Toshiba's Line of Digital Video Recorders on Display at CEDIA 2004
Friday September 10, 9:30 am ET
Toshiba showcases digital video recorder line, including two Digital Media Servers with TiVo(R) and three DVD recorders
CEDIA, INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C., showcased one of the most extensive lines of digital video recorders to meet the emerging market at this year's CEDIA Show. Toshiba's full line of digital video recorders offers combinations for a choice of recording scenarios, including TiVo capabilities, hard disc drives (HDD), and a DVD Recorder with VHS.
To support retail sales, Toshiba will be providing dealers with in-store display materials, literature and demonstration discs to increase consumer awareness and provide education on digital recording. To further assist the consumer with their purchase, Toshiba will also provide a toll free support line (1-800-631-3811) that will be prominently located inside the carton box.
"Toshiba's line of DVD recorders offers a model to complement the varied needs of consumers," said Jodi Sally, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba Digital A/V Group. "Our full line of digital video recorders offers flexibility for all recording types. Whether you are a fan of TV programming and Time shifting or you like to build your own library of family recordings, Toshiba has a digital video recorder that is right for you."
Digital Media Servers
Expanding upon the relationship with TiVo Inc., Toshiba showcased two new Digital Media Server models that feature TiVo technology with DVD recording. Both models include high capacity hard disc drives with the capability to record the user's favorite programs. With the addition of a front panel DV input, both models offer the ability to transfer camcorder material to the hard drive and then to DVD quickly and easily.
With TiVo Basic(TM) service included without having to pay a subscription fee, users can select programs to record from a 3-day program guide, save them to the hard drive and view them at their leisure, or they can record their shows to DVD quickly and easily. TiVo's easy to use interface can automatically create a DVD Menu based on the user's selections, or titles can be manually entered. In either case, simplicity is the key. Additionally, both units come with a 45-day free trial of the TiVo Plus(TM) service, offering users the opportunity to try features unique to the TiVo Plus service including the ability to search for programs by title, set up Season Pass(TM) recordings for their favorite shows, and create WishLists(TM) to find their favorite shows.
Other key features include Progressive Scan Component Video Outputs for both DVD and DVR signals, capability to record in DVD-R and DVD-RW formats, as well as an IR blaster for Cable Box and Satellite Receiver control. The TiVo Basic service includes a 3 day rolling program guide, TV "Trick Play" features including the ability to pause and rewind live TV, and manual recording capability with repeat function. Both units are fully upgradeable to the TiVo Plus service (subscription required) which includes the newly added Home Media Option.
The RS-TX20 (MAP $599.99) with 120 GB hard disc drive (up to 140 hours of recording time) and the RS-TX60 (MAP $699.99) with 160 GB hard disc drive (up to 200 hours of recording time) will be available this month.
DVD Recorders
Toshiba also showcased three DVD Recorders. The recorders come in three different configurations to meet the varied desires of this emerging market: DVD Recorder, DVD recorder and VHS, and a DVD Recorder with a built-in hard disc drive.
The RD-XS52 (October 2004, $599.99) will feature a 160GB hard disc drive providing ample digital recording time. The unit allows users to record and playback their favorite TV shows as well as building personal movie libraries for archiving and preserving family videos. The RD-XS52 is one of the first DVD recorder models to incorporate High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI(TM)) with upconversion capability to 720p or 1080i. This single cable connection provides the highest quality interface between a DVD player and a compatible HD television, ensuring that all the signals remain in their pure digital form.
The Toshiba D-VR3 (Available now, $449.99) combines Toshiba's quality DVD recorder technology with VHS capability. The D-VR3 allows users to archive home videos of favorite VHS tapes to DVD within the same device.
Toshiba also highlighted the D-R2 (Available now, $299.99) DVD Recorder. The D-R2 offers DVD recording capability on DVD-RAM, DVD-RW or DVD-R. A front DV input, as well as front panel A/V input jacks, allows the transfer of camcorder recordings directly onto DVD media.
All Toshiba DVD recorders feature Digital Cinema Progressive Scan output, Colorstream(TM) Pro Component Video Outputs, Multimedia playback for JPEGs and MP3 titles, and a Zoom mode. The line also features 3-D Virtual Surround Sound and Digital Noise Reduction and a front panel digital video (DV) input, which allows users to digitally transfer home movies to DVD or a hard disc drive from a camcorder via the digital video terminal.
Toshiba's line of DVD recorders share a stylish cosmetic look that will complement all Toshiba display devices, particularly flat panel displays.
