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| Philips |
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Although one of the busiest display areas at the Philips booth was the Pronto Pro table, that isn't why I went. Early rumors of a new, inexpensive Pronto remote from Philips had started to surface and I was interested in checking it out. Unfortunately, it was not on display and only now (October) do I finally have more information on it - the $249 ProntoNEO TSU500. However, since this wasn't actually revealed at CEDIA, I will instead wait to write up a full review.
Newly announced DVD recorders
Now what was news at CEDA are Philips new DVD recorders, Named the DVD-R1000 (in silver) and DVD-R1500 (in black with a ProntoPro), Philips DVD+RW format can be read by almost all existing normal DVD players, making it an ideal addition to existing systems. Both DVD players feature a built-in TV tuner and AC-3 (Dolby Digital) decoder/encoder and incorporate variable bitrate recording with four different time settings. Both also utilize a progressive scan system with DCDi technology by Faroudja.
The recorders use 4.7GB discs that can hold up to two hours of DVD quality video, or four hours of better-than-VHS quality footage. Also available are dual-sided discs that can hold up to eight hours of recording. Plus, Philips' DVD+RW technology doesn't need to be finalized after recording like competing formats. Both feature an IEEE1394 link for digital connection to a camcorder, component video output and are compatible with CD, CD-R, CD-RW, SVCD and VCD discs. Pricing and availability were not announced.
New displays
Philips has expanded their plasma line to include a new 32" widescreen model. Incorporating the same viewing features as their existing 42" model, the 32FD9954 is only four inches deep and integrates an arch stand for easy installation. Pricing was unannounced, however the display will be available in Q1 2002.
Two new RPTV HDTV displays were on display: the 55" 55PP9502 and 60" 60PP9502. Both feature 1080i/480p display capabilities and include a 3D Y/C comb filter and dual tuners. Picture enhancement features include Auto IntelliSense Focus (fully automatic convergence), APAC (an even phosphor burn-in technique), Active Control (automatic picture adjustments) and Eye Fidelity (built-in line doubler). Both feature full connectivity for HD sources including DVI and HD component inputs and full analog component, S-Video and composite video. The sets will be available in Q2 2002 at suggested retail prices of $2899 and $3199 respectively.
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