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JVCJVC HM-DH30000UHM-DH30000U The First D-VHS® Digital Recorder With D-Theater™ Prerecorded HD Movie Playback

G REG R OGERS

A New High-Definition D-Theater system. But digital hours and 21 hours at the LS3 rate. (Here's Platform recordings made on this the secret—the DF-number is the number of recorder can be exchanged with minutes in the STD mode.) The long wait for prerecorded HDTV other D-VHS recorders. Technical Note: The bitrates and data movies is nearly over. Four major studios D-Theater movies are currently capacities given above are for audio/video have announced plans to market movies in planned for release in the data and additional user data. They are the new high-definition (HD) D-Theater™ video- HDTV format, but the HM-DH30000U can comparable to the bitrate and data capacity tape format, and the JVC HM-DH30000U D- decode D-VHS video recorded in any of the numbers used to describe DVD formats. But VHS® Digital Recorder is the first product 18 ATSC formats. It will output both DVD and D-VHS use many more bits of that will play them. It features an analog YPbPr analog signals in overhead specific to each technology for error HDTV video output compatible with the the 1080i, , , or formats. It correction, data sync, and other data proto- YPbPr input included on most high-defini- can also convert 720p recordings to 1080i cols. The bitrates recorded on the tape may tion displays. output, or downconvert any digital format to also not match the input bitrates. For instance, The HM-DH30000U not only plays HDTV 480i output. But downconverted video is the HS mode actually records bits on a tape tapes, but it also records high-definition dig- only available from the S-video or composite track at the same rate as the STD mode, but ital video and makes digital video recordings video outputs when the YPbPr output is also two tracks at a time are recorded rather from -definition (SD) analog video downconverted. The HM-DH30000U will out- than one, to double the effective bit-rate. sources. The D-VHS recorder is also fully put MPEG digital video from its i.Link® (IEEE Prerecorded D-Theater HDTV tapes are compatible with conventional analog VCRs, 1394) interfaces (four-pin terminal), but only mastered in the 28.2 Mbps HS mode. This and will record and play in the Super VHS and when that video is not copy protected. is a higher bitrate than the ATSC standard of VHS formats. The HM-DH30000U is priced 19.3 Mbps for HDTV, so D-Theater movies just below $2,000, but is widely discounted. Digital Recording Of can have even higher quality than HDTV Digital Video broadcasts. In fact, some terrestrial and Prerecorded HDTV satellite broadcasts do not even use the full The HM-DH30000U makes D-VHS digital ATSC bitrate. The HM-DH30000U will play prerecorded recordings at one of three input bit-rates— The HM-DH30000U has no analog YPbPr HDTV cassettes that support JVC’s D- 28.2 Mbps (HS), 14.1 Mbps (STD), or 4.7 component video input. Therefore, 480p Theater content protection system. This is Mbps (LS3). Two sizes of D-VHS tape cas- and HDTV (720p and 1080i) analog signals an optional security system within the D- settes are currently available—the DF-300 can’t be recorded. These formats can only VHS format. Thus far the divi- cassette with a 31.7 GB () data be recorded using the digital i.Link inter- sions of four studios, Artisan Entertainment, capacity, and the DF-420 cassette with a face. At the present time there are no stan- DreamWorks SKG, 20th Century Fox, and 44.4 GB data capacity. To save you some dard HDTV set-top boxes with fully compati- Universal Studios have announced their math, the DF-300 cassette records 2.5 ble i.Link interfaces (this includes the dis- intentions to release D-Theater-compatible hours and DF-420 cassette records 3.5 continued set-top boxes that had HDTV movies during 2002. These movies hours at the HS rate. The recording time is 5 an IEEE 1394 interface with different proto- will not play on D-VHS recorders without the hours and 7 hours in the STD mode, and 15 col), but JVC expects some future set-top

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boxes to have compatible i.Link IRE black level setup that is standard on put DV compressed digital video signals. interfaces. However, other HDTV NTSC analog signals should be removed There are several other terminals for inter- set-top boxes and satellite prior to recording, but the HM-DH30000U facing with external products. An IR controller receivers are expected to sup- does not perform that function. This results in plugs into the rear panel, which permits the port the incompatible DVI HDTV non-standard digital levels when recording VCR to automatically switch the channel of interface. from analog signals. As a consequence, the a cable TV descrambler or a satellite receiv- The HM-DH30000U will TV display must be calibrated differently for er when making timer recordings. There is record the digital output from recordings made from digital signals than for