New York, NY, June 19, 1997 ...JVC, the inventors of VHS, announced the launch of the HM-DSR100 Digital Satellite Recorder - developed in cooperation with EchoStar Communications Corporation, and featuring the revolutionary digital bit stream recording technology called D-VHS. This new product's single-unit design incorporates both a DBS tuner and a D-VHS recorder, making set-up, installation, and operation a breeze. And since conventional analog VHS is supported, users can continue to enjoy the enormous VHS tape library they have accumulated over the years and maintain access to the vast VHS infrastructure comprised of over 600 million units worldwide.

 Digital-to Digital Recording with High Bit Rate

MPEG2 is expected to become the mainstream technology for digital moving images. The HM-DSR100 allows digital bit stream recording of DISH Network's digital MPEG2 signal, in its original digital state, with original picture quality maintained. D/A conversion occurs only when the recording is played back, in order to transform the digital data into a video signal that will be recognizable to household TVs.

Digital recording offers another advantage as well - namely the recording of various sub data signals that are beamed along with the main program by the broadcaster. These may include Dolby Digital (AC-3) encoding, as well as program guides and other information. Since the HM-DSR100 is equipped with a Dolby Digital (AC-3) output connector, the user can hook-up to an external decoder and enjoy the full home theater experience that Dolby Digital (AC-3)

5.1 - channel sound is capable of delivering, when viewing encoded satellite recordings or software releases.

Another outstanding characteristic of the HM-DSR100 is its high storage capacity. In the D-VHS STD mode, up to 7 hours of excellent quality MPEG-2 digital broadcasts with digital audio can be recorded on a single cassette (DF-420 type presently under development). In terms of data, this is an incredible 44.4 GB per cassette! Or in more common terms, the user can record three full-length movies with room to spare, with digital quality maintained, all on a cassette the same size as the VHS cassettes that everyone is so familiar with.

The HM-DSR100 is essentially a D-VHS Recorder and a DISH Network™ Set Top Box fused into a single unit, allowing for simplified installation and operation. The only basic external connections required are to the antennas, to the TV, and to an AC outlet - not much different from any conventional VCR. Unlike separate VCR and Set Top Box systems, the user won't have to select separate inputs at the TV to switch from a satellite broadcast to a playback tape.

Also helping simplify installation is the On-Screen Display that lets the user initiate tuner and VCR setup with just a few clicks of the on-screen buttons. These include antenna direction and positioning based on zip code and auto clock set by DBS signal. Once up and running, additional benefits of the single-unit design become apparent. For instance, the VCR's timer can be programmed directly from DISH Network's EPG (Electronic Program Guide), so even users who have always avoided timer-programming because it was "too complicated" will now be able to make precise unattended recordings of their favorite shows with this system.

The provided remote control is also all-in-one. Its multi-brand compatibility gives the user unified control over TV and audio components in addition to the HM-DSR100. Since this UHF/IR Universal Remote has an effective distance of 150 feet*, remote operation of the HM-DSR100 from other rooms will be possible in homes with several TVs.

But what makes the HM-DSR100 truly unique is that since this program data is included in the bit stream recording, it can also be called up any time while playing back the D-VHS tape - Playback Browse, FF Browse and Rewind

Browse are possible. Although channel surfing is obviously not available while viewing a recorded program, a variety of indications including current VCR status are displayed instead. Collectively, these functions put more information in the hands of the user, simplifying program selection both in real-time and during timeshifting.

 Compatibility with Conventional VHS

Purchasing the HM-DSR100 will be like getting two VCRs in one - a

D-VHS recorder and an analog VHS recorder. The reason is simple: Compatibility with conventional VHS was incorporated into the D-VHS format specifications when JVC developed them, because most people already own a substantial amount of VHS tapes which they would like to continue viewing. The relationship between broadcast signal, type of tape used, and recorded signal, is outlined in the following chart.

There is also a built-in V-Chip for parental control of program access based on ratings and content. To make all phases of VCR operation as intuitive as possible, there is the On-Screen Menu system. As one might expect of any high-end analog VHS deck, the HM-DSR100 is likewise equipped with a wide array of tape access functions, including Index Search, Skip Search, Shuttle Search, Repeat Playback, Slow Motion and Still Playback, to make it easier to find and watch any scene in the analog VHS mode.

 Future Readiness

The HM-DSR100 is equipped with high-speed I/O terminal. By attaching the IEEE 1394 adaptor (currently under development), this future-ready terminal will allow D-VHS recordings of broadcast data services to be transferred to a PC. Although not for immediate use, this type of built-in compatibility with future developments gives the HM-DSR100 added value and potential.

Just as the original VHS format revolutionized home entertainment 20 years ago by giving people the ability to timeshift, this year JVC's revolutionary D-VHS technology will be brought to consumers in a powerful product that will allow them to take timeshifting into the digital age - digital satellite programs recorded in digital bit stream format. To give a wide range of consumers the opportunity to enjoy this pace-setting product, the HM-DSR100 will be sold in two versions: the HM-DSR100DU which comes with a dual LNBF dish in its standard accessory package; and the HM-DSR100RU, a stand alone unit which does not include a dish antenna. Additional accessories include a Self Installation Kit, a Professional Installation Certificate and an optional 24-inch Antenna to deliver additional signal gain for conventional installations in fringe areas.

Both the HM-DSR100DU and the HM-DSR100RU will be available in October,1997. The HM-DSR100DU will have a nationally advertised price of $999.95 and the HM-DSR100RU will be nationally advertised for $949.95.

Combined with the TU3500SU, TU4500DU and TU5500DU DISH Network™ Set-Top Boxes that JVC Company of America started marketing in May, JVC's two new HM-DSR100 systems represent a bold new presence on the digital broadcast and multimedia scene.

** D-VHS mode only

***UHF for D-VHS deck only; IR for control of selected brands of TV/video/audio components

The IEEE1394 digital interface is a high-speed serial digital interface standardized by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), enabling high-speed (max. 400 Mbps) data communication among multimedia equipment such as video cameras and electronics still cameras, computers, digital audio/visual equipment, and so on.

The 44.4 GB storage capacity of D-VHS obviously suggests a wide range of future application possibilities for this format in the areas of multimedia computing and telecommunications. D-VHS may indeed be used as an all-round data logger for recording of digital broadcasts as well as downloading of digital data from various on-line databases. The 44.4 GB capacity will let people batch download data while access rates are less expensive, and store it in their homes or offices using D-VHS, for later use at their convenience. However, specific applications will require specific (exclusive) adaptors for recording and/or playback.