Sony partners with Discovery for Blu-ray promotion

Set-top buyers to receive free disc

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 9/22/2008

SEPT. 22 | Consumers who purchase select Sony Blu-ray Disc set-tops will score an exclusive Blu-ray title featuring Discovery Communications programming for a limited time beginning Oct. 5.

When buying a set-top at more than 11,000 participating retailers, including Sears, Circuit City and Sony Style, consumers will get a coupon redeemable for the Discovery disc, which holds episodes of shows Fearless Planet and Sunrise Earth. Fearless Planet, running on Discovery Channel, follows Will Gadd exploring far corners of the world. Sunrise Earth, seen on Discovery’s HD Theater network, is a wildlife documentary series.

An in-store trailer for the title, dubbed Discovery on Blu-ray Disc, will roll out across Sony Bravia TV displays at these retail locations.

The promotion runs for two weeks.

“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.”

Chris Fawcett, VP of marketing for Sony, added, “The Blu-ray Disc format unlocks the true potential of today’s high-definition TVs with stunning full HD experience. 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.”