also a JLIP terminal (Joint Level Interface DV camcorders that are recordings made from analog signals. This Protocol—a JVC interface/ protocol), which equipped with an i.Link interface. must also be considered when transferring permits computer-controlled video playback But DV video is a different com- digital recordings across the i.Link interface. with optional JVC software. Finally, a pression format than MPEG video. Remote Pause/AV Compu Link jack pro- The incoming DV video is converted to Analog Recording And vides features such as system power MPEG video, so the recording is not a perfect Playback up/down and automatic input switching clone of the original DV recording. Some when used with compatible JVC products. picture degradation will occur even though the The HM-DH30000U is fully compatible transfer is digital. Hence it is advantageous with S-VHS and VHS recording at SP and Front Panel Controls to select the highest bitrate when recording. EP tape speeds using standard S-VHS and When recording standard-definition DV digi- VHS cassettes. It even has a special mode The brushed-aluminum front panel has a tal video, the STD and LS3 recording modes (S-VHS-ET) to record the S-VHS format on hinged plastic cover that flips down for can be used, but not the HS mode. VHS cassettes. Since I was only able to access to the cassette loading slot and most Although, the HM-DH30000U accepts keep the HM-DH30000U for a couple of of the control buttons. A status display win- and processes incoming DV video across days, I didn’t try analog recording on S-VHS dow is located below the cassette slot, but the i.Link interface, it will not output digital or VHS cassettes. it can be viewed through the plastic cover. video in the DV format. So you can not use The analog S-VHS or VHS formats can also The buttons under the cover are: Pause, a DV camcorder to record the digital output be recorded on a D-VHS cassette. But I can’t Rewind, Fast Forward, Record, Record Mode, of the HM-DH30000U. But it will output image why anyone would want to do that when Channel, Digital Noise Reduction, D-VHS MPEG video from its i.Link interface. the digital recording quality is so much better, mode, and S-VHS ET mode. Other front Of course you won’t be able to transfer and the recording time capacity is longer. panel buttons include Power, Timer, Record copy-protected digital video across the Link, Stop/Eject, and Play. i.Link interface. I was able to send digital Inputs And Outputs The Record button begins recording video from that weren’t copy protect- immediately. The Instant Timer Recording ed to the JVC recorder, but most DVDs are The rear panel includes two groups of A/V feature sets and then increments the recording copy-protected. inputs and two groups of A/V outputs. Each time in 30 minute intervals for each additional Another issue to consider when recording group has composite video, S-video, and press of the Record button. The Record Link from the i.Link interface is that on-screen analog stereo audio jacks. An identical group button enables a special mode to automatical- status information (such as a tape counter) of inputs are concealed under a door on the ly start recording when a signal appears on from the source will normally not be trans- front panel. Two RF connectors are located the first set of rear panel inputs. This feature mitted across the digital interface. So if you on the rear panel—an input for the built-in can be used with a satellite receiver or other are viewing the HM-DH30000U output on a analog broadcast TV tuner and a TV output. source that turns on from a built-in timer. monitor, you may need to switch to the S- It’s an unusual sight to see connections video output of the source, or use another supporting HDTV on a consumer VCR. The Remote Control monitor, to set up the source for playback. rear panel includes a YPbPr component video output, an optical Toslink digital audio The 9- x 2.5-inch wand-shaped remote Digital Recording Of output (PCM, Dolby® Digital and DTS® control has large, distinctively shaped buttons Analog Video Digital Surround™ “throughput,”) and a four- for easier use in the dark, but they are not pin i.Link connector. A second i.Link con- backlit. A smoothly operating jog wheel sur- The HM-DH30000U includes A/D conver- nector is located under the door on the front rounded by a spring-loaded shuttle ring is sion and a standard-definition MPEG encoder panel. (Note: With respect to DTS, there is a located at the bottom of the remote. An to make digital recordings from its analog caveat—JVC is completing work on their arrow pad is included for navigating on-screen audio and video inputs. These recordings DTS encoder so that future D-Theater titles menus, and a numeric keypad also provides can be made at any of the digital recording can be encoded in the DTS bit stream. The alpha characters for the advanced features bitrates—HS, STD, or LS3. Two-channel HM-DH30000U will have to be returned to discussed later. A three-position switch per- analog audio is also converted