NEW AUDIO SYSTEMS OFFER MORE WAYS TO CONNECT TO BLUETOOTH AND iPOD IN THE HOME, PLUS THE ABILITY TO CONVERT CASSETTE LIBRARIES TO MP3

LAS VEGAS(CES Booth # 14200), Jan. 6, 2008 – Sony today introduced its first made- for-iPod® line of shelf systems with a wide range of connectivity options, powerful sound and eye-catching designs.

The new systems also integrate Bluetooth® technology and even digitize old media into MP3 files without the need for a PC.

“We are continuing to evolve our shelf system offerings to reflect consumer listening habits,” said Andrew Sivori, director of personal audio marketing in the Digital Audio and Imaging Division at Sony Electronics. “With the addition of iPod docks to most models, along with a bolder, more dramatic offering in our Muteki line, there’s a Sony shelf system for just about everyone.”

Works with iPod

Marking a first for Sony, the company unveiled two micro shelf systems made for iPod, the CMT-BX20i and CMT-BX50BTi models. These new music systems offer a sleek and simple design with a glossy black finish and vivid florescent display. The iPod menu and system features can be accessed with the remote control, while the system charges the device.

The CMT-BX20i system has a front-loading single disc CD player and supports CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 Playback, along with an audio-in jack to connect your digital music player or PC. This new system also reads ID3 tags, displaying the artist and album information. The bass reflex speaker system is powered by 50 watts (RMS) of total system output for full and vibrant sound.

The Dynamic Sound Generator X-tra (DSGX) selectively improves the bass and treble segments of the music to produce a natural sound effect without distortion. An AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and remote control add convenience to complete the package. The CMT-BX20i micro shelf system will be available in February for about $130.

The line’s most feature-rich system, the CMT-BX50BTi unit has all the functions of the CMT-BX20i system, plus Bluetooth Stereo (A2DP) technology so you can wirelessly stream CD-quality music to other Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) devices, such as Bluetooth stereo-enabled headphones, PCs, digital music players and cell phones. This means that you can move from the car to the home or office, and your Bluetooth-enabled devices can sync up effortlessly while your music never skips a beat.

The CMT-BX50BTi system plays both CDs and digital music from wired or wireless compatible devices. Information like the album title, artist name and track number appear on the florescent display through the wireless connection. This model will be available in February for about $180.

Charge, Play, Control

For digital music enthusiasts looking for powerful sound and features, the new EC series of mini HiFi systems offers a new finish and sleek design. These new music systems are also made to work with iPod devices, and will charge, play and control your device – even through the included remote control. The Digital Media Port™ provides the ability to connect four optional accessories, such as a Walkman® video MP3 player, a Bluetooth-enabled device, a WiFi streaming audio system and the included dock made for an iPod.

A front-loading single disc CD player supports CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 playback with an audio-in to connect your digital music player or PC, plus AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets.

The MHC-EC98Pi mini HiFi system is the high-end unit of the series with a total system power output of 530 watts (RMS) and a three-way bass reflex speaker system with an 8-inch subwoofer, two 5.1-inch woofers and a 1.6-inch horn tweeter to fill nearly any room with music. It will be available in May for about $200.

The MHC-EC78Pi mini system has a total system power output of 380 watts (RMS) and a three-way bass reflex speaker system with two 5.1-inch woofers and a 1.6-inch horn tweeter. It will also be available in May for about $150.

The MHC-EC68Pi mini system has a total system power output of 140 watts (RMS) and a two-way bass reflex speaker system with a 6.3-inch woofer and 1.6-inch horn tweeter. It will be available in April for around $130.

The Ultimate Party Machine

Sony is also introducing the LBT-ZUX9 system, the latest addition to its Muteki™ (pronounced “moo-techy”) line of audio shelf systems. The new system is ideal for getting any party started. It delivers rich, strong sound with a two-way bass reflex speaker system, and four speakers that each include 8-inch subwoofers and a 1-inch horn tweeter. Total system power output is 1000 watts (RMS) and features matrix line array speakers to fill nearly any room with music.

The three-disc CD changer supports CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 playback, and includes a dual cassette tape deck. Perhaps the most unique feature is the USB recording and playback function, which allows the user to record music from CD, cassette and directly from the radio onto a flash drive. This two-way USB functionality helps convert old cassette libraries to MP3 files without the use of a PC.

The LBT-ZUX9 shelf system also offers built-in lighting effects with beams that react to bass and treble, in addition to the D-Light Sync™ Pro port that connects to optional party lighting like disco balls via a D-Light Sync Controller (sold separately).

Sony’s X-Trance technology allows you to create a party atmosphere through various sound effects, including flangers, delays, chorus and others. With the beat blend feature you can add drum percussion during playback to any source via the dedicated drum pads. A florescent display and remote control make all these features easy to enjoy. The LBT-ZUX9 shelf system will be available in February for about $800.