ALL THINGS SONY  1

Sony Expands 'Tapeless' Media Options With Versatile Solutions for HD Video Production

32GB SxS PRO Memory Card, 16GB CompactFlash Media and Hard-Disk Unit Complement New Hybrid Camcorders for Professional Video Production

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Aug. 12  -- Sony is expanding its industry-leading line of professional media solutions with the addition of three "tapeless" solutions designed to offer customers the widest array of recording options and workflow flexibility.
 

The new products include the industry's first 32GB SxS PRO(TM) solid-state memory card, a 16GB Pro CompactFlash card, and a 60 GB professional hard-disk unit (HDD) -- the PHU-60K. Each is designed for maximum performance and recording capabilities, and complement Sony's growing family of professional HD camcorders -- the HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U hybrid HDV(TM) models, in addition to the solid state XDCAM EX(TM) camera series.
 

"Whether you're a professional on the set of a documentary, in the field gathering electronic news, an independent producer, streaming video on the web, or involved in any area of professional video production, these new tapeless media solutions are designed to help you get the job done," said Ron Corn, director of product marketing for Sony Electronics' professional media group. "Each comes packed with powerful features designed to provide our professional customers in the compact camcorder market with the best workflow solutions and versatility."
 

These new Sony media products meet the challenges of an HD workflow, where higher bandwidth content requires higher-speed data transfer rates in order to achieve optimal efficiencies.
 

Developed to handle data transfer rates of up to 800 Mbps, Sony's 32GB SxS PRO memory card can be used with the family of XDCAM EX camcorders -- models PMW-EX1 and PMW-EX3. The performance provided by the state-of-the-art, solid-state card enables the camcorder to provide slow and quick motion functions, which are also known as "over" and "under-cranking."
 

The card is capable of record times of up to 100 minutes of full 1920 x 1080 high-definition video at 35 Mbps and 140 minutes of 1440 by 1080 video at 25 Mbps. Sony tests have shown it can be removed and re-inserted into a memory slot more than 30,000 times, and is shock resistant to forces of more than 1,500 G.
 

Sony's 16GB Pro CF cards, which support the latest professional HDV camcorders, including the HVR-S270U and HVR-Z7U, are capable of providing up to 72 minutes of record time. They provide video production professionals with a reliable media recording solution certified by Sony to perform at high write speeds of 306x, offering an efficient hybrid workflow solution for transferring content to non-linear editing systems.
 

Capable of providing more than four hours of uninterrupted record time on Sony's PMW-EX1 or PM-EX3 camcorders, the PHU-60K hard-disk unit takes tapeless acquisition to a new level.
 

It is a 1.8-inch, 60 GB external storage unit with an USB 2.0 interface. Users can achieve approximate recording times of 200 minutes in 35 Mbps HQ (high-quality) mode and 260 minutes in 25 Mbps SP (standard play) mode.
 

The hard-disk unit functions just like an SxS PRO card, with thumbnail views available on the LCD panel of the camcorders or deck.
 

The PHU-60K is equipped with Cybercapture (TM) technology, which enables the hard disk drive (HDD) to optimize the read/write process resulting in sustained transfer rates and reliability. It also features a new "dumping" system used to protect the HDD from a 1.5m drop, and a buffer memory is used to enable immediate recording after powering on.
 

A 3-G sensor and the buffer memory allow for stable recording. When the G sensor detects that the unit is being dropped, the head of the HDD is immediately parked to protect the HDD. The content is temporarily stored in the buffer memory and then restored in the HDD when it is operating again.
 

The unit can operate for about 12 hours of continuous record time on a small size BP-U30 battery.
 

The following are availability and suggested list prices for these new products:
 

Source: Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony to Purchase Bertelsmann's 50-Percent Stake in Sony BMG

Music Company to Become Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America

NEW YORK, Aug. 5 - The international media and entertainment companies Sony Corporation and Bertelsmann AG today announced that Sony has agreed to acquire Bertelsmann's 50 percent stake in Sony BMG. The music company, to be called Sony Music Entertainment Inc. (SMEI), will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. Sony and Bertelsmann AG originally created the Sony BMG joint venture in August 2004.
 

