Speaking of too much:
Panasonic to Launch First Consumer DVD Video Recorder; DVD-RAM Technology
Produces Next Step in Video Recording
NEW YORK, Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
(PCEC) recently announced plans to introduce the first consumer DVD Video
Recorder to the U.S. market. Designed to meet growing consumer demands for a
high quality digital recording device, the company's new DVD-RAM recorder,
model DMR-E10, is currently being demonstrated at retail outlets across the
country. The new recorder has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP)
of $3,999.95 and will be shipped in quantities to retailers later this month.
Being made available at the same time is the Panasonic 4.7GB DVD-RAM blank
optical disc, model DY-HB47D, with an MSRP of $34.99.
(Photo: newscom.com )
The Panasonic DMR-E10 allows digital recording onto a removable DVD-RAM
disc. Key benefits include high resolution video quality, superb audio
quality, fast random access memory, enormous storage capability,
rewritability, and playback of DVD video discs, DVD-RAM discs and video and
audio CDs.
The technology used in the new unit is based on the DVD-RAM and video
recording formats approved by the DVD Forum. Because it is compatible with
audio/video and PC applications, DVD-RAM is seen as the medium that will bring
about the convergence of home computing and home entertainment. With its vast
storage capacity, incredible speed, and exceptional picture and sound quality,
DVD-RAM is highly adaptive to the expanding digital media environment.
"The DVD format and its applications are expanding to include not only
audio and video but also personal computing and even car navigation," said
Rusty Osterstock, general manager of Panasonic's DVD Division. "The Panasonic
DVD video recorder offers consumers a practical and flexible way to manage
these new, multiple DVD applications, and provides a whole new way to enjoy
the world of digital entertainment."
With the new DVD Video Recorder, consumers will be able to record favorite
video recordings onto removable DVD-RAM discs, and instantly access favorite
scenes without searching, fast-forwarding or rewinding. As an optical media
format, DVD-RAM enjoys huge advantages over tape media, including random
access, extraordinary picture quality, and multiple disc (DVD/CD) playback
compatibility. And unlike tape, the format boasts superior rewritability,
allowing users to rewrite to each disc thousands of times. When connected to
home theater components, the Panasonic DMR-E10 is the ultimate high-end
audio/video home entertainment product, enabling consumers to enjoy multiple
digital entertainment formats with a single component.
The DVD-RAM disc format offers consumers a variety of inviting
applications. For instance, images from recorded home videos may be edited
and put on a disc, which can then be played on a laptop with a DVD-RAM drive
or DVD-ROM drive* and shared with friends and family.
Panasonic incorporates innovative Hybrid VBR (variable bit rate)
technology to manipulate the MPEG-2 compression ratio in real
time -- according to motion, scene by scene. This original method of
combining the two encoding technologies of real-time VBR and visibility
modulation technology enables long recording times with images of
extraordinary quality.
EXCEPTIONAL PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY
To produce exceptional picture quality, as well as superb sound
reproduction, Panasonic has incorporated a variety of advanced technologies
into its new DVD Video Recorder.
These technologies produce such features and benefits as:
Selectable recording modes for optimum results according to program
content and length:
The image compression efficiency of Hybrid VBR also permits a choice of
recording modes, depending on average bit rate. XP mode provides one hour
(average 10Mbps), SP mode two hours (average 5 Mbps), and LP mode four hours
(average 2.5 Mbps) of motion video recording. In addition, the FR (flexible
recording) mode determines the most appropriate bit rate to fit a user-
specified time slot (60 to 240 minutes) for timer recording.
With the DMR-E10, consumers can enjoy easy, convenient storage of, and
access to, their personal movie libraries or home videos on space-saving DVD-
RAM discs. In addition to its high storage capacity, the DVD Video Recorder
offers another important advantage. When transferring video to DVD-RAM, the
digital recording and playback is capable of having better picture quality
than the analog original. Several functions are provided to improve the
picture quality of input source picture signals. Input TBC (time base
corrector) removes jitter from the input signal, while 3D Y/C separation
circuitry minimizes dot crawl and color smearing caused by interference
between the video signal's Y and C color subcomponents. These functions are
particularly effective when recording from analog video sources such as a
conventional VCR and camcorder. Combined with the 3D DNR applied during
playback, the result can be a surprising restoration of image quality from old
videocassettes.
New Dolby Digital(R) 2-channel recording method:
A 20-bit AD Converter and an original Panasonic LSI chip enable Dolby
Digital 2-channel recording for a new level of audio quality.
For faithful reproduction of film-source images, the DMR-E10 features 480-
line progressive scanning with component video output. By scanning all 480
lines in one pass, progressive scanning provides high vertical resolution and
flicker-free, high-density image output that does not suffer from the loss of
quality during subject movement -- which is characteristic of the conventional
interlaced scanning method.
