Toshiba To Offer New DVD/DVR Digital Home Media Server With TiVo Service

9-May-03

Toshiba showcased its SD-H400 combination DVD/DVR (PVR) product at its dealer line show. The product, set to ship in August, delivers on the promise of the licensing agreement made between Toshiba and TiVo Inc. This model will be the first combination of progressive scan DVD and TiVoÆ technology available at retail. The SD-H400 will include a bundled set of DVR features from TiVo called the TiVo Basic service. This basic functionality will be included with the product and will be capable of upgrading to the full TiVo service and the TiVo Home Media Option.A TiVo Series2 product, the Toshiba SD-H400 will be able to receive the latest technologies and services from TiVo.""This strategic partnership is designed to capitalize on the continuing growth of digital video recorders (DVR) and the widespread adoption of the DVD format,"" said Yoshi Uchiyama, Vice President, Toshiba Digital A/V Group. ""The Digital Media Server is the first product to combine DVD-Video and Audio CD capability with the TiVo DVR technology and the ability to stream MP3 files and JPEG photos via a home network.""As a DVD player, the Toshiba SD-H400 is equipped with a 54 MHz/10-bit video DAC and the ColorStream ProÆ component video outputs for progressive scan. The SD-H400 can also play back DVD-R and RW, Video CD, CD, CD-R and RW, as well as MP3s.The SD-H400 is an 80 GB TiVo Series2 DVR that includes the TiVo Basic service. Consumers can enjoy limited TiVo DVR features right out of the box with no subscription fees. TiVo Basic service offers the ability to control live TV including pause, fast forward, rewind and slow-motion playback of live television; three days of the electronic program guide; and manual recording capability by time and channel. As the first device to offer the new TiVo Basic service, the SD-H400 gives consumers the option of entry-level TiVo service.Because the SD-H400 is built on the TiVo Series2 technology platform, consumers will have the ability to upgrade the SD-H400 to the full TiVo service currently enjoyed by TiVo subscribers (visit www.TiVo.com for subscription information), where they can access a full menu of features such as Season Passô--the ability to record every episode of a program no matter when it airs, automatically; WishListô, which finds and records programs that feature your favorite actor, director, or genre; Search By Title, which allows subscribers to find any show when all you know if the title of the program; 14 days of program guide data; and a broad feature set of recording options and an easy-to-use interface that give the viewer control of their TV viewing schedule.Home Networking PossibilitiesIn addition to its full-featured DVD and upgradeable TiVo DVR capabilities, the Toshiba SD-H400 is capable of incorporating the new TiVo Home Media Option premium feature package. In this configuration, consumers can take full advantage of the Toshiba SD-H400's Digital Media Server capabilities. Available from TiVo as an upgrade via phone or broadband connection, the Home Media Option adds home networking capability to the home entertainment experience. Via the SD-H400's USB port, consumers can connect to their wired or wireless home network and PC. The Home Media Option adds the following features to the SD-H400:- digital music--streaming of MP3 files from a PC for Mac for playback through the TV or home entertainment system- digital photos--viewing of digital photos through the TV- remote scheduling, which allows consumers to schedule recordings to their TiVo DVR from anywhere they can access the InternetIn addition, the Home Media Option also allows connection to another TiVo Series2 DVR within the home, enabling shared programs between the two units.The Toshiba SD-H400 including the bundled TiVo Basic Service will be available in August for $549 MSRP.For more information about TiVo, visit www.tivo.com. For more information about Toshiba America Consumer Products, Inc., visit www.toshiba.com/tacp.

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