"Music has been a vital and vibrant part of Sony's culture for over twenty years. This acquisition will allow us to achieve a deeper and more robust integration between the wide-ranging global assets of the music company and Sony's products, operating companies and affiliates. It enables us to offer a total entertainment experience to consumers," said Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman and CEO, Sony Corporation. "Over the past four years, Sony BMG has undertaken a very successful restructuring, streamlined operations and developed innovative digital partnerships that ensure it will continue to be a leader in the creation and distribution of music worldwide. It is an organization rich in talent, ideas and enthusiasm, and is a strong fit with our overall business strategy."
 

"After a careful and thorough review, we made the strategic decision to sell our investment in this joint venture to Sony, a step that we believe will benefit the stakeholders of both our companies," stated Hartmut Ostrowski, Chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann AG. "This move is consistent with our new growth strategy and will enable us to focus on our defined growth areas. Sony has been an excellent partner, and they are the right company to take this business to the next step and ensure that it realizes its full value and potential. We look forward to witnessing Sony Music Entertainment's exciting future under Sony's ownership."
 

Once the transaction is completed, Sony Music Entertainment Inc. will be comprised of premier music labels such as: Arista Records, Columbia Records, Epic Records, J Records, Jive Records, RCA Records and Zomba. Key recording artists will include Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Yo-Yo Ma, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake, Usher and Jay Chou.
 

As part of the transaction, the parties have also agreed to continue to share the company's manufacturing and distribution requirements between Sony's manufacturing subsidiary, Sony DADC, and Bertelsmann's services company, Arvato Digital Services GmbH ("Arvato"), by extending the agreements with Arvato for additional terms of up to six years. In addition, Bertelsmann will be taking over selected European music catalog assets from Sony BMG.
 

Consummation of the transaction remains subject to a number of conditions, including approvals of regulatory authorities in certain jurisdictions.
 

About Bertelsmann AG
 

Bertelsmann is an international media company encompassing television (RTL Group), book publishing (Random House), magazine publishing (Gruner + Jahr), music (BMG), media services (Arvato), and media clubs (Direct Group) in more than 50 countries. Bertelsmann's claim is to inspire people around the world with first-class media and communications offerings - entertainment, information and services - and occupy leading positions in its respective markets. The foundation of Bertelsmann's success is a corporate culture based on partnership, entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and corporate responsibility. The company strives to bring creative new ideas to market and create value. www.bertelsmann.com
 

About Sony Corporation
 

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $88 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008. Sony Global Web Site: www.sony.net



 

Source: Bertelsmann Media Worldwide

Web site: http://www.bertelsmann.com/
http://www.sony.net/
 

      For the gaming and pop culture community, Hollywood glitz meets gamer
      geekdom in The Jace Hall Show, hosted by film, television and
      videogame producer Jason "Jace" Hall.

      In the comedy genre, new shows include the original comedy series
      Purple Onion Season Two, featuring stand-up from today's funniest
      acts, and six original short form scripted series as part of C-Spot.

            C-Spot -- On June 16th, the second 13-week season of Sony
            Pictures Television's comedy channel will debut with the return
            of The Roadents and five new original series including The
            Rascal, That Guy, Owen Benjamin Presents, Comedy Gumbo and Mr.
            Justice & Powerful Girl.

      For music lovers, there's the Take-Away Shows, the highly-anticipated
      series from Parisian music video director Vincent Moon just off the
      heels of his recent R.E.M. and Arcade Fire videos.

  Highlights from the summer's line-up include:

  The Jace Hall Show

  Check it out: http://crackle.com/jacehall

  Take-Away Shows

  Check it out: http://crackle.com/c/takeawayshows

  Purple Onion Season Two

  Check it out: http://crackle.com/c/purpleonion

  C-Spot Season Two

  --  The Rascal (Mondays) is an action packed over-the-top comedy starring
      Jay Rondot as a small time criminal who attempts to graduate to the
      big leagues by selling nuclear fusion secrets to the highest bidder.
      Using any means necessary, his twin brother (also played by Rondot)
      leads the federal government's manhunt to thwart his efforts.  Rondot
      and Ross Novie created and executive produce The Rascal.  The web
      series is produced by Rondovie Industries.

