Zenith Digital TV Set-Top Receivers Include HDTV Digital Recorders

13-Jan-03

Consumers will soon be able to record digital HDTV broadcasts on digital HDTV set-top receivers that combine hard disk drives and the latest-generation digital television (DTV) reception technology from Zenith Electronics Corporation.The two new HDTV personal video recorders (PVRs), the world's first such devices on the market, join other new Zenith DTV set-top boxes--including a combination HDTV receiver/DVD player, an updated terrestrial HDTV receiver, and an enhanced satellite HDTV receiver--introduced at the 2003 Consumer Electronics Show. Zenith's seven set-top receiver models for 2003 are the HD-SAT530 and HD-SAT520 DirecTVÆ High-Definition Receiver/Advanced HDTV Tuner, for satellite and HDTV terrestrial broadcasts; the HDV430 and HDV420 Advanced HDTV Terrestrial Receiver, for terrestrial and cable reception; the HDX330 HDTV Receiver/DVD Player; and two models equipped with personal video recorders, the HDR230 and HD-PVR330 HDTV Receivers/Personal Video Recorders.The new digital set-top lineup builds on the success of its high-definition receivers in delivering DTV signals to Zenith's growing family of plasma, LCD, rear-projection, and direct-view HDTV monitors. The new models also capitalize on Zenith's leadership as developer of the ""VSB"" (vestigial sideband) digital transmission system at the heart of the FCC's U.S. DTV standard.The HDR230 HDTV Receiver/Personal Video Recorder combines Zenith's latest-generation ATSC terrestrial tuner with an 80 GB hard disk recorder--allowing storage and playback of more than eight hours of HDTV programming--for an irresistible marriage of performance and convenience. Features include basic on-screen navigation using a PSIP-based (Program System Information Protocol) electronic program guide, DolbyÆ Digital recording, live pause, variable rate trick play, a variety of fast- and slow-motion capabilities, record file management, aspect ratio control, and connectivity via RGB, component, S-video, and A/V outputs. The HDR230 is expected to be available from Zenith dealers in the second quarter at a suggested price of $999.The HD-PVR330 HDTV Receiver/Personal Video Recorder, with the new TV GuideÆ on-screen interactive program guide, is a versatile next-generation HDTV PVR designed to provide an enhanced viewing/recording experience. It is equipped with a high-gain ATSC tuner for HDTV terrestrial reception and a QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) tuner for unscrambled HDTV cable reception, as well as an NTSC tuner for standard-definition (SD) analog reception. A generous 80 GB hard disk drive allows viewers to record and play back more than eight hours of HDTV programming while taking full advantage of the advanced, intuitive on-screen navigation system and program listings service from TV Guide. The service instantly delivers seven days of listings of all shows, with a new service that ""tags"" favorite shows for easier surfing--plus news, sports, and weather information--all at the push of a button. Additional features include Dolby Digital recording, a video browser using thumbnail images, live pause, drag and play, smart skip, 300x fast-forward, and a jack package with DVI+HDCP (Digital Visual Interface with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), RGB, component, S-video, and A/V outputs. The HD-PVR330 is expected to be available in the third quarter at a suggested price to be announced.The HDX330 HDTV Receiver/DVD Player is equipped both with a high-gain ATSC tuner for terrestrial HD broadcasts and a DVD player compatible with CD, CD-R/RW, Video CD, SVCD, HDCDÆ, and MP3 formats. Such image refinements as enhanced scaling, inverse 3:2 pull-down, and aspect ratio conversion are augmented by an intuitive on-screen navigation/electronic program guide, 5.1-channel Dolby Digital audio, simultaneous HD and SD outputs, and a connection package with DVI+HDCP, RGB, component, S-video, and A/V outputs. The HDX330 is expected to be available in the fourth quarter at a suggested price of $599.The HDV430 Advanced HDTV Terrestrial/Digital Cable Receiver features a high-performance, next-generation ATSC tuner for terrestrial HDTV reception and a QAM tuner for unscrambled cable HDTV reception. It supports simultaneous HD and SD outputs, 5.1-channel Dolby Digital audio, and has selectable modes for 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i, and Native Output. A connection package with DVI+HDCP, RGB, component, S-video, and A/V outputs. The HDV430 is expected to be available in the third quarter at a suggested price of $399.The HD-SAT530 DirecTV High-Definition Receiver/Advanced HDTV Tuner brings a new level of flexibility and performance to satellite and terrestrial HDTV reception. It supports all DirecTV, ATSC, and NTSC broadcast formats and features a super-fast 7-day advanced and unified program guide to speed and simplify program selection. It supports simultaneous HD and SD outputs, boasts improved graphics, and features one-touch VCR recording capability and multiple zoom modes, as well as Dolby Digital audio. DVI+HDCP also is included. The HD-SAT530 is expected to be available in the fourth quarter at a suggested price of $699.Rounding out the line are Zenith's current HD-SAT520 DirecTV High-Definition Receiver/Advanced HDTV Tuner and the HDV420 Advanced Terrestrial HDTV Tuner, available now at suggested prices of $699 and $399, respectively.For more information about Zenith Electronics Corporation, visit www.zenith.com.

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