(Singapore, 13 October 2009) – Offering consumers enhanced music and video enjoyment, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific debuts the Walkman® NWZ-S740 series, a new noise-cancelling video MP3 player that features a language learning mode and advanced Clear Audio Technologies. Boasting a slim Walkman® chassis with an extended battery life of up to 42 hours of music and 10 hours of video , the Walkman® is perfect for active users constantly on the go.

“At Sony, we constantly strive to provide greater value through better product design and advanced features,” says Mr. Sydney Lee, Assistant General Manager of Personal Audio Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “Consumers can now enjoy their favourite music with greatly reduced ambient noise on the Walkman® S740 series and even learn new languages more effortlessly.”

Language learning ease

The new Walkman® series features the new Language Learning mode, making mastering a foreign language easier. Within the Language Learning mode, the A-B repeat function allows convenient playback of desired sections of audio books, while the Quick Replay function reverses audio tracks in 3-second intervals with a push of the ▲ button. In addition, DPC Speed Control allows tracks to be played at various speeds, such as half the normal speed or twice the normal speed, without affecting audio tonality so users can focus on how foreign pronunciations are made .

Exceptional audio clarity

Bundled with new noise-cancelling headphones, its improved noise-cancelling system features a vertical orientation that effectively reduces approximately 90% of ambient noise, so music can be enjoyed even in busy environments such as on trains and airplanes without needing to turn up the volume. The bundled airplane plug and adaptor allows frequent flyers to connect the Walkman® directly to the plane’s AV system to enjoy all the inflight video and music entertainment.

Targeted at music enthusiasts and business travellers, the Walkman® S740 series delivers noise-free audio and video playback through five advanced Clear Audio Technologies. With functions such as Noise Cancelling, Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE), Clear Stereo and Clear Bass, the Walkman® NWZ-S740 improves audio playback with natural, crisp sound reproduction.

Stylishly slim design

One of the slimmest Walkman® players available to date, the Walkman® NWZ-S740 is compact and easy to carry around. Available in a sleek, black metallic finish – it also delivers excellent colour reproduction and high definition video thanks to a large 2.0-inch QVGA LCD display for comfortable movie viewing.

Convenience at its best

The Walkman® S740 series extends the convenience of drag-and-drop transfers to videos, letting users transfer almost all their media (songs, videos and photos) easily from Windows® Explorer or iTunes to the player. The new SD (standard definition) video output also allows videos and music loaded on the player to be viewed and enjoyed on any compatible large screen TV easily .

The NWZ-S740 offers an extended battery life of up to 42 hours of music and 10 hours of video for hours of multimedia entertainment on the go. With the new Battery Care mode activated, the player also stops charging automatically when its battery is 90% charged, effectively extending battery lifespan by reducing battery deterioration.

Compatible with popular music and video file formats such as MP3, WMA, AAC-LC, Linear PCM, AVC (H.264), MPEG4 and WMV9, the Walkman® NWZ-S740 comes in 8GB and 16GB storage capacities and will be available in Asia Pacific from end October 2009.

‘WALKMAN is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. iTunes is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

View the specification sheet of NWZ-S744 and NWZ-S745 series.

About Sony Electronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

Based in Singapore, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation. It serves as the regional management and marketing headquarters for Sony’s consumer as well as broadcasting and professional products, overseeing S. E. Asia, Oceania, Middle East and Africa regions. For more information on Sony’s products and services in Asia Pacific, please visit www.sony-asia.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 US$78.9 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/ 

About make.believe

“make.believe” (make dot believe) is a Group-wide brand message that unites Sony’s communications initiatives across electronics, games, movies, music, mobile phones and network services. “make.believe” symbolises the spirit of Sony – the power of creativity, the ability to turn ideas into reality and the belief that anything you can imagine, you can make real.