TOSHIBA ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST
NETWORK EQUIPPED DVD RECORDER WITH 250GB HARD DISC DRIVE
Remote program scheduling, PC communication and HDMI™
compatibility allow users to expand use of DVD recorder in home
networking
Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. (Toshiba), announces
the expansion of its line of digital video recorders and adds networking
capabilities with the introduction of the new RD-XS54 Multi-Drive (DVD-RAM,
DVD-R and DVD-RW) DVD Recorder with a 250GB Hard Disc Drive (HDD). Not only can
users record and playback their favorite TV shows and build personal movie
libraries with the RD-XS54, they can also expand the recorder's capabilities
through other devices and rooms in the home.
"Home networks are rapidly increasing," said Jodi Sally, Vice
President of Marketing, Toshiba America Consumer Products Digital A/V Group.
"With our network capable DVD recorder we enhance the functionality of the unit.
Whether it is being able to schedule a recording via email or by using your home
PC to program new recordings, the RD-XS54 makes recording and playback easier
and more flexible for consumers."
DVD Recorders
At this year's line show,
Toshiba will feature its full line of DVD Recorders, DVD Recorder/VCR
combination, and DVD Recorder with a built-in hard disc drive.
The new Toshiba RD-XS54 features an Ethernet port for system
networking allowing for greater integration with a PC including the ability
to:
- Dub copy free content from one RD-XS54 to another if both are
connected to the same network - Stream recorded content or even live programming to a
PC - Upload custom Menu backgrounds for creating DVD-R/RW
discs - Edit and add title information to recorded content from a
PC - Remotely schedule recordings via email
- Receive automatic software upgrades
- Use a PC scroll mouse to control the recorder for detailed
video editing
The system networking of the RD-XS54 also gives users the
ability to dub copy free content to another room if there are two of the units
in the home. Now consumers can record content in one room and watch it in
another.
Additional features include High Definition Multimedia Interface
(HDMI) with up-conversion capability to 720p or 1080i. This upconversion will be
performed for all sources whether they are playing back content encoded on a DVD
or the HDD, including the tuner and inputs. In addition, the DV input allows the
transfer of camcorder recordings directly onto DVD media. The RD-XS54 also
features Toshiba's exclusive EASY NAVI menu, designed to simplify operations by
offering direct access to key functions. Also included is the TV Guide On
Screen® Interactive Program Guide for simple, user-friendly channel navigation
and recording scheduling.
The RD-XS34 Multi Drive (DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD-RW) DVD Recorder
features a 160GB hard disc. To help consumers with their digital recordings, the
RD-XS34 features TV Guide On Screen Interactive Program Guide and the EASY NAVI
menu. The recorder also offers high speed dubbing and comes with a DV input for
the transfer of camcorder recordings in the digital form.
The D-VR4 combines Toshiba's quality DVD recorder technology
with a 4-Head Hi Fi VCR allowing bidirectional dubbing within the same device.
This Multi Drive (DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD-RW) recorder includes ColorStream Pro®
Component Video outputs and four different recording modes.
Rounding out Toshiba's DVD Recorder line is the Multi Drive D-R4
which offers recording and playback of DVD-RAM, DVD-RW or DVD-R media. The unit
features the EASY NAVI menu, ColorStream Pro Component Video outputs and five
different recording modes.
All Toshiba DVD recorders feature Digital Cinema Progressive
Scan output, Multimedia playback for JPEGs and MP3 titles, and a Zoom mode. The
line also features 3-D Virtual Surround Sound and Digital Noise Reduction.
Pricing and Expected Availability
D-R4
($199.99, Available now); D-VR4 ($299.99, Available now); RD-XS34 ($499.99,
Available now); RD-XS54 ($699.99, August 2005).
Source: Toshiba
