SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers purchasing Sony
Blu-ray Disc(TM) players this fall will be able to view spectacular
high-definition programming from Discovery Channel and HD Theater, thanks to a
co-promotional agreement between Sony Electronics and Discovery Commerce, the
consumer products arm of Discovery Communications.
Under the terms of the deal, consumers who purchase select Sony Blu-ray
Disc players will receive a gift-with-purchase coupon redeemable for an
exclusive high-definition program sampler, Discovery on Blu-ray Disc, which
features episodes from FEARLESS PLANET and SUNRISE EARTH.
The two-week promotion launches October 5 at more than 11,000 retailers
throughout the U.S., including leading chains such as Sears, Circuit City and
Sony Style. Additionally, Sony will showcase the Discovery on Blu-ray Disc
footage through an in-store trailer that will run on Sony BRAVIA(R) display
televisions at these retail locations.
"Discovery has emerged as the gold standard among high-definition
television programmers," said Patrick Gates, president and general manager of
Discovery Commerce, "We could think of no better partner than Sony Electronics
to help showcase our spectacular adventure and nature programming to Blu-ray
customers."
"The Blu-ray Disc format unlocks the true potential of today's
high-definition televisions with a stunning full HD experience," said Chris
Fawcett, vice president of marketing for Sony Electronics' Home Video
Division. "Discovery's high-quality programs are a tailor made showcase for
Blu-ray Disc and a great first experience for a consumer new to the format."
Discovery has assumed a leadership position among high definition
programmers, offering one of the largest exclusively high-definition networks
available, HD Theater; and HD simulcasts for Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal
Planet, Science Channel and Planet Green. Discovery's home entertainment arm
offers a robust selection of Blu-ray Disc titles, including the critically
acclaimed series, NASA: When We Left Earth.
FEARLESS PLANET, a Discovery Channel series, follows extreme sportsman
Will Gadd as he travels to locations around the world to understand how
amazing natural formations were created. SUNRISE EARTH, HD Theater's
ground-breaking wildlife documentary series, chronicles the start of the new
day in stunning locations around the world.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISAD, DISBD, DISCK) is the world's
number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative
subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their
world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by
Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green,
Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and
educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital
media services including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please
visit http://www.discoverycommunications.com.
About Sony Electronics
Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Electronics 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. Sony has played a key role in the development of Blu-ray, Disc(TM),
CD, DVD and Super Audio CD technologies, among many others. The company is
noted for a wide range of consumer audio-visual products, such as the
BRAVIA(R) LCD high-definition television, Cyber-shot(R) digital camera,
Handycam(R) camcorder and Walkman(R) personal stereo. Sony is also an
innovator in the IT arena with its VAIO(R) personal computers; and in
high-definition professional broadcast and video equipment, highlighted by the
XDCAM(R) HD and CineAlta(TM) lines of cameras and camcorders, and the SXRD(TM)
4K digital projector. The latest news and information is available at the
company's web site at http://www.sony.com/news.
SOURCE Discovery Communications
-0- 09/22/2008
/CONTACT: Pamela Rucker Springs of Discovery Commerce, +1-240-662-4110,
Pamela_rucker@discovery.com; or Greg Belloni of Sony Electronics, Inc.,
+1-858-942-4460, Greg.belloni@am.sony.com/
/Web site: http://www.discoverycommunications.com
http://www.sony.com /
(DISAD DISBD DISCK)
CO: Discovery Communications; Sony Electronics; Discovery Commerce; Sears;
Circuit City; Sony Style
ST: Maryland
IN: ENT CSE CPR TVN REA HOU
SU: PDT LIC
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