"...Matsushita today announced that it will introduce a new line of DVD-RAM products, including the DMR-E20, a new DVD video recorder that enables recording on DVD discs. The technology used in the new unit is based on the DVD-RAM and Video Recording formats approved by the DVD Forum. The new DVD video recorder will be launched in the Japanese market on July 1, 2001 at a price of 135,000 yen ($1124 USD). Shipment for overseas is scheduled for autumn 2001.

Panasonic's DMR-E20 offers wide versatility with data transfers as fast as 22.16 Mbps, a world's first that makes possible simultaneous recording and playback. This unique DVD-RAM feature enables playback from any point in a previously recorded program while recording continues until the end of a new program.

The incorporated EP mode enables long video recordings onto both DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs, up to 12 hours on a DVD-RAM disc (9.4 GB) and 6 hours on a DVD-R disc (4.7 GB). The DMR-E20 enables instant access to favorite scenes without searching, fast-forwarding or rewinding. It also features Hybrid VBR technology, which combines Real-time VBR (variable bit rate) and Visibility Modulation technologies. Real-time VBR controls the rate of MPEG2 compression in real time to ensure the most efficient recording. Visibility Modulation uses the most effective data during recording to provide the highest quality images.

For easy operation, the Direct Navigator function displays a list of programs recorded on a disc for quick and easy confirmation. Moving a cursor onto a desired program in the list starts immediate playback of that program. The Playlist Playback function features a single remote control that enables users to easily perform a wide range of editing operations, including erasing and saving titles, rearranging the order of program scenes, and copying desired segments..." NULL