D-VHS hm-dh30000u HDTV Digital Recorder with Built-In MPEG2 Decoder

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D-VHS hm-dh30000u HDTV Digital Recorder with Built-In MPEG2 Decoder features:

JVC Announces New “HDVideo” Recorder Capable of HDTV Recording and Playback – the HM-DH30000U D-VHS Digital Video Recorder

JVC, the inventor of the VHS video format and one of the world’s leading innovators in audio-visual consumer electronics, is introducing a new D-VHS format digital recorder capable of recording HDTV broadcasts at full quality. Its D-VHS HS (High Speed) mode operates on an incredible 28.2 Mbps data transfer rate, clearly surpassing even the 19.3 Mbps ATSC standard for HDTV broadcasts. And with its enormous 50 GigaByte capacity per cassette* which provides 4 hours of full HD recording on a single cassette*, it will be possible to record an entire feature-length hi-def movie without having to change tapes midway. In addition, this model also features the D-VHS STD mode (14.1 Mbps transfer rate) for standard-definition digital recording in MPEG2 format, and the LS3 mode (4.7 Mbps transfer rate) which enables an incredible 24 hours of MPEG2 digital recording per cassette*. Although D-VHS is a totally digital recording technology separate from analog VHS, JVC nevertheless made sure that people who buy the HM-DH30000U can continue enjoying their accumulated analog collections too. With the HM-DH30000U’s multi-format recording/playback capability, users will be able record and view in analog VHS, Super VHS, and Super VHS ET, in addition to digital D-VHS.

*Using DF-480 cassette

ATSC Format Compatibility

An important function of any video deck is its ability to record TV programs for later viewing, or “timeshifting”. To assure that people will be able to record and view programs in the new HDTV broadcasting environment, the HM-DH30000U offers “Full Spec HDTV Compatibility.” That is to say, it enables digital-to-digital recording of 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i ATSC formats when connected to a digital set-top box via i.Link (IEEE 1394) terminal. And it also has a built-in MPEG2 CODEC (encoder/decoder) to allow digital recording from NTSC analog sources as well as digital sources such as camcorder footage in the popular MiniDV format, to D-VHS with MPEG2 digital conversion. This will give people the ability to archive everything digitally, from TV programs to camcorder footage. And when dubbing from an external analog source such as a camcorder or VCR, JVC’s Frame Synchronizer eliminates jitter and noise from the input signal to produce high quality dubs that can actually appear to surpass the quality of the original. In every sense, the HM-DH30000U literally spans the spectrum when it comes to HDTV format specifications, so users will be ready and able to enjoy their hi-def home theater in many ways, immediately as well as years from now.

Still early in the transition to HDTV, the current availability of HD (high definition) broadcasts is still relatively minimal, but in the near future such broadcasts will be increasing rapidly.

“EchoStar's DISH Network is committed to offering the most satellite TV-delivered high definition channel choices in the U.S. and to that end, we plan to offer a wide set of compatible formats for viewing,” said Mark Jackson, senior vice president of EchoStar. “We are developing a set top box featuring DVI outputs as well as 1394 (5C) DTCP outputs. A 1394 connection can allow customers to record HD broadcasts in original form on a peripheral D-VHS device. We believe that D-VHS is an ideal and affordable recording and archiving solution for HD broadcasts and should accelerate the overall demand for digital broadcasts.”

Due to D-VHS’s ability to allow timeshifting of HD broadcasts, the same convenience that has won the heart of the American household will continue as broadcasts shift to digital. D-VHS will provide the ideal means for people to record HD content for personal enjoyment, as expressed by Jerry C. Barbera, Vice President, Consumer Video Division of JVC Company of America when he said, “D-VHS is the ultimate timeshifting and archive solution for the HDTV era. The VHS format has continually evolved to meet the need of the consumer and D-VHS is clearly the best solution for the HDTV customers of yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

Multi-Format Compatibility: From Analog to Digital

With its multi-format compatibility, the HM-DH30000U is possibly the most versatile video deck ever to be marketed. Its D-VHS HS mode (28.2 Mbps) for high-definition recording and playback (max. 4 hours), STD mode (14.1 Mbps) for standard-definition recording and playback (max. 8 hours), and LS3 mode (4.7 Mbps) which lets you record up to 24 hours of programming on a single cassette, together will cover a wide range of recording needs. And to make sure users can continue enjoying their VHS tape collections, this deck also has full analog recording and playback capabilities. Super VHS, Super VHS ET and conventional VHS are all supported so the video collection you have today won’t become obsolete tomorrow.

