Sony DADC 50 GB Blu-ray Up and Running

PRNewswire
TERRE HAUTE, Ind.
11/20/2006

Sony DADC has announced that they now have six 50 GB Blu-ray Disc production lines up and running.

The company, which announced its 50 GB Blu-ray production plans in May of this year, is currently ramping up production to 60K discs per day. High demand for the 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray Disc is a result of the format's ability to deliver superior, uncompressed audio and high bit-rate video, more value added interactive content, as well as more available space to include additional bonus features such as deleted scenes, interviews and commentary.

"We are encouraged by the performance of both our 25 GB single layer and 50 GB dual layer production technologies, both of which are meeting our expectations," stated Michael Mitchell, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering for Sony DADC. "My hat is off to our development and process engineering teams worldwide, all of whom have contributed tirelessly to bring these capabilities to life."

"We know that our customers are looking for the finest audio and video experience possible from Blu-ray Disc. BD50 is an essential part of our strategy to expand offerings of uncompromised audio, video and added value to consumers both domestically and internationally," said Don Eklund, Executive Vice President, Advanced Technologies, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

In addition to the six dual layer lines currently running, the company has nine 25 GB Blu-ray Disc production machines in operation and has shipped over three million Blu-ray Discs for a client base of over 35 customers since beginning production in May of this year.

Sony DADC's Terre Haute facility also has two Phase Transition Mastering (PTM) systems and has been mastering 50 GB discs since mid-September 2006. Over 130 BD titles have been mastered, which include both 25 and 50 GB titles. Both PTM machines are capable of mastering PS3 titles as well. Sony DADC has three fully integrated Blu-ray packaging lines, all of which are fully operational and capable of supporting video and PS3 titles in both 25 GB and 50 GB formats.

About Sony DADC

Sony DADC, a leading producer of optical disc media, has cutting-edge optical media manufacturing facility locations in Terre Haute, IN and Pitman, NJ. Although widely known for its quality disc production and distribution services, Sony DADC also develops and delivers dynamic technologies that not only protect disc content, but also transform discs into powerful marketing tools by adding secure links to bonus web-site content or prize incentives. Sony DADC operates within the Sony Corporation of America corporate group. Visit us at www.sonydadc.com or call 1.800.358.7316 for more information.

About Sony Corporation of America

Sony Corporation of America, based in New York City, is the U.S. subsidiary of Sony Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo. Sony is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its music, motion picture, television, computer entertainment, and online businesses make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Sony's principal U.S. businesses include Sony Electronics Inc., Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., and a 50% interest in Sony BMG Music Entertainment, one of the largest recorded music companies in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $64 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, and it employs 158,500 people worldwide. Sony's consolidated sales in the U.S. for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 were $16.7 billion. For more information see www.sony.com.

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SOURCE: Sony DADC

CONTACT: Shelley Klingerman, +1-812-462-8260,
shelley.klingerman@sonydadc.com

Web site: http://www.sony.com/
http://www.sonydadc.com/