PANASONIC UNVEILS SIX ADVANCED DIGA? DVD RECORDERS FOR THE NEW DIGITAL LIFESTYLE
Better performance, increased user-friendliness mark 2006 models
DENVER, CO. (September 13, 2006) — Building upon its leadership position in the DVD recording marketplace, Panasonic recently introduced its 2006 product line - six new DIGA? DVD, DVD/hard drive, and DVD/VCR combo recorders featuring over a dozen performance and usability enhancements.
“With this new generation of DVD recorders, we’ve taken an already great product line and made it even better,” said Alberto Reggiani, Panasonic national marketing manager. “As an innovator in this product category, we’re committed to providing consumers with cutting-edge, easy-to-use products that add value to their everyday lives. One of our main goals was to provide ease-of-use solutions for the consumer and we’ve accomplished that with, among other features, the HDMI digital connection, which we call the EZ-Sync™ HDAVI Control, for one-touch start-up and multi-format recording and playback.”
HDMI and Panasonic’s new EZ-Sync function are integral parts of Panasonic’s solution-focused approach. The EZ-Sync HDMI digital connection allows consumers to connect multiple components, such as the award-winning Panasonic plasma television and Panasonic home theater receiver, permitting the user to move away from multiple wires and remotes and control their components with a single operation.
Instead of multiple cables, the 2006 model EZ-Sync HDMI Recorders use a single HDMI cable to transmit both audio and video. When using the HDMI connection to link one of the new 2006 DIGA recorders to a 2006 Panasonic Viera television, ease of use increases exponentially. For example, the new EZ-Sync function enables the user to view a DVD movie by pressing a single button on the remote. Instead of using separate remotes to turn on and adjust the television, DVD recorder and receiver, pressing a single “play” button on the remote, simultaneously turns on the components and also selects the correct input.
High picture quality remains a top priority for the 2006 line of recorders. A key enhancement for the 2006 line is the new HD Resolution Up-Conversion. When connected to an HDMI compatible display, the images are up-converted to 720p or 1080i quality. The result is beautiful, high-resolution images that are perfect for displaying on today’s large-screen HD flat panel displays.
Two key additions now standard on all of the new models is DV input, making it easier for the user to directly connect a digital camcorder, and new super multi-drive recording and playback, which enables recording and playback of all current DVD formats including DVD-RAM, DVD-R, +R, DVD-RW +RW for enhanced compatibility with personal computers and DVD players. As with previous models, the new recorders also play back DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, video CD, audio CD (CD-DA), and CD-R/RW1 MP32/JPEG formatted discs.
The models also feature a new “easy” operation that allows consumers to transfer content from a DVC camcorder or SD Memory Card in one easy step. Past recorders required up to six steps to dub video content from a DV tape. Once the DV camcorder is connected, a menu automatically appears and the user is prompted to hit “enter” to start the dubbing process. Similarly, with SD playback, after an SD Memory Card is placed in the SD slot of this year’s SD-enabled recorders, a menu is displayed with a prompt to hit “enter” to start playback or transfer digital images saved to the card.
Other enhanced functions include:
• New Auto DVD-R Finalizing*: When “eject” is pressed, an on-screen query asks if the user would like to finalize the disk, a process required for the DVD disc to be playable in other DVD players.
• New “task-oriented” Graphic User Interface (GUI): An iconic menu for “Playback,” “Schedule,” “Delete,” “Copy,” and “Other Functions” that makes it easy to select and complete the desired function.
• The built-in SD Memory Card slot3 and SD viewer for JPEG images also allow fast, easy media networking and file sharing between the DVD recorder and many personal computers, digital cameras and camcorders, and other SD-enabled A/V devices, such as Panasonic’s line of fully integrated VIERA plasma displays.
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.
