Grouper Partners With Sony to Put User-Generated Video on TV

Grouper Partners With Sony to Put User-Generated Video on TV

BRAVIA Internet Video Link Will Allow Viewers to Watch Premium Video From Grouper.Com

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- (CES Booth #14200) -- Grouper Networks Inc., one of the fastest growing user-generated video communities on the Internet, announced today its role as one of the channels on Sony Electronics' new TV feature -- the BRAVIA Internet Video Link -- unveiled today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The optional module will allow the newest BRAVIA Sony televisions to access a wide array of premium Internet video content available through Sony's Internet video service.

Owners of Sony Internet video-ready HDTVs, available in 2007, will be able to view some of the highest quality user-generated content from the Web via a small optional module easily attached and concealed behind the TV. Video on the Grouper channel on BRAVIA Sony televisions will be higher resolution than video found on Grouper.com and will be appropriate for all ages. Content from Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony BMG Music, as well as other providers will also be available.

"This exciting partnership reinforces Grouper's leadership in distributing video of all types across different platforms," said Grouper co-founder and co-president Josh Felser. "Grouper's channel on the Sony 'BRAVIA' Internet Video Link brings enhanced quality user-generated video content into the living room and makes it possible for people to have more control over what and where they watch."

The module links the television set directly to a user's broadband Internet service provider via an Ethernet connection. Sony Internet video content can then be accessed directly on the TV without use of a personal computer.

The BRAVIA Internet Video Link will initially be supported by Sony's BRAVIA S-series flat-panel LCD high-definition television line, which was also announced today. The new TV models include the KDL-46S3000, KDL-40S3000, KDL- 32S3000 and KDL-26S3000 units -- all shipping this spring.

The "BRAVIA" Internet Video Link module will be available this summer and pricing is expected to be announced within the next few months.

Grouper Networks, which is located in Sausalito, California, enables its members to watch, share and create video on the Web, desktop and connected devices and continues to be the leading innovator in the user-generated video space. Visit Grouper's website at: http://www.grouper.com/.

Sony Electronics, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, is a leading provider of audio/video electronics and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, design, engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. More information and digital images are available at the company's news and information website at http://www.sony.com/news.

Source: Grouper Networks Inc.

CONTACT: Laurie Anne Lassek, Grouper Networks, +1-415-225-2236,
lalassek@comcast.com; or Jonathan Bing, Freud Communications, Inc.,
+1-323-866-1822, cell - +1-323-839-7284, jonathan.bing@freud.com

Web site: http://www.grouper.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: News releases and digital images with captions are available at http://www.sony.com/news. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY.

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