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CES 2000 Picture Gallery

Page 5

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Can't forget Panasonic's set-top DVD players - a couple of these units are available now, and the rest are due February 1st.
Can't forget Panasonic's set-top DVD players - a couple of these units are available now, and the rest are due February 1st.
Of course, we can't forget about Panasonic's new line of set-top DVD players. In addition to their current players, two new players are expected in early February: the DVD-RV30 and the DVD-CV40. And in early April they've got 3 more: the DVD-RV60, DVD-CV50 and the DVD-H1000. The H1000 is a new progressive scan player, featuring a 480p output. In addition, a combination DVD-Video/DVD-Audio player, the DVD-A7, is expected sometime this summer (hopefully July), pending the resolution of technical issues, and the CSS-2 copy protection scheme. I'm told that DVD-Audio capability was to have been included in many of these players (debuting in February and April), but plans were scrapped in light of the CSS hack. All of the units mentioned are pictured in the images above and below on this page.
And their more advanced players, with progressive and DVD-Audio capability. Some of these are due on April 1st (DVD-Audio pending legal and technical issues).
And their more advanced players, with progressive and DVD-Audio capability. Some of these are due on April 1st (DVD-Audio pending legal and technical issues).
The Panasonic DVD-A7... DVD-Audio & Video.
The Panasonic DVD-A7... DVD-Audio & Video.
Some variation on this logo will appear on all DVD-A/V players.
Some variation on this logo will appear on all DVD-A/V players.
Panasonic DVD-H1000 - progressive scan.
Panasonic DVD-H1000 - progressive scan.
Last but not least (but definitely puzzling) is Panasonic's entry in the recordable DVD race, the VDR-10000. This deck can play DVDs, CDs, Video CDs, and CD-R discs like most standard players. But it records on DVD-RAM discs (see picture below) - a 4.7GB format in which the disc itself is contained in a cartridge. That means it will NOT be compatible in ANY way with other DVD players. Why Panasonic chooses to use this disc format is hard to understand. Certainly, from a consumer standpoint, it makes precious little sense. Still, Frank and I were told that the player can record at 720p resolution (with 2-channel audio only), and is due this summer. No estimated price was available. I'll pass.
Panasonic's a little weird about recordable DVD. Their VDR-10000 uses DVD-RAM discs...
Panasonic's a little weird about recordable DVD. Their VDR-10000 uses DVD-RAM discs...
... not compatible on any current DVD player (they use cartridge-enclosed discs).
... not compatible on any current DVD player (they use cartridge-enclosed discs).
Okay... that's Panasonic. Told you they had a lot to show. Now on to Pioneer. Pioneer also had a lot of cool new technology on display at their booth, as well as tons of products available now. Naturally, they had their full line of rear projection TVs and DTVs at the show, as well as very good-looking plasma screens. But we concentrated on their DVD offerings, which were equally impressive.

To start with, Pioneer also had a "home theater in a box" system, the HT2, complete with DVD player and AM/FM receiver in one unit, as well as 6 speakers.
On to Pioneer... here's their DVD player and receiver all-in-one box (speakers included).
On to Pioneer... here's their DVD player and receiver all-in-one box (speakers included).


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