Aspire Digital's first product, the AD-8000, gives consumers and prosumers the ability to easily record from a variety of sources to CD, combined with a high-quality DVD player. The AD-8000's DV-R (Digital Video Recorder, equivalent to CD-R on a computer) records from DVDs, VHS tapes, video cameras (either digital or analog) to CD-R and CD-RW media quickly and much more easily than by following the complicated steps required to record on a computer. The addition of a high-quality DVD player gives the AD-8000 "all-in-one" convenience in a compact footprint. To record using the AD-8000, (1) insert a DVD disk, or connect a video camera (either analog or digital) or VHS tape player to the AD-8000, (2) insert a CD-R or CD-RW disc into the DV-R, and (3) begin recording in real-time.

The AD-8000 player is compatible with DVD, SVCD, VCD, CD, MP3, and Kodak PhotoCD formats. Furthermore, the AD-8000 includes important features such as Dolby 5.1 audio output, Dolby Digital AC-3 decoder, DTS digital audio output and progressive scan.

The unit includes 4:3/16:9 display conversion, as well as parental lock settings. AV and S-video inputs are conveniently located on both the front and rear panels, making it easy to connect other sources. The AD-8000 can also record both NTSC and PAL formats for worldwide compatibility.

The AD-8000 will be available in August 2002 at an MSRP of $599.00. Initially, the AD-8000 will be available at Tiger Direct, Technobrands, Costco.com and the Aspire Digital web site (www.aspiredigital.com).