First Hard Disk Recorder with HD DVD To be Available in Japanese Market in July
Toshiba unveiled the world's first digital hard disk video recorder integrating a recordable HD DVD in combination with a 1-terabyte (TB) hard disk, scheduled for roll out in the Japanese market from July 14.
The new RD-A1 can record and store up to 130 hours of high-definition (HD) broadcasts on its hard disk and record up to 230 minutes of HD content to a single HD DVD disc.
In addition to high image and sound recording and playback, the new recorder also offers an extensive range of advanced functions related to the HD DVD, including optimized navigation and menu displays.
The RD-A1 is the first video recorder to support recording and playback of content in the HD DVD format (playback and recording in MPEG4 AVC and VC1 is not available for HD-DVD-R). The recorder combines support for recording of full HD broadcasts with high capacity recording to HD DVD-R discs: up to 115 minutes (17Mbps in TS mode) of HD content to a 15-gigabyte (GB) single-layer HD DVD-R disc, and up to 230 minutes to a 30GB dual-layer HD DVD-R disc, allowing viewers to make HD DVD-R libraries of their favorite TV programs, whether dramas, movies or sport. Ease of use is also enhanced by the ability to record two TV programs, one digital HD and one analog, to the hard disk, simultaneously.
In addition to HD DVD, the RD-A1 also supports playback from and recording to conventional DVD-RAM/-RW/-R discs.
Another key feature among the many supported by the RD-A1 is support for 1080p output via HDMI, allowing viewing of "full HD" progressive scan video signals. Note that an HDTV or HD display equipped with D3/D4 input or HDCP capable HDMI input is required for high-definition viewing. Up-conversion of standard DVD to 1080p resolution output also enhances the enjoyment of current DVD software and recorded programs. Video and audio output is further enhanced by the design of the RD-A1's chassis, which isolates the player from vibration and optimizes the performance of its high-grade parts and components.
RD-A1 takes full advantage of the advanced functionality, which far surpasses standard DVD in its extensive support for "pop-up menus" and advanced features such as Picture in Picture (PIP) with moving picture functions. However, some advanced functions may not be available, depending on HD DVD content specifications. The HD DVD player support for versatile functions is based on software instructions integrated with the content. Such instruction may need to updated, via downloads from the Internet. Functions and operation, including the display, sound effect and icons, may differ with content.
Record digital broadcasts to hard disk and HD DVD-R
Integrated digital tuners cover the full range of HD broadcasting sources?terrestrial, broadcast satellite (BS) and communications satellite 110° (CS) broadcasts?while another dedicated tuner handles analog broadcasts. The RD-A1 can record two broadcasts at once, one digital broadcast, one analog. The hard disk drive's terabyte capacity allows it record and playback 130 hours of HD broadcasts, and viewers are then free to select and archive their favorites to HD DVD discs. The RD-A1 supports two HD DVD-R capacities, a single-layer 15GB disc and a dual-layer 30GB disc that doubles that performance to 230-minutes. The new recorder also supports recording of digital high-definition TV programs on conventional DVD-RAM/-RW/-R discs at standard definition image quality (VR-mode recording is available in CPRM discs. Support for cartridge in DVD-RAM. Also, support for VR-mode recording in DVD-R DL).
Playback of high definition content and support for advanced content features
The RD-A1, like the HD DVD players Toshiba has already launched, can play back HD DVD content software, and also supports the enhanced functionality and diverse features that content providers can build into their package software?a major step forward from standard DVD players. While specifics depend on the title, typical features include the convenience of a "pop-up menu" that displays menu choices or movie chapters while a movie plays, allowing viewers to search for desired functions or use the chapter guide to jump to a particular scene. The new product also supports PIP with video, a feature that allows, for example, comments by the director or actors to be superimposed over a movie while it is playing. The commentators can literally point to the material they are discussing. Audio output is as rich as video playback, as RD-A1 supports next generation surround sound formats, such as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, L-PCM 5.1ch, the same formats as Toshiba's first HD DVD players. Analog 5.1ch output integrated into the RD-A1 allows consumers to enjoy surround sound simply by connecting the player to an AV amplifier with analog input.
Support for RD engine for HD DVD
Toshiba has upgraded its successful "RD Engine HD" to provide dedicated support for HD DVD format. Upgrades include a graphic user interface with letter-box display compatibility and Toshiba proprietary multi-function recording software. RD Engine HD allows viewers to edit recorded high-definition programs on a frame basis, and transfer the edited video to an HD DVD disc. A useful function is high-speed write of DVD video sources to hard disks and high speed dubbing of that video to an HD DVD-R, allowing viewers to combine programs from multiple discs on a single disc.
