Las Vegas — March 04, 2003 — Sony Electronics and Kinko’s, Inc. today announced that Sony’s PictureStation® systems will soon be installed in 800 Kinko’s locations nationwide. The adoption of PictureStation systems across the Kinko’s network will address pent-up demand for retail-based digital photo finishing services, according to Sue Parks, executive vice president of operations for Kinko’s. “Sony’s PictureStation systems present a compelling opportunity to expand Kinko’s range of photo services with what we feel is clearly the best retail-based digital photo finishing solution,” Parks said. “The systems provide a convenient, cost-effective service for the fast-growing digital camera market. We’re excited to add Sony’s PictureStation systems to our network of locations and provide our customers access to the widest range of print capabilities and stunning picture quality.” “Kinko’s is known for introducing new technologies its customers need, and we’re thrilled to see them embrace the PictureStation system as part of their nationwide commitment to digital photo finishing,” said Steven Blum, vice president of digital photography for Sony Electronics’ Business Solutions and Systems Company. “Our easy-to-use, affordable systems will enable Kinko’s conveniently located stores to quickly tap into the growing digital photography market, and provide customers with a practical means to create beautiful prints instantly.” Each of the PictureStation systems in Kinko’s locations will: * Accept all widely used media, including Memory Stick® and Memory Stick Pro® media, CompactFlash®cards, SmartMedia(TM)cards, CDs, SD/MMC cards and floppy disks; * Offer image scanning capabilities for print-to-print copies; * Offer the option to burn images to CD; * Feature two high-speed digital printers capable of quickly producing 3 ½ ”x 5”; 4”x 6”, 5”x7” and wallet sized photos; and * Incorporate an additional 8”x10” printer for portraits. The agreement follows a successful test in which systems were placed in four Kinko’s locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. According to Parks, customers appreciated the units’ ease-of-use and ability to make instant prints from their digital cameras. Kinko’s supported the test with in-store signage and trained each of its team members on how to use the systems. Kinko’s and Sony expect to that all systems will be installed by year’s end. PictureStation systems are part of Sony’s global “Print By Sony” initiative. The program includes a campaign logo that appears on the units, print media and signage, signaling a commitment to quality and consistency with which both retailers and consumers can identify. ---- Kinko's spokesman Chris Merritt told Reuters news service, "Kodak has been a great partner to us, but as we look to the next generation of kiosks, we decided to go with Sony." A Kodak spokesman called the the development "disappointing," saying that it reduces the total number of its PictureMaker kiosks by about 5 percent.