Sharp Demonstrates SharpVision DTV Decoder. (familiar names)...
Sharp Demonstrates SharpVision DTV Decoder Interoperability With Third-Party Encoders At NAB '99
04/19/1999
Business Wire
(Copyright (c) 1999, Business Wire)
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 1999--
TU-DTV1000 features PSIP technology for electronic program guide
Sharp Electronics Corporation is collaborating with several Digital Television (DTV) encoder manufacturers to demonstrate interoperability with SharpVision decoder systems during this week's National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas. SharpVision's partners are DiviCom Inc., General Instrument, Lucent Digital Video, NDS Ltd. (Americas), THOMCAST Communications (COMARK Division, CDS Unit) and Tiernan Communications.
One of the few consumer electronics manufacturers producing DTV decoders for HDTV transmissions, Sharp's TU-DTV1000 has the most advanced Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) technology for DTV electronic program guides.
"Sharp's relationships with several leaders in the encoding systems industry will accelerate implementation of DTV standards," said Robert Scaglione, Associate Vice President, Sharp Electronics Corp. "This a great opportunity for Sharp to demonstrate to broadcasters that SharpVision DTV decoders are a viable resource for them to evaluate DTV transmissions."
Encoder manufacturers have been conducting compatibility tests with Sharp's receiver to refine their software. According to John Mailhot, Vice President of Engineering, Lucent Digital Video, engineers evaluated several receivers and noted that Sharp had one of the most sophisticated PSIP capabilities for creating a digital TV electronic program guide.
Sharp and encoder manufacturers are working together on compatibility to guarantee consumers a seamless viewing experience for DTV. Sharp Labs of America (SLA), Sharp's Camas, Wash.-based research and development subsidiary, has been working closely with SharpVision's partners to ensure interoperability.
TU-DTV1000 DTV Decoder
The SharpVision TU-DTV1000 decoder is capable of receiving and converting all 18 ATSC DTV video formats to either 480I, 480P or the high-definition 1080I HDTV format. The uniquely featured, TU-DTV1000 decoder is specifically designed to endure changes to DTV programming and technology as standards evolve, protecting the end-user's investment in DTV equipment.
PSIP and Electronic Program Guide
The ATSC standard defined PSIP to allow broadcasters to include channel and program information within the MPEG transport stream. The SharpVision DTV receiver extracts the PSIP data from the DTV broadcast and uses it to create a digital TV electronic program guide.
The SharpVision EPG provides a colorful DTV program guide for the most up-to-date and comprehensive listing of DTV programs available. Comparable to the current user-friendly format consumers are accustomed to, the guide features multi-channel listings, an information banner while switching between channels, small grids for program browsing and reservation functions for viewing reminders. SharpVision's DTV decoder is widely recognized as offering the most advanced PSIP technology of any decoder currently available.
SharpVision's TU-DTV1000 DTV decoder comes with a universal remote control for a suggested retail price of $1,995.
For product information on Sharp's full line of DTV equipment, visit Sharp's Web Site at www.sharp-usa.com or call 1-877-DTV-SHARP.
Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of portable audio and home entertainment products. Responsible for introducing the revolutionary Viewcam and SharpVision line of LCD projectors, Sharp continues to demonstrate its leadership in entertainment by advancing technologies such as High Definition Digital Television (HDTV) and MiniDisc (MD). Sharp provides a variety of innovative, entertainment-related solutions designed to help increase enjoyment while offering functionality to meet customer needs. Dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design, Sharp Electronics employs approximately 3,100 people nationwide to support its more than 50 product lines.
Contact: CONTACT: Shandwick International Alex Giassa, Rania Alafoyiannis Phone: 212-686-6666; Outside NY 800-223-2121 Fax: 212-679-0001 E-mail: agiassa@shandwick.com or Sharp Electronics Corporation Nancy Boyle Levene Phone: 201-529-8631 Fax: 201-529-8919 E-mail: nbb1@sharpsec.com
09:38 EDT APRIL 19, 1999
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