1st UK DigiBox with digital audio out

["Mark McCall" <mark@xxxxxxx>]

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1st UK DigiBox with digital audio out - and interesting last paragraph!

http://www.diginews.org/news/aug00013.htm

27/08/2000

Sony And Sky Launch Digital Satellite Set-Top Box

Sony and Sky launch digital satellite set-top box 200,000 units to be
produced by end-2000

Sony United Kingdom Limited is to launch its digital satellite set-top box
on 1 September, bringing a wider choice of reception equipment than ever
before to Sky digital subscribers and other digital satellite viewers. The
new decoder is characterised by a unique, slimline design that is expected
to appeal to image-conscious consumers and strengthen digital satellite
television's position as the UK's leading digital TV service.

Production of the Sony set-top box is already well underway, with shipments
to retailers having begun in the week ending 26 August. Sony, the sixth
manufacturer of digital satellite set-top boxes, is committed to producing
in excess of 200,000 units by the end of this year.

The new unit will form part of Sky digital's free digibox and minidish
offer, which is helping millions of viewers to join the digital television
revolution. Under the offer, viewers receive a free minidish and digibox
from Sky, paying only for installation of the equipment.

Richard Freudenstein, BSkyB general manager, said:

"Sky is delighted to welcome Sony's leading-edge design to the
existing
range of digital satellite set-top boxes. This initiative extends choice
for
Sky digital viewers and further demonstrates Sky's ability to meet
continuing strong demand for digital satellite television, especially in
the
lead-up to the key Christmas sales period."

Steve Dowdle, deputy managing director and head of consumer products group,
Sony United Kingdom Limited, said:

"Sony is pleased to announce the development of its digibox. Sony
already
has a vast range of digital terrestrial products and this digibox is the
first of many products we expect to launch for digital satellite."

Mr Dowdle continued:

"The Sony set-top box is the first digibox to feature a digital audio
output
(DAO). This feature allows digital audio recording of most channels,
including the many audio channels now available, and is ideal for
downloading directly to your MiniDisc. The DAO of Sony's digibox features
the SCMS copy protection system."

Sky and Sony are working together to develop integrated digital television
sets (iDTVs) that can receive both digital satellite broadcasts and
free-to-air digital terrestrial channels. The iDTVs are expected to come to
market in summer 2001.

Both companies are also co-operating on future developments in home
networking technologies such as the IEEE1394 standard, "i.Link".
This
technology offers a vision of the digital future, seamlessly
interconnecting
household appliances and audio and visual equipment via a high-speed
digital
connection.

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