Playstation 3 Website Launched!

PLAYSTATION 3 Website Launched!
www.nz.playstation.com/ps3

Auckland, 31 July 2006 – In response to consumer demand, Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand (SCENZ) today announced the launch of the first official consumer communications channel to share information about the eagerly awaited PLAYSTATION®3.

The website (www.nz.playstation.com/ps3) provides console specifications, an overview of some of the launch software and gives some brief explanations of the technologies packed inside the PLAYSTATION 3. Visitors to the site are encouraged to register their interest for the opportunity to be sent exclusive updates on the console between now and the 17 November launch date.

“This website initiative was born from consumer hunger for information on the product,” stated Warwick Light, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand. “Since E3 [Electronic Entertainment Expo – May 2006] the PlayStation consumer phone service has been experiencing a steady climb in traffic from people seeking basic product information. In response we decided to populate a website with the most frequently asked PLAYSTATION 3 questions.”

PLAYSTATION 3 is a highly advanced computer system that serves as a platform to enjoy next generation computer entertainment contents in the home, realised through the combination of Cell and RSX™ processors, it will be a fully functional Blu-ray movie player [new standard of High-Definition movie playback], in addition the console provides backwards compatibility, that is, the playability of a vast catalogue of PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 software titles.

Having Giga-bit Ethernet and a pre-installed hard disk drive (HDD) as standard in PLAYSTATION 3, users will be able to download a variety of contents as well as access on-line games and services over the network.

“The console will introduce completely new entertainment experiences and technologies, it is important that we continue to work hard to meet consumers thirst for knowledge on these features and applications between now and when consumers have the opportunity to try out the console for themselves.”

Traditionally, PlayStation products have launched in overseas markets before arriving in New Zealand. With PLAYSTATION 3, the console will launch in Japan on 11 November and then Australia, New Zealand, Europe and America on 17 November. “At launch, Kiwis will not have the piles of consumer feedback they seek from their global peers, it will therefore be important that we clearly communicate the console features ahead of time. This website is the first step of many that we will take to spread our exciting news and developments,” concluded Mr Light.

ENDS

For further information on PlayStation products, go to www.scee.presscentre.com
For more information on the Blu-ray format visit: www.blu-raydisc.com

Product name: PLAYSTATION®3
CPU: Cell Processor
GPU RSX™
Sound: Dolby 5.1ch, DTS, LPCM, etc. (Cell-based processing)
Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
HDD: 2.5” Serial ATA (20GB) (60GB)
I/O: USB 2.0 (x4)
MemoryStick /SD/CompactFlash
Communication: Ethernet (x1/ 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)
IEEE 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
Wireless controller (Bluetooth)
AV Output: Screen size 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
HDMI OUT - (x1 / HDMI NextGen)
AV MULTI OUT (x1)
DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) (x1)
BD/DVD/CD Drive (Read Only): Maximum Read Speed BD 2x (BD-ROM)
DVD 8x (DVD-ROM)
CD 24x (CD-ROM)
SACD 2x
Dimensions: Approximately 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D)
Weight: Approximately 5 kg

About PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)
PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. With graphics rendering capability comparable to that of PlayStation®2, PSP® features a 4.3 inch widescreen, high-resolution TFT display. The PSP® system’s storage medium – UMD™ (Universal Media Disc) – is a compact yet high-capacity (1.8GB) optical disc. With a wide range of accessories and connectivity options, including Memory Stick Duo™, USB 2.0, IR port and Wireless (WLAN) functionality, PSP® is the new entertainment platform from Sony Computer Entertainment.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) software and hardware in 104 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the platforms in these territories. Between its European debut on 24th November 2000 and the end of March 2006, over 38 million PlayStation 2 consoles have been shipped across the SCEE territories, over 103 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history. Between its European debut on 1st September 2005 and the end of March 2006, over 5 million PSP systems have been shipped across the SCEE territories, with over 17 million shipped worldwide since its Japanese launch in December 2004.

About Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand
SCE New Zealand, based in Auckland, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PS one®, PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® Portable software and hardware in New Zealand. Over 330,000 consoles have been shipped in New Zealand as of February 2006. With both CD and DVD capabilities, PlayStation®2 offers consumers a diverse range of computer entertainment solutions and is supported with over 800 high quality software titles.

More information about PlayStation products can be found at www.playstation.com and www.yourpsp.com or visit the Virtual Press Office at www.scee.presscentre.com.

PlayStation, PSP and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. UMD (Universal Media Disc) is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

ENDS

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