JVC is hitting CES with an expanded lineup of rear-projection HDTV sets based on its HD-ILA micro-display technology, while also adding an expanded selection of direct view LCD TVs and a focused selection of fully integrated plasma sets.
Also to be unveiled are extensive lines of DVD players, DVD recorders and digital recording combination systems featuring built-in DVRs.
JVC said the thrust of its presentations will be on JVC’s HD-ILA line of rear-projection high-definition sets, due to strong industry forecasts for both unit and dollar volume in the microdisplay sector.
In 2005, JVC will add the 56W-inch and 70W-inch screen sizes to the 52W- inch and 61W-inch screen sizes that launched the company’s new HD-ILA direction last year. Also new will be a pair of sets with native 1080p resolution.
This year all models will integrate both ATSC tuners and digital CableCARD slots.
Models for 2005 with 720p-resolution are offered in the 52W-inch, 56W-inch, 61W-inch, and 70W-inch screen sizes. The 70W-inch model will feature a black cabinet cosmetic, while the remaining models will be offered in a choice of black or silver cabinets.
At the top of the HD-ILA line will be two 1080p models in the 61W-inch version and 70W-inch screen sizes. Both will offer dual HDMI inputs. The 70W-inch set adds a memory card slot.
All sets will feature a PC input and most will offer dual IEEE 1394 inputs.
For direct-view LCD TV, JVC said it is looking to “stake out a major position” in the category with a three-step line of HD monitors and integrated ATSC/CableCARD sets.
JVC’s entry line features HD-ready LCD models in the 17W-inch, 23W-inch, 26W-inch and 32W-inch screen sizes. Step-up models include 26W-inch and 32W-inch sets with HDMI inputs and JVC’s D.I.S.T. up-conversion technology that boost 720p resolution to 770p.
Integrated LCD sets feature the 26W-inch, 32W-inch and 40W-inch screen sizes with 770p resolution and HDMI inputs. The 40W-inch model includes a memory card slot.
The flagship LCD TV will be a fully integrated digital cable ready 40W-inch model with 1080p resolution, dual HDMI inputs and a memory card slot.
The company’s plasma offerings will be trimmed to two units in 2005 as JVC narrows its marketing focus to “consumers looking for a full-featured set that delivers the best possible picture quality,” JVC said.
The two-model line will include 42W- and 50W-inch screen sizes, both with XGA resolution up-converted to 770p using JVC’s D.I.S.T. technology. Both add ATSC tuners and CableCARD slots. These are included in an outboard media box for the 50W-inch model.
Both plasma sets also offer HDMI inputs, dual IEEE-1394 connectivity, dual HD component video inputs, JVC’s Digital Super Detail and Dynamic Gamma Correction circuitry, and a five-point color management system for the 42W-inch model.
In DVD players, JVC will offer three models, all of which are available in a choice of silver or black.
Features include 10-disc memory resume function and compatibility with DVD-R, CD-R/RW, DVD-RW, CD-DA, VCD/SVCD, MP3 and JPEG digital stills.
Models XV-N322S/N320B offer MPEG4 playback, Direct Digital progressive scan, 10 bit/54MHz video digital-to-analog (DAC) converter, 192kHz/24 bit audio DAC and 1.5x quick play with audio. Models XV-N422S/N420B add a 12-bit/108MHz video DAC, illuminated disc tray and Windows Multimedia (WMA) playback.
The XV-N622S adds HDMI output, 11 bit/108MHz video DAC and chrome mapping.
JVC will also offer three DVD combo players, including the HR-XVC28/29 and HR-XVC39 progress scan DVD/VHS players. All offer enhanced playback of any tape, a frame synchronizer, 3D noise reduction, one-touch replay (DVD & VHS), multi-session CD playback and JPEG playback.
In DVD recorders, JVC will offer its DR-M Series, featuring compatibility with DVD RAM/-RW/-R recording media. Features include simultaneous playback during recording (when using DVD-RAM media), on-disc timer programming, library database DVD navigation and DV input on the model DR-M100.
JVC will also offer DR-MV DVD/VCR recorder combos, featuring progressive scan DVD/VHS output, Super MPEG-2 post and preprocessor and DV Input.
Also being introduced are two hard disc/DVD recorder combos in the DR-MH300 (160GB hard drive) and the DR-MH700 (250GB hard drive). The DR-MH700 features a memory card slot which accepts a Microdrive, used by JVC Everio digital camcorders.
Key features include TV Guide On Screen electronic program guide (EPG), up to 64x high-speed dubbing from hard drive to disc, DV direct recording, HDMI output, bit rate optimizer, and progressive compatibility.
In three-way DVD-recorder combos, JVC will introduce the DR-MX10S combination DVR/DVD-recorder/VCR. The unit will include the TV Guide On Screen EPG, and a 160GB hard disc drive.
Also to be unveiled is JVC’s DR-DX7S DVR/DVD/Mini DV combo recorder, which allows the playback and editing of MiniDV movies with final edit dubbing to DVD media.
Features include HDMI output, intelligent dual-pass encode dubbing system from HDD to DVD, progressive scan output for HDD/DVD/MiniDV, 1394 DV interface, 250GB HDD.
Pricing and shipping details were not available at press time.
