Audio Video News

Television viewers who can't be at home during their favorite shows need fret no longer. Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company has come to their rescue with the introduction of the PV-SS2710, the world's first combination television and hard disk recorder. In combining a 27"-diagonal PanaBlack television with a "ShowStopper" 30-hour hard disk recorder, Panasonic has created an entirely new category of video product. The choice of a 27" set as the first TV/HDR is a wise one, as 27" sets are the most popular sets with consumers.

Panasonic has long made combo TV/VCR units; the 13" portable is especially popular as a space-saving solution. The PV-SS2710 continues the tradition of simplification by eliminating hookup chores for consumers. "This new product is another example of our expertise in combining technologies to create unique new plug-and-play products," said Jason Gastman, product manager for Panasonic's Consumer Video Division. "The PV-SS2710 offers consumers the convenience of a great television plus new hard disk recorder technology, without having to worry about proper interconnectivity."

Using technology developed by ReplayTV, Panasonic has incorporated an internal hard disk drive and MPEG 2 compression to enable recording of up to 30 hours of "high quality video" in the extended recording mode. Programs can also be recorded in medium or high levels of resolution, with the trade-off of reducing the available recording time. The "one touch" recording system keeps menu navigation to a minimum. A "QuickSkip" feature lets users leap ahead in 30-second increments when viewing recorded programs. Pause, rewind, slow motion, frame advance, and "seven-second instant replay" modes are all part of the package. "With the ShowStopper recorder and ReplayTV Service, every time you sit down to watch television, your favorite shows will be on," said Gastman. "There's no need to worry about whether you have programmed the machine with the correct times, or to depend upon the accuracy of printed TV listings in order to find or record programs."

A hookup to a telephone line is necessary, as it is with satellite receivers and many cable boxes. Parents may be relieved to learn that the PV-SS2710 includes the "V-Chip" parental guidance system, giving them control over what their children watch.

The PV-SS2710 will begin shipping to dealers this month, and will carry a suggested retail price (MSRP) of $899.95. Free lifetime subscription to the ReplayTV Service is included in the purchase price. ReplayTV recently announced its exit from the consumer electronics market in favor of a technology-licensing strategy. The PV-SS2710 is the result of such a deal with Panasonic.