Panasonic introduced five new models of its DIGA line, demonstrating continuing advances in ease of use and picture quality of its DVD recorders.
New features include 1-second quick start for recording and Electronic Program Guide (EPG) display as well as superior picture quality in the long recording (LP) mode and multi-format recording and playback.
The three models, DMR-EH50, DMR-ES30V and DMR-ES10, will be available in Japan on April 1 and DMR-EH60 and DMR-EH70V will be on the market on May 1, 2005.
All the five models ready the hard disk and DVD-RAM disc for recording only 1 second after switching on the power. The DMR-EH70V, DMR-EH60 and DMR-EH50 also offer unrivaled 1-second quick start for EPG display by simply pressing the EPG button. This enables users to record or schedule recording without missing scenes.
With the new DIGA Engine II LSI, the five models render images that are twice as sharp as previous models, delivering the same 500 lines of horizontal resolution in the LP mode as that in the standard recording (SP) mode. To achieve such high-quality picture recording, Panasonic incorporated into the new LSI a virtual multi-encoding system that virtually encodes multiple aspects of a scene while selecting the encoding system that assures optimum picture quality. A new 12-bit analog-to-digital converter also quadruples gradation to 4,096 steps, resulting in smooth and faithful reproduction of the details to retain subtle nuances of the original images.
In addition to DVD-RAM recording and playback, all the new models offer flexibility of DVD-R/+R and -RW (video mode) recording and DVD-R/+R/-RW and +RW playback.
The EPG has a new look with an improved color scheme and layout for easy viewing and operation. The new keyword search on the EPG screen helps the user to choose favorite programs to record.
The DMR-EH60, DMR-EH50 and DMR-EH70V come with an easy-to-operate remote control featuring a jog dial for easy editing as well as smooth and quick image search, allowing up to 200x fast-forward and fast-rewind by turning the dial. These three models are also equipped with an SD Memory Card slot, providing connectivity with other SD-compatible devices including digital still cameras, mobile phones, personal computers and VIERA plasma TV sets to share JPG still pictures.
The DMR-EH60 has a built-in 300 GB hard disk drive (HDD) and DMR-EH50 has a 200 GB HDD, offering up to 532 hours and 355 hours of recording in the extra long recording (EP) mode, respectively. The DMR-EH70V features a 200 GB HDD and a VHS recorder, allowing for six-way dubbing between a VHS tape and the HDD, a DVD disc and a VHS tape and the HDD and a DVD disc with one touch of a button. The DMR-EH60 and DMR-EH70V are equipped with a BS analog tuner. The DMR-ES30V has a built-in VHS recorder, letting the user transfer material from a VHS tape to a DVD disc or vice versa.
As with other DIGA recorders, the five new models offer all the benefits of DVD-RAM such as Chasing Playback, simultaneous recording and playback and multi-format data compatibility.
The DIGA line-up now consists of nine models including the DMR-E700BD Blu-ray Disc (BD)/DVD recorder to offer a variety for consumers to select a model which best suits their needs.