on a Red Laser to read and write data, the new format uses a Blue-Violet Laser instead, hence the name Blu-ray. Blue-violet laser makes it possible to focus the laser spot with even greater precision than Red Laser and hence better image clarity.

Notes to Editor

About Sony

One of the most recognized brand names in the world today, Sony Corporation, Japan, established its India operations in November 1994, focusing on the sales and marketing of Sony products in the country. In a span of 15 years Sony India has exemplified the quest for excellence in the world of digital lifestyle becoming the countrys foremost consumer electronics brand. With relentless commitment to quality, consistent dedication to customer satisfaction and unparalleled standards of service, Sony India is recognized as a benchmark for new age technology, superior quality, digital concepts and personalized service that has ensured loyal customers and nationwide acclaim in the industry.

With brands names such as BRAVIA, BRAVIA Theatre, Cyber-shot‚ Handycam®, VAIO, Walkman®, Xplod, Memory Stick™‚ PlayStation®. Sony has established it self as a value leader across its various product categories of Audio/Visual Entertainment products, Information and Communications‚ Recording Media, Business and Professional products.

In India, Sony has its footprint across all major towns and cities through a distribution network comprising of over 5000 dealers and distributors, 240 exclusive Sony outlets and 19 direct branch locations. Manned by customer friendly and informed sales persons, Sonys exclusive stores Sony Center are fast becoming the most visible face of the company in India.

Sony India also has a strong service presence across the country with 20 company owned and 190 authorized service centers and 16 exclusive demonstration centers. A distinctive feature of Sonys service is its highly motivated and well-trained staff that provides the kind of attentive and sensitive service that is rare today.

Sony is committed to ensuring that both the products and the marketing activities employed truly make a difference to peoples lifestyles and offer them new dimensions of enjoyment.