Panasonic Launches Worldís First HD-Compatible D-VHS VCR Which Records Digital And Analog Signals
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a prominent leader in consumer digital television products, has announced the retail launch of its new digital VCR (""D-VHS"" VCR) - the world's first High Definition (HD) compatible VCR to hit the U.S. market. Model PV-HD1000, which will begin shipping this month, carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $999.95. (Editorís Note: When first introduced the ""D"" in D-VHS represented ""Data"" not ""Digital."") The new Panasonic D-VHS VCR adopts the ""5C"" Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP) technology to safeguard copy-protected material transmitted via IEEE 1394 digital interface connections. Matsushita Electric Industrial Company, Ltd. (MEI), along with other consumer electronics manufacturers, developed the DTCP technology. ""Panasonic is pleased to launch products with DTCP, which would support the motion picture industry's need for copy protection,"" said Brian Hoffman, Assistant General Manager, PCEC Consumer Video Division. The Panasonic PV-HD1000 is the first VCR in the world capable of accepting both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) digital television broadcast formats - when paired with the Panasonic DTV-certified set-top decoder (Model TU-DST50) - as well as standard analog NTSC signals. PSMC's digital tape allows consumers to capture and retain the high-quality resolution, vivid detail and 5.1 DolbyÆ Digital audio that DTV offers. ""More and more consumers are being exposed to the benefits of DTV since television stations started broadcasting the new format last November,"" says Ed Webster, General Manager, Magnetic Media and Accessories Division, PSMC. ""Now, with the Panasonic D-VHS VCR and our new digital video tape, consumers may capture the brilliant, crystal-clear images and digital surround sound of the new DTV broadcasts to enjoy whenever they wish."" Thanks to digital compression technology, broadcasters will be able to transmit multiple DTV programs simultaneously if they choose. With the D-VHS VCR and D-VHS tape, consumers will be able to record all of these new ""multi-cast"" DTV programs on a particular channel without missing any of their favorite shows. Currently, more than 50 television stations in the top 30 markets are broadcasting DTV signals. The Panasonic PV-HD1000 is the first VCR in the world capable of accepting both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) television signals. When paired with the Panasonic DTV-certified set-top decoder (model TU-DST50), the new VCR can record all 18 ATSC formats, retaining the high-quality resolution and vivid detail that DTV offers. ""This product completes the DTV experience for home viewers,"" said Hoffman, ""who will now be able to capture all the excitement of the new DTV broadcasts."" Digital recordings can be made on the newly developed digital VHS (D-VHS) tape, model AY-DF300, available from Panasonic. Panasonic is packaging a blank D-VHS tape with its PV-HD1000 VCR so that consumers may start enjoying the new digital recording machine right away. Panasonic AY-DF300 digital video tape offers up to 2.5 hours of recording time in the HS (high-speed) mode and may be used with any D-VHS VCR. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the cassette is $14.95. With the growing number of DTV broadcasts, retailers are eager to show the stunning quality of HD images to consumers. The Panasonic D-VHS VCR allows them to playback pre-recorded HD materials for demonstration on their sales floors. Aside from its digital compatibility, the PV-HD1000 is also a full-featured, four head, hi-fl stereo VHS VCR, able to record and play back standard VHS tapes. Consumers can continue to enjoy taping their favorite standard television (NTSC) programs, and viewing rented movies or home videos. Features include Auto Clock Setting using the Extended Data Service (EDS) signal carried by many PBS stations; front-mounted analog AN inputs for easy connections; and Panasonic's ""Light Tower"" remote control, which has back lit buttons and stands upright. This universal remote operates most brands of n/s and cable/DSS boxes. The VCR has an attractive, ""wide body"" home theater component design, purposely styled to fit in with other home theater products. The PV-HD1000 is currently shipping to retailers and carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $999.95. For more information, contact Panasonicís Call Center at 1-800-211-PENA or visit the Panasonic Web sit at www.panasonic.com.