Sony Showcases MiniDisc Car Products At FUSE '98
19 June 1998
Sony Showcases MiniDisc Car Products At FUSE '98; MD Changer Promotion Makes It Even Easier to Add MD to the Car ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., June 19 -- Sony Mobile Communications
America demonstrates its 1998 car MiniDisc (MD) receiver and changer models at
FUSE '98.
"Interest in MD for the car has been very strong this year," said Ron
Boire, vice president, Sony Mobile Communications America. "As a digital,
recordable -- yet virtually unshockable format -- people are realizing that
MiniDisc is perfect for on-the-go applications like car audio."
To broaden the appeal of car MD to those with existing car audio systems,
Sony announces a consumer MD promotion to begin on August 15, 1998. Sony will
offer a free RM-X69RF Controller/RF modulator (retail price of $180.00) with
the purchase and installation of the MDX-62 six disc MD changer from an
authorized Sony dealer. As the MDX-62/RM-X69RF combination can play through
any FM car radio, consumers who aren't interested in replacing their existing
radio can still enjoy the MD format while driving.
"Sony is offering this RF changer to the consumer to demonstrate how easy
car MD can be. With this simple 'plug and play' solution of the MD changer
and RF controller, MD in the car is available to anyone who has an FM radio,"
Boire said.
Although the MDX-62/RM-X69RF combination provides an easy solution for
existing systems, the MDX-62 itself adds MD playback to any of Sony's many
in-dash receivers with the changer control function. With its ultra-compact
size (7"x3"x5"), the MDX-62 fits most anywhere, in the trunk, glove
compartment, or even an arm rest. It offers 10-second shock resistant memory,
digital D-Bass low frequency enhancement, and an illuminated clear acrylic
window for easy viewing of MD title labels.
The MDX-62 is available now for $550.00 manufacturer's suggested retail
price (MSRP).
In-Dash MD Receivers/Tuners
At FUSE '98, Sony is also showcasing the MDX-C8900, an in-dash MD player
with AM/FM tuner, CD changer control and amplifier. According to Boire, the
MDX-C8900 will deliver a high-performance MiniDisc audio experience for the
car audio enthusiast.
Outstanding benefits of this new model include its ability to play
MiniDiscs recorded at home. Quick random access of the MD format makes
locating selections simple, and the small disc size of MDs are easy to handle
and store while driving. With its changer control feature, people have an
ideal way of adding MD audio capability to their cars, while preserving their
CD listening ability with a Sony Disc Jockey(R) 10-disc CD changer, such as
the CDX-715.
The MDX-C8900 offers features and technologies not previously available in
car MD, including:
-- Wide Bit Stream signal processing that uses a higher density signal for
better dynamic range and clarity;
-- BBE(R) Processing on the MDX-C8900 enhances music "realism" through
selective phase shift and delay techniques;
-- Sony Adaptive Reception tuner capability senses how many radio stations
are in an area and adjusts its IF stage bandwidth for the best
reception and sound quality;
-- Expanded control capabilities for an add-on changer, tuner or DSP
processor;
-- Voice Confirmation of control inputs with a soothing female voice tells
radio station call letters or tracks, eliminating the need to look at
the player to further help drivers keep their eyes on the road.
Enhanced audio performance includes preamp output voltage with four volts
to deliver a cleaner signal to drive add-on power amplifiers; and a third
preamp output for subwoofer with an adjustable low-pass filter.
The MDX-C8900 has a fold-down panel with disc loading slot located behind.
This design gives the unit a large front panel that is used almost entirely
for the display.
The MDX-C8900 will be available in July for $600 (MSRP).
Sony's MDX-C7900 MD receiver with CD changer control, is a more affordable
($450.00 MSRP), feature-rich, in-dash MD car player/receiver that combines MD
player and AM/FM stereo tuner with a CD changer control in an in-dash
configuration.
Performance features of the MDX-C7900 that Boire pointed out include its
10-second shock resistant memory, which delivers near interruption-free
listening while driving. The unit's tuner has 20 FM and 10 AM radio presets
for local radio station listening.
The 40Wx4 (max) high output provides plenty of power for high quality
speakers. Front and rear preamp outputs allow for additional amplifiers.
An easy-to-use large Rotary Encoder and lever control delivers sight-free
control-by-touch to help drivers keep their eyes on the road. Both the MDX-
C7900 and the MDX-C8900 have front panel designs with a Rotary Encoder, large
dot LCD displays and a rotary lever to help drivers keep their eyes on the
road and maximize safe motoring
A detachable face maximizes system security by letting users remove it
when away from the car. The MDX-C7900 is available in stores now.
Sony Electronics Inc. Background: Headquartered in Park Ridge, N.J., Sony
Electronics has more than 26,000 employees in North America. Sony is the
co-developer of CD and DVD technologies, and noted for such product
developments as the MiniDisc digital audio system, Digital Handycam camcorders
and Trinitron television technology. Sony Electronics had record sales for
the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 1988 of $10.5 billion.
