The Sanyo DMX-CG65 hybrid digital camera uses the leading Web movie format MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, offering 10 hours total recording time for movies and a 6 megapixel sensor for still images. In addition four major web companies (SEEBOX, Mlog, Six Apart and VOICE-BANK) have agreed to jointly develop the “Xacti 2.0 Project” with Sanyo, with the aim of integrating high-resolution digital movie content on the Web.

Sanyo Press Release

Tokyo, March 13, 2007—-SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., (SANYO), a world leading digital camera manufacturer, introduces a new and improved high-resolution digital movie camera capable of longer recording time and ease-of-use with Web-compatible movies – the ‘DMX-CG65’. The DMX-CG65 will be on sale from late April 2007.

*Please note the contents of this press release, is specific to the model sold in Japan.

SANYO will launch this product in various regions around the world, though the name, model number, specifications, etc. may differ.

The Xacti series cameras have combined digital movies and high-resolution still images, providing a light-weight, pocket-sized camera that consumers find easy to operate and fun to use. SANYO, with the “Xacti Universe” that focuses primarily on the Xacti camera series, connects people, information, location, nature, and communities world-wide.

Therefore, in order to further develop this idea, and in order bring all Web users the true enjoyment of digital movies, four major companies operating online Web communities working on “Web 2.0” and SANYO with “Xacti” have agreed to jointly develop the “Xacti 2.0 Project”.

Web users can utilize the high-quality digital images taken by the cameras to become rich visual contents for the people, information, locations, nature, and communities of the world. SANYO will continue to provide services and solutions centered on the “Xacti” cameras, enabling users to create their own “movie blogs” and personally managed web-based movie broadcasting offices.

Xacti DMX-CG65 Main Features

1) Adopts leading Web movie format MPEG-4 AVC/H.264*1
2) 6.0 Mega-pixel still images and 10-hours*2 total recording time for high-quality movies
3) Easy movies and pictures with high sensitive film/photo and image stabilization function

*1 Predominant method enabling high-resolution images to be recorded with small amount of memory, widely becoming mainstream
*2 When using 8GB SDHC Memory Card in TV-HQ Mode

Main Features of “Xacti 2.0 Project”

1) Cooperative technology to start service compatible with the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 movie formats
2) Xacti and Web Community Companies to cooperate in promoting the service
3) Collaborative research to improve the use of digital movies and Web communities

Currently, with the expansion of broadband internet access, the contents of the web are no longer limited to the usual still images and text, and are now seeing the rapid expansion of the use of large video files. Meanwhile, just like the key phrase “Web 2.0” symbolizes, as a change from the current way the Web is viewed, users are seeking content services and solutions that will allow them greater freedom and room to express themselves fully. There are already some companies that are trying to meet the needs of these customers by providing them at least part of these services.

SANYO has already offered the Xacti C/CA/HD series, which made possible both high-resolution still images and MPEG-4 movies that facilitated use with the computer.

SANYO now announces a extension of this concept, with the new “DMX-CG65” model that is light-weight and pocket-sized so users can easily take photos and movies where they want, and offers the tools needed to integrate contents users want for the improving Web as well as the same computer-friendly compatibility of previous models.

Main features

1. Adopts leading Web Movie format MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Through the newly developed LSI “Pure Force Engine III” that allows quick image processing, the compression format uses the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, a format established by the ISO as the global standard. By adopting the leading efficient movie compression format, higher resolution can be recorded for a longer amount of time. While enhancing the level of compression efficiency and through the same configuration as previous models for movies and data rate, the new camera has been designed for high resolution.

Additionally, while maintaining image quality equivalent to other Xacti camera models, another mode for a lower setting was prepared for longer data recording. Because the image quality of even smaller data capacity is still very good, by uploading the movie to the computer, users can expand the use of their movies on online networks, such as their homepages, blogs, and video sharing sites and even for Podcasts. Movies are no longer just taken for the fun of the user, but are taken for the fun of sharing with others.

Also, audio recording can be done in high quality with 48 kHz sampling, 16-bit stereo sound utilizing the AAC compression standard.

2. 6.0 Mega-pixel Still Images and 10-hours*2 total recording time for high-quality movies
In a compact body with an ergonomic style that allows a natural posture for shooting, the camera is equipped with high-resolution movie and a 6.0 Mega-pixel high-resolution still image capability. Even while filming a movie, 6.0 Mega-pixel still images can*3 be taken simultaneously. Also, the camera is designed to easily switch modes through simply using your thumb, allowing easy operation. Because the camera can use SDHC memory cards, by using the 8GB card, the user can take a total of 10 hours*4 of movies.

Movie files can be treated the same as normal picture file types because for each clip the video and sound combine to create one file. To save the pictures and movie taken to the PC, it is as simple and easy as copying the file to the desired folder.