To deliver the highest levels of picture quality even in analog, Super VHS is supported by JVC’s proprietary DigiPure Technology, a collective name for the Digital Wide TBC (Time Base Corrector) which helps stabilize the picture of old tapes and rental cassettes; Precision 3-D Color Circuit which provides clear color separation and sharpens image edges; Precise Digital 3-D YNR/CNR which improves the S/N ratio by approximately 3dB; plus the Digital R3 Picture System which applies edge correction to the luminance signal to enhance detail. And providing a solid foundation for this formidable list of DigiPure technologies is a Digital 3-Dimensional Circuit with 4MB Frame Memory.

In a single deck, the HM-DH30000U has the ability to let people enjoy all the video of the past, present and well into the future.

Multi-Connectivity: Variety of Input and Output Possibilities

To allow input from a variety of external sources, the HM-DH30000U is equipped with an i.Link interface which will allow connection of a set-top box equipped with the same output for digital-to-digital recording. There is also a separate set of i.Link terminals that route the input signal through a DV- MPEG2 Converter, thus allowing MiniDV video camera owners to dub their footage over to a higher-capacity high quality format for permanent storage. The S-Video input terminal will provide a link with high-resolution sources with the best possible results in analog.

The other end of the equation is output, and here again the HM-DH30000U is sure to offer a high degree of satisfaction. First, there is the HD Component Video Output (Y/PB/PR RCAx3pin HD Video Output for 1080i/720p/480p/480i) which makes connection to a high-definition TV as easy as possible. Since the signal is routed through the internal MPEG2 HD decoder, the output signal is ready for direct connection to the Component inputs of an HDTV, without any need for a set-top box. There is also the capability to output the digital signal via i.Link (IEEE 1394) terminal, so it will be possible to digitally dub exact duplicates of non-copyrighted content, and even in cases where the recorded program isn’t in MPEG2 format, the playback can be routed back through the set-top box and decoded for viewing on a TV. Naturally, it is also equipped with the S-Video and Audio/Video connectors you would expect of a high grade video deck. And to specifically address the audio needs of serious home theater enthusiasts, it is also equipped with optical 5.1ch Dolby Digital and 2ch Linear PCM Digital Audio outputs. What’s more, D-VHS allows Dolby Digital to be reproduced at full capacity by virtue of its 640 kbps maximum transfer rate. With absolutely superior picture quality, and cinematic sound performance to match, it would be no exaggeration to call the HM-DH30000U the ultimate home theater machine.

Playback Picture Format Converter

Since the HDTV environment is still in its early stages, it is difficult to imagine that all users will have the optimum equipment pre-installed by the time they purchase the HM-DH30000U. That is why this model offers flexible playback picture format conversion capabilities. So for instance, even if you recorded at the highest quality 1080i in anticipation of a future HDTV upgrade, you can play back and view on the 480i NTSC TV you have now. Or, if you record in 720p, you will be able to view the playback picture on native 720p or 1080i HDTV as well as current 480i NTSC TVs.

Easy Tape Navigation

With up to 24 hours of recording in the LS3 mode on a single cassette, users might need some help finding the exact program or episode they wish to view. JVC’s HM-DH30000U does exactly that with its new Video Navigation System, which stores information on the programs you record (approx. 2000 titles maximum) within the deck’s built-in memory, allowing quick on-screen selection of the program you want, followed by automatic search and playback by the deck. To watch a recorded program, the user simply browses through the program lists – these can be listed by tape number, program category (like movies, sports, news, etc.), or date of recording. This smart system makes finding any program incredibly easy, and makes this ultimate home theater machine a user-friendly companion the whole family can enjoy.

D-Theater Ready

D-VHS VCRs bearing the D-Theater logo are compliant with the advanced D-VHS security system developed by JVC in order to protect the high value of digital content such as HD software. In addition to recording and playback of HD broadcasts, the HM-DH30000U is D-Theater compatible in order to allow playback of prerecorded HD tapes in the future if and when they become available.

Finally. The wait is over. The video format that HDTV has been waiting for, will be making its way into living rooms all over the nation, in the form of the HM-DH30000U from JVC.

Notice: The i.Link/DV connection of this product conforms to IEC61883-1;IEC61883-2; IEC61883-4; IEEE Std 1394-1995; IEEE Std 1394a-2000; 1394 Interface Implementation Guideline for D-VHS Version 1.00 and DTCP (Digital Transmission Content Protection) Specification Version 1.1 (the "Specification") and use of this product with any other product, device, component, part or material that is not in conformity or complaint with the Specification may not be supported.

D-VHS and the logo are trademarks of Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC).

Specifications Supplement

Correlation Between Broadcast Type and D-VHS Recording Mode

Manufacturer Homepage: www.jvc.com