JVC's D-VHS is a bridge product, but it still plays your old VHS tapes.....................................
e-town.com
2/5/2001
JVC PRESS EXPO: STRONG SUPPORT FOR D-VHS, LITTLE FOR 16:9
TV lineup is surprisingly light on widescreen models, but new I'Art line debuts
By James K. Willcox
NEW YORK, NY, February 5, 2001 -- At its annual press expo, held in Orlando this past weekend, JVC unveiled its 2001 product lineup, highlighted by a demonstration of its D-VHS digital video recorder playing back high-definition content.
The deck, currently being sold in Japan, could make its way to the U.S. later this year. JVC said the product is ready but the company is waiting for "content providers to decide what kind of outputs the [set-top] boxes will have."
During the demonstrations, a 1080i signal downconverted to NTSC and recorded on the D-VHS deck was compared to a DVD signal in an effort to show that consumers could use a D-VHS deck today, even if they didn't have a high-definition set.
In addition, angered by an article written after CES that stated that D-VHS picture quality was comparable to DVD, JVC executives staged a demonstration that compared a DVD to programming recorded on a D5 machine, dumped to D-VHS and sent through a JVC D-ILA projector.
Compared to the DVD player's 480i output -- I couldn't find out why they didn't compare a progressive-scan image instead -- the D-VHS deck's 720p image was noticeably superior, with a much sharper picture, better background image detail and less distortion.
Video essentials
Given its video pedigree -- JVC invented the VHS format -- the company's line show was videocentric, but did include several new audio and mobile electronics products.
Among the video highlights were two dual-deck S-VHS VCRs. The HM-HDS1 ($1899 list) features a built-in hard disk drive for non-linear editing, while the HR-DVS2 ($1699 list) includes a built-in MiniDV deck.
JVC's HR-DVS2
Both decks, which will be available in August, offer S-VHS ET recording, a cost-savings measure which allows S-VHS signals to be recorded on standard VHS tape.
JVC also showed a unique vertical VCR, the HR-FS1 ($299 list), what the company bills as the smallest, lightest DV camcorder, the GR-DVP3 ($1699 list), and a new digital DualCam, the GR-DV2000 ($2199.95 list) that offers 520 x 480 video resolution plus 1.92 megapixel still resolution using its "pixel-shift" interpolation scheme.
GR-DV2000
The company also launched a new community area on its website where stills and videos can be shared with family and friends. The area, called Video Community, is divided into three areas: Director's Club, which uses video technology from Popcast; the Photo Club, which uses still picture technology from FX Alive; and the Game Center, where visitors can download free trial versions of games from Mugshot Games.
Also shown were new DVD players (including progressive scan), two new MiniDV cameras with PC connectivity and a new "NightAlive" low-light function for shooting in full color in its DVL-series camcorders.
Color TVs
Surprisingly absent from JVC's TV lineup was a strong commitment to the 16:9 format -- particularly unusual as the company first showed a widescreen model back in 1993. The company did say that it expects to have a 34-inch 1080i widescreen set around October, and promised that several important announcements would be made later in the year concerning new products coming out of the company's Tijuana, Mexico plant.
The company did unveil its new I'Art line of silver-colored flat direct-view sets, clearly targeting the territory carved out by Sony's well-received Wega line.
I'Art AV-27F802
The first model (AV-27F802, $899.95 list) is a 27-inch set with a Pure Flat CRT with INVAR Shadow Mask, two component video connections, a four-line digital comb filter, two-tuner PIP (picture-in-picture) and a BBE sound system.
The AV-27802, which is already at retail, will be joined by 24-, 32- and 36-inch versions later this spring and summer.
The company's previously shown D'ahlia 16:9 HD set was on display, but wasn't discussed during the press event. During the press expo, JVC officials expressed support for the DVI with HDCP interface, which is included in the D'ahlia set.
Audio additions
In the area of audio, JVC introduced a high-end ($5000 list) DVD-Audio player, a CD-R/RW deck that includes a three-disc CD changer, a new executive desktop system that features sleek aluminum cylindrical satellite speakers, and two new THX receivers.
The company also showed its RS-WP1 "Backpack" wearable boombox ($220), and two new G-Max Giga-Tube shelf systems featuring elaborate, labyrinth pipe systems that help emphasize lower bass frequencies. A 460-watt version (the MX-GT90) will sell for $450 list, while the 350-watt MX-GT80 has a list price of $330.
JVC's RS-WP1 (left) and MX-GT90(right)
JVC's new three-disc CD changer with a built-in CD-R/RW drive (XL-R5010BK) will be available in March at a list price $550. The new executive system (FS-SD1000), which uses cylindrical pole-shaped satellite speakers and a 60-watt powered subwoofer, will be available in May at a $500 list price.
Topping JVC's new THX A/V receiver line is the RX-DP10VBK ($1670 list), a THX Ultra certified receiver with THX Surround EX, which provides 7.1 channels of sound. The DP10 includes a seven-channel (120 watts per channel) amplifier, multi-room/multi-source capability, Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, component video inputs and a motor-driven sliding front panel.
Mobile sounds
JVC's KD-SH99
Although etown.com typically doesn't cover car stereos, JVC's new line of Digifine 2.1 CD receivers deserve a mention. The KD-SH99, for example, sports a sleek, motorized slide-out aluminum face, 200 watts of power, an MP3 and CD-R/RW CD playback capability, a front-panel MP3 jack for connecting an MP3 player. The SH99 will be available in April at a price still to be determined.
This article captures only the highlights of the JVC press expo. Check the site this week for a comprehensive rundown of JVC's 2001 product lineup.
This article is an etown.com exclusive. |
