Sensory Science Introduces First HDTV Tuner With Video Processing

Dec. 19 -- Sensory Science today introduced an advanced HDTV tuner-video processor with integrated scaling technology that provides the ability to "upconvert" any video source material to a new digital format, including 480 progressive, 720p, and 1080i. Its unique video input capability (S-video and composite in) allows a source such as a DVD player, VCR or satellite box to be "played" through the HDT100 -- scaling or de-interlacing the signal to the DTV output format selected by the user.
This unique set-top box features three different scalable outputs for extreme flexibility; Y, Pb, and Pr Component, RGBHV (Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal Sync, Vertical Sync), and DB15 (RGB). These three outputs enable connection to virtually every HD-ready television display currently available in the U.S. market with 480i, 480p, 540p, 720p, or 1080i capabilities. In addition, users can select between screen aspect ratios at the touch of a button, with the capability of choosing 16:9 or 4:3, while the screen display modes can also be toggled between Full Screen, Letterbox, and Zoom modes. The 480i output allows for recording of HD programming in NTSC by a standard VCR.

"The HDT100's video processing and network capabilities make it one of the most versatile and advanced HDTV receivers on the market today," said Paul Fredrickson, Sensory Science's executive vice president of marketing. "We truly kept the home theater enthusiast in mind when we created this product. In fact, we even eliminated the need for a built-in cooling fan that can cause unnecessary noises and interfere with sound quality. We took the extra steps to ensure that the HDT100 is the perfect HDTV solution for the home theater."

RS-232 Interface For Connectivity, Control, and Firmware Upgrades
The HDT100 RS-232 interface is a multi-functional control port providing the ability to simplify installation, provide connectivity with other RS-232 capable home theater devices, and allow users or dealers to easily and quickly upgrade the unit's firmware or software as new features and capabilities become available, providing consumers with a "future-proof" HDTV receiver.

Sensory Science continues to be a pioneer in the development of networked consumer electronic devices in the home. All of Sensory Science's current home theater products provide connectivity, control, and upgradeability through an RS-232 interface. Even selected models in the company's line of Go Video Dual-Deck VCRs include external connectivity and control through the company's proprietary Go-Port interface. The company is also a P3 partner with Panja for extended in-home network capabilities.

"While other companies are talking about networked entertainment products in the future, Sensory Science is doing it today. From our most advanced products such as the HDT100 to our simplest products like Dual-Deck VCRs, we are addressing the needs of consumers, dealers, and custom installers for a simplified yet high performance home theater experience, and we plan to continue our development of additional networked products for the home," added Fredrickson.

HDT100 Set-Up Made Easy With Channel Mapping, Guide Function Capabilities
Sensory Science has made the set-up of the HDT100 simple by incorporating many user-friendly features including Channel Mapping, which allows for the seamless integration of NTSC analog and ATSC digital channels displayed in a simple, user-friendly format. During set-up, users can elect to automatically search for all analog and digital channels within the broadcast area, or manually choose each channel to be added to the program list.

A digital audio output for connecting the HDT100 to an AV receiver or Dolby Digital decoder is conveniently located on the back of the HDT100, enabling easy connection using a digital optical cable. The HDT100 supports both Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround as well as Dolby Pro Logic for playback through systems equipped to decode Dolby multi-channel sound.

The sophisticated guide function capabilities inform the user of the channel, program, and time during each broadcast. Favorite channels can be grouped together and stored allowing users to surf through those channels at the touch of a button. A multi-function A/V learning remote comes pre-programmed with codes to operate other Sensory Science products such as Loewe digital TVs and California Audio Labs A/V products. All necessary cables for connection to Loewe digital TV's are included.

The HDT100 is shipping to more than 450 of Sensory Science's high-end specialty A/V retailers throughout the United States, and retails for $1,600.

HDT100 Features:

• HDTV Tuner-Video Processor with integrated scaling technology
• Complete analog NTSC/digital ATSC tuner
• Connects to any HD-ready TV currently available in the U.S.
• RS-232 interface for connectivity, control, and firmware upgrades
• Tunes and decodes all 18 ATSC DTV broadcast formats, whether SDTV or HDTV
• Three scalable outputs: Y, Pb, and Pr Component, RGBHV (Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal Sync, Vertical Sync), and DB15 (RGB)
• Compatible with virtually any DTV-ready set
• User-selectable aspect ratio to output a correctly formatted image in 16:9 or 4:3
• Multiple screen display modes including Full Screen, Letterbox, and Zoom
• Unique video input capability for S-video and composite in
• Operates without the need for cooling fan
• Multifunction A/ V learning remote

About Sensory Science
Sensory Science (formerly Go-Video) is a digital entertainment products company specializing in developing and marketing innovative digital audio and video products, including digital televisions, Internet media players, DVD players, and high-end home theater components for the digital living room. The company holds patents on the Dual-Deck VCR as well as other electronics products and systems, and is expanding into new product categories to take advantage of the transition from analog to digital technologies. Sensory Science also markets its products under the Go-Video, California Audio Labs, rave:mp, and Loewe brand names. For additional information on Sensory Science on the Internet, visit www.sensoryscience.com.

Source: Sensory Science