3-240-972-23 (1)

Portable CD Player

Operating Instructions

About the area code The area code of the location in which you purchased the CD player is shown on upper left of the bar code label on the package. For accessories supplied with your CD player, check the area code of your model and see Accessories (supplied/optional).
WALKMAN is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

D-CJ501

2002 Sony Corporation

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet. To prevent fire, do not cover the ventilation of the apparatus with newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc. And dont place lighted candles on the apparatus. To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus. CAUTION The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. Certain countries may regulate disposal of the battery used to power this product. Please consult with your local authority. CAUTION INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM OR VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS The CE mark is valid only for products marketed in the European Union.

Table of Contents

Getting started
Locating the controls.. 4
Connecting your CD player
Connecting a stereo system.. 20
Playing an audio CD or MP3 files
1. Connect your CD player.. 6 2. Insert a CD.. 6 3. Play a CD.. 6
Connecting to a power source
Using the dry batteries. 21 Notes on the power source. 22

Additional information

Precautions.. 23 Maintenance... 23 Troubleshooting... 24 Specifications.. 26 Accessories (supplied/optional). 27 About MP3.. 28 About ID3 tag.. 29

Playback options

Playing all the tracks on the CD repeatedly (Repeat play all the tracks).. 12 Playing a single track (Single play). 12 Playing a single track youve selected repeatedly (Repeat play a single track)13 Playing all the tracks on the CD in random order repeatedly (Repeat shuffle play). 13 Playing all the files in a selected folder repeatedly (Repeat folder play) (MP3 CD only).. 14 Playing all the files in a selected folder in random order repeatedly (Repeat folder shuffle play) (MP3 CD only). 14

Available features

The G-PROTECTION function.. 15 Displaying CD text information. 15 Checking the time remaining on the CD and the number of tracks left.. 16 Checking information on a CD with MP3 files... 16 Emphasizing the bass sound (SOUND). 17 Protecting your hearing (AVLS). 18 Locking the controls (HOLD). 18 Turning off the operation beep sound. 19

Locating the controls

For details, see pages in parentheses.

CD player (front)

1 i (headphones) jack (page 6) 8. (AMS/search) button (page 7)

2 OPEN button (page 6)

9 N >* (play, AMS/ search) button (pages 6, 7) q; Strap holes
3 VOLUME control (page 6)
4 FOLDER /+ buttons (page 9)
qa DC IN 4.5 V (external power input) jack (page 6) qs x (stop) button (pages 7, 19)
5 MENU button (pages 11 - 14) qd HOLD switch (page 18)
6 DISPLAY button (pages 15, 16)
7 Display (pages 7, 9, 11 - 15, 17, 18)
qf SOUND button (pages 17, 18)
*The button has a tactile dot.

CD player (inside)

CD player (rear)
qg G-PRO (G-PROTECTION) switch (page 15)
qh Battery compartment (page 21)
You can also use the dry batteries as a power source.
1. Connect your CD player.
1 Connect the AC power adaptor. 2 Connect the headphones/earphones.
AC power adaptor to DC IN 4.5V

to an AC outlet

to i (headphones)

Headphones or Earphones

N> button

2. Insert a CD.

1 Press OPEN to open the lid.

OPEN button

3. Play a CD.

Press N >.

2 Place the CD on the tray and close the lid.

Label side up

Adjust the volume.
To Play (from the point you stopped)
Play (from the first track) Stop Find the beginning of the current track (AMS*1) Find the beginning of previous tracks (AMS) Find the beginning of the next track (AMS) Find the beginning of succeeding tracks (AMS) Go backwards quickly Go forward quickly
Press N> Playback starts from the point you stopped. N > for 2 seconds or more x*2. once quickly*2. repeatedly*2, *3 N > once quickly*2, *3 N > repeatedly*2, *3 Hold down.*2 Hold down N >*2
*1 Automatic Music Sensor *2 These operations can be done during play. *3 After you have played the last track, you can return to the beginning of the first track by pressing N >. Similarly, if you are at the first track, you can locate the last track by pressing.

