Sensory Science Introduces First HDTV Tuner With Video Processing

22-Dec-00

Sensory Science Corporation (AMEX: VCR) introduced an advanced HDTV tuner-video processor with integrated scaling technology that provides the ability to ""upconvert"" any video source material to a new digital format, including 480p, 720p and 1080i. Its unique video input capability (S-Video and composite in) allows a source such as a DVD player, VCR or satellite box to be ""played"" through the HDT100 - scaling or de-interlacing the signal to the DTV output format selected by the user.This unique set-top box features three different scalable outputs for extreme flexibility - Y-Pb-Pr component, RGBHV (red, green, blue, horizontal sync, vertical sync) and DB15 (RGB). These three outputs enable connection to virtually every HD-ready television display currently available in the U.S. market with 480i, 480p, 540p, 720p or 1080i capabilities. In addition, users can select between screen aspect ratios at the touch of a button, with the capability of choosing 16:9 or 4:3, while the screen display modes can also be toggled between full-screen, letterbox, and zoom modes. The 480i output allows for recording of HD programming in NTSC by a standard VCR.""The HDT100ís video processing and network capabilities make it one of the most versatile and advanced HDTV receivers on the market today,"" said Paul Fredrickson, Sensory Scienceís Executive Vice President of Marketing. ""We truly kept the home theatre enthusiast in mind when we created this product. In fact, we even eliminated the need for a built-in cooling fan that can cause unnecessary noises and interfere with sound quality. We took the extra steps to ensure that the HDT100 is the perfect HDTV solution for the home theater.""RS-232 Interface For Connectivity, Control, And Firmware Upgrades The HDT100 RS-232 interface is a multi-functional control port providing the ability to simplify installation, provide connectivity with other RS-232 capable home theatre devices, and allow users or dealers to easily and quickly upgrade the unitís firmware or software as new features and capabilities become available, providing consumers with a ""future-proof"" HDTV receiver.Sensory Science continues to be a pioneer in the development of networked consumer electronic devices in the home. All of Sensory Scienceís current home theatre products provide connectivity, control and upgradability through an RS-232 interface. Even selected models in the companyís line of Go Videoô Dual-Deckô VCRs include external connectivity and control through the companyís proprietary Go-Portô interface. The company is also a P3 partner with Panja for extended in-home network capabilities.""While other companies are talking about networked entertainment products in the future, Sensory Science is doing it today. From our most advanced products such as the HDT100 to our simplest products like Dual-Deck VCRs, we are addressing the needs of consumers, dealers, and custom installers for a simplified yet high performance home theatre experience, and we plan to continue our development of additional networked products for the home,"" added Fredrickson. HDT100 Setup Made Easy With Channel Mapping, Guide Function Capabilities Sensory Science has made the set-up of the HDT100 simple by incorporating many user-friendly features including Channel Mapping, which allows for the seamless integration of NTSC analog and ATSC digital channels displayed in a simple, user-friendly format. During setup, users can elect to automatically search for all analog and digital channels within the broadcast area, or manually choose each channel to be added to the program list.A digital audio output for connecting the HDT100 to an A/V receiver or DolbyÆ Digital decoder is conveniently located on the back of the HDT100, enabling easy connection using a digital optical cable. The HDT100 supports both Dolby Digital as well as Dolby Pro LogicÆ for playback through systems equipped to decode Dolby multichannel sound.The sophisticated guide function capabilities inform the user of the channel, program and time during each broadcast. Favorite channels can be grouped together and stored allowing users to surf through those channels at the touch of a button. A multi-function A/V learning remote comes pre-programmed with codes to operate other Sensory Science products such as Loewe digital TVs and California Audio Labs A/V products. All necessary cables for connection to Loewe digital TVís are included.The HDT100 is shipping to more than 450 of Sensory Scienceís high-end specialty A/V retailers throughout the United States, and retails for $1,600.HDT100 features: - HDTV tuner - video processor with integrated scaling technology- Complete analog NTSC/digital ATSC tuner- Connects to any HD-ready TV currently available in the U.S.- RS-232 interface for connectivity, control and firmware upgrades- Tunes and decodes all 18 ATSC DTV broadcast formats, whether SDTV or HDTV- Three scalable outputs - Y, Pb, Pr component, RGBHV (red, green, blue, horizontal sync, vertical sync) and DB15 (RGB)- Compatible with virtually any DTV-ready set- User-selectable aspect ratio to output a correctly formatted image in 16:9 or 4:3- Multiple screen display modes including full-screen, letterbox and zoom- Unique video input capability for S-Video and composite in- Operates without the need for cooling fan- Multifunction A/V learning remote For additional information on Sensory Science, visit www.sensoryscience.com.

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