Sony Introduces Digital8 Video Walkman VCR For Portable Applications

SAN DIEGO, --(Sept. 18, 2000)-- Sony Electronics announced two totally portable, all digital solutions for viewing and editing Digital8 video, the Digital8 Video Walkman VCRs, models GV-D200 and GV-D800.

Sony is teaming its Digital8 video system with the compact convenience of the Video Walkman style. The Digital8 camcorder line has successfully helped consumers make the transition to digital videography. Ideal companions to the Digital8 camcorder line-up, both of the new Digital8 Video Walkman units are backward compatible allowing for HI8 and 8MM tape playback.

The lightweight and convenient Video Walkman units offer 20-segment assemble editing without the need for a PC or a professional studio. This allows videographers and home video buffs a convenient, uncomplicated way to assemble up to 20 scenes automatically. And, with such features as crystal clear still/slow motion and frame-by-frame advance, finding the perfect frame on the fly is easy.

Both the GV-D200 and GV-D800 models incorporate the i.LINK (IEEE-1394) digital video interface, which provides a seamless digital link between the Digital8 Video Walkman units and most IEEE-1394 digital video enabled camcorders, digital VCRs or PCs, ensuring pure digital video quality with virtually no generational loss.

The Digital8 Video Walkman VCRs are also fully functional playback and record decks, so videos can be viewed and enjoyed with any TV.

Two Models Offer Choice of Feature Packages

The GV-D200 has all the core editing functions to work directly with any Handycam(R) or Digital8 camcorder, while the GV-D800 offers additional go-anywhere features. The GV-D800, with a four-inch color active matrix LCD screen and built-in stereo speakers, provides superior image quality and outstanding digital sound that can be enjoyed in the palm of your hand.

The GV-D200 and GV-D800 Digital8 Video Walkman VCRs also include:

• -- 2X Playback and Playback Zoom - 2X playback zoom allows for high-speed playback in forward and reverse, and playback zoom enables you to zoom into selected areas of the video for a superb editing option.
• -- Optional Infolithum(R) Battery with Accupower(TM) Meter - For true portability, the optional NP-F960 battery provides up to 13 hours of playback. Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter continually displays the battery time remaining in minutes.
• -- S-Video and Composite A/V Input/Output - S-Video connection offers superior video signal transfer by reducing "dot crawl," which is commonly seen as distortion around the edge of the recorded video signal. Composite A/V provides the versatility to connect to virtually any other video device.
• -- Digital Noise Reduction - When recording, this automatic circuit helps to reduce chromatic noise by up to 20 percent.
• -- Time Based Correction (TBC) - By replacing the video signal with a clear sync pulse, timing errors that are commonly seen as jitter in home videos are corrected.

The new Video Walkman VCRs also include an AC adapter and A/V connecting cable. The GV-D800 and GV-D200 and will be available in November for about $900 and $700 respectively.