"...Matsushita today announced that it will introduce a new line of BS digital HDTV-ready AV products, led by the TH-36DH100, the industry's first high definition TV with a built-in hard disk video recorder. This new BS digital HDTV product line will be launched in the Japanese market on March 20, 2001.

Panasonic's new 36" TH-36DH100, with its built-in 30GB hard disk video recorder, enables up to 2.5 hours of digital record/playback in high definition mode, up to 5 hours in standard digital mode, or up to 25 hours in analog mode. An innovative "Track & Play" feature enables users to play back a program even while it is being recorded, while an advanced search function can instantly locate and play selected recorded programs.

With an eye toward networked multimedia, this TV can use its built-in i.LINK (IEEE 1394) interface terminal to connect with a wide array of other digital AV components such as D-VHS VCRs, DVD home theater sound systems, and DV-format camcorders. All connected components can then be operated via the TV's onscreen graphical command system using a remote control handset. SD Memory Card support is also featured, enabling both still pictures (in JPEG format) and sound data to be saved and retrieved with ease using the same onscreen commands. Future plans call for even more advanced multimedia features to be incorporated as well.

In addition to the flagship model TH-36DH100, Panasonic will also be rolling out the NV-HDR1000 hard disk video recorder, to be available March 20, 2001 at a price of 225,000 yen ($1920)..." NULL