About the display

When you press N > after changing the CD or turning the player off and on, the total number of tracks in the CD and total playing time appear for about two seconds. While a track on the audio CD is playing, the track number and the elapsed playing time of the current track appear. While a file on the MP3 CD is playing, the file name and the elapsed playing time of the current file appear.
When closing the lid of the CD player with the power supply attached
While the CD WALKMAN flashes in the display, the CD starts rotating and will stop after the CD player reads the disc information. This helps to shorten the waiting time before playback starts.
If the volume level does not increase
If AVLS appears in the display, hold down SOUND until AVLS disappears from the display. For details, see Protecting your hearing (AVLS).

(Continued)

About CD-Rs/CD-RWs and MP3 files
This CD player can play CD-Rs/CD-RWs recorded in the CD-DA format* and MP3 files recorded in the CD-ROM format, but playback capability may vary depending on the quality of the disc and the condition of the recording device.

* CD-DA is the abbreviation for Compact Disc Digital Audio. It is a recording standard used for Audio CDs.
Finalize the CD-Rs/CD-RWs and MP3 files before use. If you use discs that are not finalized, it will take longer to start playback.

Removing the CD

Remove the CD while pressing the pivot in the center of the tray.
Playing a CD with MP3 files
Prepare the CD player and the CD in the same way as for an audio CD. (See About MP3.)
Press N >. The CD player plays all MP3 files on the CD.

File name

File number

Playing time of the file

To select a folder Use FOLDER + to go forward and FOLDER to go backward. To select a file Use N > to go forward and. to go backward.
Before playing a file, the CD player reads all file and folder information on the CD. While the player is reading all file information, CD WALKMAN and a session number are displayed. While the player is reading all folder information, READING is displayed. You can use the buttons mentioned in the table on page 7 for additional operations in the same way as when playing an audio CD. The CD player can display the playing time up to 99 minutes 59 seconds (99:59). If the time is longer than this, the time indication will return to 00:00 but playback will continue.
Example of folder structure and playing order
The playing order of folders and files is as follows:

CD-R CD-RW

Folder MP3 file

File mode Folder mode

Plays all MP3 files from 1, 2, 3.9, 0. Plays all MP3 files in the selected folder. (Example: If you select folder 3, the CD player plays file 4. If you select folder 4, the CD player plays file 5 and 6.)
A folder that does not include an MP3 file is skipped. Maximum number of folders and files together: 511 Folder names and file names can be displayed with up to 64 characters. (Joliet extensions) The characters A - Z, 0 - 9, and _ can be displayed on this CD player. When referring to MP3 CDs, folder is equivalent to an album and file is equivalent to a track.
You can enjoy various playback options using MENU.

MENU button

Each time you press the button, you can change the playback mode.

t No indication (Normal play) r (Repeat all the tracks on the CD) r 1 (Play a single track) r 1 (Repeat a single track youve selected) r SHUF (Repeat all the tracks on the CD in random order) r * (Repeat all the files in a selected folder) r SHUF* (Repeat all the files in a selected folder in random order)
* You can select this mode only when playing MP3 files.

Display

Play mode indication
Playing all the tracks on the CD repeatedly
(Repeat play all the tracks) During playback, press MENU repeatedly until

Audio CD MP3 CD

appears.

Track number

Playing time
When playing MP3 files In normal mode, the CD player plays all the files (up to 511 files) on a CD repeatedly. In folder mode, the CD player plays all the files (up to 511 files) in the selected folder repeatedly.

Playing a single track

(Single play)
During playback, press MENU repeatedly until 1 appears.
Audio CD MP3 CD File name
Playing a single track youve selected repeatedly (Repeat play a single track)
During playback, press MENU repeatedly until

1 appears.

Playing all the tracks on the CD in random order repeatedly (Repeat shuffle play)

SHUF appears.

File number Playing time
When playing MP3 files In repeat shuffle mode, the CD player plays all the files (up to 511 files) on a CD in random order. In this mode, you cannot use the FOLDER + or button.
Playing all the files in a selected folder repeatedly (Repeat folder play) (MP3 CD only)
During playback, press MENU repeatedly until appears.
Playing all the files in a selected folder in random order repeatedly (Repeat folder shuffle play) (MP3 CD
During playback, press MENU repeatedly until SHUF appears.
When playing MP3 files In repeat folder shuffle mode, the CD player plays all the files (up to 511 files) in a selected folder in random order.

