Toshiba Diplays Full Line of Innovative Digital Audio Video Products Including the Largest Offering of HDMI(TM) Compatible Models in the Industry

Toshiba Diplays Full Line of Innovative Digital Audio Video Products Including the Largest Offering of HDMI(TM) Compatible Models in the Industry

Introducing the Network Equipped RD-XS54 Multi-Drive DVD Recorder

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing to drive the industry with innovation, Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. (Toshiba) displayed today its full line of Digital Audio Video products for 2005 including a variety of High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) compatible models in several different product configurations. From the announcement of the RD- XS54 Multi-Drive (DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD-RW) DVD Recorder with a 250GB Hard Disc Drive (HDD) to an impressive suite of DVD products, Toshiba's line features models with enhancements that follow the industry trends in emerging technologies.

Building on its legacy in the DVD category, Toshiba's DVD player line features an expanded line-up of models with HDMI connections offering uncompressed digital signals as it up-scales video to high definition (1080i/720p) resolution and transmits high quality audio through the connection. The new line includes DVD Recorders, Home Theater Systems, DVD players, portable DVD players and DVD/VHS combination units with select models offering HDMI connectivity, providing the perfect compliment to Toshiba's high definition television line. HDMI is the first industry supported uncompressed, all-digital, audio/video connection in a single interconnecting cable.

"HDMI connectivity provides consumers the best digital performance today for their DVD products," said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba America Consumer Products Digital A/V Group. "Toshiba remains committed to developing the most robust line-up of compatible digital audio video products as the industry evolves from analog to digital."

DVD Recorders

The new Toshiba RD-XS54 features an Ethernet port for system networking allowing for greater integration with a PC including the ability to:

* Dub copy free content from one RD-XS54 to another if they are connected
to the same network.
* Stream recorded content or even live programming to a PC.
* Edit and add title information to recorded content from a PC.
* Upload custom Menu backgrounds for creating DVD-R/RW discs.
* Remotely schedule recordings via email.
* Receive automatic software upgrades.
* Use a PC scroll mouse to control the recorder for detailed video
editing.

Additional features include HDMI with upconversion capability to 720p or 1080i. This upconversion will be performed for all sources whether they are playing back content encoded on a DVD or the HDD, including the tuner and inputs. In addition, the DV input allows the transfer of camcorder recordings directly onto DVD media. The RD-XS54 also features Toshiba's exclusive EASY NAVI menu, designed to simplify operations by offering direct access to key functions.

Additional DVD recorders on display at the Show include the RD-XS34, D- VR4, and D-R4. All models support Multi-Drive compatibility for both recording and playback of DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD-RW discs*.

DVD Players

Leading this year's DVD line-up in single tray players, is the SD-6980 featuring multi-media capabilities, such as playback of both multi-channel audio formats, DVD-Audio and SACD, a built-in Dolby(R) Digital Decoder, HDMI output with video upconversion to 720p/1080i, and DivX(R) playback all in one unit. In addition, it includes an innovative HD JPEG viewer and Memory Card slots supporting ten different formats (Secure Digital(TM), Mini SD(TM), Memory Stick(TM), MS Pro(TM), MS Duo(TM), MS Duo Pro(TM), CompactFlash(R), xD- Picture Card(TM), Smart Media(TM) and Multimedia Memory Card).

Toshiba's SD-5980 also incorporates HDMI output with video upconversion to 720p/1080i and a HD JPEG viewer. The combination of the HDMI output and specialized MPEG Decoder/Scaler chipset, provides consumers with a solution that maximizes viewing of high resolution digital images, realizing up to six times greater resolution than component video on a 1080i display. In addition, the model also features a Memory Card slot.

Toshiba's line-up also includes the SD-3980. This model designed for the style conscious consumer stands out due to its super slim chassis - only 42 mm.

