SONY UNVEILS LINE OF DUAL RW HOME DVD RECORDERS INCLUDING A HIGH CAPACITY HARD DISK DRIVE MODEL
LAS VEGAS (CES, Booth #N109), Jan. 7, 2004 - Responding to increasing demands from consumers seeking easy to use, high performance recorders, Sony Electronics today unveiled a lineup of dual compatible +RW/- RW DVD home recorders. They're designed for both first time users as well as sophisticated time shifters and produce high quality DVD recording and unsurpassed picture performance from a variety of original sources.
Compatible with popular DVD+RW/+R and DVD-RW/-R discs, the new DVD recorders give users the widest selection of recording and viewing choices. The three new models also incorporate several picture improvement technologies to create enhanced DVD recordings and an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI). In addition, these models offer easy recording from broadcast programs via off-air antenna, cable, or satellite receivers.
"Sony set the standard in home DVD recorders with the industry's first dual RW and the best selling DVD recorder. We're continuing that innovation as demand increases for the DVD recorder category with our new models," said Joseph Stinziano, director of DVD marketing for Sony Electronics' Home Products Division. "Our new DVD recorders exemplify what consumers want; seamless integration of format compatibility, ease-of-use and powerful video performance."
New Entry Level RDR-GX300
Continuing to drive the demand in the DVD recorder category, the new RDR-GX300 is notable for its easy-to-use, basic functions that deliver high quality recorded content. Created for first-time users, the new recorder includes many advanced features found in last year's model such as the proprietary Precision Cinema Progressive ™, a DVD playback technology which incorporates Pixel-by-Pixel I/P Conversion technology to augment and balance DVD-video elements. Additionally, a 12bit/108MHz Video D/A Converter ensures exceptional picture quality for an unforgettable viewing experience.
It also features Time Base Correction, Pre Frame Noise Reduction and Pre-video Equalizer technologies that rebalance and equalize video content before it is recorded onto a DVD, improving the original source content even before the encoding process begins. This impressive process is especially beneficial when recording from lower resolution video sources such as VHS tapes and older camcorder media formats.
In the output phase, the RDR-GX300's Post Frame Noise Reduction, Block Noise Reduction and Video Equalizer technologies combine to produce a richly textured visual rendition while minimizing picture interference caused by background artifacts or distortion.
New features added to the recorder include chasing playback, simultaneous recording and playback (DVD-RW VR mode) for a greater recording and viewing flexibility. Chasing playback allows viewers to rewind the recorded material while it's still recording to view and catch up to the real time recording. Simultaneous recording and playback allows viewers to watch pre-recorded content while recording new content on the same disc.
Another convenience feature new to the recorder is its ability to control satellite receivers and cable boxes through the unit's IR blaster. Instead of fumbling with two remote controls when using the "timer" function to record your favorite program, the RDR-GX300 remote control allows users to select the channel directly from the set top boxes.
The RDR-GX300 DVD dual RW recorder will be available in July for about $500.
DVD Recording for Time Shifters and Digital Camcorder Users
Sony also demonstrated two other step-up models with i.LINK ™ connection for camcorders, On-Screen TV program guide (EPG) and advanced editing functions for linear and non-linear video editing.
A flagship model also includes a 120 GB high capacity Hard Disc Drive, providing up to 24 times high speed dubbing from HDD to the DVD, Additionally, the HDD allows a new level of picture quality called HQ+ picture mode. The HQ+ mode offers unparalleled picture quality available today.
Availability and pricing for these models will be announced this spring.
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