B Available features

The G-PROTECTION function
The G-PROTECTION function has been developed to provide excellent protection against sound skipping while jogging. When you set the G-PRO switch on your CD player to 2, the G-PROTECTION function will be enhanced compared to 1. To walk with the CD player and enjoy high quality CD sound using the G-PROTECTION function, set the G-PRO switch to 1. While taking harder exercise, it is recommended that you set it to 2. Set G-PRO (under the lid) to 1 or 2.
Displaying CD text information
When you play an audio CD containing CD text information, the track name, disc name, artist name, etc., appear in the display.

Display on the CD player CD text mark
The track number appears.
CD text appears in this portion.*
* While the CD player is reading the information on the CD, READING appears.
Press DISPLAY. Each time you press the button, the display changes as follows:

Display Note

Sound may skip: if the CD player receives stronger continuous shock than expected, if a dirty or scratched CD is played or when using poor-quality CD-Rs/CD-RWs or if there is a problem with the original recording device or application software.

Normal play

Track number, elapsed playing time and name of the current track
Press DISPLAY Track number, remaining once. time of the current track and
name of the current track/ artist name
Press DISPLAY The number of tracks left**, twice. time remaining on the CD
and disc name/artist name
** Not displayed during Single play or Shuffle play.
CD text displayed on this CD player is in English only.
Checking the time remaining on the CD and the number of tracks left
You can check the time remaining on the audio CD and the number of tracks left using DISPLAY. Press DISPLAY. Each time you press the button, the display changes as follows.
Checking information on a CD with MP3 files
You can check information on a CD with MP3 files using DISPLAY. You can also check ID3 tag (Version 1.1) information if the file has that information stored. (See About ID3 tag.)
Press DISPLAY. Each time you press the button, the display changes as follows.
Track number and elapsed playing time
File name and elapsed playing time
Press DISPLAY Track number and once. remaining time of the

current track

Press DISPLAY FOLDER once. <folder name>
Press DISPLAY The number of tracks left* twice. and time remaining on the
Press DISPLAY ID3 TITLE twice. <file name>
* Not displayed during Single play or Shuffle play.
Press DISPLAY ID3 ALBUM three times. <album name>
Press DISPLAY ID3 ARTIST four times. <artist name>
Checking the total number of files and folders on a CD with MP3 files
While you are holding down DISPLAY, the total number of files and that of folders are displayed.
Total number of folders Total number of files
Emphasizing the bass sound (SOUND)
You can emphasize the bass-boosted sound. Press SOUND to select BASS 1 or BASS 2.

No indication (Normal play)
If the folder does not have a folder name, ROOT appears in the display. If the file does not have ID3 tag information, - - - - appears in the display.

BASS 1 BASS 2

The selected sound mode is displayed.
BASS 2 enhances the bass sound more than BASS 1.
If the sound is distorted when using the SOUND function, turn down the volume.

Protecting your hearing

(AVLS) The AVLS (Automatic Volume Limiter System) function keeps down the maximum volume to protect your hearing. Hold down SOUND on the CD player until AVLS appears in the display.

Locking the controls

(HOLD) You can lock the controls on your CD player to prevent accidental button presses. Slide HOLD in the direction of the arrow.
If you use the SOUND function and the AVLS function at the same time, sound may be distorted. If this happens, turn down the volume.
Displayed when the HOLD function is activated.
To unlock the controls Slide HOLD in the opposite direction of the arrow.
Turning off the operation beep sound
You can turn off the beep sound that is heard from your headphones/earphones when you operate your CD player.
Remove the power source (dry batteries or AC power adaptor) from the CD player. Connect the power source while pressing x on the CD player.
To turn on the beep sound Remove the power source and then connect the power source without pressing x.
B Connecting your CD player
Connecting a stereo system
You can listen to CDs through a stereo system and record CDs on a cassette tape. For details, see the instruction manual that comes with the connected device. Be sure to turn off all connected devices before making connections.
Before you play a CD, turn down the volume of the connected device to avoid damaging the connected speakers. Use the AC power adaptor for recording. If you use the dry batteries as a power source, batteries may become completely depleted during recording. Adjust the volume properly on the CD player and connected device so that the sound will not be distorted or noisy.
About the G-PROTECTION and SOUND functions when using the connecting cord To record high quality CD sound, set the GPRO switch to 1.

Connecting cord

Left (white) Right (red)
Stereo system, cassette recorder, radio cassette recorder, etc.
B Connecting to a power source
You can use the following power sources: AC power adaptor (see Playing an audio CD or MP3 files) LR6 (size AA) alkaline batteries For the battery life, see Specifications. To remove the dry batteries Remove the batteries as illustrated below.

