LG Electronics has unveiled the world`s first DVD recorder with digital video recorder (DVR) functionality using new software technology from Microsoft.
Unveiled by Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates during his keynote address on the eve of the International CES 2005, the LG model LRM-519 raises the bar in the exploding DVD Recorder market as the first combination DVD recorder and 160-gigabyte hard-disc-drive (HDD) convergence product with an electronic program guide (EPG) and PC connectivity using technology from Microsoft.
"As the digital convergence concept becomes more commonplace, the powerful combination of Microsoft and LG technology will redefine recordable media for home entertainment," said Dr. Hee-Gook Lee, chief technology officer at LG Electronics. "With support for wired or wireless in-home networking and innovative PC connectivity, the LG LRM-519 is a true example of the digital convergence."
The LRM-519, offers an array of options for digital entertainment on the DVR DVD recorder by enabling powerful multimedia experiences and seamless connectivity with Windows XP-based PCs and PCs running Windows XP Media Centre Edition 2005.
"Consumers want flexibility and choice in digital entertainment and our partnership with LG is a successful example of that," said Rick Thompson, corporate vice president of the Windows Client Extended Platforms Division at Microsoft Corp. "With this new DVD recorder, consumers will benefit from the combination of LG`s expertise and Microsoft technology that together deliver innovative DVD and DVR solutions with access to digital photos, music and more on Windows XP-based PC and PCs running Windows XP Media Centre Edition 2005." This DVR DVD Recorder also enables playback of music, pictures, and video with computers running Windows XP and Windows XP Media Centre Edition over a home network. The LG LRM-519 can play and display files including MPEG, WMA and WMV, MP3 and JPEG images on TV. Supported network connections include Ethernet or Wi-fi (802.11a/g). This wireless connection is 4-5 times faster than that of 802.11b, enabling seamless data reception.
The LG LRM-519 includes an integrated EPG service provided by Microsoft. This programming guide combines channel guides from multiple sources such as cable, satellite, and terrestrial TV. As such, the guide allows consumers to easily discover, record and enjoy their favourite television programmes. The LG LRM-519 also comes with a built-in Ethernet adapter, allowing high speed reception of the EPG guide data.
At 160GB, the internal HDD offers up to 160 hours of conventional analogue TV programming storage. The DVR allows programme burning from HDD to DVD (DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD+R Double Layer), further strengthening the flexibility of the device for users to record their favourite programmes. Also with a 90 minute buffer time for Live TV, it offers 3 times more flexibility in watching other media compared to other manufacturers.
The LG LRM-519 also offers true networking versatility as users can watch programmed TV recorded from the DVR on their Windows XP-based PC running Windows XP Media Centre Edition 2005 and then take it on the go with them on Portable Media Centre devices.
The product will also support the `PlaysForSure` logo program, which is designed to help consumers with Windows XP-based PCs find devices and online music or video stores that work together. Seeing the logo will allow consumers to know that music or movie content from download or subscription services will work.
The LG LRM-519 stands out in key areas when compared to the competition. The CPU is much like that of a personal computer, enabling 4-5 times more powerful processing speeds found in comparable DVR products. The product also boasts a 3D comb filter that provides far superior video quality than other DVRs. Another outstanding feature is the USB device input support such as portable HDD, USB memory and card readers which expands the versatility of the product. The significance of this USB input support is that the option of the connecting a portable hard drive offers limitless storage space for users multimedia files.
As a result of the strategic relationship between Microsoft and LG Electronics, this new product reflects LG`s commitment to achieving global consumer electronics leadership, concluded Dr. Lee.
The LRM-519 will be available to consumers in South Africa in Q3, 2005.
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