*SDHC(SD High-Capacity)
Based on the SD Card Association standard for new SD memory cards with a capacity of 2GB or larger
*3 Depending on still image mode, the still images may simply be recorded as a paused movie frame

3. Easy movies and pictures with high sensitive film/photo and image stabilization.
Through the high-speed image processing LSI “Pure Force Engine III”, it is possible to take pictures and movies in low-light/highly sensitive settings. The movies can be taken due to the 9 pixel-mixing technology incorporated in the camera. If users select the “Lamp Mode” in the “Scene Select” function menu, the frame rate will be automatically adjusted and low-light scenes of only 2 lux*2 can still be filmed. For example, the camera can take quality movies in scenes of dim-light*3, such as at a restaurant or even a campfire. Additionally, 6.0 Mega-pixel high-resolution still images can be taken up to the highly sensitive ISO 1600 level. This enables the camera to take clean pictures of places indoors or night views, scenes where users don’t want to use the flash, or places prone to hand-shaking, and when users want to see clear pictures of people’s natural color and facial expressions.

Furthermore, the hand-shaking canceller*4 detects through internal gyro sensors the amount of shaking and the direction of movement of the hands while taking photos. The camera negates the composition of the shaking in the photo, and creates a sharp image without distortion. By integrating this function, SANYO has created a camera stable against shaking, despite its small, light-weight and stylish design. Also, when shooting a movie, the camera is equipped with an image stabilization function that can accurately distinguish the difference between “camera work” and “hand-shaking” thanks to the adoption of a special algorithm for hand-shaking frequency related to the grip-style shooting style of the camera. Therefore, users can take both photos and movies with confidence and pride.

*4 In a level equivalent to candlelight
*5 Depending on if shutter speed is slow, and when camera is drastically shaken, there are times when the correction function may not work.

4. Other
· Utilizes “USB Battery Function” *6, making it possible to recharge camera through USB cable connected to PC
· Can capture screens from computer desktop and save to the camera via “Screen Capture Function”
· Able to playback slideshows with music via “BGM Slide Show Function”
· Easy editing using the camera only*7
· After market headphones can be connected through the AV output port (able to monitor sound while recording)
· Utilizing the 16:9 widescreen photo shooting function, users can enjoy their high resolution photos on their high-definition televisions in full screen mode
· Super-macro function able to zoom in up to 1cm (when using wide-angle)
· Able to create your own original DVDs with your MPEG-4 movies and photos using ULEAD DVD MovieWriter 5.0SE)
· Software that can easily manage pictures and movies – Ulead Photo Explorer 8.5 SE Basic (Compatible with MPEG-4 HD)
· Compatible with Windows Vista

*6 Depending on the USB cable, recharging may or may not be possible.
*7 Depending on free memory in memory card, editing may or may not be possible.

Specifications

Effective pixel count Approx. 6.0-Megapixels
CCD 1/2.5 inch, approx. 6.37-Megapixel CCD (total)
Recording Media SD Memory Card (Up to 8GB SDHC memory card*15) Internal Memory (Approx 18 mb)
Recording file formats Still pictures: JPEG (DCF*8 DPOF*9, Exif Ver2.2*10)
Movie clips: ISO standard MPEG-4 AVC H.264 (.MP4) Audio: 48kHz sampling, 16 bit, 2ch, AAC
Resolution (pixels) Still shots: 10M:3680×2760, 6M-H:2816×2112 (low compression)
6M-S:2816×2112 (standard compression)
16:9:2816X1584
3M:1536×2048
2M:1600×1200s
0.3M:640×480
Movie clips*11 TV-SHQ:640×480 (30fps?3Mbps), TV-HQ:640×480 (30fps·
1.5Mbps), Web-SHQ:320×240 (30fps), Web-HQ:320×240 (15fps)
Lens f = 6.3-31.7mm (38-190mm on a 35mm camera), 5x optical zoom lens
F: 3.5 (W) - 4.7 (T), galvanometer method structure, Auto Focus: 9 groups, 12 elements,
(3 aspheric elements 5 aspheric surfaces) lens built-in neutral density filter
Shutter Speed Still pictures: 1/2 ~ 1/2000 sec. (Flash: 1/30 ~ 1/2000 sec., Lamp mode: max. 4 sec)
Movies: 1/30 ~ 1/10000 sec.
Sensitivity Auto (ISO 50-400), Manual (ISO 50/100/200/400/800/1600)
Video correction function Anti-Shake Digital Image Stabilizer/Flicker Reduction/Wind Noise Reduction
Low-light sensitivity 7 lux (AUTO mode, 1/30 sec.)
2 lux (Lamp mode 1/15)
Flash Auto/Forced/Off/Red-eye reduction (Slow synchro mode possible Night View Mode)
Audio Microphone: Built-in stereo, Speaker: Built-in monaural (L+R channel mixed output)
Monitor 110,000-pixel, 2.5 inch, Amorphous Silicon TFT LCD display, 1.5-Megapixel (Coverage 100%, 7-level brightness, 285 degrees rotation)
Interface AV output (Video: Composite video, NTSC/PAL, Audio: Stereo sound) USB 2.0 (in high-speed mode: PC camera video class mode) *via docking station or connecting adaptor, microphone input (plug in power)
Language display Japanese (Monitor display only)
Power source Lithium-ion battery (DB-L40, included: 1200mAH), AC adapter (VAR-G8, included)
Power Output When using battery: 3.3W (using movie mode)
Approx. battery-use time*12 Still shooting: approx. 155 stills (CIPA standard), Video clips and continuous shooting mode: approx. 70 min./Playback: approx. 200 min.
Dimensions 68 (W) x 35 (D) x 100 (H) mm (maximum dimensions, excluding protruding parts) (144 cc)
Weight 150g approx. (main unit only), 169g approx. (including battery and SD card/battery: 17g approx., SD card: 2g approx.)