  --  That Guy (Tuesdays) is a new comedy web series that utilizes
      uncomfortable humor (a la "The Office") about ... well, that guy.  Do
      you know the guy who talks way too loudly on his cell phone?  Or the
      one who takes way too long to order?  The guy who wears a cowboy hat
      to every party?  Or even better, the guy who can insult everyone he
      makes small talk with at a dinner party?  Then you know That Guy.
      Matt Vascellaro and Kent Haines created and executive produce the web
      series.  That Guy is produced by Vascellaro/Haines Inc.

  --  Owen Benjamin Presents (Wednesdays) encompass a combination of How-To
      segments, music videos, and other online vignettes from
      actor/comedian/Internet video genius Owen Benjamin.  While How-To
      guides may come a dime-a-dozen, they rarely address topics that one
      can apply to awkward real-life situations.  Benjamin offers his own
      unique take and expertise in successfully dealing with uncomfortable
      situations that range from "How to get your one-night-stand to leave"
      to "How to tell your friend he has bad breath" and "How to fake a
      talent," among others.  Additionally, Benjamin makes his parents proud
      by putting his musical talents (and real-life training as a classical
      pianist) to good use in hilarious music videos that showcase his
      original songs.  The web series was created and is executive produced
      by Owen Benjamin, and is produced by Owen Benjamin, Inc.

  --  The Roadents (Thursdays) is the returning web series best described as
      "The Odd Couple" meets "Easy Rider" for the YouTube generation.  This
      2D and 3D animated-hybrid, improvisational comedy series centers on
      two guinea pigs, Pee Pee and Buttercup, that hit the road in a 1983
      Winnebago.  Justin Hilden created the web series that NewTeeVee.com
      praised, writing, "The animation is top-notch and the voice acting is
      excellent."  The Roadents is executive produced by Kelli Bixler and
      produced by Kristofer Updike.  The web series is produced by Bix Pix
      Entertainment.

  --  Comedy Gumbo (Fridays) is a new sketch show made especially for those
      who don't have time to watch a sketch show.  Commercial parodies,
      bizarre characters, short films, sketches, and one-off jokes comprise
      each 2-4 minute hysterical episode that you just have to see to
      understand.  Comedy Gumbo was created and is executive produced by
      Payman Benz and Sean Becker.  Ten episodes of the web series are being
      produced by Awkward Pictures.

  --  Mr. Justice & Powerful Girl (weekends) is a new reality-comedy web
      series that documents the benevolent efforts of two superheroes who
      give unsolicited help to strangers in need.  While some might describe
      their missions as ridiculous, these two make every effort to better
      society one small task at a time.  Mr. Justice & Powerful Girl was
      created by Ross McCall and Aaron Peters.  The web series is produced
      by their production company, Whiteboard Entertainment.


  About Crackle, Inc.

Short Synopsis:
There has never been a cyber criminal they couldn't catch...until now...The more people who watch...the faster the victims die.

Long Synopsis:
Within the FBI there exists a division dedicated to investigating and prosecuting criminals on the internet. Welcome to the front lines of the war on cybercrime, where special Agent Jennifer Marsh (Diane Lane) and Griffin Dowd (Colin Hanks) have seen it all?until now. A tech-savvy internet predator is displaying his graphic murders on his own website and the fate of each of his tormented captives is left in the hands of the public: the more hits his site gets, the faster his victims die. When this game of cat and mouse becomes personal, Marsh and her team must race against the clock to track down this technical mastermind who is virtually untraceable.

 

Rating:
R

Genre: Action

Copyright: © 2008 Lakeshore Entertainment Group LLC. All Rights Reserved

Special Features:
 

Commentary with Director Gregory Hoblit, Producer Hawk Koch, and Production Designer Paul Eads

Tracking Untraceable featurette

Untraceable: The Personnel Files featurette

The Blueprint of Murder

The Anatomy of Murder

 

Print UPC

 

 

 

 

 

Water Horse, The: Legend of the Deep (Special Edition, 2 discs) - DVD

Run Time: 112
CC:
Color: Color
Screen Format(s): Anamorphic/Fullscreen
Language(s): English 5.1, French (Parisian) DS
Subtitles(s): English (US), French (Parisian)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40/1.33
Discs: 1
 

Cat.#: 18456
UPC: 043396184565
 

SRP: $28.96
 

MAP: $19.95 expires Apr 23, 2008
 

Announce Date: Feb 15, 2008
 

Street Date: Apr 8, 2008