Using the dry batteries

Be sure to remove the AC power adaptor when using the dry batteries.
Open the battery compartment lid.
When to replace the batteries You can check the remaining power of the batteries in the display. Battery power is full.
Battery power is getting low.

(rear)

Battery power is low.
Insert two LR6 (size AA) batteries by matching the 3 to the diagram in the battery compartment.

Lo batt*

Batteries are depleted.

* Beep sounds.

When the batteries are depleted, replace both batteries with new ones.
The indicator sections of roughly shows the remaining battery power. One section does not always indicate one-fourth of the battery power. Depending on operating conditions, the indicator sections of may increase or decrease.
Insert the # end first (for both batteries). (Continued)
Notes on the power source
Disconnect all power sources when the CD player is not used.
To attach the battery compartment lid If the battery compartment lid is detached by an accidental drop, excessive force, etc., attach it as illustrated below.

On AC power adaptor

Use only the AC power adaptor supplied or recommended in Accessories (supplied/ optional). Do not use any other AC power adaptor. It may cause a malfunction.

Polarity of the plug

When disconnecting the AC power adaptor from the AC outlet, grasp the adaptor itself. Do not pull it by the cord. Do not touch the AC power adaptor with wet hands.

On dry batteries

Do not charge the dry batteries. Do not throw the batteries into fire. Do not carry the batteries with coins or other metallic objects. It can generate heat if the positive and negative terminals of the battery are accidentally contacted by a metallic object. Do not mix rechargeable batteries with dry batteries. Do not mix new batteries with old ones. Do not use different types of batteries together. When the batteries are not to be used for a long time, remove them. If battery leakage occurs, wipe off any deposit in the battery compartment, and install new batteries. In case the deposit adheres to you, wash it off thoroughly.

B Additional information

Precautions

On safety

Should any solid objects or liquid fall into the CD player, unplug it and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further. Do not put any foreign objects in the DC IN 4.5 V (external power input) jack.
Do not expose the CD to direct sunlight or heat sources such as hot air ducts. Do not leave the CD in a car parked under direct sunlight.

On headphones/earphones

Road safety Do not use headphones/earphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It may create a traffic hazard and is illegal in some areas. It can also be potentially dangerous to play your headsets at high volume while walking, especially at pedestrian crossings. You should exercise extreme caution or discontinue use in potentially hazardous situations. Preventing hearing damage Avoid using headphones/earphones at high volume. Hearing experts advise against continuous, loud and extended play. If you experience a ringing in your ears, reduce volume or discontinue use. Consideration for others Keep the volume at a moderate level. This will allow you to hear outside sounds and to be considerate to the people around you.

On the CD player

Keep the lens on the CD player clean and do not touch it. If you do so, the lens may be damaged and the CD player will not operate properly. Do not put any heavy object on top of the CD player. The CD player and the CD may be damaged. Do not leave the CD player in a location near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or sand, moisture, rain, mechanical shock, unleveled surface, or in a car with its windows closed. If the CD player causes interference to the radio or television reception, turn off the CD player or move it away from the radio or television. Discs with non-standard shapes (e.g., heart, square, star) cannot be played on this CD player. Attempting to do so may damage the CD player. Do not use such discs.

Maintenance

To clean the casing
Use a soft cloth slightly moistened in water or a mild detergent solution. Do not use alcohol, benzine or thinner.

On handling CDs

To keep the CD clean, handle it by its edge. Do not touch the surface. Do not stick paper or tape onto the CD.

Not these ways

Troubleshooting
Should any problem persist after you have checked these symptoms, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
Symptom The volume does not increase even if the VOLUME control is adjusted to the maximum level. No sound, or noise is heard. Cause and/or corrective actions c If AVLS appears in the display, hold down SOUND until AVLS disappears from the display. (page 7)

