Sony NZ launched Sleek Walkman MP3

(PR.co.nz) Sony New Zealand has launched the Walkman NWZA840 series offering music lovers audio in a sleek package. With a whisper-thin width of 7.2mm, the NWZA840 is the slimmest Walkman MP3 player to date, and boasts digital noise-cancelling audio functions as well as advanced Clear Audio Technologies.

The rich audio experience is made possible with the inclusion of S-Master digital amplifier and digital noise cancelling function in Sony’s package of Clear Audio Technologies. The S-Master digital amplifier helps minimise audio distortion and reproduces a level of audio quality equivalent to an actual sound recording done in professional studio or a live concert.

The ever popular noise cancelling function reduces up to 98.0% of ambient noise(1), and together with the bundled digital noise-cancelling in-ear 13.5mm EX headphones, users can be immersed in their favorite audio tracks no matter where they are.

“Sony prides itself on being able to integrate advanced audio features with a sleek form factor to elevate the music experience of our users,” says Stephanie Thiebault, Sony New Zealand Personal Audio Product Coordinator. “With the new Walkman A840 series, consumers will be able to enjoy their music in its purest form while navigating tracks easily on its large 7.1cm OLED screen.”

In busy environments, such as buses, trains and airplanes, users can use the Noise Cancelling technology to help block out ambient noises during music playback. The Walkman A840 series features preset Digital Noise Cancelling modes, which enable consumers to select the most effective noise cancelling setting depending on their environment. Additionally, the MP3 player comes bundled with airplane plug and adaptor allowing frequent flyers to connect the Walkman directly to the plane’s AV system to enjoy all the inflight video and music entertainment in the best possible audio quality.

Users can now enjoy up to 9 hours of video playback(2) on the 7.1cm OLED (Organic Light-emitting Diode) panel that has a wide view angle and almost true-to-life colour reproduction. The 400 X 240 Wide QVGA OLED panel also results in a faster visual response time, making for better viewing of fast moving videos, especially sports and action packed clips.

With up to 29 hours of audio playback time(3), the new Walkman features a Battery Care function that helps users reduce battery deterioration. The mode automatically stops recharging when the battery is 90% charged, which helps prolong the lifespan of the battery, ensuring greater value for money for consumers today.

Additionally, the A840 series is packed with audio enhancements, such as the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE), Clear Stereo and Clear Bass, which improve audio playback with natural, crisp sound reproduction. High frequency tones are typically lost when original CD-quality audio tracks are compressed in MP3 format. The Digital Sound Enhancement Engine ensures these high frequency tones are reproduced.

The popular Language Learning function is also included in this new player, which makes learning a new language while travelling easier. The function allows for repetition at various speeds without affecting audio tonality, so users can learn the proper enunciation of a foreign language.

Compatible with common music and video file formats such as MP3, WMA, AAC-LC, Linear PCM, AVC (H.264), MPEG4 and WMV9, the Walkman A840 series allows users to conveniently drag and drop music and movies from a computer’s media folder to the player. The supplied Content Transfer Software makes transferring media files from iTunes 9.0 directly to the Walkman effortless.

Available in a stylish black chassis with storage capacities of either 16GB with an RRP of $399 (model code NWZA845B), or 32GB with an RRP of $499 (model code NWZA846B), the new Walkman A840 series can be purchased from Sony Style stores or online.

* 1) Total noise suppression ratio at approximately 17 dB using Sony’s internal measurement standard. This is equivalent to approx. 98% reduction of sound energy when compared with not wearing headphones.
* 2) Battery life is approximated at MPEG-4 384kbps.
* 3) 29 hours music playback time is approximated at MP3 128kbps, with Equalizer set to “None”; Clear Stereo and Dynamic Normaliser set to “off”, and screensaver type set to “Blank”.

Media Release 16 March 2010 from Sony New Zealand.