to digital the manufacturer for a software upgrade to mits the remote to control the VCR, a TV, and recorded in the 48 kHz PCM format. play the DTS bit stream when the encoding and a satellite receiver or cable box. Digital recording requires a D-VHS cassette. is available. Latter model units should ship The remote includes a feature that I really The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of with the modification to support DTS.) like on video recorders—separate up/down a blank JVC DF-300 D-VHS cassette is $15. The i.Link serial digital interface is a bi-direc- toggle buttons to enter Start Time, End Time, The DF-420 cassettes are priced at $25. tional input and output for MPEG video, dig- Date, and Channel when programming Digital recording of analog signals from a ital audio, and device control signals between timer recordings. It also includes the VCR copy-protected source is not permitted. A compatible products. The HM-DH30000U Plus+ feature for those that find even the message will appear on screen indicating also accepts DV format digital signals over four-button entry approach too challenging. that the source is copy protected. the i.Link interface to record the output of Up to eight programs can be entered into When making digital recordings, the 7.5 many digital camcorders, but it will not out- the timer-recording list.

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S-VHS And VHS feature to automatically locate programs or the tape titles in memory sorted by tape Playback chapters on a tape. This feature can be number, recording date, or a category that included on prerecorded tapes or it can be can be assigned to each tape. The menu Fast forward and reverse scan are available used with tapes recorded on the HM- also shows the percentage of memory use, using the shuttle ring on the remote control, DH30000U. Pressing the Navigation button but I couldn’t locate any information on the or by using the separate scan buttons. The on the remote control produces a menu total memory capacity. This is such a great scan buttons operate in an intuitive fashion. screen that includes the title of the tape (38 feature I hope there is plenty of memory. If pressed and immediately released, the characters or less) and up to four chapters (Editor-In-Chief Gary Reber was told that scan mode is locked on until the Play or Stop or section titles (22 characters or less). there was memory for about 2,000 titles!) button is pressed. If held down, scanning There can be multiple menu screens for There is a restriction that requires recordings continues until the button is released. The additional chapter or section titles. The HM- to be a minimum length to create a navigation shuttle ring provides variable speed forward DH30000U will automatically search the tape screen entry. Recordings must have a length or reverse scan. The Pause button produces and begin playing at a selected chapter. of at least five minutes in the HS mode, 10 still pictures free of noise bars. From the This is an excellent feature that partially minutes in the STD mode, 30 minutes in the pause mode, right and left arrow buttons ini- compensates for the limited transport func- LS3 mode, five minutes for the SP mode, tiate forward and reverse slow motion. The tions on D-VHS tapes. The prerecorded con- and 15 minutes for the EP mode. I ran into jog wheel is used to control single-step forward cert tape I received with the review unit had this restriction when I made a number of and reverse, and it can be spun with one 16 chapters—one for each song and the short test recordings and wanted to create a finger to quickly move to a specific frame. A closing credits. It took 1 minute and 43 sec- navigation screen to find them automatically. special Skip Search button advances the onds to find and start playing the 15th song, But this would not be a problem when mak- tape in 30-second increments each time it is which was located 1 hour and 8 minutes into ing normal recordings of TV programming. pressed, up to a total of two minutes. the tape. This isn’t instant accessibility, but it is When a tape is loaded, the navigation There is no digital audio output when much better than searching a tape manually. screen for that tape can be displayed. playing S-VHS or VHS recordings. This is The Navigation screen and other menus When a program title is selected it will be unfortunate since the product includes an are only displayed in the 480i format, so the located and playback will begin automatically. audio analog-to-digital converter to make YPbPr output temporarily switches to 480i The navigation screen also shows the amount digital audio recordings in the D-VHS when those features are used. The output also of blank space between programs (if any recording modes. Digital 3-D Noise switches to 480i whenever the tape transport exists) and the total blank space remaining at Reduction, and a built-in time base correc- is stopped, even though a 1080i tape may the end of the tape. This is a great feature tor to reduce jitter, are effective in improving have been playing. This is an inconven- for quickly determining if adequate space the playback quality of analog recordings. ience on rear-projectors that don’t display remains on that tape for additional recording. 