Panasonic Introduces Two New Dvd Recorders

The Popular DMR-E50H Continues In The 2005 Line
Confirming Panasonic’s Premiere Market Position

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 9, 2005) — Affirming its industry-leading position in recordable DVD products, Panasonic introduced two new DIGAä DVD recorders – the DMR-ES40V and the DMR-ES20 – at the 2005 CEDIA EXPO. Both of these new models add a DV input to the feature mix. Additionally, the successful DMR-EH50, with a built-in 100 GB Hard Disc, continues as Panasonic’s flagship model.



The DMR-ES40V is a dual deck DVD recorder and VHS VCR, a model that allows the consumer to transfer their old VHS tapes to a DVD disc with one touch of a button. The DMR-ES20 builds upon the success of its predecessor by offering the consumer an entry level DVD recorder that also features multi-format recording and playback. Both the DMR-ES40V and the DMR-ES20 offer up to 16 hour1 extended recording time on a 9.4 GB double-sided DVD-RAM disc in EP mode.



All three DVD recorders offer lightning-fast response in start-up― as quick as 1 second - and improved horizontal resolution in LP mode that renders images twice as sharp as previous year’s models, delivering up to 500 lines. A new 12-bit analog-to-digital converter provides high bit, high rate sampling to convey even subtle nuances and produce smooth, beautiful recordings with astounding depth, providing consumers with unsurpassed DVD recording and playback flexibility.



The DMR-ES40V and the DMR-ES20, as well as the DMR-EH50 record to DVD-RAM, DVD-R, +R and DVD-RW discs; and can play back DVD-RAM, DVD-R2, +R2, DVD-RW2, +RW2, DVD-Audio, DVD-video, video CD, audio CD (CD-DA), and CD-R/RW3 MP3*/JPEG formatted discs.



“Panasonic DIGA DVD recorders offer all the benefits of the DVD-RAM format, like simultaneous recording and playback, random access, Chasing Playback, on-disc editing, and multi-format data compatibility that lets you record TV programs and still pictures,” said Alberto Reggiani, Panasonic national marketing manager. “Now, with expanded multi-format recording and playback capability, they also let consumers enjoy all their DVDs, no matter which format they choose. We continue to listen to the consumer and with that in mind, our two new models add a DV input to make it easier to record from a digital camcorder.”



The DMR-EH50 features a 100GB4 hard disk drive, offering users up to 177 hours5 of recording time. The TV Guide On Screenä Program Guide makes recording TV programs as easy as using a PVR, only without subscription fees or the need for a telephone line hook-up. It also features a new, Smart Wheelä user-friendly remote control to quickly find recorded programs and start playback faster than ever (200x quick search and fast-forward smooth search.)



The DMR-EH50’s built-in SD Memory Card slot6 and SD viewer for JPEG images allow fast, easy networking and file sharing between the DVD recorder and many personal computers, digital cameras and camcorders, and other SD-enabled A/V devices, such as Panasonic’s line of fully integrated VIERA plasma displays.



About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom or through the company’s toll-free fax-back system at 888-734-7490.



MODEL, AVAILABILITY, MSRP**

DMR-ES20, September 2005, $199.95

DMR-ES40V with VHS VCR, September 2005, $299.95

DMR-EH50 with Hard Disk Drive, Current, $399.95


(1) You cannot record continuously for more than half the stated time as the disc must be removed and turned over.

(2) Discs recorded and finalized* on DVD video recorders / cameras.

(3) This unit can play CD-DA format audio CD-R and CD-RW discs. It may not be able to play some CD-R or CD-RW discs due to the condition of the recording.

(4) GB = one billion bytes. Useable capacity will be less.

(5) In EP mode you can select either 6 hours or 8 hours of recording. The sound quality in 6-hour EP mode is higher quality than in 8-hour EP mode.

(6) DMR-EH50 is compatible with SD Memory Card. This unit is compatible with DCF based, still picture (JPEG) files recorded using a digital camera. This unit is not compatible with sound, moving pictures or still pictures not in accordance with DCF standards (i.e. MOTION JPEG etc), or with types of still pictures other than JPEG / TIFF. When saving still pictures on hard disk drive, it is recommended that you copy them to the SD Memory Card or DVD-RAM also.

* For contents recorded on CD-R/RW media from CDs for your personal use. Playability may vary depending on contents and discs. MP3 audio decoding technology licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson multimedia.

** Manufacturer’s suggested retail price. All prices are in U.S. dollars.

Specifications subject to change.

Contact Information

Jeff Samuels

Editorial Contact

Panasonic

Contact via E-mail