Internet connectivity via "Net de Navi"software, recommendation service, and DLNA guideline
The RD-A1 offers Internet connectivity via "Net de Navi" software. Once in a network the recorder can be programmed remotely, via e-mail or the on-line iEPG, an electronic TV program timetable service. LAN connectivity allows configuration of a home network with Toshiba's series of digital high-definition LCD TVs in the "REGZA Z1000" series and with the "Qosmio G30" AV notebook PC, which supports DLNA guideline, and allows users to playback the recorded titles on different devices on the network. DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a organization that supports standardization of home LAN.
The recorder will be available in Japan in the 14th of July, at a suggested retail price of 398,000 Yen ($3,470).
Basic Specifications:
In addition to high image and sound recording and playback, the new recorder also offers an extensive range of advanced functions related to the HD DVD, including optimized navigation and menu displays.
The RD-A1 is the first video recorder to support recording and playback of content in the HD DVD format (playback and recording in MPEG4 AVC and VC1 is not available for HD-DVD-R). The recorder combines support for recording of full HD broadcasts with high capacity recording to HD DVD-R discs: up to 115 minutes (17Mbps in TS mode) of HD content to a 15-gigabyte (GB) single-layer HD DVD-R disc, and up to 230 minutes to a 30GB dual-layer HD DVD-R disc, allowing viewers to make HD DVD-R libraries of their favorite TV programs, whether dramas, movies or sport. Ease of use is also enhanced by the ability to record two TV programs, one digital HD and one analog, to the hard disk, simultaneously.
In addition to HD DVD, the RD-A1 also supports playback from and recording to conventional DVD-RAM/-RW/-R discs.
Another key feature among the many supported by the RD-A1 is support for 1080p output via HDMI, allowing viewing of "full HD" progressive scan video signals. Note that an HDTV or HD display equipped with D3/D4 input or HDCP capable HDMI input is required for high-definition viewing. Up-conversion of standard DVD to 1080p resolution output also enhances the enjoyment of current DVD software and recorded programs. Video and audio output is further enhanced by the design of the RD-A1's chassis, which isolates the player from vibration and optimizes the performance of its high-grade parts and components.
RD-A1 takes full advantage of the advanced functionality, which far surpasses standard DVD in its extensive support for "pop-up menus" and advanced features such as Picture in Picture (PIP) with moving picture functions. However, some advanced functions may not be available, depending on HD DVD content specifications. The HD DVD player support for versatile functions is based on software instructions integrated with the content. Such instruction may need to updated, via downloads from the Internet. Functions and operation, including the display, sound effect and icons, may differ with content.
Record digital broadcasts to hard disk and HD DVD-R
Integrated digital tuners cover the full range of HD broadcasting sources?terrestrial, broadcast satellite (BS) and communications satellite 110° (CS) broadcasts?while another dedicated tuner handles analog broadcasts. The RD-A1 can record two broadcasts at once, one digital broadcast, one analog. The hard disk drive's terabyte capacity allows it record and playback 130 hours of HD broadcasts, and viewers are then free to select and archive their favorites to HD DVD discs. The RD-A1 supports two HD DVD-R capacities, a single-layer 15GB disc and a dual-layer 30GB disc that doubles that performance to 230-minutes. The new recorder also supports recording of digital high-definition TV programs on conventional DVD-RAM/-RW/-R discs at standard definition image quality (VR-mode recording is available in CPRM discs. Support for cartridge in DVD-RAM. Also, support for VR-mode recording in DVD-R DL).
Playback of high definition content and support for advanced content features
The RD-A1, like the HD DVD players Toshiba has already launched, can play back HD DVD content software, and also supports the enhanced functionality and diverse features that content providers can build into their package software?a major step forward from standard DVD players. While specifics depend on the title, typical features include the convenience of a "pop-up menu" that displays menu choices or movie chapters while a movie plays, allowing viewers to search for desired functions or use the chapter guide to jump to a particular scene. The new product also supports PIP with video, a feature that allows, for example, comments by the director or actors to be superimposed over a movie while it is playing. The commentators can literally point to the material they are discussing. Audio output is as rich as video playback, as RD-A1 supports next generation surround sound formats, such as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, L-PCM 5.1ch, the same formats as Toshiba's first HD DVD players. Analog 5.1ch output integrated into the RD-A1 allows consumers to enjoy surround sound simply by connecting the player to an AV amplifier with analog input.