Furthermore, when playing DVD movies taken from film-source originals, the
player is able to reproduce the individual film frames as they were originally
created, without video processing artifacts, by using 24fps/60fps conversion.
Consumers will readily notice the startlingly sharp picture -- full of detail
and expressive nuances -- virtually free of digital artifacts. In short,
they'll enjoy the closest thing to a cinema presentation right in their own
homes.
Dolby Digital(R) 5.1 channel surround system:
The DMR-E10 includes built-in Dolby Digital(R) 5.1 channel decoder
circuitry. A dts(R) digital output also is provided. Panasonic's Virtual
Surround Sound feature creates a simulated surround sound effect, downmixed
from a two- or more channel Dolby Digital(R) soundtrack, using headphones or
the stereo speakers of any home audio system.
Virtual Battery Operation:
To keep noise out of the power supply and digital signal circuitry, a
capacitor charge is used as the sole reference voltage. This technology
allows deep bass and clear mid-high range reproduction.
CONVENIENCE FEATURES DELIVER EASE OF USE
Topping the list of functional features and benefits delivered by the new
DMR-E10 is the unit's quick and easy random access. For instance, recording
can be activated instantaneously, and users can automatically find blank space
on disk for recording, by simply pushing the Record button. Playback is
equally easy. With a touch of the Play button, users can immediately play
their latest recording, without rewinding or fast-forwarding.
Finding and viewing recorded material is fast and easy with the unit's
Direct Navigator function, which makes it easy to find a desired program from
among several recorded on a disc. A list of recording dates, times, channels
and (user-entered) titles is shown on-screen. When the user moves the cursor
to any particular recording, that segment is played as motion video in the
background. Playback can begin immediately upon selection. Up to 99 programs
can be handled by this system.
The Playlist function lets the user perform non-linear video editing and
create custom play lists of favorite scenes on a disc. The user can mark the
cut-in and cut-out points for up to 999 desired scenes. These are displayed
as thumbnail images on-screen, allowing the user to create a playlist.
Multiple playlists (up to 99) can be stored in memory, so the same disc can be
used to create up to 99 different scenarios. This function is also convenient
for jumping directly to particular scenes. Because the order of scenes can be
changed at will, and unwanted scenes can be cut, the user can perform simple
editing of home video recordings or create original personal "programs" such
as sports event highlights.
The DVD Video Recorder offers many other convenience features, such as
audio level meters, automatic tuner presetting, backlit universal remote
control, timer recording, VCR Plus+(R), jog and shuttle control, remaining
available recording time indicator, easy-operation on-screen graphics, and
more.
ABOUT PANASONIC
As a leader in DVD technology, Panasonic has introduced some of the
world's most innovative consumer DVD products to the U.S. market: the world's
first portable DVD player with a built-in LCD screen, the first DVD-Audio
players, the first DVD video and DVD-Audio players for automobiles, and the
world's first TV/DVD/VCR Combination. The company has also announced plans
for the industry's first DVD-Mini System. Panasonic's DVD expertise ranges
from research and development to the manufacture of DVD mastering and
replication equipment. Its Digital Video Compression Corporation (DVCC)
performs DVD encoding, artistic authoring, and services for full-length motion
picture transfer. Panasonic Disc Services Corporation (PDSC) performs
pre-mastering, mastering and replication of discs for DVD and DVD-ROM
products.
Panasonic consumer DVD products are marketed in the United States by
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a division of Matsushita
Electric Corporation of America (MECA). MECA is the principal North American
subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (NYSE: MC; PCX) of
Japan, one of the world's largest producers of electronic and electric
products for consumer, business and industrial use. All prices are in U.S.
dollars. Consumers seeking more information on the company's products can call
Panasonic's Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA or access Panasonic's home
page at panasonic.com. Media interested in press releases can
access them via Internet Keyword: Panasonic Press Room, or through New
Directions Public Relations' toll-free fax-back system at 888-734-7490.
Dolby, Pro Logic and Dolby Digital are registered trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corp.
dts is a registered trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
VCR Plus is a registered trademark of Gemstar Development Corporation.
To play back a DVD-RAM disc on a PC or laptop computer with either 4.7GB
DVD-RAM or DVD-ROM drive, the PC or laptop must have video recording format
support installed.
Specifications subject to change.
SOURCE Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
-0- 08/07/2000
/CONTACT: Crystal Jenisch, 201-348-7154, or e-mail jenischc@panasonic.com
or William Pritchard, 201-348-7182, or e-mail pritchardw@panasonic.com both of
Panasonic; or Jo Ann Bilger of New Directions, 609-951-2230, or e-mail
jbilger@new-directions.com /
/Photo: NewsCom: newscom.com
AP Archive: photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467/
Web site: panasonic.com
(MC)
CO: Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
ST: New York
IN: CPR
SU: PDT
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