SONY DELIVERS VISION FOR IP COMMUNICATIONS WITH INTRODUCTION OF “IPELA” FUTURE-READY PRODUCT LINEUP
NEW YORK, March 22, 2005 — Sony Electronics today launched in the U.S. its new IPELA line of Internet protocol (IP)-based communications products ranging from IP monitoring and recording devices to IP-ready videoconferencing systems.
Derived from the combination of IP and “bella,” (Italian word for “beautiful”). IPELA signifies the arrival of business communications equipment that blends Sony’s high-resolution imaging and audio technology with the universal reach of IP networks.
“IPELA represents our vision of expanded IP-based business communications, one that will make global visual communications as commonplace as a telephone call,” said John Scarcella, president of Sony Electronics’ Broadcast and Business Solutions Company.
According to Scarcella, Sony is installing interactive product showrooms in select U.S. cities to support the IPELA product line. He also said that Sony has allocated $10 million in global marketing resources to support the new line.
IPELA products offer plug-and-play functionality for personal or small office use. They also come with options for supporting software and system integration capabilities that can create enterprise-level systems for large corporate environments. Sony has committed to intensive research and development for future IPELA technologies. Future roadmaps include the integration of high-definition technology into the IP communications experience.
“Just as our innovations in high-definition technology have been major hallmarks in both the professional broadcast environment and in home entertainment products, they will be part of what sets us apart in the IP communications space as well,” Scarcella added.
According to Scarcella, the IPELA name is an example of Sony’s commitment to positioning its products and solutions at the forefront of the growing IP communications market. This commitment has most recently been demonstrated by increased adherence to industry standards and collaboration with other industry leaders – one being Glowpoint Inc. — to expand videoconferencing applications to virtually any location, and another illustrated by the integration of select conferencing systems with Cisco Inc.’s CallManager 4.0 solution to provide simplified videoconference connections through the use of Cisco voice over IP telephony.
The first products to be labeled IPELA include the PCS-G70 large room videoconferencing system and the PCS-TL50 desktop videoconferencing system. Also included are network video monitoring cameras including the SNC-RZ25N and P-Series MPEG-4 enabled models and the DF40 and DF70 mini-dome cameras.
Expected later this summer are the new XIS Series of IP video monitoring cameras. This series includes the XIS-5100 wide area monitoring camera, which will cover a 160 degree x 15 degree area, and the XIS-10DC, a unique surveillance system for the industrial, government and aviation sectors with a 360-degree view and 100 megapixel resolution.
IPELA products will be displayed at key upcoming industry trade shows such as ISC West, April 6-8 in Las Vegas, the National Association of Broadcasters Show (NAB), April 18-21 in Las Vegas, and InfoComm, June 8-10, also in Las Vegas.
The first IPELA products will be available to customers starting in April and will be available for viewing in showrooms in New York, San Diego, and Washington, D.C., with additional cities to follow.. More information can be found at www.sony.com/ipela.