The playing time is too short when powered with the dry batteries. Lo batt or 000 appears in the display. The CD does not play. HI dc In appears in the display.
c Connect the plugs firmly. (page 6) c Plugs are dirty. Clean the plugs with a dry soft cloth periodically. c When playing a CD containing both MP3 files and files recorded in a format other than MP3, you selected the latter file type. This CD player can play tracks recorded in the CD-DA format or MP3 files recorded in the CD-ROM format only. (page 8) c Check that you are using alkaline batteries and not manganese batteries. (page 21) c Replace the batteries with new LR6 (size AA) alkaline batteries. (page 21) c Replace the batteries with new LR6 (size AA) alkaline batteries. (page 21)
The CD does not play or No disc appears in the display when a CD is placed in the CD player.
HOLD appears in the display when you press a button, and the CD does not play.
c Use only the AC power adaptor or car battery cord in Accessories (supplied/optional). (page 27) c Remove all power sources, then insert the batteries or connect the AC power adaptor again. (pages 6, 21) c The buttons are locked. Slide the HOLD switch back. (page 18) c The CD is dirty or defective. (page 23) c Check that the CD is inserted with the label side up. (page 6) c Moisture condensation has occurred. Leave the CD player aside for several hours until the moisture evaporates. c Close the lid of the battery compartment firmly. (page 21) c Make sure the batteries are inserted correctly. (page 21) c Connect the AC power adaptor to an AC outlet securely. (page 6) c Press N > after one second or more has passed since the AC power adaptor was connected. c The CD-R/CD-RW is blank. c There is a problem with the quality of the CD-R/CD-RW, recording device, or application software. (page 8) c The buttons are locked. Slide the HOLD switch back. (page 18)
Cause and/or corrective action Playback starts from the point c The resume function is working. To start play from the first track, you stopped. (resume press N > for 2 seconds or more, or open the lid of the CD function) player. Or remove all power sources, then insert the batteries or connect the AC power adaptor again. (pages 6, 7, 21, 22) During playback of an MP3 c The CD player is designed to stop the rotation of an MP3 CD CD, the CD does not rotate during playback to reduce the power consumption. The player is not but you can hear the sound malfunctioning. normally. NO FILE appears in the c There are no MP3 files in the CD. display after N > is c A CD-RW from which the data has been erased is being used. pressed or the lid of the CD c The CD is dirty. player is closed. The CD does not start playing. c Finalize the CD. (page 8) It takes a long time to start playback. When closing the lid of the c The CD player is reading the information on the CD. The player is CD player, the CD starts to not malfunctioning. rotate. When using with a connected c Adjust the volume of the CD player and the connected device. stereo system, the sound is (page 20) distorted or noisy. While playing an MP3 file in c If you use an MP3 file that was compressed with a transfer bit rate the forward or reverse setting other than 128 kbps, this phenomenon may occur. We direction quickly, indications recommend setting the bit rate to 128 kbps. on the display become unstable.

Symptom

Specifications

System

Compact disc digital audio system
Battery life* (approx. hours)
(When you use the CD player on a flat and stable surface.) Playing time varies depending on how the CD player is used. Figures in brackets show the playing time of MP3 files.

Laser diode properties

Material: GaAlAs Wavelength: = 780 nm Emission duration: Continuous Laser output: Less than 44.6 W (This output is the value measured at a distance of 200 mm from the objective lens surface on the optical pick-up block with 7 mm aperture.)
When using Two Sony alkaline batteries LR6(SG) (produced in Japan)
G-PROTECTION function [24] [24]

D-A conversion

1-bit quartz time-axis control
* Measured value by the standard of JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association).

Frequency response

20 - Hz 3 dB (measured by JEITA CP307)

Operating temperature

5C - 35C (41F - 95F)
Output (at 4.5 V input level)
Headphones (stereo minijack) Approx.5 mW + Approx. 5 mW at 16 (Approx. 0.5 mW + Approx. 0.5 mW at 16 )* *For the customers in France
Dimensions (w/h/d) (excluding projecting parts and controls)
Approx. 161.0 26.3 130.3 mm (in.) Approx. 210 g (7.5 oz.) Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Mass (excluding accessories)
Power requirements For the area code of the model you purchased, check the upper left side of the bar code on the package.
Two LR6 (size AA) batteries: 3 V DC AC power adaptor (DC IN 4.5 V jack): U/U2/CA2/E92/MX2/TW2/BR3 model: 120 V, 60 Hz CED/CET/CEW/CEX/CE7/EE/EE1/E13/G5/ G6/G7/G8/BR1 model: 220 - 230 V, 50/60 Hz CEK/3CE7 model: 230 - 240 V, 50 Hz AU2 model: 240 V, 50 Hz JE.W/E33/EA3/KR4 model: 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz HK2 model: 220 V, 50/60 Hz AR1/CNA model: 220 V, 50 Hz

Accessories

Optional accessories

(supplied/optional)

Supplied accessories
For the area code of the location in which you purchased the CD player, check the upper left side of the bar code on the package.