DVD/VCR Combination

Toshiba's 2005 lineup includes two DVD/VCR combination models that offer a full-featured DVD player offering Digital Cinema Progressive Scan and ColorStream Pro(R) Component Video Outputs. Continuing with the HDMI strategy, the SD-V593 leads the line-up featuring HDMI output with video upconversion to 720p/1080i, HD JPEG viewer and a Memory Card slot supporting nine different formats (Secure Digital, Mini SD, Memory Stick, MS Pro, MS Duo, MS Duo Pro, CompactFlash, xD-Picture Card, and Multimedia Memory Card).

Portable DVD

Toshiba also announced the introduction of two new portable DVD players. Toshiba's SD-P2800 is one of the first portable DVD models to offer IPS - In Plane switching, in a LCD screen size of 9". IPS overcomes the viewing angle disadvantages common with TFT LCD displays by providing a 170-degree viewing angle, either horizontally or vertically. This model also features a Digital Cinema Progressive scan component video output, a 4 in 1 card slot, and DivX(R) compatibility.

Also new to the line is the 8" widescreen LCD model, SD-P1800. Consistent with all of Toshiba's portable DVD models, the SD-P1800 features dual headphone outputs and the ability to playback a variety of file types, including JPEG, WMA and MP3 files. A car cord adaptor is also included.

DVD Home Theater Systems

Toshiba's 2005 line up will also include two DVD Home Theater systems with an array of advanced entertainment options. The new systems were designed to compliment Toshiba's display line with a simple, single box solution.

The SD-C67HT features a 5-disc changer. The system includes a HDMI output with video upconversion to 720p or 1080i, in addition to Memory Card slots supporting seven formats (Secure Digital, Multimedia Memory Card, Memory Stick, MS Pro, Smart Media Card, CompactFlash and MD). The SD-C67HT also offers front and rear A/V inputs in a addition to both coaxial and TosLink(R) optical digital inputs.

The SD-C67HT provides five discrete channels at 90 Watts with a 150-Watt subwoofer channel (600 Watts total). The 2-way speaker system is comprised of semi-tower front speakers, slim profile center channel and satellite rear speakers and a ported subwoofer with a 7" driver.

The SD-V57HT includes an integrated receiver with a progressive scan DVD player and a four head HiFi VCR. In addition to Digital Cinema Progressive Scan outputs it offers component and S-video outputs for flexibility in connectivity, as well as an optical digital input and two analog A/V inputs to support additional products such as DBS and cable. The model offers six- channel amplification for a surround sound experience. The system offers five discreet channels at 70 Watts and a 150-Watt subwoofer channel (500 Watts total).

Pricing and Expected Availability
- DVD Recorders:
D-R4 ($199.99, Available now); D-VR4 ($299.99, Available now); RD-XS34
($499.99, Available now); RD-XS54 ($699.99, August 2005)
- DVD Players:
SD-3980 ($59.99, Available now); SD-5980 ($149.99, Available now); SD-
6980 ($199.99, July 2005)
- DVD Player / VCR Combination:
SD-V393 ($99.99, Available now); SD-V593 ($179.99, May 2005)
- Portable DVD Players:
SD-P1600 (Available Now, $199.99); SD-P1800 (September 2005, $249.99);
SD-P2700 (Available Now, $499.99); SD-P2800 (October 2005, $499.99).
- DVD Home Theater Systems:
SD-V57HT ($299.99, March 2005); SD-C67HT ($399.99, April 2005)

About Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.

Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is a limited liability company, owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, a world leader in high technology products with subsidiaries worldwide. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is a pioneer in DVD and DVD Recorder technology and a leading manufacturer of a full line of home entertainment products, including flat panel TV, rear and front projection and direct view televisions, home theater projectors, combination products and portable devices. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey with production facilities in Lebanon, Tennessee. For additional information please visit http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/.

HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing L.L.C.
SACD is a trademark of Sony and Philips.
Dolby Digital and is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
DivX is a registered trademark of DivXNetworks, Inc.

All others are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

* DVD-RW recording for DVD Video mode only.

Source: Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.

CONTACT: Alejandro Arango of BRODEUR, +1-617-587-2034,
aarango@brodeur.com

Web site: http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/

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