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NEW YORK—JVC, the inventor of VHS, has announced the introduction of two new D-VHS digital video recorders, including one model with an integrated digital HDTV receiver. The new decks, the HM-DT100 and HM-DH5, record, play back and archive high-definition content, and play D-Theater™ HD movies. The new video decks are the first D-VHS hi-def digital recorders equipped with the digital High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), which provides the highest quality, uncompressed digital pictures and sound through a single connection.  Since HDMI is all-digital, there is virtually no signal deterioration, resulting in pristine, “lossless” images just like the original. 

HM-DT100
D-VHS Integrated HDTV Receiver/Recorder
For maximum convenience and full access to high-definition programs, the top-of-the-line HM-DT100 is equipped with an integrated digital HDTV receiver.  Technically referred to as an ATSC tuner, this allows users to receive, record, and view all forms of digital programs, including HD broadcasts, without an extra set-top box.

HM-DH5
D-VHS Digital HDTV VCR
Single Uncompressed Digital HDMI Connection With HDCP Protection
Set to become the standard of the future, HDMI technology is an exciting new breakthrough that makes it possible to send uncompressed digital video and audio signals through a single connection.


HDMI’s integrated High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) copyright protection technology supports secure one-way transfer of digital content between a source, such as D-VHS, and STBs, projectors, monitors and digital TVs (DTVs).  HDMI plays back high definition D-Theater (see “About D-Theater”)  software, prerecorded high definition material available from five Hollywood studios and other providers, and even standard definition analog tapes. It transfers analog and S-VHS signals after conversion to 480p (progressive) digital video for greatly improved image quality. 

Moreover, since a single HDMI cable carries all video and audio signals, it is easier to set up and enjoy today’s most advanced home theater performance than it is to set up a conventional system.  HDMI makes ugly tangles of cables a thing of the past.

Advanced Performance D-VHS Features
Full Spec HDTV Compatible
What sets D-VHS apart from other digital systems is that it is the only format that can record HDTV in full quality and without further compression or decoding and re-encoding stages.  Because D-VHS’s 28.2 Mbps HS mode far exceeds the 19Mbps specification of ATSC MPEG-2 HD broadcasting formats, and because a single DF-480 D-VHS cassette stores up to 50 gigabytes of data, D-VHS records high-definition sources such as 1080i or 720p digital broadcasts complete with 5.1-channel surround sound.  Of course, D-VHS also records standard definition (SD) sources such as 480p* and 480i digital broadcasts thanks to its 14.1 Mbps STD and other LS modes.  There’s even a built-in MPEG-2 encoder to easily make high-quality digital recordings from analog NTSC sources in the high quality HS**, STD, or extended-time LS3 modes.


* Depending on the bit-rate, HS mode may be applicable.

** Recorded signal will be 480i.

Motion Active Progressive Scan For Enhanced Big-Screen Performance
Today, demand for large-screen displays has never been higher.  Unfortunately, there is an inverse relationship between screen size and picture quality; a poor quality signal looks even worse on a large screen.  This is especially true for lower resolution analog sources.  To offset this problem, JVC developed an advanced Motion Active Progressive Scan circuit to upconvert 480i interlace signals to 480p (progressive). It uses sophisticated motion detection circuitry for pixel compensation.  This eliminates jitter and flicker to produce smoother, cleaner images that come close to matching the quality of true progressive scan sources.  Since this minimizes the perceived picture degradation that normally appears as the display screen gets larger, users will experience better picture quality than before when they play back S-VHS and VHS tapes on the HM-DT100 and HM-DH5.

Super MPEG Encode Pre-Processor Enhances Analog Signals For Digital Recording
Unlike digital signals, analog signals from camcorders or VCRs typically contain defects that can degrade picture quality and produce errors in digital conversion. To cope with this and enable high-quality digital recording of analog sources, the HM-DT100 and HM-DH5 both use JVC’s exclusive Super MPEG Encode Pre-Processor. Its advanced technologies prepare analog signals for digital conversion so that digital recordings appear to surpass the quality of the original analog sources.  These technologies include a Time Base Corrector (TBC) to eliminate jitter, a Frame Synchronizer to correct frame crossover jitter and process any deviant frames, and a 3-Dimension Noise Reduction circuit to remove noise from both still and moving parts of video pictures.  The decks can then digitally encode and record the pristine NTSC-compliant analog input signal, free of image lag, smear and MPEG artifacts, such as mosquito noise.


i.LINK Terminals
Both the HM-DT100 and HM-DH5 provide i.LINK terminals on the front and rear of the unit to conveniently connect to a digital set-top box* for the transfer and recording of HD and SD broadcast digital signals, or to i.LINK-compatible devices, such as a digital camcorder or HD camcorder for editing.  This direct digital connection also makes digital-to-digital dubbing convenient.  The IEEE 1394 complant (i.LINK) connection converts DV to MPEG-2 for editing of camcorder footage.  It can also receive and transfer 720p MPEG-2 Transport Stream data signals from an HD camcorder for editing and dubbing.

*Service depends on whether the digital stream provided by cable systems conforms to the ATSC format.

JVC D-VHS Digital Recorder Line-up
As part of the world’s only digital video recorder line-up capable of recording full-quality high-definition programming, JVC’s new D-VHS models offer more ways to access the exciting new world of high-definition broadcasts and software than any competing format.  More than that, these decks provide comfortable and familiar VCR compatibility, full access to existing VHS and S-VHS software, and advanced connectivity.