MODEL FEATURES AVAILABILITY SRP**
DMR-ES15 Super Multi-Format Recording & Playback; 1-second Quick Start for Recording; Universal Design GUI (Graphic User Interface); 2x LP Horizontal Resolution (500 Lines); VCR Refresh Dubbing with Advanced DNR; DV Auto Recording & Playlist Creation April 2006 $169.95
DMR-ES25
DVD Recorder with SD Slot Same as DMR-ES15, but adds HDMI and HD Resolution Up Converter; and Photo Storage & Quick View with SD Slot April 2006 $199.95
DMR-ES35
DVD Recorder with VHS VCR Same as DMR-ES15, buts adds One-touch 2-way S-VHS Dubbing; DV Auto Recording & Playlist Creation
Does not have SD slot or HD Resolution Up Converter
April 2006 $269.95
DMR-ES45 DVD Recorder with SD Slot & VHS VCR Same as DMR-ES35, but adds HDMI and HD Resolution Up Conversion; SD Slot; One-touch 2-way S-VHS Dubbing; and VHS-VCR
April 2006 $299.95
DMR-EH55 DVD Recorder with SD Slot & Hard Disk Drive Same as DMR-ES25, but adds 200GB HDD; and TV Guide On-Screen Electronic Programming Guide
April 2006 $499.95
DMR-EH75 DVD Recorder with Hard Disk Drive, VHS-VCR & SD Slot Same as DMR-ES45, but adds 80GB** HDD; and TV Guide On-Screen Electronic Programming Guide April 2006 $499.95
1- Units can play CD-DA format audio CD-R and CD-RW discs. Some CD-R or CD-RW discs may not be playable due to the condition of the recording.
2- For contents recorded on CD-R/RW media from CDs for your personal use. Playability may vary depending on contents and discs. MP3 audio decoding technology licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson multimedia.
3-Units with an SD Memory Card slot are compatible with DCF based, still picture (JPEG) files recorded using a digital camera. These units are not compatible with sound, moving pictures or still pictures not in accordance with DCF standards (i.e. MOTION JPEG etc), or with types of still pictures other than JPEG / TIFF. When saving still pictures on hard disk drive, it is recommended that you copy them to the SD Memory Card or DVD-RAM also.
* A process that allows play on compatible equipment.
** GB = one billion bytes. Useable capacity will be less.
*** Suggested retail price. All prices are in U.S. dollars.
Specifications subject to change
Better performance, increased user-friendliness mark 2006 models
DENVER, CO. (September 13, 2006) — Building upon its leadership position in the DVD recording marketplace, Panasonic recently introduced its 2006 product line - six new DIGA? DVD, DVD/hard drive, and DVD/VCR combo recorders featuring over a dozen performance and usability enhancements.
“With this new generation of DVD recorders, we’ve taken an already great product line and made it even better,” said Alberto Reggiani, Panasonic national marketing manager. “As an innovator in this product category, we’re committed to providing consumers with cutting-edge, easy-to-use products that add value to their everyday lives. One of our main goals was to provide ease-of-use solutions for the consumer and we’ve accomplished that with, among other features, the HDMI digital connection, which we call the EZ-Sync™ HDAVI Control, for one-touch start-up and multi-format recording and playback.”
HDMI and Panasonic’s new EZ-Sync function are integral parts of Panasonic’s solution-focused approach. The EZ-Sync HDMI digital connection allows consumers to connect multiple components, such as the award-winning Panasonic plasma television and Panasonic home theater receiver, permitting the user to move away from multiple wires and remotes and control their components with a single operation.
Instead of multiple cables, the 2006 model EZ-Sync HDMI Recorders use a single HDMI cable to transmit both audio and video. When using the HDMI connection to link one of the new 2006 DIGA recorders to a 2006 Panasonic Viera television, ease of use increases exponentially. For example, the new EZ-Sync function enables the user to view a DVD movie by pressing a single button on the remote. Instead of using separate remotes to turn on and adjust the television, DVD recorder and receiver, pressing a single “play” button on the remote, simultaneously turns on the components and also selects the correct input.
High picture quality remains a top priority for the 2006 line of recorders. A key enhancement for the 2006 line is the new HD Resolution Up-Conversion. When connected to an HDMI compatible display, the images are up-converted to 720p or 1080i quality. The result is beautiful, high-resolution images that are perfect for displaying on today’s large-screen HD flat panel displays.
