Zenith Digital TV Set-Top Receivers Include HDTV Digital Recorders

[Gregg Lengling]

LAS VEGAS, Jan 10, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Consumers will soon be able to record digital HDTV broadcasts on unique digital HDTV set-top receivers that combine hard disc drives and latest-generation digital television (DTV) reception technology from Zenith Electronics Corporation.

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The two new high-definition personal video recorders (PVRs), the world's first such terrestrial HDTV devices on the market, join other new Zenith DTV set-top boxes -- including a combination HDTV Receiver/DVD Player, an updated terrestrial HDTV Receiver and an enhanced Satellite HDTV Receiver -- announced here this week at the 2003 Consumer Electronics Show.

Zenith's seven set-top receiver models for 2003 are the HD-SAT530 and HD- SAT520 DIRECTV(R) High-Definition Receiver/Advanced HDTV Tuner, for satellite and HDTV terrestrial broadcasts; the HDV430 and HDV420 Advanced HDTV Terrestrial Receiver, for terrestrial and cable reception; the HDX330 HDTV Receiver/DVD Player; and two models equipped with personal video recorders, the HDR230 and HD-PVR330 HDTV Receivers/Personal Video Recorders.

The new digital set-top lineup builds on the success of its high- definition receivers in delivering DTV signals to Zenith's growing family of plasma, LCD, rear-projection and direct-view HDTV monitors. The new models also capitalize on Zenith's leadership as developer of the "VSB" (vestigial sideband) digital transmission system at the heart of the FCC's U.S. DTV standard.

HDR230 HDTV Receiver/Personal Video Recorder combines Zenith's latest- generation ATSC terrestrial tuner with an 80-gigabyte hard disc recorder -- allowing storage and playback of more than eight hours of HDTV programming -- for an irresistible marriage of performance and convenience. Features include basic on-screen navigation using a PSIP-based (Program System Information Protocol) electronic program guide, Dolby Digital(R) recording, live pause, variable rate trick play, a variety of fast- and slow-motion capabilities, record file management, aspect ratio control and high connectivity via RGB, Component, S-Video and A/V outputs. The HDR230 is expected to be available from Zenith dealers in the second quarter at a suggested price of $999.

HD-PVR330 HDTV Receiver/Personal Video Recorder with the new TV Guide(R) on-screen interactive program guide, is a versatile next-generation HDTV-PVR designed to provide an enhanced viewing/recording experience. It is equipped with a high-gain ATSC tuner for HDTV terrestrial reception and a QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) tuner for unscrambled HDTV cable reception, as well as an NTSC tuner for standard-definition analog reception. A generous 80-gigabyte hard disc drive allows viewers to record and play back more than eight hours of HDTV programming while taking full advantage of the advanced, intuitive on-screen navigation system and program listings service from TV Guide. The service instantly delivers seven days of listings of all shows, with a new service that "tags" favorite shows for easier surfing -- plus news, sports and weather information -- all at the push of a button. Additional features include Dolby Digital recording, a video browser using thumbnail images, live pause, drag and play, smart skip, a 300X fast-forward speed, and a jack package with DVI + HDCP (Digital Visual Interface with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), RGB, Component, S-Video, and A/V outputs for super connectivity. The HD-PVR330 is expected to be available in the third quarter at a suggested price to be announced.

HDX330 HDTV Receiver/DVD Player is equipped both with a high-gain ATSC tuner for terrestrial HD broadcasts and a high-format DVD player compatible with CD, CD-R/RW, Video CD, SVCD, HDCD and MP3 formats. Such image refinements as enhanced scaling, 3:2 Pull Down and aspect ratio conversion are augmented by intuitive on-screen navigation/electronic program guide, 5.1-channel Dolby Digital audio, simultaneous HD and standard-definition (SD) outputs, and a connection package with DVI + HDCP, RGB, Component, S-Video and A/V outputs for super connectivity. The HDX330 is expected to be available in the fourth quarter at a suggested price of $599.

HDV430 Advanced HDTV Terrestrial/Digital Cable Receiver features a high performance next-generation ATSC tuner for terrestrial HDTV reception and a QAM tuner for unscrambled cable HDTV reception. It supports simultaneous HD and SD outputs, 5.1-channel Dolby Digital audio, and has selectable modes for 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i and Native Output. A connection package with DVI + HDCP, RGB, Component, S-Video, and A/V outputs ensure super connectivity. The HDV430 is expected to be available in the third quarter at a suggested price of $399.

HD-SAT530 DIRECTV(R) High-Definition Receiver/Advanced HDTV Tuner brings a new level of flexibility and performance to satellite and terrestrial HDTV reception. It supports all DIRECTV(R), ATSC and NTSC broadcast formats and features a super fast 7-day advanced and unified program guide to speed and simplify program selection. It supports simultaneous HD and SD outputs, boasts improved graphics, and features one-touch VCR recording capability and multiple zoom modes, as well as Dolby Digital audio. DVI + HDCP also is included. The HD-SAT530 is expected to be available in the fourth quarter at a suggested price of $699.

Rounding out the line are Zenith's current HD-SAT520 DIRECTV(R) High- Definition Receiver/Advanced HDTV Tuner and HDV420 Advanced Terrestrial HDTV Tuner, available now at suggested prices of $699 and $399, respectively.