AC power adaptor (1) Headphones/earphones (1)
AC power adaptor AC-E45HG Active speaker system SRS-A17 Car battery cord DCC-E345 Car battery cord with car connecting pack DCC-E34CP Car connecting pack CPA-9C Connecting cord RK-G129 RK-G136 Earphones MDR-E848LP MDR-EX70LP Headphones MDR-A44L MDR-A110LP
When using optional headphones, use only headphones with stereo miniplugs. You cannot use headphones with micro plugs.

Stereo miniplug

Micro plug
Your dealer may not handle some of the accessories listed above. Please ask the dealer for detailed information about the accessories in your country.

About MP3

What is the MP3?
MP3 (MPEG 1 Audio Layer-3) is a standard technology and format for compressing a sound sequence. The file is compressed to about 1/10 of its original size. Sounds outside the range of human hearing are compressed while the sounds we can hear are not compressed.
THE USABLE NUMBER OF FOLDERS/ FILES Maximum number of folders: 511 Maximum number of files: 511 SETTINGS FOR COMPRESSION SOFTWARE AND WRITING SOFTWARE To compress a source for an MP3 file, we recommend setting the transfer bit rate of the compression software to 44.1 kHz, 128 kbps, and Constant Bit Rate. To record up to the maximum capacity, set to the halting of writing. To record at one time up to the maximum capacity on media that has nothing recorded it, set to Disc at Once. NOTES FOR SAVING FILES ON THE MEDIA When the disc is inserted, the player reads all the files on that disc. If there are many folders or non-MP3 files on the disc, it may take a long time for play to begin or for the next MP3 file to start play. Do not save unnecessary folders or files other than MP3 ones in the disc to be used for MP3 listening. We recommend that you do not save other types files or unnecessary folders on a disc that has MP3 files.
Playable MP3 files on this player
You can only play MP3 files recorded by following requirements. USABLE MEDIA CD-Rs and CD-RWs USABLE DISC FORMAT You can use ISO 9660 Level 1/2 and Joliet extension format discs. This unit can display only 1-byte characters. (2-byte characters like those of Japanese are displayed as.) The major specification of the usable disc format is: Maximum directory steps: 8 Usable characters for a file/folder name: A - Z, 0 - 9, _ (underscore) Maximum number of characters for a file name: 64 and a 3-character extension code Notes
When naming, be sure to add the file extension mp3 to the file name. If you put the extension mp3 to a file other than an MP3 file, the player cannot recognize the file properly. The file name does not correspond to the ID tag.

About ID3 tag

ID3 tag is a format for adding certain information (track name, album name, artist name, etc.) to MP3 files.
This CD player conforms to Version 1.1 of the ID3 tag format. If you use a version other than 1.1, ID3 tag information will not be displayed correctly but the file can be played back.
Sony Corporation Printed in China

Full-Service INNOVATOR

From 4K to Content, Sony Electronics Has Exhibitors Covered

GARY JOHNS

DIANNE LAGUARDIA

by Andreas Fuchs

o be perfectly honest with you, its busy, says Gary Johns, senior VP of Sony Electronics Digital Cinema Solutions group, about the current deployment status of over 4,000 4K systems worldwide. The nicely matched-up numbers are indeed a milestone worth celebrating at ShowEast. Here in the U.S. alone, we are doing over 350 installations a month now, Johns continues. Actually, our schedule will take us over 400 per month within the next few months. Currently, we have 11 U.S. customers signed up for Sonys VPF program, representing 1,062 screens, details senior marketing manager Dianne LaGuardia, and another 50 or so with 23 exhibitors directly. It is a well-known fact that the largest partners, thus far representing locations, are Regal Cinemas and AMC Theatres. But Sony is also working with many other national and regional chains, including Hollywood, Muvico and Landmark theatres, as well as individual players like Alamo Drafthouse, Cinemagic, Camera Cinemas, Lincoln Square Cinemas and the legendary Prytania in New Orleans to implement 4K projection technology and other Sony solutions. (For a full list of 4K locations worldwide, go to http://bit.ly/ fji1110sonyb.) Globally, the market doesnt have much of a consistency yet, LaGuardia explains. There are many deals and lots of deployments happening, of course. We have been doing it for a while longer in the U.S. Other countries have been deploying as well, just not as consistently yet. Based on the information she has seen from the other countries, by end of December, worldwide screens will be closer to 6,000. Woo-hoo! she exclaims. Given deployment and demand, does Sony

