At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) today in Las Vegas, Philips Consumer Electronics showcased two state-of the-art DVD players – the DVD962SA and DVDQ50 – both incorporating the Faroudja™ DCDi™ chip for videophile-grade picture optimization and Emmy-winning Progressive Scan technology.

"As a leader in DVD, Philips is very excited to have the Faroudja chip in our new players, especially now, with the DVD market exploding," said Michael Lang, general manager, audio/video, Philips Consumer Electronics, North America. "With sales growth doubling and tripling in the last few years, DVD players could be in 50 million American homes by the end of 2002. We're extremely confident that our new cutting-edge players with the Faroudja chip and multi-channel SACD technology will sustain Philips' leadership position in this booming DVD market."

DVD962SA DVD Player

Simply put, Faroudja is the name most respected for developing sophisticated video-processing equipment. In joining forces with Faroudja, Philips was able to develop a DVD player capable of delivering a digital entertainment experience with unthinkable visual clarity. Philips added proprietary Digital Crystal Clear™ picture enhancement for maximum picture control and quality. When combined with Faroudja's Motion Adaptive System or DCDi chip, the DVD962SA corrects artifacts, optimizes video output and reproduces a sharp, flicker-free picture, which is more relaxing and easier on the eyes.

The DVD962SA also features Super Audio CD (SACD), the highly touted, multi-channel high clarity sound format co-developed by Philips and Sony and designed to bring music to life. SACD generates a completely new and unforgettable, three-dimensional listening experience, that enhances both the home theater and listening environment. In the category of digital audio reproduction, SACD truly is the state of the art.

The Philips DVD962SA incorporates bass management as well as DTS and Dolby Digital decoding. And it's capable of CD-R, CD-RW, CD playback as well as DVD-R, DVD+RW, SVCD and VCD. Available February 2002, the DVD962SA will have a suggested retail price of $599.

DVDQ50 DVD Player

Designed with the video enthusiast in mind, the DVDQ50 high-performance DVD player shares many common themes with the DVD962SA. It incorporates the Faroudja DCDi chip as well as the Digital Crystal Clear Pro Progressive Scan system. Additionally, it's capable of playing several different formats, including DCCA, CD-R/RW, VCD, SVCD as well as MP3-CD – a versatile format quickly becoming more and more popular. Dolby Digital and DTS decoding also are incorporated into the circuitry.

The DVDQ50 offers an elegant look and feel. The slim, precision design is simple and clean, with a silver finish, featuring brushed aluminum and a high resolution LCD display. Considering the high-end nature of the DVDQ50, it's a major feat for Philips to break the $500 price barrier with this player. With a suggested retail price of $499, the DVDQ50 is available now.