Support for RD engine for HD DVD
Toshiba has upgraded its successful "RD Engine HD" to provide dedicated support for HD DVD format. Upgrades include a graphic user interface with letter-box display compatibility and Toshiba proprietary multi-function recording software. RD Engine HD allows viewers to edit recorded high-definition programs on a frame basis, and transfer the edited video to an HD DVD disc. A useful function is high-speed write of DVD video sources to hard disks and high speed dubbing of that video to an HD DVD-R, allowing viewers to combine programs from multiple discs on a single disc.
Internet connectivity via "Net de Navi"software, recommendation service, and DLNA guideline
The RD-A1 offers Internet connectivity via "Net de Navi" software. Once in a network the recorder can be programmed remotely, via e-mail or the on-line iEPG, an electronic TV program timetable service. LAN connectivity allows configuration of a home network with Toshiba's series of digital high-definition LCD TVs in the "REGZA Z1000" series and with the "Qosmio G30" AV notebook PC, which supports DLNA guideline, and allows users to playback the recorded titles on different devices on the network. DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a organization that supports standardization of home LAN.
The recorder will be available in Japan in the 14th of July, at a suggested retail price of 398,000 Yen ($3,470).
Basic Specifications:
| Model name | RD-A1 |
| Hard Disk | Built in Hard Disk HD DVD-Video Twin Format Discs (Dual-layer, single-sided, HD DVD-Video + DVD-Video), HD DVD-R (HDVR mode), HD DVD-R DL (HDVR mode), DVD-R (Video mode; VR mode), DVD-R DL (Video mode; VR mode), DVD-RAM (VR mode), DVD-RW (Video mode; VR mode), DVD-Video Music CD CD-R, CD-RW (CD-DA), * Some content and discs may not be compatible. Depending on recording mode and condition, some discs may not playback. DVD-RW Ver.1.0 is not supported. |
| Recordable media | Built in Hard Disk (TS mode; VR mode) HD DVD-R (HDVR mode), HD DVD-R DL (HDVR mode), DVD-R (Video mode; VR mode), for General/1X-16X SPEED (recording speed 8X), DVD-R DL (Video mode; VR mode), for General/4X SPEED (recording speed 4X), DVD-RAM (VR mode), 2X-5X SPEED (Applied cartridges), (recording speed 2X), DVD-RW (Video mode; VR mode), 1X-6X SPEED (recording speed 4X), *Some discs may not be compatible, or may not record. |
| Video recording format | MPEG 2 |
| Audio recording format | Dolby Digital (2ch), L-PCM (2ch), AAC (5.1ch), |
| Audio output | Dolby Digital (5.1ch) Dolby Digital Plus (5.1ch), Dolby TrueHD (2ch), DTS-HD (5.1ch) L-PCM (5.1ch) *Output format depends on content. |
| Video DAC | 14bit, 297MHz |
| Audio DAC | 192kHz, 24bit |
| Channel | Digital terrestrial broadcast (000 - 999ch), CATV path through, BS digital (000 - 999ch), 100 degree CS digital broadcast (000 - 999ch), Analog terrestrial broadcast VHF (1 - 12ch), UHF (13 - 62ch), CATV (C13 - C63ch), |
| Input | S1 video input line 3 (rear 2, front 1), video input line 3 (rear 2, front 1), 2ch analog audio input line 3 (rear 2, front 1), D1 video input line 1, DV input line 1 (front) |
| Output | D1/D2/D3/D4 video output line 1, component video output line 1 (Y, CB,
CR), S1 video output line 3, video output line 3, 5.1ch surround-sound
analog audio output line 1, 2ch analog audio output line 3, Coaxial digital audio output line 1, Optical digital audio output line 1, HDMI output line 1, i.LINK line 2 (D-VHS dubbing) |
| Antenna terminal | Digital terrestrial in-output, BS/100degree CS digital in-output, VHF/UHF in-output |
| Other terminals | LAN terminal, Sky Perfect continuous terminal, phone circuit terminal, Extension terminal line 3 (front, 5V 500mA) |
| Power consumption | 133W (BS antenna supply:144W), Stand by mode 6.5W (power-save:4.0W), |
| Dimensions |
Width 457 mm × Height 159 mm × Depth 408 mm |
| Weight | 15.2 kg |
| Accessories | Remote control, battery for remote control (AAA cell battery x 2), power cable, coaxial cable, video/audio connecting cord, user manual, B-CAS card, modular splitter, phone cable |
