TOSHIBA'S 2007 DVD RANGE SETS STANDARDS IN DESIGN & FUNCTIONALITY

TOSHIBA’S 2007 DVD RANGE SETS STANDARDS IN DESIGN & FUNCTIONALITY

London, March 29th 2007 - Toshiba today announces its 2007 DVD line-up, which includes nine new models across the DVD recorder, DVD/VCR combi, portable and standalone DVD player sectors. Significant improvements to this year’s range include the full support of DVD+R/+RW playback, multidrive recording compatibility, the inclusion of HDMI output on more models and dual tuners (1 x analogue 1 x digital) on selected recorders. All this is wrapped up in a new sleek, black design style – perfectly complementing Toshiba’s 2007 REGZA LCD TVs.

DVD PLAYERS

• SD-370E (Step-up DVD player)
• SD-270E (Entry-level DVD player)

The SD-270E and flagship SD-370E deliver outstanding features and performance in a new, super-slim design. Incorporating PAL Progressive scan, DivX playback, component video outputs, MP3 playback and a JPEG picture viewer, both players provide a combination of great quality images and a wealth of user options at extremely competitive price points.

The SD-370E is the perfect choice for anyone looking to take advantage of high definition technologies. Including an HDMI output for connection to a HD ready TV, the SD-370E is able to upscale DVDs to deliver both 720p and 1080i signals. It also supports HD JPEG viewing, allowing high resolution photography to be viewed via a TV set.

DVD/VCR COMBI

• SD-38VB (DVD player/VCR combi)

The SD-38VB is the perfect solution for those wanting to continue to use VHS to record TV broadcasts or archive their existing library while also enjoying a DVD player to watch pre-recorded discs. Very competitively priced, the model includes the ability to simultaneously record via the incorporated analogue tuner and watch DVD discs in PAL progressive, and boasts a seven event, one month timer that includes Programme Delivery Control (PDC). DivX (up to version six), MP3 and JPEG support complete the package.

DVD RECORDERS

• DR-17DT (DVD Recorder)HDD
• RD-97DT (DVD Recorder with HDD)
• DV-R17 (DVD / VHS Recorder)
• RD-XV47 (DVD / VHS Recorder with HDD)

Following the slimline black and silver styling of the new DVD player range, Toshiba’s new recorder models offer a raft of improvements over 2006’s award-winning predecessors.

The DV-R17DT and RD-97DT are identical in looks and share many market leading features. Both include analogue and digital tuners as standard, allowing instant recording from over forty Freeview channels via an on screen, seven day EPG with view/record, digital text, favourite channel list and parental lock functions. Additional features include PAL Progressive scan, component video output and Timeslip recording.

Most significantly, both recorders come fully prepared for the high definition era, supporting HDMI output and upscaling DVD images to 720p, 1080i and 1080p – delivering the best possible picture quality available on standard DVD for consumers watching on HD ready TV sets.

The RD-97DT adds a huge 250GB hard drive – allowing up to 424 hours of tapeless recording, as well as the ability to pause and rewind live TV and edit recorded broadcasts for archiving on DVD-R/RW or DVD+R/RW. It also features digital optical and coaxial outputs, giving it a specification sure to meet the home recording needs of anyone who has consigned the VHS format to history.

For those who haven’t, the D-VR17 and RD-XV47 offer support for both tape and disc media. Both models feature ‘chase play’ recording, DivX support up to version six, PAL progressive scan, component video output, JPEG picture viewer and MP3 playback. Each unit also boasts five recording modes – including Super Extended Play – an eight event, one month timer and Programme Delivery Control (PDC) functionality.

The RD-XV47 goes one step further towards offering the complete home recording solution by including a 160GB hard disc in the unit, making it the ideal product for consumers looking for a single, multi-purpose box to sit under the TV.

PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS

• SD-P1900 (Step-up portable DVD player)
• SD-P1707 (Entry-level portable DVD player)

Toshiba’s 2007 portable DVD player line-up comprises two models providing great quality at both ends of the market.

Sporting a stylish, matt-black finish, the step-up SD-P1900 has a five hour battery life and nine inch widescreen LCD panel with an impressive 110 degree viewing angle – making it the perfect companion for delivering high-impact entertainment on long flights on train journeys. The slightly smaller SD-P1707 boasts a metallic silver finish, seven inch widescreen LCD panel and three hour battery life.

Each player features a 480 x 234 screen resolution, 150:1 contrast ratio, extensive connectivity (including component video output for connecting to other AV equipment), DivX playback, JPEG picture viewer, MP3 and WMA playback. Both models also come complete with DC adaptor and carry case.

For further information consumers should contact Toshiba on 08704 424 424 or visit the website http://www.toshiba.co.uk.

About Toshiba Information Systems (UK)
Toshiba Information Systems UK Ltd (TIU) is one of the UK’s largest electronics firms, employing 800 people and generating revenues of £600 million. The Consumer Products Division (CPD) of Toshiba Information Systems (UK) brings to the home a range of world-class audio visual products including TVs, home cinema projectors, DVD players and systems and VCRs. Toshiba created the home cinema market with the first range of Dolby Surround TVs in 1990.

About Toshiba Corporation
Toshiba is one of the world’s leading electronics firms. It is a diversified manufacturer of advanced electronic and electrical products spanning information and communications equipment and systems, digital consumer products, electronic devices and components, power systems, industrial and social infrastructure systems and home appliances.

Toshiba has an unparalleled track record of pioneering innovation and technology commercialisation for more than 130 years and has delivered a host of ‘world firsts’ including the world’s first laptop PC in 1985, the technologies for the world’s first DVD player in 1996 and world’s first HD DVD player in 2006.

Toshiba has 172,000 employees’ worldwide and annual sales of over US$54 billion. (FY2005). Visit Toshiba's web site at http://www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.