| PRESS RELEASE: CONVERGENCE REVOLUTION |
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For Immediate Release
Contacts: Chris Ault 804-698-8829, Steve Mullen 804-698-8830 CONVERGENCE REVOLUTION SPURS INTERSECTION OF AUDIO, VIDEO AND HOME COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY Crutchfield is the Consumer Resource for �Convergence� Products, Expertise and Support CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. -- February 29, 2000 -- The American consumer�s continuing appetite for sophisticated, high-technology electronic products is being whetted by Crutchfield Corporation, the nation�s largest direct integrated marketer of consumer electronics. Simply put, �convergence� is the melding of home computer and Internet systems with digital audio and video devices. Crutchfield�s team of well-trained technical and sales advisers are available by phone or over the internet (www.crutchfield.com) to help consumers navigate the array choices to configure their systems. Crutchfield offers a multitude of convergence-oriented audio, video and home computing products manufactured by Sony. On the audio front, the Sony VAIO PCV-L630 Slimtop� LCD Computer provides an anchor for the integrated operation of devices such as the Sony NW-MS7 Memory Stick Walkman, the Sony MDS-PC2 MiniDisc recorder with PC interface and the Sony MZ-R55PC portable MiniDics recorder. All of these devices connect with the PC and utilize popular digital compression formats such as ATRAC3, MP3, and WAV. They can also store tracks ripped directly from CD�s in a CD-ROM drive. �Digital technology is revolutionizing personal entertainment,� says Dan Hodgson, senior vice president of merchandising. �Compact Discs were just the first step. Now, the convergence of audio/video components, the Internet and the PC creates a world of new possibilities. These products are amazing.� Convergence products aimed at the video market include the Sony DCM-M1 MD Discam, which provides digital video recording onto 2 �� disc and can transfer JPEG stills and video clips to a PC. Also available is the Sony DSC-F505 Digital Camera, which is able to store JPEG images or MPEG1 movies on a 4MB Memory Stick�. Sony�s DPP-MS300 Digital Photo Printer allows you to print full color, high-resolution photos from the Memory Stick or directly from the computer. For digital images of these products or an opportunity to speak with a Crutchfield executive, please call one of the above contact numbers. Founded in 1974, Crutchfield Corporation is the nation�s largest direct integrated marketer (Internet, catalog, call center) of consumer electronics products, offering a convenient, full-service shopping destination to buyers of car and home audio/video products. Crutchfield mailed 32 million catalogs in 1999. The catalogs include comprehensive explanations of products and technology intended to help consumers make informed buying decisions. Crutchfield was the first authorized audio/video retailer on the Internet, launching its Web site, www.crutchfield.com, in the summer of 1995. ### |
