Audio Video News

Sony is responding to consumer demand for DVD with an impressive array of new product announcements, including progressive-scan players, SACD-compatible DVD changers, a 400-disc changer, and a "dual compatible" DVD recorder. This last item bridges the gap between the DVD-RW and DVD+RW camps by working with both formats.

The company's new RDR-GX7 home DVD recorder is claimed to be the industry's first dual RW compatible recorder. Available in June, the new model will incorporate "several picture improvement technologies" to create enhanced DVD recordings, useful when transferring personal content from analog video sources, such as VHS or 8mm camcorders. The RDR-GX7 will be equipped with an i.LINK (IEEE-1394) connection for use with DV and D8 camcorders, and will also offer recording from broadcast programs via an off-air antenna, cable box or satellite receiver. Projected retail price is about $800.

Later this year, the king of the disc changer hill will likely be the DVP-CX985V, with a 400-Disc Explorer™ library management system that offers multi-channel SACD playback, Precision Cinema Progressive™, 12 bit/108 MHz Video D/A Converter. It will also offer CD-R/RW and MP3 playback capabilities. The DVP-CX985V will be available in September for about $400.

Other new models in Sony's DVD line include the DVP-NC685V, a five-disc changer with multichannel SACD playback and Precision Cinema Progressive™ output. The DVP-NC685V will have a 40-disc "resume memory" and picture navigation. Delivery date is set for August, at about $250. The DVP-NC665P is another five-disc changer with Precision Cinema Progressive output and a 12 bit/108 MHz Video D/A Converter. Sony makes no mention of SACD compatibility, but the player will offer DVD-RW/-R, DVD+RW/+R, CD-R/RW and MP3 playback. It will be available in June for about $180.

Further down the price scale is the $150 DVP-NS725P, a single disc machine with Precision Cinema Progressive output and a 12 bit/108 MHz Video D/A Converter. The DVP-NS725P is said to offer viewers unsurpassed DVD picture performance at a great price. Like the DVP-NC665P, it also does DVD-RW/-R, DVD+RW/+R, CD-R/RW and MP3 playback. Look for it in early May for about $150. Also in May, Sony will deliver the DVP-PQ2, a "personal DVD player" with a volume controllable headphone jack and customizable faceplate. Suggested retail will be about $90.