LAS VEGAS (CES, Booth #14200), Jan. 4, 2006 - Sony is taking the lead in bringing the focus on audio performance to the camcorder market with its new 2006 Handycam models.

Leading the pack are two high-end DVD models and Sony's first hard disk drive camcorder. All models feature built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound and a unique center-channel microphone capability.

"Nothing preserves memories better than moving images with sound," said Linda Vuolo, director for camcorder products at Sony Electronics. "We are offering new enhancements to both audio and video performance in our 2006 product line."

Hearing Is Believing

Now when you record your child's lead performance in cinematic surround sound, you can be sure that his or her voice will stand out clearly in the troupe.

The new DCR-DVD505 and DCR-DVD405 DVD Handycam models support an optional wireless microphone that can be clipped to your subject while shooting. The microphone then amplifies the center channel sound in the camcorder's Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound system.

Thanks to Bluetooth technology, voices and sounds can be recorded wirelessly at distances up to 100 feet.

In addition to audio enhancements, Sony is bringing new ClearVID CMOS sensor technology to the DCR-DVD505 model. The layout of this new sensor is engineered to increase the number of recorded green pixels in order to boost image resolution and better enable the human eye to distinguish precise detail.

Combined with Sony's Enhanced Imaging Processor, ClearVID CMOS technology offers a host of user benefits. For instance, the camcorder not only records stunning video but also four-megapixel still images. Its Dual Record function allows users to shoot video and capture a three-megapixel still image simultaneously.

Other benefits from the CMOS technology include the smooth slow record function that allows you to view scenes in slow motion. Three seconds of video are played back in 12 seconds - ideal for analyzing your golf swing or tennis back-hand.

The DCR-DVD505 model stands out from the camcorder crowd thanks to its two-megapixel ClearVID CMOS sensor, compact body design, and wide 3.5" touch panel SwivelScreen LCD with Clear Photo Plus technology for brighter images with high-contrast that are easy to view in virtually any environment.

In total, Sony is introducing five new DVD Handycam camcorders. Across the DVD line, you find Carl Zeiss optics for exceptional video quality, improved menu functions and access controls for greater ease of use, and enhanced digital still functionality.

Most models record digital still images in ratios of 4:3 and 16:9, perfect for slide shows on widescreen TVs. A Memory Stick Duo slot has been incorporated into select models so that images can be transferred easily from DVD disks to memory cards and vice versa. And with higher still image capability on these new models, PictBridge technology has been integrated for seamless PC-free printing.

Handycam Family Grows With Three-Megapixel Hard Disk Drive Camcorder

The latest addition to the Handycam camcorder line is the hard disk drive-based DCR-SR100 model. It offers long record times and seamless PC connectivity.

Unlike other camcorders in its class, the DCR-SR100 unit features built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and supports Sony's new optional center-channel Bluetooth microphone for a cinematic sound experience.

The model also sports a three-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD imager and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens for excellent image clarity and color resolution. It records on a 30GB hard disk drive, which eliminates the need for tapes or discs. You can record up to seven hours of DVD movie-quality video or more than 21 hours in long play mode. Users will also enjoy the camcorder's three-megapixel still capture in 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, built-in flash, and wide 2.7-inch SwivelScreen LCD display.

For additional reliability, the DCR-SR100 model has a sophisticated back-up protection. The camcorder has physical shock absorbers to protect the hard disk drive. It incorporates G-sensor shock protection which safeguards internal mechanisms to help prevent data loss.

Sony is also adding in-box PC applications to back up your video memories on DVD. For example, a DVD burn button on the model transfers video to a PC and automatically creates a DVD, with the entire process taking about 30 minutes for a full hour of high-resolution video. It also comes with DVD authoring software to edit footage.

High Quality Video On Any Budget

On the digital tape front, four new MiniDV models aim to please cost-conscious video enthusiasts with prices beginning at about $350.

All the MiniDV models deliver a powerful combination of precise image detail and vivid color reproduction thanks to Carl Zeiss optics and Sony's high-resolution CCD imaging technology. They feature top-side tape loading so it's effortless to replace tapes while shooting from a tripod, and wide LCD screens on select models to address the growing demand for 16:9 video. The high-end MiniDV models, the DCR-HC96 and DCR-HC46, are supplied with Handycam Station cradle, a tabletop cradle that charges the camcorders and connects them conveniently to a PC or television.

The top-of-the-line DCR-HC96 model offers advanced performance with its three-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD imager and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens to capture vivid video and three-megapixel still images in both 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios. The camcorder is equipped with a wide 2.7-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD screen, built-in flash, an intelligent accessory shoe, and Memory Stick Duo media slot.

Sony's new DVD camcorder models:

• DCR-DVD105 provides the benefits of recording video directly to -R/-RW/+RW DVD media. 680K-pixel Advanced HAD CCD, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, 2.5-inch hybrid SwivelScreen touch panel LCD, and color viewfinder....