RCA DirectTV Satellite Systems Poised To Deliver Exciting New Viewing Options Along With Broad Scope Of Interactive Functions For Consumers HDN Reception, Local Channel Capability, Caller ID Display Among Features Of Next-Generation Receivers
As the new millennium approaches, one of this century's hottest home entertainment products - the RCA DirecTV satellite receiver system - is poised for a generational leap into new dimensions of excellence with features such as Interactivity, Enhanced Program Guides, Caller ID Display, and Local Channel Reception. ""Starting next year, consumers will have an opportunity to experience the 21st Century technology built-into these new-generation RCA DirecTV systems,"" said David Spomer, Vice President - DES Product Management. ""Along with over 200 channels of satellite entertainment from DirecTV, these receiver systems are designed to deliver new capabilities in home entertainment as well as outstanding new convenience features."" Two of the models - the DS4440RE system (suggested retail price $399) and the DRD480RE stand-alone receiver (suggested retail price $349) include the following new convenience features: WinkÆ Enhanced Broadcasting capability which enables the consumer to view special information related to the program transmitted by DirecTV (starting in 2000). The Wink system overlays graphics on the program being broadcast with data that could include sports statistics, quiz questions, and other information which can be accessed by remote control. - Picture Guide. a video window within the Enhanced Program Guide that enables the viewer to watch the current program while searching through additional program listings. - Caller ID Display - when the consumer subscribes to a caller ID service via the telephone company, this feature can display the telephone number and name of the caller during an incoming phone call. This gives the viewer the option to continue watching a favorite program before returning the call. - Local Channel Reception Capability - DirecTV plans to deliver local broadcast network channels by satellite (pending government approval) to markets serving approximately 50 million homes, or about half of the nation's television households. Viewers who elect to subscribe to the local programming, with the exception of New York and Los Angeles consumers, will require a next-generation RCA DirecTV receiver with the new DSA8900E 18-inch high x 24-inch wide satellite dish/antenna. The DS4440RE system incorporates Wink Enhanced Broadcasting capability, Picture Guide, Local Channel Reception, and Caller ID Display capability in addition to standard convenience features. The DS4440RE system comes with the DSA8900E 18-inch x 24-inch wide satellite dish/antenna featuring two dual LNBs and a multiswitch for connection to multiple DirecTV satellite receivers. This allows for reception of DIRECN programming from satellites in multiple orbital slots. The DRD480RE stand-alone receiver/decoder includes Dolby Digital Surround Sound audio capability and a UHF/IR universal remote control. Viewers who wish to experience six-channel Dolby Digital sound for maximum home theatre enjoyment may do so by connecting a Dolby Digital receiver and external speakers to the DRD480RE. Additional standard convenience features shared by the digital satellite receivers include an Accelerated 32-Bit Processor for near-instant access to favorite programs and an Advanced On-Screen Program Guide with personalized viewing options as follows: - Information Guide which lists five different channels of programming at a glance. Details on the current highlight program are displayed in a channel banner at the top of the screen. Program information changes as the consumer navigates through the guide, highlighting different programs. - Interactive Channel Banner, a see-through banner which displays icons of the most frequently used system functions and positions them in the banner for virtually instant access to key receiver features. - Scout, a feature that enables the viewer to customize programming options. Scout searches the entire program guide to find matches to eight key words or phrases that the consumer enters. When a match is found, the Scout icon in the channel banner is automatically highlighted. - AlphaSort which allows the user to sort the program guide alphabetically, starting with any letter. The viewer highlights and presses a single button on the remote to instantly access the desired program. - The Guardian, an enhanced parental control feature that gives viewers the capability for setting specific viewing times as well as locking out specific channels and/or setting ratings (on rated programs) and spending limits. Among new set-top models that will enable viewers to access DirecTV programming are the RCA DTC100 and ProScan PSHD105 High-Definition multi-format receivers which give consumers the broadest option of programming including HDTV from terrestrial or DirecN satellite signals, standard digital satellite news service from DirecTV, and analog broadcasts. The DTC100 and the PSHD105 can be connected to today's analog television for improved picture performance or to a High-Resolution or High-Definition monitor for the maximum home entertainment experience. The RCA DTC100 and the ProScan PSHD1O5 (both suggested retail price $649) are scheduled for retail introduction in September 1999 (satellite dish/antenna sold separately). For more information, contact Dave Arland, ArlandD@tce.com or visit the Web site www.rca.com.