The Inauguration of the “Xacti 2.0 Project”

Expanding the “Xacti Universe” by Combining Xacti and Web 2.0 Technology

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., SEEBOX Co., Ltd., Mlog Inc., Six Apart Co., Ltd., and VOICE-BANK, Inc., have agreed to start the “Xacti 2.0 Project” for integrating high-resolution digital movie contents on the Web, and will commence in activities for this project starting from today.

Primary Goals of the “Xacti 2.0 Project”

1. Cooperative technology to start service compatible with the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 movie format
The MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format (hereafter H.264) is a very compatible format with the Web because of its ability to have high-resolution video without a lot of data space being used. SANYO used this format for the first time in the Xacti DMX-CG65, and worked quickly to make the camera compatible with the four companies’ Web communities. SANYO will continue to work together with these companies to further improve the ease-of-use of these cameras on the Web.

2. Xacti and Web Community Companies to cooperate in promoting the service
The “Xacti 2.0 Project” creates a new movie culture, and SANYO and these four companies will cooperate to propose and spread a new way for people to “have enriched lives” and to “make life more enjoyable”. This is not only for the profit of these companies, but as an activity to tie this project to the build-up of the user-generated movie culture. These companies mutually agree to proactively cooperate and take part in planning for the future of this service.
Futhermore, influenced by Xacti’s planning and development as well as each Web communities service operation’s development, the companies have agreed to share marketing information, and share marketing data about the targeted users of both parties, as reflected in the aim to create a Win-Win marketing model.

3. Collaborative research to improve the use of digital movies and Web communities
In order to expand future user merit, the companies aim for further technological innovation. For example, the companies will continue to implement technical investigations of technology related to new formats, such as display angle views and file formats.

Xacti-related sites
Xacti Product Introduction Site Digicam Blog
http://www.sanyo-dsc.com/ http://digiblo.jp/

About VOICE-BANK, Inc.:
Voice-Bank, Inc. is a company with business services related to the Internet. Services include developing and applying system software for voice blogging sites, such as Kero-Log, a Podcast
management system for content providers and companies with experience managing a Podcasting portal. Kero-log is the most famous Podcast portal site in Japan, launched in April 2005. Additional services include aggregation software dubbed “Alligator”, an OEM for Podcasts. Voice-Bank also offers VXML/XML infrastructure and development for VMXL Web Based CTI and XML/API. Established in November 2001, Voice-Bank creates solutions to meet the needs of the next-generation Internet. aggregating software (Alligator), planning for and implementing Web business solutions.

About Mlog Inc.:
Mlog Inc. provides a total platform solution of streaming video over the Internet, based on Mlog’s proprietary platform control circumstance called ‘M-CAST’, which has large scale streaming servers, array encoding servers and server side dynamic Web page generation utilizing a highly functional load balancer. User Interface is rich and simple, enabling consumers to generate their own media and publish with guaranteed quality. Mlog Inc. received funding in Oct. 2006, and has been expanding services for personal use, corporate use, and professional use widely.

About Six Apart:
Six Apart Ltd. provides award-winning blogging software and services that change the way millions of individuals, organizations, and corporations connect and communicate across the world every day. Founded in 2002 by husband and wife team Ben Trott and Mena G. Trott, Six Apart has grown into a global company with its headquarters in San Francisco, CA, and offices in Europe and Japan. The company continues to lead in the blogging and social media industry with the Movable Type publishing platform, the TypePad hosted blogging service, LiveJournal, an online community organized around personal journals, and Vox, a free blogging service for friends and families. For more information visit the Six Apart corporate web site at http://www.sixapart.com/

About VOICE-BANK, Inc.:
Voice-Bank, Inc. is a company with business services related to the Web. Services include developing and applying system software for voice blogging sites, such as Kero-Log, a Podcast management system for content providers and companies with experience managing a Podcasting portal. Kero-log is the most famous Podcast portal site in Japan, launched in April 2005. Additional services include aggregation software dubbed “Alligator”, an OEM for Podcasts. Voice-Bank also offers VXML/XML infrastructure and development for VMXL Web Based CTI and XML/API. Established in November 2001, Voice-Bank creates solutions to meet the needs of the next-generation Web. Other services include specialized aggregating software (Alligator) as well as planning for and implementing Web business solutions.

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