Sony Gulf ushers in a revolution in high definition entertainment with VAIO AR-Series

The new VGN-AR28GP is ushering in a revolution in portable home AV entertainment with amazing high definition recording and playback capabilities and the world's highest resolution in a personal computer.

'The VAIO AR is the first notebook PC that has the ability to capture, edit and record in High Definition,' said Mr. Masaru Tamagawa, managing director, Sony Gulf FZE. 'Combined with unsurpassed storage capability our new Blu-ray Disc enabled notebook computer offers users with limitless creative possibilities.'

The VGN-AR28GP combines a 17-inch WUXGA widescreen display with the high definition power of its Blu-ray Disc Drive, full HD LCD and ultimate Sony design. The VGN-AR28GP is the first computer in Middle East to feature a Blu-ray Disc Drive supporting BD-R, BD-RE, BD-RE DL, BD-R DL, BD-ROM, DVD±R DL, DVD±RW, DVD-RAM, CD-R, CD-RW and CD-ROM. The VGN-AR28GP plays back new Blu-ray Disc high-definition content, allowing users to enjoy movies in full 1080 HD resolution.

Speaking on the Blu-ray Disc format, Mr. Tamagawa adds, 'Sony will entertain the future across a range of High Definition applications and one of the most important is Blu-ray. We began research and development of Blu-ray technology in 1993. Since then, we have been joined by more than 160 partners, allies and supporters from the consumer electronics, IT, games and the movie and music industries.'

'Blu-ray Disc has dramatically greater storage capacity than any other format. With five times the capacity of a DVD, a 25 GB single layer Blu-ray Disc stores two hours of high definition video. This means that even in high definition, you can have a full movie. Blu-ray Disc is an amazing experience for your eyes and your ears.'

Boasting an extra-large widescreen display with Sony's Clear Bright High-Color LCD technology and state-of-the-art graphics capability, the VGN-AR28GP offers the ultimate solution for avid gamers and home entertainment enthusiasts. With its extraordinary video and sound quality, and enhanced communications and software applications, the VGN-AR28GP is the ideal desktop replacement for both entertainment and business users.

In addition to its HD playback capability, the VGN-AR28GP offers unprecedented multimedia power with the ability to record high-definition camcorder content to Blu-ray Discs, letting aspiring moviemakers shoot, edit and burn their unique creations in HD. Using the extensive software applications packaged within the VGN-AR28GP, users can edit and share high-definition footage on Sony high-capacity BD-R and BD-RE Blu-ray Discs (the dual-layer Blu-ray disc media available in later this year will offer up to 50GB storage capacity) or on traditional DVD formats, capitalizing on its flexible storage, playback and recording.

For users who want to view their content on an even larger screen than the AR's extra-large 17-inch WUXGA widescreen, the VGN-AR28GP comes equipped with an HDMI connector and S-Video cable that connects to high-definition televisions like the Sony's BRAVIA LCD TV or projector for a larger viewing experience.

The NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7600 GT graphics card with 256MB dedicated video memory is ideal for handling high definition content and DVD playback; nothing brings gamers closer to the action! With a massive 200 GB Hard Disk Drive and powered by the Intel® Centrino® Duo Mobile Technology comprising an Intel® Core™2 Processor T7400 (2.16GHz), the VGN-AR28GP offers the ultimate AV entertainment solution for portable entertainment anywhere, anytime.

Other unique design features in the VGN-AR28GP include a built-in MOTION EYE camera (310k pixels) seamlessly included at the top of the LCD. With the built-in microphone included along the front line of the palm rest, video conferencing with business colleagues or friends and family on the VGN-AR28GP is easier than ever. Powerful speakers have also been included on the front of the computer beneath the LCD screen for better audio.

The VGN-AR28GP is also distinguished by new improvements to its famed VAIO design, with an even sleeker appearance thanks to the glossy premium piano black finish used on the top and bottom of the notebook. The stylish black magnesium is perfectly accented by metal-plated trimming on both sides. This advanced finish is as durable as it is distinctive. Even the smallest detail has been paid meticulous attention to as even the palm rest has been specially textured to prevent distracting reflections while watching video content.

Additional design touches include an illuminating VAIO Logo below the widescreen LCD. This intelligent logo automatically shuts off illumination when playing back movies so users can watch the movie without being disturbed. The VGN-AR28GP design features a slightly raised palm rest in relation to the keyboard with a natural curved slope for more relaxed and comfortable typing. Short cut keys on the left hand side and AV buttons on the upper right hand side of the keyboard make navigating the VGN-AR28GP's wealth of AV entertainment features easy to navigate and simple to use.

The revolutionary new VGN-AR28GP is ideal for gamers and those who enjoy making and editing home videos and home movies with high definition quality. As with all Sony VAIO models, the new VGN-AR28GP appeals to stylish and tech-savvy consumers and for anyone looking for the best computer with top notch data and graphics processing power to replace their laptop or desktop.

Sony's First Blu-ray Disc Media

Sony's first single-layer 25GB Blu-ray Disc media offers an enormous storage capacity for customers with a large memory appetite for multiple purposes including storing of video clips, music and for data back-up purpose. The Blu-ray Disc media offers a high 2x speed equivalent to a data transfer rate of 72 Mbps (9MB/second). Equivalent to 5 DVDs' storage memory capacities, it can store approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes of video at a bit rate of 24Mbps or 10 hours and 30 minutes at 5Mbps. Available in BD-R (write-once) and BD-RE (rewritable) formats, Sony's Blu-ray Disc media encompasses useful features for high-definition and large capacity recording. Users can easily play back the Blu-ray Disc media with the VGN-AR28GP.