PARK RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 29, 2008 – Sony is introducing the industry’s first 1080i high-definition videoconferencing system.

The new PCS-XG80 system combines 1080i resolution and a high frame rate of 60 fields per second to deliver superb live video quality and a very natural alternative to face-to-face meetings.

Its backward compatibility gives users the option of connecting with HD video quality through the growing number of high bandwidth connections or through standard-definition legacy systems, which comply with industry standards, over IP and/or ISDN. In an industry first, this new system also features BrightFaceTM, Video Annotation, and RF Remotefunctionality.

The new system is an expansion of Sony’s HD videoconferencing line-up. It incorporates several functions and features of the company’s PCS-HG90 system.

From PowerPoint® and animations to live DVDs, users can also seamlessly share PC data in HD at 30 frames per second. Dual stream functionality lets users send two separate parallel streams of live, HD information.

Both live camera view and animated PowerPoint data, for example, can be displayed in HD on two different screens or projectors at a remote site.

Featuring six-site multipoint conferencing, users can call up to five other remote sites to simultaneously meet, with multi-language support for 20 different languages available through easy-to-navigate menus. Wide band stereo audio also enhances the overall meeting experience for users with crisp and clear sound.

. “We believe that the PCS-XG80 system delivers the best available video and audio quality on the market for large corporate organizations, as well as SMEs (small and medium size enterprises), healthcare institutions, education establishments and government bodies that are looking for cost-effective, proven communication technologies,” said Mike Sekiguchi, general manager for Sony Electronics’ IPELA™videoconferencing group. “This technology allows people to engage ‘face-to-face,’ without incurring the financial, environmental and human costs of what is often unnecessary travel in today’s global business environment.”

The new system is expected to be available this spring at a suggested list price of approximately $8,999. The system will be available nationwide through Spire Global, which serves as Sony Electronics’ sales and service arm for its IPELA line of IP-based video conferencing endpoints and accessory products. Spire Global can be reached at 888-807-7473, by email, info@spireglobal.com or by visiting www.spireglobal.com.