Philips Announces DVD-Video Recording Technology For Consumer Use Recorded Discs Will Play On Existing DVD-Video Players
Philips Electronics has announced that it has developed technology for real-time recording of DVD-Video discs. The recorded discs can be played back on existing DVD-Video players. The system offers up to 4 hours record/playback time a DVD to VHS quality levels. This breakthrough is achieved by using DVD+RW technology with 4.7 GB capacity. The technology offers the performance required for real-time recording of off-air television, camcorder tapes and other non-copyrighted video sources. DVD-Video quality level, including variable bitrate recording for optimal quality, can be reached by using ""lossless linking"" a unique technology developed specifically for the DVD+RW 4.7 GB format. Adri Baan, Chairman & CEO of Philips Consumer Electronicsí division stated that the technology offers two unique advantages. ""The recorded discs can be played back on existing DVD-Video players and recording can be made in real-time. There is no need for a lengthy, multi-step process on a PC"". Mr. Baan stated furthermore: ""DVD-Video will become the mainstream video distribution format. The Philips DVD-Video recorder technology is an answer to long term successful format, it is essential that there are both home recorded and published/pre-recorded discs and that these can be used in the same equipment. We firmly believe that adding recording capabilities to DVD players will boost the attractively of the DVD system. Increased sales o equipment and pre-recorded discs can therefore be expected."" Philips plans to introduce the first DVD-Video recording products in the year 2000, offering very high picture quality and ease of use. The products will initially be aimed at the high-end segment of the video recorder market. The Philips DVD-Audio recording technology also offers easy to use editing facilities. Editing of private camcorder material on conventional equipment generally requires two video devices. Random access to the disc allows editing on a single DVD-Video recorder, bringing easy editing within reach of the average consumer. For advanced editing an interface to the PC will be provided. 4.7 GB DVD-Video recording technology is based on the recently announced DVD+RW 4.7 GB technology. DVD+RW 4.7 was designed for compatibility with existing DVD-Video and DVD-ROM equipment and for interchange between CE and PC platforms. DVD-Video recordings can also be played back on PCs with the possibility to combine digital video and digital data in a single file system. This is required for multimedia recording applications. Philips acknowledges the rights of content owners and will consult with them. It is the intention that Philipís DVD Video recording equipment will comply with generally accepted methods to prevent illegal copying and piracy.