Toshiba Announces Nationwide Availability of DIRECTV High-Definition Receiver

[Gregg Lengling]

DST3100 Will Be Available in July 2003 Through Major Retailers

    HILTON HEAD, S.C., May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Consumer Products
Inc. announces today the July 2003 nationwide availability of its DIRECTV(R)
High-Definition Receiver. The DST3100 second-generation DIRECTV(R) High-
Definition Receiver incorporates DVI (Digital Visual Interface) technology for
consistent high-quality reception of High-Definition DIRECTV(R) programming,
along with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Copy Protection) to ensure the
security of copyrighted high-definition programming.
    To maximize the viewing experience from both digital and analog sources
and with any type of display device, Toshiba's DST3100 features the
versatility of several output resolution modes. And with its simultaneous
output and multi-TV control capability, the DST3100 offers a multi-room
viewing solution. The stylish, sleek silver cabinet design complements the
cosmetics of Toshiba's HDTV-Compatible TV line and makes it the perfect
addition to a home theater system.
    The DST3100 is designed to ensure reception and optimize the image quality
of all digital video signals, utilizing the full resolution capabilities of
the advanced display devices now emerging in the marketplace.
    It features built-in NTSC and ATSC reception, along with multiple output
resolution modes (480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i) that can be selected via the
unit's remote. With its 720p resolution output capability, the DST3100
provides the highest quality native 720p digital video signal to high-
performance fixed pixel display devices, such as Toshiba's new widescreen
plasma display panels. Further enhancing user flexibility and utility, the
DST3100 features a unique Hybrid Mode that will automatically convert incoming
digital signal to either 480p or 1080i output resolution, ensuring maximum
image quality with the majority of HDTV-Compatible TVs that support both 480p
and 1080i.
    To help consumers create a powerful HDTV home theater experience, the
DST3100 includes an optical digital audio output jack (Toslink) for Dolby
Digital(R) multichannel sound, ColorStream(R) HD component video output, S-
Video output and two sets of A/V composite video output jacks. The result is
full connectivity in the home.
    "The introduction of the DST3100 provides a new level of performance and
flexibility to high-definition digital television and reiterates Toshiba's
support for high-definition digital content," said Yoshi Uchiyama, Vice
President, Toshiba Digital A/V Group. "The DST3100 guarantees the highest
level of image purity and quality regardless of the video source and maximizes
the consumers' entertainment experience with DIRECTV(R) System units."
    Thanks to its simultaneous HD/SD output capability, the DST3100 can be
connected to multiple TV sets in the house. While the DVI/HDCP output terminal
delivers uncompressed digital video signals, the ColorStream(R) output
delivers high-quality Y/Pb/Pr signals and the S-Video jack provides an analog
signal simultaneously. Adding to the convenience of multi-room operation, the
newly designed remote control incorporates both IR (infrared) and RF (radio
frequency) capabilities and supports two separate TV remote codes.
    This allows a viewer in an upstairs bedroom to control the digital
satellite receiver even when it is placed on top of a living room or home
theater TV. Total user convenience and the flexibility of additional user
options are integral to the advanced design of the DST3100. As soon as it is
taken out of the box and turned on, the installation menu appears on screen,
guiding viewers through the set-up process specific for their home theater
environment. A sophisticated icon-based GUI (graphical user interface)
provides easier navigation of functions and features than ever before. Users
even have the flexibility of customizing their on-screen menu and operating
system with up to four separate settings. Among the functions viewers can
customize are Color Scheme for the on-screen menu, Favorite Channels, Audio
Language and Parental Rating Restrictions. Channel-surfing could not be easier
or more efficient, thanks to the user-friendly ADVANCED PROGRAM GUIDE(TM) that
integrates programming information and provides a single, seamless listing of
all available TV programming, including DIRECTV(R) programming, terrestrial
and cable broadcasts. Furthermore, a built-in search engine allows viewers to
locate desired programs simply by entering a title, category, actor's name or
key word.
    The Toshiba DST3100 will be available in July 2003 at a suggested retail
price of $649.95.