Part of a series, the new VAIO FZ notebook comes in multiple configurations, including a premium and standard model. The premium version plays Blu-ray Disc high-definition content so you can enjoy movies in full 1080 HD resolution, as well as record, store and play back personal content on high-capacity BD media.

Weighing less than six pounds, the FZ notebook is designed to maximize LCD real estate integrating space-saving, engineering refinements throughout the chassis. Combined with Sony’s patented XBRITE-HiColor(TM) technology (on the premium model), the result is a 15.4-inch widescreen display that produces razor-sharp details and crisp, bold colors within the “footprint” of a much smaller notebook.

The FZ premium model also has an HDMI(TM) connector so you can connect to a high-definition television.

“With the premium model, we are bringing the power of Blu-ray to a portable PC at an unprecedented price of about $2,000,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. “Now consumers can enjoy stunning HD entertainment on their terms — virtually anywhere, any time.”

The new PC incorporates an Intel(R) Centrino(R) Duo processor technology and built-in 802.11n wireless LAN technology for high-speed, wireless computing with greater range and reliability than ever before. A compatible 802.11n access point is required. The model comes pre-installed with the Windows Vista(TM) Home Premium operating system.

Dream PC for the Entertainment Lover

The FZ notebook includes a full set of dedicated multimedia controls just above the keyboard. With the push of a button you can go straight to your CDs, pictures — even watch movies — without ever booting up the operating system (on the standard model).

And with Sony’s original Sound Reality(TM) technology, the FZ notebook offers professional-quality, high-resolution surround-sound.

The new model also comes loaded with LocationFree(R) software so you can “place-shift” live TV, access your personal video recorder or DVD player, and view that content on your notebook via the Internet (base station and broadband connectivity required).

An integrated camera and microphone let you send video messages. You can enjoy this feature with free video messaging services, such as AOL Instant Messenger(R), and stay connected to family, friends and co-workers with user-friendly chat and video mail functions (broadband connection and third-party services required).

The FZ notebook supports ExpressCard(TM), letting you port data at incredible speeds. This makes it easy to transfer video and large files from external devices to your PC. The unit also includes S-video, which enables convenient connectivity to televisions, cameras and projectors. It also supports all versions of Memory Stick(R) Flash media.

The FZ standard model will start at about $1,400, while the FZ premium Blu-ray Disc model will go for around $2,000. The VAIO FZ series will be available online at www.sony.com/pr/fz. They will also be sold at Sony Style(R) stores and select retailers around the country starting in mid-May

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During the course of a memorable evening, not least because Terry Wogan surprised guests by hosting part of the proceedings, the winners of the Gold, Silver and Bronze 2007 Sony Radio Academy Awards were honoured across 30 categories. The annual Gold Award went to Paul Gambaccini, veteran broadcaster and longtime host of the Awards ceremony: “for his role truly as the renaissance man of UK radio, his comprehensive understanding of music and music makers, for his wide ranging contribution to our output and to our industry.”

A new Lifetime Achievement Award recognising a regional broadcaster, was presented to BBC West Midland’s Tony Butler: “a broadcasting legend, one of a kind, and a passionate presenter whose programmes are essential listening” by supporter and former colleague, Richard Park.

Radio 2 had much to celebrate with its haul of five Sony Golds, including a double Gold win for Chris Evans for The Entertainment Award, where Heart’s Jamie Theakston and Harriet Scott took the Silver and Radio Clyde’s Bowie @ Breakfast the Bronze, and The Music Radio Personality of the Year, where Andy Kershaw won Silver and Mark Radcliffe Bronze. In their citation, the judges said of Evans: “… he shows a rare ability to connect with audiences at all levels with warmth and insight…High production values, quirky ideas and great interviews.”

Classic FM was a popular winner of the blue riband UK Station of the Year, triumphing over its Radio 1 and Radio 2 rivals. In the words of the judges: “It’s back on top form, oozing enjoyment of the music thanks to imaginative use of celebrities not generally known for their love of classical music, and polished, approachable presentation.”

Station of the Year: Under 300,000 went to Isle of Wight Radio, Station of the Year: 300,000 – 1 million was won by BBC Radio Derby and Radio City 96.7 got Station of the Year: 1 million plus. Gaydar Radio picked up Digital Terrestrial Station of the Year.

Francis Currie, for the Heart Network, won Gold for one of the evening’s biggest awards, The Station Programmer of the Year. The judges commented: “Francis Currie devised the programming strategy which has taken Heart to success in all of its three territories, including taking the top spot in the UK’s most competitive market: London.”

Colin Murray was Radio 1’s sole Gold winner, picking up the highly prestigious Music Broadcaster of the Year. The judges were impressed with his “fierce passion for music…this is a broadcaster with a winning blend of charisma and charm who proves that the best broadcasters are big enough to foreground music rather than themselves.” The Mark Radcliffe Show won The Music Programme Award – Smooth Operations for Radio 2 – and The Music Special Award went to Malcolm McLaren’s Musical Map of London – Just Radio for Radio 2.

The Today Programme on Radio 4 had an outstanding evening, not only winning Gold in the highly prized Breakfast Show Award but also seeing their senior presenter, John Humphrys, pronounced The News Journalist of the Year. Eddie Nestor at BBC London 94.9 prevented Humphrys doing the double by winning Gold in The Speech Broadcaster of the Year where John Humphrys took the Silver and LBC’s Anna Raeburn the Bronze.

The news awards were a reminder of the year’s headline events: The Breaking News Award went to BBC London 94.9 for their coverage of the London Tornado, The News Feature Award was won by Whistledown Productions for Radio 4 for Letters from Guantanamo Bay and The News & Current Affairs Programme Award was scooped up by Five Live Breakfast. The judges said of the Five Live news team: “This programme cleverly weaves the serious with the humorous and involves its listeners on so many levels that they are an integral part of it.”

The Gold for the first ever Internet Programme Award went to Wise Buddah Talent for the Firin’ Squad Unsigned Podcast. Planet Rock won a Sony Gold for the second year running with The Station Imaging Award and Virgin Radio struck Gold with their 2006 signing, Christian O’Connell, winning The Competition Award for Who’s Calling Christian?

The popularity of sport on radio grows apace and was reflected in the Awards: The Sports Programme Award went to BBC Radio Five Live for Sportsweek, and sport won through again with The Live Event Coverage Award going to Magic 1152 for The Alan Shearer Testimonial and Five Live Sports Extra won The Promo Award for The Ashes.

Tim Blackmore, Chairman of the Sony Radio Academy Awards Committee said: “The ongoing power of audio communication is more than amply demonstrated by the breadth and depth of these Awards. Whatever platform was used to distribute their work, every one of our winners has demonstrated the kind of creativity, credibility, or objectivity that has come to exemplify a quarter century of ‘the Sonys’.”

Award presenters included: Amanda Holden; Dom Joly; Katie Derham; Joan Bakewell; Greg Rusedski; Natasha Bedingfield; Joan Armatrading; Sir David Frost; Beverley Knight; Jamelia; Carol Vorderman; and Richard E Grant.

Sony is a registered trademark of the Sony Corporation, Japan.

The Sony sponsorship is the longest association by a sponsor with any media award in the UK, having been there for the entire 25 years.

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