Two key additions now standard on all of the new models is DV input, making it easier for the user to directly connect a digital camcorder, and new super multi-drive recording and playback, which enables recording and playback of all current DVD formats including DVD-RAM, DVD-R, +R, DVD-RW +RW for enhanced compatibility with personal computers and DVD players. As with previous models, the new recorders also play back DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, video CD, audio CD (CD-DA), and CD-R/RW1 MP32/JPEG formatted discs.
The models also feature a new “easy” operation that allows consumers to transfer content from a DVC camcorder or SD Memory Card in one easy step. Past recorders required up to six steps to dub video content from a DV tape. Once the DV camcorder is connected, a menu automatically appears and the user is prompted to hit “enter” to start the dubbing process. Similarly, with SD playback, after an SD Memory Card is placed in the SD slot of this year’s SD-enabled recorders, a menu is displayed with a prompt to hit “enter” to start playback or transfer digital images saved to the card.
Other enhanced functions include:
• New Auto DVD-R Finalizing*: When “eject” is pressed, an on-screen query asks if the user would like to finalize the disk, a process required for the DVD disc to be playable in other DVD players.
• New “task-oriented” Graphic User Interface (GUI): An iconic menu for “Playback,” “Schedule,” “Delete,” “Copy,” and “Other Functions” that makes it easy to select and complete the desired function.
• The built-in SD Memory Card slot3 and SD viewer for JPEG images also allow fast, easy media networking and file sharing between the DVD recorder and many personal computers, digital cameras and camcorders, and other SD-enabled A/V devices, such as Panasonic’s line of fully integrated VIERA plasma displays.
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.
MODEL FEATURES AVAILABILITY SRP**
DMR-ES15 Super Multi-Format Recording & Playback; 1-second Quick Start for Recording; Universal Design GUI (Graphic User Interface); 2x LP Horizontal Resolution (500 Lines); VCR Refresh Dubbing with Advanced DNR; DV Auto Recording & Playlist Creation April 2006 $169.95
DMR-ES25
DVD Recorder with SD Slot Same as DMR-ES15, but adds HDMI and HD Resolution Up Converter; and Photo Storage & Quick View with SD Slot April 2006 $199.95
DMR-ES35
DVD Recorder with VHS VCR Same as DMR-ES15, buts adds One-touch 2-way S-VHS Dubbing; DV Auto Recording & Playlist Creation
Does not have SD slot or HD Resolution Up Converter
April 2006 $269.95
DMR-ES45 DVD Recorder with SD Slot & VHS VCR Same as DMR-ES35, but adds HDMI and HD Resolution Up Conversion; SD Slot; One-touch 2-way S-VHS Dubbing; and VHS-VCR
April 2006 $299.95
DMR-EH55 DVD Recorder with SD Slot & Hard Disk Drive Same as DMR-ES25, but adds 200GB HDD; and TV Guide On-Screen Electronic Programming Guide
April 2006 $499.95
DMR-EH75 DVD Recorder with Hard Disk Drive, VHS-VCR & SD Slot Same as DMR-ES45, but adds 80GB** HDD; and TV Guide On-Screen Electronic Programming Guide April 2006 $499.95
1- Units can play CD-DA format audio CD-R and CD-RW discs. Some CD-R or CD-RW discs may not be playable due to the condition of the recording.
2- For contents recorded on CD-R/RW media from CDs for your personal use. Playability may vary depending on contents and discs. MP3 audio decoding technology licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson multimedia.
3-Units with an SD Memory Card slot are compatible with DCF based, still picture (JPEG) files recorded using a digital camera. These units are not compatible with sound, moving pictures or still pictures not in accordance with DCF standards (i.e. MOTION JPEG etc), or with types of still pictures other than JPEG / TIFF. When saving still pictures on hard disk drive, it is recommended that you copy them to the SD Memory Card or DVD-RAM also.
* A process that allows play on compatible equipment.
** GB = one billion bytes. Useable capacity will be less.
*** Suggested retail price. All prices are in U.S. dollars.
Specifications subject to change
