College Students Head “Back-To-School” With DLNA Certified® Computers

DLNA Certified® Desktop and Laptop Computers Increase by More Than 200 Percent; Advancements in Digital Home Technology Let Students More Easily Manage Their Digital Lives

BEAVERTON, Ore., August 25, 2009 – In today’s digital age, back-to-school no longer means shopping for just pencils, spiral notebooks and textbooks; it has become synonymous with the purchase of new desktop and laptop PCs. However, the purchase of a computer is no small investment and cash-strapped college students want to select technology that will support them throughout their university careers. So, how can students be sure that they are getting the best product available for their money? DLNA Certified® desktop and laptop computers are helping students to future proof their investments.

“While the PC may be purchased by students for course work, it is the hub of an increasingly digital lifestyle where the sharing of digital content between a full range of devices and people is paramount,” said Scott Smyers, chairman of the DLNA board of directors and senior vice president of Sony Electronics Inc. “Since January, more than 800 new laptop and desktop PCs have become DLNA Certified®. We understand that important information; including photos, music, videos and games, should not be confined to the desktop and the greater availability of DLNA Certified® PCs gives all consumers the interoperability they need both now, and in the future, with a full range of DLNA Certified® devices including digital cameras, music players, mobile phones, televisions and more.”

Since 2007, the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) has seen a more than 200 percent increase in the number of DLNA Certified® desktop and laptop PCs, all of which have been tested for interoperability and adherence to DLNA guidelines. Students buying products bearing the “DLNA Certified” logo can be sure they are purchasing solutions that work together and can be networked, regardless of the manufacturer. DLNA Certified® PCs are interoperable with the complete digital environment, allowing not just college students, but all consumers, to experience a more convenient way of enjoying, managing and sharing photos, video and music across devices.

“As a student, a laptop is an important part of your college survival gear,” said Tyler Goldfisher, a student at DeAnza College in the San Francisco Bay Area. “The great thing about using a DLNA Certified® PC is that I can not only use it to complete my required work, but I can also easily transfer content to my mobile phone or stream video to my TV to easily share it with my friends.”

With more than 5,000 devices from the world’s leading manufacturers certified over the past four years, DLNA is facilitating an easier sharing of digital content between DLNA Certified devices. DLNA is comprised of hundreds of companies that believe that building products on standards-based technology leads to better connectivity and happier consumers. For more information on currently available DLNA Certified devices, please visit www.DLNA.org .

About DLNA

Members of Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) share a vision of an interoperable network of personal computers (PC), consumer electronics (CE), mobile devices and service providers in and beyond the home, enabling a seamless environment for sharing and growing new digital media and content services. Founded in 2003, the group established and maintains a platform of interoperability based on open and established industry standards that, when used by manufacturers will support the sharing of media through wired or wireless networks. More than 200 multi-industry companies from around the world have joined DLNA, committing the time and resources necessary to achieve their vision. DLNA's 2009 Promoter Members include: ACCESS, Awox, Broadcom, Cisco, Comcast, DirecTV, Ericsson, HP, Huawei, Intel, JVC Kenwood Holdings, LG, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, NXP, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Rovi Corporation, Samsung, Sharp, Sony and Toshiba. Additional information about the Alliance, its participating companies and membership benefits is available at www.dlna.org.