CES 2000 Picture Gallery!

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Site created 12/15/97.

page created: 1/8/00
(updated 1/13/00)

CES 2000 Picture Gallery

Page 7

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A closer look at prototype HD-DVD media (as compared to a DVD-9 disc).

To round out Pioneer's line-up of prototypes, was the manufacturer's new recordable DVD player - the DVR-1000. It thankfully works on DVD-RW discs (no cartridges!), and is due around the 4th Qtr of 2000. In addition to its recording function, it is a fully-functional DVD player, with DTS-output.

Pioneer also had DVD-R to show at CES. This is the DVR-1000 (coming 4th Qtr. 2000, using DVD-RW media).

Phillips had a number of new DVD players to show at CES, including both consumer and professional grade equipment. Their pro-level DVD170AT will output video in both NTSC and PAL formats, making it valuable for post production of DVDs destined for use around the world.

Philips had some DVD players to show as well. This is the professional-grade DVD170AT.

Phillips also told us that their new players (like the DVD865AT and 825AT pictured below) are "feature upgradable". It turns out that on many DVD players, about 85% of the features are determined by software - stored in the flash ROMs inside the unit. What Phillips is considering doing in the future, is to allow "upgrade" files to be downloaded from their online website. Let's say you're having a problem with a Phillips player not playing the latest DVD movie - no sweat. Just log on to their website, download the new firmware upgrade, and burn it onto a CD-R. Then pop it in your player, spin the disc and your player will read the update into its ROMs, effectively upgrading itself on the spot. They could also make "feature upgrade packs" available to OEMS and retailers - want that new feature for your player? Just drop on by your local dealer and pick up a CD-ROM upgrade kit for a small fee. The reality is that many manufacturers could probably do this, and we think it's a pretty great idea. It sure would have come in handy for all those folks who had trouble with the ROM portions of From the Earth to the Moon and The Matrix...

They also showed off "feature upgradable" players like the DVD865AT and 825AT.

Here's a quick look at a couple of forthcoming DVD players that JVC has on tap for us. Their most impressive offering should be the XV-D7236D (pictured below), which will be capable of playing DVD-Video and Audio discs, as well as being equipped with a progressive scan output. It's coming (hopefully) in the summer for less than $1000. They also have the XV-M555 on the way, with 3-disc capacity (using stacked trays).

Here's JVC's DVD-Audio/Video/progressive player (the XV-D7236D), coming Summer 2000 for LESS than $1000.

JVC also has the XV-M555, with 3 stacked disc trays.

After wrapping up with JVC, we decided to head on over to Sony's booth, to see what they've got on display. And right off the bat, we spotted something that was definitely a crowd pleaser... and it had nothing to do with DTV or DVD. Right at the main entrance to the Sony area, surrounded by a huge crowd, was a plex-enclosed little stage manned several young people who were playing with a pair of puppies... robot puppies to be specific. We'd heard about this in the press, but we were blown away to see Sony's Aibo in action. It follows your movements, plays with objects in its environment, and displays amazing curiosity. It's surprisingly nimble and interactive, and Sony told us that it can even learn simple things (like voice commands). We watched (slack-jawed) as one of the demonstrators tipped Aibo on its side, and proceeded to right itself with ease. And if we were impressed, you should have seen the kids present - they were simply in awe. One boy had his face pressed up against the plex, and was watching Aibo playing with a little ball, when suddenly the robot dog NOTICED him watching, and started walking over. Amazing. I'd have to say that good old Spot's in no danger of being replaced any time soon, but it definitely makes you think. Aibo is now available in Japan, and in limited release in the States (for $2,500) - one nifty little toy.

Okay... it's not DVD. But Aibo (Sony's robot dog - available in Japan only) impressed us a lot.

Aibo interacts with kids. It seems to display curiosity and plays with objects in its environment. Sony says it learns too.

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