I assume this has cube inside. VHS still alive and kicking.
JVC, the inventors of VHS, announced the launch of the HM-DSR100 Digital Satellite Recorder - developed in cooperation
with EchoStar Communications Corp., and featuring the revolutionary digital bit stream recording technology called D-VHS.
This new product's single-unit design incorporates both a DBS tuner and a D-VHS recorder, making set-up, installation, and
operation a breeze.
In addition, conventional analog VHS is incorporated, allowing users to continue to enjoy the enormous VHS tape library they
have accumulated over the years and maintain access to the vast VHS infrastructure comprised of over 600 million units
worldwide.
MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group) is expected to become the mainstream technology for digital moving images. The
HM-DSR100 allows digital bit stream recording of DISH Network's digital MPEG2 signal, in its original digital state, with
original picture quality maintained. D/A conversion occurs only when the recording is played back, in order to transform the
digital data into a video signal that will be recognizable to household TVs.
The HM-DSR100 is equipped with the D-VHS STD mode which has a fixed bit rate of 14.1 Mbps, providing ample
headroom in relation to the bit rate of digital broadcasts. This extremely high bit rate translates into higher picture quality when
reproduced on a screen. Users will be able to record the high-resolution MPEG-2 signal sent from a DISH Network(tm)
satellite with no degradation in quality.
Digital recording offers the advantage of recording various sub data signals that are beamed along with the main program by the
broadcaster. These may include Dolby Digital (AC-3) encoding, as well as program guides and other information. Since the
HM-DSR100 is equipped with a Dolby Digital (AC-3) output connector, the user can hook-up to an external decoder and
enjoy the full home theater experience that Dolby Digital (AC-3) 5.1 - channel sound is capable of delivering, when viewing
encoded satellite recordings or software releases.
Another outstanding characteristic of the HM-DSR100 is its high storage capacity. In the D-VHS STD mode, up to 7 hours of
excellent quality MPEG 2 digital broadcasts with digital audio can be recorded on a single cassette (DF-420 type presently
under development). In terms of data, this is an incredible 44.4 GB per cassette! Or in more common terms, the user can
record three full-length movies with room to spare, with digital quality maintained, all on a cassette the same size as the VHS
cassettes that everyone is so familiar with.
Simplifying installation is the On-Screen Display that lets the user initiate tuner and VCR setup with just a few clicks of the
on-screen buttons. These include antenna direction and positioning based on zip code and auto clock set by DBS signal. Once
up and running, additional benefits of the single-unit design become apparent. For instance, the VCR's timer can be
programmed directly from DISH Network's EPG (Electronic Program Guide), so even users who have always avoided
timer-programming because it was ``too complicated'' will now be able to make precise unattended recordings of their favorite
shows with this system.
The provided multi-brand compatible remote control gives the user unified control over TV and audio components in addition
to the HM-DSR100. Since this UHF/IR Universal Remote has an effective distance of 100 feet, remote operation of the
HM-DSR100 from other rooms will be possible in homes with several TVs.
The HM-DSR100 takes advantage of DISH Network's many convenient browse features. These include superimposing
Browse bars on the picture to allow checking of current program information, as well as what is currently available on other
channels for easy selection and channel changing. Users can also display a full screen of information including brief synopses
and critiques by way of the Info button.
What makes the HM-DSR100 truly unique is that since this program data is included in the bit stream recording, it can also be
called up any time while playing back the D-VHS tape - Playback Browse, FF Browse and Rewind Browse are possible.
Collectively, these functions put more information in the hands of the user, simplifying program selection both in real-time and
during timeshifting.
The HM-DSR100 is equipped with high-speed I/O terminal. By attaching an IEEE 1394 adaptor (currently under
consideration), this future-ready terminal will allow D-VHS recordings of broadcast data services to be transferred to a PC.
Although not for immediate use, this type of built-in compatibility with future developments gives the HM-DSR100 added value
and potential.
Just as the original VHS format revolutionized home entertainment 20 years ago by providing the ability to timeshift, this year
JVC's revolutionary D-VHS technology allows timeshifting in the digital age - digital satellite programs recorded in digital bit
stream format.
To give a wide range of consumers the opportunity to enjoy this pace-setting product, the HM-DSR100 will be sold in both
consumer electronics retail stores and satellite TV retail stores. In addition, it will be available in two versions: the
HM-DSR100DU, which comes with a dual LNBF dish in its standard accessory package, will have a nationally advertised
price of $999.95; and the HM-DSR100RU, a stand-alone unit which does not include a dish antenna will be nationally
advertised for $949.95. Both units will be available in October 1997. JVC's two new HM-DSR100 systems represent a bold
new presence on the digital broadcast and multimedia scene.
For more information on JVC's products, please contact Nancy Fleming Bird, JVC Company of America, 201/703-4054. For
additional information on EchoStar's Dish Network, contact Judianne Atencio, EchoStar Communications Corp.,
303/799-8222, ext. 5112.
Visit JVC at www.jvc-america.com
Contact:
EchoStar Communications Corp., Englewood, Colo.
Judianne Atencio, 303/706-5112
More news for referenced ticker symbols: DISH, and related industries: entertainment.
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