Tokyo, Japan- Sony Corporation today announced plans to launch a new line of desktop computers, called the "VAIO Compo"[PCV-M350] series. Equipped with a new optical digital output connector^*1, the new series of VAIO computers can be connected to Sony's PC-compliant MD decks^*2 for recording music from audio CDs and various sound formats including MIDI. The new VAIO Compo will be released on the Japanese market this October.

The VAIO [PCV-M350] series includes three desktop models that come complete with a main unit, wireless keyboard, and mouse, etc. Model [PCV-M350V7] comes complete with a 17-inch Trinitron display; model [PCV-M350V5] comes with a 15-inch Trinitron display; and model [PCV-M350L3] comes with a 13.3-inch TFT liquid crystal display.

• *1The audio CD uses a sampling frequency of 44.1kHz, but sound generated from the internal sound chip is passed out through the digital audio output at 48kHz. MD recorders not equipped with a sampling rate converter cannot record the 48kHz output. Like CD players, this product outputs audio CD signals, based on the digital audio copy management system known as SCMS (Serial Copy Management System).
• *2PC-compliant MD decks are sold separately. They include models [MDS-PC1/S39/JA22ES/JB920].
• *3Capable of switching automatically between V.90 and K56Flex. 56kbps is the maximum theoretical rate for receiving data. The maximum rate for sending data is 33.6 kbps.

Main Features of VAIO [PCV-M350] Series Desktop Computers

1. Equipped with a digital optical output that can be connected to MD decks to record audio CDs and other digital sound formats onto MDs
2. Contains a high-quality sound generator chip featuring XG/GM compatible MIDI hardware acceleration
3. Includes Sony's original Control A1 terminal, which can be used for communication between appliances such as MD deck or 200 CD changer
4. Offers high-performance specs that allow for maximum enjoyment of 3D games
5. Incorporates an [ATI 3D Rage™Pro Turbo AGP(2X)] AGP(2X) graphics accelerator
6. Uses a wireless keyboard with a built-in pointing device that gives the user greater freedom-of-use
7. Features noise-reduction design that allows for distraction-free operation in a quiet room
8. Comes in a compact body that requires very little space for set-up and installation
9. Includes a variety of Sony's original software, including [Digital Media Park Ver. 1.3] , [MD Editor (VAIO)] , [PictureGear Ver.2.5SE], and many others

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its music, pictures and computer entertainment operations make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of over $51 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998, and it employs 173,000 people worldwide.