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experience any kind of backlog when it comes to production and delivery? After all, it took a while to get 4K technology going. The issue for us wasnt that it took us a while, Johns corrects, we needed the commitment to ramp up first. Once we had that commitment, we already had the plans in place and were actually able to ramp up pretty quickly. We use solid production techniques, so that can increase with the number of sales. We are nowhere near our production capacity at this point. Early on, however, everybody was saying, There is no way Sony can do this level of production. The fact is that Sony is a premier manufacturer of electronic equipment. For over 50 years, weve been making millions and millions of items. So we have a pretty good handle on how to manage production and production capacity. (For more information, see Bill Meads special on-site report about Sonys manufacturing facilities on the preceding pages.) Speaking of those capabilities, Sonys dcinema business is not just about projectors, but includes all the components necessary, which Johns says make up an integrated system of Sony projectors, media block, server and software. Clients like it a lot to have a one-stop shop. If they need to talk about any of the equipment elements, they only have one call to make One of the key methods of our system is that it was designed to work together. We are not just a projector manufacturer or just a server manufacturer. We make both and designed them to work together. This said, we are open and are, in fact, doing some things with Doremi right now. For Johns, it is all about really looking to provide a full range of services to theatres. In addition to the d-cinema systems, we also offer LED panel signage of varied sizes, be it for box office, lobby or concessions. Sony doesnt just sell but also offers a full range of services with the products. We can install them, monitor them through our network operating center, make repairs if necessary. Again, its a turnkey approach to digital signage, or we can offer only the parts. For example, AMC and Regal buy the bulk of their signage from us. If you walk into most of their theatres, you will see Sony displays. Sony Digital Cinema also offers solutions for what to put on display. Content is very much a growing part of the digital hub that Sony is creating for cinemas, Johns assures. We want to be able to provide to the industry a wide range of products and services. Content is one of those. We have done successful testing so far with gaming on the big screen and concerts that were recorded nearlive to understand what the market looks like and how to go about it. We are now formulat-

ing our plan how to go forward with content that also includes talking to people about opera and sports as well. Whereas The Hot Ticket is a part of Sony Pictures Releasing (www.thehotticket. net) and obviously a great concept, the dcinema groups activities come under Sony Electronics. Our group works closely with Sony Pictures as well as Sony Music and our Gaming division to make sure that we are consistent in our approach, Johns insists. We are separate business units but are all talking about what might sense for us to collaborate on. Similarly, the hardware component of Sony Electronics provides further point of contact. The production and post-production group provides everything from high-end cameras and 3D systems to complete trucks for production companies. So we have a lot of exposure to everything from origination to display on the screen, and ultimately on out to the consumer. Sonys content business is definitely part of the plan and, from the d-cinema perspective, we want to offer to the exhibitors a wide range of content that generates additional revenue streams for them and for us. We are working on it right now. What else is on the horizon? 5K, 6K, or something brand-new? I dont know if I could take too much more, Johns laughs. No, seriously. At Sony, weve always got product in development. We have new technology that we are working on every day to constantly improve upon our offerings. We are looking at ways, for instance, that will reduce overall cost of operation in the theatre and increase any one of the parameters that exhibitors care about, including ease of operation and brightness. Though, frankly, I dont know what else weve got left to improve upon. On the subject of new technology, Johns graciously agrees to comment on the latest laser projection initiative by The Eastman Kodak Company. Everybody is looking at laser as one of the potential technologies to increase brightness and reduce operating cost. Sony certainly is. Not having seen the Kodak demonstration, he would not comment on the presentation per se, but Im not surprised to see that Kodak or anybody else is working on laser projection. We know who all the different groups are and certainly try to keep up with whats going on. To put the development in perspective, Sonys been in the laser business for many years, he confirms. This past March, Sony Corp. announced our own laser modules to be used for driving digital projection. We use laser in so many ways throughout the corporation. One of the great things with that is that we get to share technology among groups.

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