Toshiba Introduces Fourth-Generation DVD-Video Players With ColorStreamô Pro DTSÆ Digital Surround And HDCDÆ Decoding
Toshiba America Consumer Products demonstrated at the CES its leadership in DVD-Video technology with the introduction of four new fourth-generation DVD-Video players for 1999. The new models include two players with HDCDÆ decoding for high-resolution CD playback, as well as the industryís first player equipped with a ColorStream PROô (480P) output. Additional convenience and performance features in the lineup include Toshibaís unique Dual Disc Twin-Tray transport system, ColorStreamô component video outputs, built-in DolbyÆ Digital decoding and more. Three new players (SD2109, SD3109, SD5109) join Toshibaís first Cinema Series Model SD9000 to round out its high-performance DVD-Video player lineup. Toshiba was the first company to include ColorStream component video outputs on its DVD-Video players. The company now includes this state-of-the-art image-enhancing feature in all new players. When connected to one of Toshibaís 30 component-video equipped color TVs, a component video connection delivers superior color fidelity, color purity, detail and resolution, as well as a reduction of moirÈ and other NTSC artifacts. ""Toshibaís leadership in developing high-resolution monitors, displays and high-quality source components is evidenced by our inclusion of ColorStream Component Video in all our DVD-Video players, as well as more than 30 color TVs,"" noted Steve Nickerson, Toshiba Vice President of Video Marketing. ""The ColorStream Component Video connection is the ideal interface between a digital video source and an analog display device."" Toshiba is the first manufacturer to demonstrate the benefits of progressive scan (480p) technology in a DVD-Video player, and this year the company is including ColorStream PRO outputs in its new SD5109* ($799.95) player. ColorStream PRO delivers the maximum image resolution possible from the DVD-Video format. When connected to a Toshiba ColorStreamô PRO equipped TV or other 480p-capable display device, the SD5109, says the company, provides a three-dimensional, film-like and flicker-free picture, minus visible NTSC line structure. A progressively scanned display is also characterized by vertical and temporal resolution, improved brightness without any compromise in color or contrast, plus the ability to sit even closer to the screen. Noted Nickerson: ""Toshiba is leading the way in ColorStream PRO because we understand the value and importance of this technology for the DVD-Video format. By offering the maximum display resolution possible from the DVD format, progressive scan extends the viability of DVD in the digital broadcast era. And most importantly, it brings us one step closer to reproducing the filmmakerís original vision, impact, and intent."" Toshibaís new SD5109 and SD3109 ($499.95) DVD players also feature the companyís innovative Dual Disc Twin-Tray Transport System. This unique system permits users to load two DVD discs into the player at the same time and play them in succession for uninterrupted viewing of multi-disc DVD titles. And for the ultimate in ""double-feature"" home theatre enjoyment, viewers may also watch two movies in sequence without having to stop and change discs. Additionally, users may enjoy the convenience of loading a DVD movie alongside and audio CD and select between film and music programming. Toshibaís fourth-generation DVD-Video players incorporate some of the industryís most advanced digital technologies for exceptional picture and sound quality. All models feature 10-bit video D/A conversion and 27Mhz advanced high-resolution digital filters. This design yields D/A conversion that is four times more accurate than conventional systems, resulting in an artifact-free, high-resolution image. Every new Toshiba DVD player is further distinguished by a performance feature first introduced in the companyís second-generation players - the ability to reproduce ""Blacker Than Black"" PLUGE signals. PLUGE compatibility is a critical feature for maintaining the optimum brightness setting in a properly calibrated home theatre system. And Video Black Level Expansion in all players significantly improves contrast on all DVD-Video programming by offering viewers two choices for Black cutoff: Normal (7.5 IRE) or Expanded (0 IRE). Each new Toshiba DVD-Video player also features leading-edge digital audio capabilities for unsurpassed home theatre surround sound audio performance and flexibility. All four players include Dolby Digital and DTS compatibility for total surround sound flexibility, as well as 24-bit/96kHz PCM audio processing for high-resolution playback of the latest 2-channel 24-bit/96kHz DVD audio discs. In addition, most new players employ Burr-Brown D/A converters (DACs) in a multi-port parallel configuration. This unique system filters the L/R audio signals three times to achieve ultra-low distortion, improved signal to noise ratio and dynamic range greater than 112dB. The result is warmer, richer decoding of all high-resolution digital sources. Toshibaís new DVD players offer a full complement of digital optical and coaxial audio outputs and analog outputs, as well as parallel output of all video signals, affording maximum flexibility in home theatre and multi-room applications. All video outputs operate in parallel, allowing total connection flexibility, with the ability to route the audio and video signals to multiple TV sets and rooms. The new Toshiba SD5109 and 3109 DVD-video players are the first widely distributed DVD-Video players to include HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) decoding for CD playback, providing users with the full sonic benefits of the increasingly popular HDCD format. The HDCD process extends the resolution of HDCD-encoded CDs to a 20-bit level, exceeding the 16-bit standard CD format. The result is a more natural musical presentation, greater dynamic range and a wider, deeper soundstage. And thanks to its precision digital filtering, HDCD compatibility also improves the sound of standard CDs. Toshibaís SD5109 and SD3109 DVD players are equipped with built-in Dolby Digital decoders for Dolby Digital surround sound playback when connected to a Dolby Digital-ready receiver. Unlike some players with built-in Dolby Digital decoding, Toshibaís new players offer on-screen control of all key surround sound performance parameters, including speaker management, bass management and time delay, providing users with nearly the same level of multi channel control as offered in sophisticated stand-alone processors. For movie enthusiasts who wish to experience theatre-like surround sound using just their TVís built-in loudspeakers or a basic two-channel system, every Toshiba DVD player includes Spatializer N-2-2 sound enhancement. This process employs advanced digital circuitry to create a virtual multichannel surround sound environment from just two speakers. The SD2109 ñ Breaking New Ground In High-Performance DVD-Video The new Toshiba SD2109 ($399.95) sets a benchmark in high-performance and high-value DVD-Video players. With Dolby Digital and DTS compatibility, 24-bit/96kHz audio capability, ColorStream component video outputs, video black level expansion and other advanced features, the SD2109 offers superb performance and features, and for an exceptional value. ""Tohibaís DVD-Video lineup for 1999 offers the highest quality, value and innovation in the industry,"" noted Nickerson, ""while giving consumers the most choice. Each product is designed to fill a particular need while defining excellence in the DVD-Video category."" *Availability pending resolution of copyright issues by the Copyright Protection Technical Working Group ñ estimated May 1999.