Orlando, FL, April 14, 1996...JVC is proud to announce the launch of its Mini DV cassette series for use with camcorders and other video equipment compatible with the new DV format (SD mode). The combination of digital technology and metal-evaporated (ME) tape ensures pro-grade picture and sound quality. JVC's Mini DV cassette - which at 66 x 48 x 12.2mm is only slightly larger than a matchbox -- will be available in two recording lengths: M-DV60ME (60 mins.) and M-DV30ME (30 mins.).

The digital revolution is rapidly transforming everything from communications and commerce to education and entertainment. New formats -- such as the CD, DAT, MD and DCC -- have been developed to meet the rapidly growing demand for digital storage media. And video is no exception.

Digital video equipment is already in use by professionals, who value the high picture quality and ease of editing it provides. Only recently, however, has this become a possibility for the personal user in the form of the DV format. The video signal is first converted into digital form and then reduced by approximately 80% using advanced compression technology. DV standards specify how video, audio and ancillary data are recorded digitally on a 1/4-inch (6.35mm) tape using a helical scan system with a track pitch of 10mm.

For JVC, this new digital format is an opportunity to exploit the technical expertise it has already built up in the realm of professional applications, as well as the experience gained from many years of R&D in the field of analog video technology -- starting with VHS (invented by JVC), and progressing to S-VHS and W-VHS. It is from this background that JVC will be launching its own digital camcorder, the GR-DV1, simultaneously with the new Mini DV cassette series.

JVC's Mini DV cassette is based on a new design with several innovative features:

The magnetic layer of the tape is produced by depositing ultra-fine particles of 100% cobalt on a substrate using the latest ME technology. This results in a high packing density which raises output and reduces noise throughout the spectrum. Both picture and sound quality benefit.

A new material -- a hard, non-crystallline carbon layer known as DL (diamond-like carbon) is then laid down on top of the magnetic layer. The durable protection this provides allows the tape to withstand extended pause operation, repeated recording and playback, and the added stress of outdoor (camcorder) use.

The tape is additionally covered with a fluoride-based lubricating layer which -- together with the DLC protective layer -- gives the tape a flat, smooth surface with a low coefficient of friction. This ensures stable tape transport characteristics, even after repeated re-recording and playback.

Besides being extremely compact and convenient to handle, the Mini DV cassette features a sturdy 3-piece lid, constructed from antistatic materials, that stops dust and other contaminants from coming into contact with the tape. There is also a reel lock to prevent tape slack, and a simple mechanism to avoid unintentional erasure while permitting later re-recording if desired.

The design, construction and materials used in JVC's Mini DV cassette were chosen to optimize the high picture and sound quality made possible by digital recording and also to maintain that quality even after dubbing, editing and repeated playback. The added benefit of compactness means that people will be able to use camcorders more widely and freely than ever before. Moreover, the Mini DV cassette may well become an important new digital storage medium for the emerging multimedia era.

The Mini DV cassette is a valuable addition to JVC's lineup of magnetic media. It complements the popular VHS-C cassette - which besides being compact and convenient, is compatible with the millions of VHS VCR's now found throughout the world. The expanded lineup allows users to select the ideal video cassette for their particular needs.

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