Tokyo, April 14, 2003 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that it would launch a new model of its PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. It will be equipped with new DVD capabilities and will be available at a recommended retail price of 25,000 yen (excluding tax) on May 15th, 2003.

Since the launch of PlayStation 2, DVD video market has expanded explosively. Diffusion of digital consumer electronic products is also accelerated, further enhancing the environment to enjoy games and other digital entertainment on PlayStation 2. PlayStation 2 has already shipped more than 12.5 million units in Japan and over 50 million units worldwide, making it the standard entertainment platform in homes. Over 2,000 software titles are released from third party developers and publishers in the world, strongly supporting further penetration of the platform.

Under the circumstances, SCEI will bring new PlayStation 2, with enhanced capabilities as digital consumer electronics product, into the market. In addition to the existing DVD video playback capability, the new model will be able to playback recordable DVD media (DVD –R/ –RW + R/ +RW) (note: excludes DVD–RAM), that are rapidly becoming popular in the market. With this added feature, PlayStation 2 will become able to play disks containing content that has been recorded or edited on other DVD recorders, further expanding various applications in homes.

It also supports DVD progressive scan playback, making it possible to enjoy high quality and high resolution images. With these features, PlayStation 2’s position as DVD player and as the standard entertainment player has been further reinforced.

As for the remote control, new model PlayStation 2 has a built-in IR receiver, thus making the separate “IR Receiver Unit (for PlayStation 2)” used by inserting into the controller port unnecessary. Through this, controller port will no longer be occupied, providing more convenient environment for users when enjoying games with multiple number of players.

Together with the launch of new model PlayStation 2, SCEI will launch new “DVD Remote Control (for PlayStation 2)” (SCPH-10420). It will become possible to switch on and off power and to open and close disk tray using this new remote control, in addition to the existing capabilities.

Also, fan noise has been dramatically reduced through new design and improved control of airflow, enabling PlayStation 2 users to enjoy games and DVD videos in a more comfortable environment.

With PlayStation and PlayStation 2, Sony Computer Entertainment will create and develop a new world of computer entertainment for the broadband era through the fusion of game, music, movies, and broadcasting



Main Features

1. Reinforcement of DVD video playback capability

In addition to the existing DVD video playback capability, the new model will also support DVD –R/ –RW disks recorded in video mode and DVD –RW recorded in VR mode (note: excludes DVD–RAM). It is also possible to play DVD +R/ +RW disks.

* Playback only. Scratch or dirt on DVD –R/ –RW and DVD +R/ +RW disks, recording conditions, specific recorder attributes and other conditions may cause failure in playback.

2. Support of DVD video progressive scan output

By connecting PlayStation 2 to TV set supporting progressive scan image (525p) through “Component AV Cable (for PlayStation 2” (SCPH-10100) or “D-Terminal AV Cable with Audio Plugs (for PlayStation 2)” (SCPH-10330), it is possible to enjoy DVD videos with high quality and high resolution progressive images

3. Built-in IR receiver

With the built-in IR receiver inside the PlayStation 2 hardware, it is now possible to operate the remote control without using the separate “IR Receiver Unit (for PlayStation 2)”, which was required to be inserted into the controller port.

4. Operation of power switch and disk tray with the new DVD Remote Control

It is now possible to operate the power switch (on/standby/reset) of PlayStation 2 and opening and closing of disk tray, using the separately sold “DVD Remote Control (for PlayStation 2)” (SCPH-10420).

* Power switch and disk tray cannot be controlled by Remote Control Kit (SCPH-10170) or remote controls bundled with old models of PlayStation 2 hardware (SCPH-18000 and SCPH-37000).

5. Quieter design

It adopts a new airflow design which reduced fan noise by 75% comparing to the existing models.

*Compared at SCEI’s measurement standard.



Product Name: PlayStation®2

SCPH-50000

Recommended Retail Price: JPY 25,000 (excluding tax)

Release Date: May 15th, 2003 (Thursday)

Dimensions: 301 mm (W) x 182 mm (D) x 78 mm (H)

Weight: Approximately 2kg

Interfaces: Controller Port x 2

MEMORY CARD slot x 2

USB connector x 2 (*)

EXPANSION BAY x 1

AV MULTI OUT connector x 1

DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) connector x 1

(This model does not include i.LINK (IEEE 1394) connector)

Included: PlayStation 2 hardware x 1

Analog Controller DUALSHOCK®2 x 1

AV cable (integrated Audio/Visual) x 1

AC Power Cord x 1

(DVD Remote Control not included)



Separately Sold Accessories

Product Name: DVD Remote Control (for PlayStation®2) SCPH-10420

Recommended Retail Price:JPY 2,200 (excluding tax)

Release Date: May 15th, 2003 (Thursday)

Dimensions: Included: 59 mm (W) x 17 mm (D) x 159 mm (H)

Weight: Approximately 72g (excluding batteries)

Power: DC 3V (excluding batteries)

Included: DVD Remote Control (for PlayStation®2) x 1



About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these two platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

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PlayStation and the PlayStation logo, PS one and PS2 are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.