Panasonic Introduces DVD Recorder with Hard Disk Recorder

June 2002 - Panasonic announces its first DVD recorder with built-in hard disk drive . By combining a 40 GB hard disk drive with a DVD recorder, new model DMR-HS2 can record a maximum of 52 hours of high-quality video on the hard disk drive in the EP mode, 12 hours on a 9.4GB double-sided DVD-RAM disc, and 6 hours on a DVD-R disc. Panasonic plans to introduce the unit in October, and is targeting a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1199.95.

"With its flexible video recording, playback and storage capabilities, the new DMR-HS2 provides a whole new way to enjoy the world of digital video entertainment," said Alberto Reggiani, Panasonic's National Marketing Manager for DVD products. "Consumers can record, store and edit hours of video, from their favorite TV programs to home movies. The DMR-HS2 lets them enjoy the removable storage and editing advantages of DVD-RAM and DVD-R, as well as the convenience and large capacity of a hard disk drive."

Users can concurrently view programs recorded onto a DVD-RAM disc or the hard disk while recording another program. Users can also view the recorded portion of a live program, from the beginning, while continuing to record that program in progress. In addition, the unique Time Slip feature allows viewers to replay a scene recorded 30 seconds earlier without disrupting the recording process, simply by touching a button on the remote.

Auto Renewal Recording, a PVR-like function, allows consumers to automatically record their favorite show every day or every week onto the hard disk.

Creating an original video on DVD is easy with the DMR-HS2. Its DV input terminal and IEEE cable allow recording of digital images directly from a digital camcorder onto either a DVD-RAM or DVD-R disc. To make editing easier, the DV Automatic Recording mode automatically creates a playlist, consisting of still images representing a sequence of scenes. High-speed recording from the hard disk to a DVD-RAM disc can be done with the touch of a single button, enabling 12x speed in the EP mode at its quickest (for example, a one-hour program can be recorded in just 5 minutes). Recording from a DVD-RAM disc to the hard disk drive is also possible.

In addition to recording new video content, the DMR-HS2 also allows consumers to transfer their favorite VHS tape recordings to space-saving discs or the internal hard drive. Personal movie libraries and family videos can be archived, preserved, easily cataloged and accessed. The unit can also be used for storing and viewing digital still photos with PC card slot.

The DMR-HS2 features Progressive Scan, delivering optimum picture quality when viewing a DVD movie.

The DVD video recording technology used in this new unit complies with the DVD-RAM recording formats standardized by the DVD Forum. DVD-RAM provides a single format for computer and video-based applications. The format offers high storage capacity on removable media, high-speed data transmission, exceptional picture and sound quality, fast, random access memory and rewritability up to 100,000 times.

As the popularity and applications of digital video expand, there's increasing consumer demand for the ability to record and preserve these high-resolution digital images on digital media. The Panasonic DMR-HS2 is the optimal choice for today's expanding digital media environment.

SOURCE Panasonic