JVC Introduces Portable High Definition Digital Player/Recorder

WAYNE, NJ, -- Underscoring its position as a leader in highdefinition video technologies, JVC introduced the world's firstportable high definition player/recorder, the CU-VH1. An idealcomplement to JVC's HD camcorders, the new CU-VH1 HDV-formatplayer/recorder brings unprecedented flexibility to HD video productionwith multi-format playback and a range of recording options.

Suitable for use in the field, in the studio or at home, the JVCCU-VH1 features a 3.5-inch LCD monitor, an iLink interface fornon-linear editing and dubbing, component outputs for multi-formatplayback, and an SD card slot for capturing stills from tape andtransferring them to PC through a USB connection. It records and playsback Mini DV cassettes, and for high definition recording and playbackadheres to the HDV format, a standard agreed upon by major consumerelectronics manufacturers.

"JVC was the first to bring HD video creation to consumers with ourintroduction of the GR-HD1 camcorder," said Dave Owen, General Manager,Consumer Video Division, JVC Company of America. "With the introductionof the CU-VH1 we're reinforcing our commitment to HD enthusiasts byproviding them with even more playback, editing and dubbingoptions."

For playback, the new CU-VH1 is extremely versatile. It will playback signals recorded in 720/30p (MPEG-2), 480/60p (MPEG-2) and 480/60i(DV). This includes any footage shot with either of JVC's two HDcamcorders the GR-HD1 and JY-HD10. It includes up- and down-conversionso that HD recordings can be viewed on virtually any television ormonitor. It frame doubles 30 frames-per-second 720/30p HD recordingsfor viewing on progressive 720/60p analog HD monitors, or converts480/60p or 720/30p signals to 1080/60i HD. The player/recorder can alsodown-convert to 480/60p or 480/60i for playback on progressive or NTSCmonitors. 16:9 HD, SD or DV footage can be played in 16:9 or 4:3letterbox modes.

Footage can also be viewed on the CU-VH1's built-in 3.5-inch,240,000-pixel high resolution LCD monitor. There's a brightnesscontrol, and the monitor folds flat into the top of the unit when notin use.

The CU-VH1's recording capabilities include digital-to-digitalrecording to and from video equipment and a PC, and recording to andfrom analog devices. An iLink interface allows digital-to-digitaldubbing between the CU-VH1 and HD cameras and decks (D-VHS). Both theiLink interface and a USB connection allow HD and SD MPEG-2 material tobe transferred between the CU-VH1 and a PC for playback or non-linearMPEG-2 editing. DV recordings and digital stills can also betransferred through iLink. With the USB connection it's also possibleto drag-and-drop digital stills or other content on the memory card toa PC.

Built-in digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion allowseasy dubbing between digital and analog sources. S-Video, composite andaudio connectors function as both inputs and outputs, allowing HD/SD orDV sources to be dubbed from the CU-VH1 to an NTSC deck or analogmaterial dubbed from an NTSC source onto Mini DV in the CU-VH1.Component video outputs allow dubbing from the CU-VH1 to a professionaldeck.

The CU-VH1 can also capture progressive HD, SD and DV 1280 x 720JPEG stills and save them to an SD card. Stored images can be viewedindividually or automatically as a slide show. In addition, a DigitalPrint Order Format (DPOF) request allows the user to easily selectimages and how many of each for automatic printing.

To easily access specific scenes, thumbnail images of what is shoton tape can be automatically stored on a memory card while shooting ormanually during playback. In addition, tape time code or day and datesubcode can be displayed on screen.

To ensure that the CU-VH1 is suitable for portable use, componentBNC outputs (with supplied RCA adapters), S-Video, composite and audioinputs/outputs and iLink IEEE 1394 and USB inputs/outputs are protectedby guard bars and a rugged cover. The SD memory card/MultiMediaCardslot, microphone jack and headphone jack are similarly protected.

The CU-VH1 uses the same batteries as the JVC GR-HD1 and JY-HD10high definition camcorders, and the included AC power supply chargesthese batteries. The included battery (BN-V416U) on a full charge lastsup to 1.5 hours. An available optional battery (BN-V428U) providespower for up to two hours, 50 minutes.

The JVC CU-VH1 measures 8-5/16 (W) x 2-1/6 (H) x 6-1/8 (D) inches.It weighs 2.5 lbs., or 2.6 lbs. with the battery pack, Mini DV cassetteand memory card.

It is available this month at a nationally advertised value of$1,999.00.

About JVC Company of America

JVC Company of America, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is asubsidiary of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of VictorCompany of Japan Ltd., and a holding company for JVC companies locatedin North and South America. JVC distributes a complete line of videoand audio equipment, including high definition displays, camcorders,VCRs, D-VHS recorders, DVD players, satellite systems, home andportable audio equipment, mobile entertainment products and recordingmedia. For further product information, visit JVC's Web site at www.jvc.com or call 800-526-5308.