Panasonic Introduces Third Generation DVD Decks
Panasonic strengthens its leadership position in DVD with the introduction of four new players for 1999. Among the new features for 1999 are Chapter Preview, Dialogue Enhancer, Digital Cinema Mode, Monitor Select and a Quick-Start mechanism. ""We expect 1999 to be a year in which DVD rapidly expands towards broader mass consumer acceptance,"" says Rusty Osterstock, Assistant General Manager of Panasonicís DVD Division. ""As a result, weíre committed to developing new and user-friendly features that will bring added value to our players."" The new models -DVD-A320, DVD-A120, DVD-A115 and the karaoke-enhanced DVD-K520 - carry over the advanced performance features found in last yearís line, such as a 10-bit video DAC (digital-to-analog converter) for clean picture and a 96 kHz, 24-bit audio DAC, for the highest sound quality. The top-of-the-line DVD-A320 has both a DolbyÆ Digital and DTS decoder built-in. The first difference between last yearís and the new models is readily apparent the moment a disc is loaded. Panasonicís Quick Start mechanism puts a video image on-screen in just 5-6 seconds, twice as fast as last yearís models. When the disc begins play, users can select menu options, start the movie, or preview chapters. The Chapter Preview feature conveniently refreshes your memory should you miss part of a movie (if, for example, youíve fallen asleep right in the middle of the story!) to quickly review the previous chapters, just press the Play button twice. The player will automatically play the first three seconds of each chapter in sequence until it catches up to the point where you left off. You can also scan forward or backward at up to 100 times normal speed, with no video distortion. Thereís also no longer a need to strain to hear the dialogue in a noisy scene. The new Dialogue Enhancer feature boosts the volume of the center channel - where most of the principal dialogue emanates when playing a Dolby Digital 5.1 disc - by 6 dB. This feature greatly enhances the overall viewing experience. Further contributing to audio performance is Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (VSS). When active, viewers can enjoy a simulated 5.1 channel effect, downmixed from either a 5.1 channel or two-channel Dolby Digital soundtrack, from the stereo speakers of any home audio system. This feature is ideal for anyone who wants the superior video quality and film buff extras that DVD offers, but doesnít have the room or the budget for a full-blown surround system. But perhaps the most significant - and wide-reaching - upgrade for 1999 is the presence of component video outputs on every model (excluding the entry-level model DVD-A115.) By digitally breaking the video signal down into its luminance (Y) and separate chrominance (PR and PB) elements, component video outputs allow delivery of a reference-quality picture with precise color reproduction when using a compatible TV. For convenient operation, the new models offer easy-to-use on-screen menu icons which allow instant selections for such functions as language, camera angle or chapter selection. Additionally, the DVD-A320 features Panasonicís joystick remote - which this year is illuminated - allowing users to easily manage the remote in dimly lit rooms. Besides component video outputs, all models offer S-Video outputs, standard audio/video outs and an optical digital audio output. DVD-A115 and DVD-A120 With the Quick Start mechanism, Chapter Preview, Dialogue Enhancer, Advanced Virtual Surround Sound, Hi-Speed Smooth Motion Scan and Dolby Digital/DTS outputs as standard features, the DVD-A115 is an exceptional value. Model DVD-A120 adds component video output to the impressive list features. DVD-A320 The flagship of the new line has a built-in decoder for both Dolby Digital and DTS audio, eliminating the need for an external decoder or a receiver with a built-in decoder. Film aficionados will love the new Digital Cinema Mode feature, which gives viewers the option of enhancing detail in dark scenes for a more realistic, theater-like image. Other set-up features include; Virtual Battery operation, which prevents the AC power noise from entering the audio circuitry, thereby isolating sound localization, Monitor Select, which lets the user set his DVD player to the type of monitor it is connected to (direct-view TV, CRT projection, LCD projection or rear projection) for optimal performance; and Digital Picture Mode, which allows the user to choose from among four pre-set viewing modes for optimal enjoyment; Normal, Fine, Soft and Cinema. The Cinema mode even has a setting for manual adjustment of contrast, color, brightness, and equalizer. The special joystick on the DVD-A320ís universal remote control facilitates navigation of DVD menus and on-screen displays, and can be used for scanning. The keypad is illuminated allowing convenient management of features even in dimly lit rooms. DVD-K520 This model boasts full karaoke features, including two microphone inputs and digital effects such as echo and key control, so users can enjoy the many sing-along DVDs and video CDs that are available. The virtual duet feature lets the singer select an accompanying male or female voice. Thereís also Guide Melody, which allows for the background instrumentation on a particular disc to be turned on and off. Like most of the other models, the DVD-K520 has component video ouputs and comes with a universal joystick remote control. Panasonic is continuing its highly successful DVD-L10 and DVD-P10 PalmTheatreô portable DVD players for 1999. The DVD-L10, which took the market by storm last year, is the worldís first and smallest DVD player with a built-in 5.8-inch diagonal LCD screen. The celebrated DVD-L10 PalmTheatre took DVD to a whole new dimension, letting viewers enjoy their favorite movies on the road as well as at home. The equally smart, ultra-compact DVD-P10 has with all the features of the DVD-L10 except a built in screen.