Toshiba Announces First Network HDD DVR

Toshiba has announced the expansion of its line of digital video recorders and adds networking capabilities with the introduction of the new RD-XS54 Multi-Drive DVD Recorder with a 250GB Hard Disc Drive.

Not only can users record and playback their favorite TV shows and build personal movie libraries with the RD-XS54, they can also expand the recorder's capabilities through other devices and rooms in the home.

"Home networks are rapidly increasing," said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba America Consumer Products Digital A/V Group. "With our network capable DVD recorder we enhance the functionality of the unit. Whether it is being able to schedule a recording via email or by using your home PC to program new recordings, the RD-XS54 makes recording and playback easier and more flexible for consumers."

Other New DVD Recorders
At this year's line show, Toshiba will feature its full line of DVD Recorders, DVD Recorder/VCR combination, and DVD Recorder with a built-in hard disc drive.

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

The system networking of the RD-XS54 also gives users the ability to dub copy free content to another room if there are two of the units in the home. Now consumers can record content in one room and watch it in another.

Additional features include High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) with up-conversion 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. Also included is the TV Guide On Screen Interactive Program Guide for simple, user-friendly channel navigation and recording scheduling.

The RD-XS34 Multi Drive (DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD-RW) DVD Recorder features a 160GB hard disc. To help consumers with their digital recordings, the RD- XS34 features TV Guide On Screen Interactive Program Guide and the EASY NAVI menu.

The recorder also offers high speed dubbing and comes with a DV input for the transfer of camcorder recordings in the digital form.

The D-VR4 combines Toshiba's quality DVD recorder technology with a 4-Head Hi Fi VCR allowing bidirectional dubbing within the same device. This Multi Drive (DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD-RW) recorder includes ColorStream Pro Component Video outputs and four different recording modes.

Rounding out Toshiba's DVD Recorder line is the Multi Drive D-R4 which offers recording and playback of DVD-RAM, DVD-RW or DVD-R media. The unit features the EASY NAVI menu, ColorStream Pro Component Video outputs and five different recording modes.

All Toshiba DVD recorders feature Digital Cinema Progressive Scan output, Multimedia playback for JPEGs and MP3 titles, and a Zoom mode. The line also features 3-D Virtual Surround Sound and Digital Noise Reduction.