Pioneer launches a new DVD recorder and hard disk combi

October 17, 2003

GristyMcFisty used our news submit to let us know that Pioneer has
launched the entertainment market's first DVD recorder and hard disk based
PVR combi standalone system. The system has a built in 80GB hard drive
capable of recording up to 102 hours of video content and like a video recorder,
this unit can be scheduled to record programmes. Unlike video
recorders the user may even start watching a program from the unit while it
is still recording the rest of it! The user may even watch DVDs or other
recorded programmes while it is recording another programme. Pioneer
designed this system to be very user friendly and functional and recorded
programmes can be transferred from its internal hard drive to DVD-R/RW at high
speed using the 'One Touch Copy' function.

The combi unit has several other useful features
such as keeping a record of what was recorded on each DVD-R/RW. This
enables the user to quickly find out if any of their previously recorded discs
has enough space for another programme without actually testing out each
disc. There are 32 picture quality steps ranging from lowest to highest to
allow the user to balance recording length against picture quality. This
unit has external inputs including DV for digital camcorders and composite
inputs for analogue video sources. Finally, this unit is capable of
playing back Video CDs, CD-R's, CD-RW's and DVD's as well as MP3 & WMA
encoded audio files and JPEG images on CD.

Pioneer announces its new DVD-R/RW recorder, the Pioneer
DVR-5100H-S, providing consumers with the next generation of DVD
technology. Pioneer is set to revolutionise the home entertainment market
by introducing its first DVD recorder with an integrated hard disk drive
(HDD), capable of storing a massive 102 hours of broadcast programmes,
films and digital camera footage. Now there is no need to stay at home to
keep up-to-date with the latest football score or soap opera '“ every TV
fan can leave the house safe in the knowledge that all their favourite
programmes are being recorded to the highest quality.

Combining leading edge technology with a strong heritage of
innovation and invention, Pioneer has developed the ideal companion for
television recording. The built-in 80GB HDD provides consumers with
unrivalled ease of use and new functionality, such as the One Touch Copy
function that allows programmes stored on the HDD to be copied at high
speed to a disc with just one press of a button. Users can also watch the
beginning of a recorded programme whilst still recording the end '“ perfect
for those who arrive home half way through their favourite show.

The slim and stylish Pioneer DVR-5100H-S can be integrated easily
with any home cinema equipment, making it an integral part of consumer
entertainment systems. Consumers are able to record a programme to the HDD
whilst simultaneously watching a DVD, ensuring that they keep track of
their favourite programmes without missing out on a movie night with
friends.

Read all about its features here

It would be handy to be able to record a
show without scavenging through all those tapes to try and find a blank tape or
one with enough room to spare. Like other PVR's, this system can pause
live TV to answer the doorbell, phone or even to grab a pizza 😉 Finally,
the system is capable of backing up DVDs although it is not clear if it can only
back up unprotected and recorded DVDs or all DVDs.

Source: Home Cinema Choice