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Sony's new memory stick Pro format
Dennis Hissink : August 14th 2003 - 14:05 CET
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 Enabling users to listen, watch and enjoy a variety of rich content including high-resolution digital images, CD-quality audio and DVD-quality moving images, Sony Electronics announced U.S. introduction plans for its line of the new 256MB, 512MB and 1GB Memory Stick PRO media. Jointly developed with SanDisk Corporation, the new generation of memory cards features high capacity, high-speed data transfer, high-level security and future expandability. The Memory Stick PRO format-enabled devices with high-speed data transfer capabilities can reach unparalleled levels of performance, such as real-time recording of high-resolution moving images. The Memory Stick PRO format integrates new technologies and features including:
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High Capacity - On a 1GB card, users can enjoy and record approximately:
16 CDs (calculated at 64MB per CD)
385 JPEG images in 5.0-megapixel quality, more than 10 rolls of 24/36 film.
24 minutes of DVD quality video (MPEG2)
Six hours of MPEG4 (384Kbps) moving images
High Speed - In addition to an improved transfer speed of up to 160 megabits per second (Mbps), an advantage of the Memory Stick PRO format is the minimum write speed of 15Mbps that can be realized with optimized Memory Stick PRO format-compatible devices.
Real-time Recording - Memory Stick PRO technology also incorporates software specifically designed to offer real-time recording of data. With compatible devices, users can now rest assured that their memory cards and more importantly, the content on the card, will not be compromised when they accidentally remove the card before all of the data has been transferred or recorded.
Data Security - Tentatively dubbed the "Access Control Function," the new protection technology will have the capability of securing content on the media, preventing others from accessing the files in the event the card is stolen or lost. The new format also includes the MagicGate copyright protection technology, which will provide secure transfer and playback of commercial and copyrighted content, such as digital music and in the future, video and games.
Compatibility with Current and Future Devices
While many new Memory Stick PRO media-enabled devices are expected to ship in spring 2003, certain devices currently in the market are able to accept the new format cards either natively or through a downloadable software patch.
Devices that can accept the new format cards natively include:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717 digital camera
Sony Handycam Camcorders DCR-TRV350, 22,33,38,39,70 and 80
Sony DPP-EX5 and -EX7 digital photo printers
Sony XBR Grand WEGA KF-60XBR800, -50XBR800 LCD Projection TV
Sony KLV30XBR900 LCD Color TV
Sony Plasma WEGA KE-50XBR900, -42XBR900 Flat Panel Color TV
Sony CINEZA VPL-HS10 Video Projector
Sony MSAC-US20 USB Memory Stick adapter
Sony MSAC-US70 USB optical mouse and Memory Stick adapter
Sony MSAC-PC3 PC Card Memory Stick adapter
Devices that can accept the new Memory Stick PRO media after being updated via a software upgrade include (for additional product information and a complete list of compatible VAIO™ notebook and desktop PC models, visit in April):
Sony CLIÉ PEG-NZ90 handheld
Sony CLIÉ PEG-NX70V handheld
Sony CLIÉ PEG-NX60 handheld
More than 100 VAIO notebook and desktop PCs
Available at retail in April, 256MB, 512MB and 1GB Memory Stick PRO media will sell for about $190, $440 and $880, respectively. |
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