Price and Availability
The HM-DH5 will be available in July at a nationally advertised value of $799.  The HM-DT100 will be available in August at a nationally advertised value of $1,499.


About D-Theater:
D-Theater is the only prerecorded home video format able to deliver high definition content.

Major motion picture studios (such as Artisan Home Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, DreamWorks Home Entertainment) currently release over 100 titles of their movies in high definition through the D-VHS format.

About JVC Company of America
JVC Company of America, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a subsidiary of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victor Company of Japan Ltd., and a holding company for JVC companies located in North and South America.  JVC distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment, including high definition displays, home theater products, camcorders, VCRs, D-VHS recorders, DVD players, satellite systems, home and portable audio equipment, mobile entertainment products and recording media. For further product information, visit JVC’s Web site at www.jvc.com or call 800-252-5722.


FEATURE LIST -- HM-DT100

Digital Features

·        Integrated Digital HDTV Receiver (Built-in ATSC Tuner)

·        Digital Interface HDMI™ (High Definition Multimedia Interface*)

·        HDCP (High-bandwith Digital Content Protection) copyright protection technology for secure one-way transfer of digital content.

·        4-Hr. HDTV digital broadcast bit-stream recording/playback with HS Mode (DF-480 tape)

·        Motion Active Progressive Scan Output (for video source) for progressive scan.

·        Super MPEG Encode Pre-Processor: Time Base Corrector (TBC), Frame Synchronizer and Motion Active Noise Reduction

·        Optical Digital Audio Output – 5.1ch Dolby Digital/2ch Linear PCM/DTS

·        Linear PCM digital audio soundtrack recording with SD video in HS and STD Mode (48kHz/16-bit audio rate 1.6 Mbps)


·        5.1-channel Dolby Digital at 576 to 640bps or full-rate DTS sound – 1.5 to twice the audio rate possible with DVD.

·        MPEG-2 decoder built-in for direct connection to HDTV via analog component Y/Pb/Pr or digital component (HDMI™) output.

·        Auto HS/STD mode select for easy digital recording

·        Can record any type of broadcast; digital HD, SD or analog SD

·        MPEG-2 CODEC encoding/decoding for digital recording of NTSC sources

·        8-Hr. digital recording in STD Mode in higher than DVD quality (up to 500 TV lines/H) (PCM audio rate 1.6 Mbps)

·        24-Hr. digital recording in LS3 Mode in average DVD quality (up to 400 TV Lines/H)

Analog Features

·        VHS and Super VHS compatibility

·        DigiPure Technology with 4MB Frame Memory for precise 3D-Y/C separation and high-quality playback


·        Super VHS ET Recording

·        Hi-Fi VHS Stereo with MTS/SAP Decoder

·        Active Video. Calibration

·        Auto SP/EP Timer Recording

·        Tape Remain Indicator

FEATURE LIST -- HM-DH5

Digital Features

·        Digital Interface HDMI™ (High Definition Multimedia Interface*) with HDCP output for lossless, noiseless images and easy connection.

·        HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) copyright protection technology for secure one-way transfer of digital content.

·        Digital set-top box (STB) ready with digital-to-digital connection via i.LINK (IEEE1394) terminal from STB or integrated HDTV.

·        4-Hr. HDTV digital broadcast bit-stream recording/playback with HS Mode (DF-480 tape)


·        Motion Active Progressive Scan Output (for video source) for progressive scan.

·        Super MPEG Encode Pre-Processor: Time Base Corrector (TBC), Frame Synchronizer and Motion Active Noise Reduction

·        Optical Digital Audio Output - 5.1ch Dolby Digital/2ch Linear PCM/DTS

·        Linear PCM digital audio soundtrack recording with SD Video in HS and STD Mode (48kHz/16-bit audio rate 1.6 Mbps)

·        5.1-channel Dolby Digital at 576 to 640bps or full-rate DTS sound – 1.5 to twice the audio rate possible with DVD.

·        MPEG-2 decoder built-in for direct connection to HDTV via analog component Y/Pb/Pr or digital component (HDMI™) output.

·        Auto HS/STD mode select for easy digital recording.

·        Can record any type of broadcast; digital HD, SD or analog SD

·        MPEG-2 CODEC encoding/decoding for digital recording of NTSC sources

·        8-Hr. digital recording in STD Mode in higher than DVD quality (up to 500 TV lines/H) (PCM Audio Rate 1.6 Mbps)

·        24-Hr. digital recording in LS3 Mode in average DVD quality (up to 400 TV Lines/H)


Analog Features

·        VHS and Super VHS compatibility

·        DigiPure Technology with 4MB Frame Memory for precise 3D-Y/C separation and high-quality playback

·        Super VHS ET Recording

·        Hi-Fi VHS Stereo with MTS/SAP Decoder

·        Active Video Calibration 

·        Auto SP/EP Timer Recording

·        Tape Remain Indicator


Common Features – HM-DT100/HM-DH5

·        Over 1000 Titles Video Navigation w/ On Screen Color GUI

·        About 65 sec. FF/REW Time (T-120, DF-240 tape)

·        Multi-Brand TV/Cable/DBS Compatible Glow-Key Remote

·        Remote with VCR Plus+ C3 with Cable Box Control

·        1-Year/24-Event Programmable Timer

·        Plug & Play

·        Rec Link

·        AV Compu Link

·        J-Terminal Connectable RS-232C

·        Express Programming

·        Auto Head Cleaner

·        Repeat Playback 

·        Skip Search and Shuttle Search