New Toshiba PVRs

Toshiba have launched (only in the US at the moment) two new Personal Video Recorders (PVRs), although Toshiba are calling them Digital Media Servers. There's 120 GB (RS-TX20) and 160 GB (RS-TX60) models, both with TiVo software, and the ability to write DVD-R and DVD-RW formats.

Read on for the press release...

Toshiba Showcases the Most Comprehensive Line of Digital Video Recorders in the Industry
Wednesday May 19, 9:05 am ET
Toshiba expands digital video recorder line with introduction of two new Digital Media Servers with TiVo(R) and three new DVD recorders

AUSTIN, Texas, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. unveiled today the most extensive and complete line of digital video recorders in the industry to meet the rapidly emerging market. Toshiba's full line of digital video recorders offers combinations for all recording needs, including TiVo capabilities, a hard disc drive (HDD), and a DVD Recorder with VHS.

Toshiba also announced an extensive promotional campaign to launch its DVD recorders. In addition to a national print and online advertising campaign, Toshiba will be providing dealers with in-store display materials and demo discs to increase consumer awareness and provide education on digital recording. Toshiba will also provide consumers with a toll free support line that will be prominently located inside the carton box. To further enhance a consumer's purchase, Toshiba also announced a software promotion. Purchasers of a Toshiba DVD recorder model will receive free blank DVD media to help them get started on their recording.

"Toshiba's line of DVD recorders offers a model to complement the varied needs of consumers," said Jodi Sally, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba Digital A/V Group. "Our full line of digital video recorders offers flexibility for all recording types. Whether you are a fan of TV programming and Time shifting or you like to build your own library of family recordings, Toshiba has a digital video recorder that is right for you."

Digital Media Servers

Expanding upon the relationship with TiVo Inc., Toshiba announced two new Digital Media Server models that feature TiVo technology. Both models include high capacity hard disc drives and DVD recording for simple recording of the user's favorite programs. With the addition of a front panel DV input, both models offer the ability to transfer camcorder material onto the hard disc drive and then to DVD quickly and easily.

Both units will come with a 45-day free trial of the TiVo Plus(TM) service, offering users the opportunity to try features unique to the TiVo Plus service including the ability to search for programs by title, set up Season Pass(TM) recordings for their favorite shows, and create actor, director and keyword WishLists(TM) searches.

With TiVo Basic Service included and without paying a subscription fee, consumers can record their favorite TV shows onto the hard disc drive and watch them on their schedule. They can also record content from the hard disc drive to a DVD disc quickly and easily. In addition, the easy to use TiVo interface can automatically create a DVD Menu that replicates the TiVo user experience for easy navigation. DVDs can be named according to the user's program selections, or titles can be manually entered. In either case, simplicity is the key.

Other key features include Progressive Scan Component Video Outputs for both DVD and DVR signals, capability to record in DVD-R and DVD-RW formats, as well as an IR blaster for Cable Box and Satellite Receiver control. The TiVo Basic Service includes a 3 day rolling program guide, TV "Trick Play" features including the ability to pause and rewind live TV, and manual recording capability with repeat function. Both units are fully upgradeable to the TiVo Plus Service (subscription required) and Home Media Option.

The RS-TX20 (MAP $599) with 120 GB hard disc drive and the RS-TX60 (MAP $699) with 160 GB hard disc drive will be available in August.

DVD Recorders

Toshiba also announced today the introduction of three new DVD Recorders. The new recorders come in three different combinations to meet the varied desires of this emerging market: DVD Recorder, DVD recorder and VHS, and a DVD Recorder with a built-in hard disc drive.

The highlight of the new recorder line-up is the RD-XS53 (October 2004, $699.99). This model features a 160GB hard disc drive, providing over 275 hours of digital recording time. The unit allows users to record and playback their favorite TV shows as well as compile personal movie libraries for archiving and preserving family videos. The RD-XS53 is one of the first DVD recorder models to incorporate High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI(TM)) with upconversion capability to 720p or 1080i. This single cable connection provides the highest quality interface between a DVD player and a compatible HD television, ensuring that all the signals remain in their pure digital form. The RD-XS53 also provides users with an easy-to-navigate TV Guide On Screen(TM) Interactive Program Guide. This simple-to-use guide provides television programming information for up to eight days.

The new Toshiba D-VR3 (July 2004, $499.99) combines Toshiba's high quality DVD recorder technology with VHS capability. The D-VR3 allows users to simply archive home videos of favorite VHS tapes to DVD within the same device.

Toshiba also introduced the D-R3 (October 2004, $349.99) DVD Recorder. The D-R3 offers DVD recording capability on either DVD-RAM or DVD-R. A front DV input, as well as front panel A/V input jacks, allows for easy transfer of camcorder recordings directly onto DVD media.

All Toshiba DVD recorders feature Digital Cinema Progressive Scan output, Colorstream(TM) Pro Component Video Outputs, Multimedia playback for JPEGs and MP3 titles, and a Zoom mode. The line also features 3-D Virtual Surround Sound and Digital Noise Reduction and a front panel digital video (DV) input, which allow user to digitally transfer home movies to DVD or a hard disc drive from a camcorder via the digital video terminal.

Toshiba's line of DVD recorders share a stylish cosmetic look that will complement all Toshiba display devices, particularly flat panel displays.