480i signals through their HDTV inputs. In Another outstanding feature is the ability D-VHS Playback that case, the TV will have to be switched to to find blank space on tapes within your an S-video or composite video input to dis- library without putting any tapes in the VCR. When HDTV or SD digital recordings are play menu information. My front projector The Video Navigation menu provides a played, many of the usual VCR transport accepts 480i through the same input as it Blank Space List. When the desired record- features are not available. The jog wheel and does 1080i, but it then switches scanning ing mode and recording time are entered in shuttle ring are disabled, so it’s not possible modes, which is a major annoyance when a menu, all the tapes in the Navigation to scan forward or reverse at variable rates, you frequently use these valuable features. memory that have sufficient blank space are or single-step by frames. Slow motion is also The HM-DH30000U is capable of overlaying listed. The tape number, title, and the actual unavailable. Scanning is limited to one speed the tape counter and other status information recording time of the largest remaining blank forward or reverse using the scan buttons, and on the 1080i output, so I was surprised that space are presented for each tape in the the pause control can be used. The scanning capability wasn’t used to display menus. list. What a tremendous time saver this is! rate is 6x in the HS mode, 12x in the STD mode, and 36x in the LS3 mode. The latter is Video Navigation— The Demo Tapes so fast that it is difficult to locate a specific Your Video Library scene on the tape. The 30-second skip func- JVC provided two prerecorded 1080i tion is available while playing D-VHS tapes. The Video Navigation feature provides HDTV tapes. One was a JVC demo tape The limited set of transport functions is a even more benefits when you record your with about 30 minutes of travelogue-type far cry from the navigational convenience own video library. In that case, information video shot in Japan, the U.S., and Spain. It features that we have come to appreciate about each tape is stored within the HM- was repeated twice on the tape, presumably from the DVD format, or even analog VCR DH30000U memory. Each time you begin to allow a user to more fully exercise the technology. But the attraction of prerecord- recording on a new tape, a number is transport controls, but the Video Navigation ed HDTV is to view movies, and when stored on the tape that corresponds to the screen didn’t provide chapters to automati- watching with friends that is usually a linear information saved in the recorder’s memory. cally locate the six sections. The audio was experience. We start at the beginning and When a new program begins recording, a with matrix-encoding for Pro view until the end. It beats the local cinema, navigation screen entry is made for that Logic® playback. The video quality was out- because you can stop in the middle for tape, which includes the date and time of standing, and I’ll return to that in a moment. more popcorn or a comfort break. the recording. Later you can enter or edit a The second tape, Motley Crüe—Lewd, title for the tape, and a title for each pro- Crüed & Tattooed (see review), came in Video Navigation— gram recorded on the tape. The information what appeared to be finished packaging. Prerecorded Tapes to edit is selected from menus, so the spe- While this tape doesn’t demonstrate the ulti- cific tape doesn’t have to be in the machine mate video quality of D-Theater, it clearly The Video Navigation function is a key while editing. One menu feature lists all of differentiates the format from DVD. I com-

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pared the D-Theater tape to the DVD ver- VM700T. the DVR-7000 i.Link output converts the sion of the same live concert. Both were One of the most noticeable differences DVD MPEG compressed video to baseband recorded in 5.1-channel Dolby Digital. The between digital video and conventional VCR digital video and then to DV video, which is DVD was simply blurry by comparison. The recording is the higher video noise on analog another digital video compression format. strings on the lead guitar were often not VCR recordings. Measured noise levels are The JVC recorder converts the incoming DV visually distinguishable on the DVD, when shown in Table 1. The larger the negative video to baseband digital video, and then they were clearly visible on the tape. Long number the better. Levels of -60 dB are essen- back to MPEG-compressed video for distance shots of the crowd were soft and tially invisible to the eye. Most DVD players recording. Although the data always remains suffered from edge enhancement on the have luma and chroma noise levels between digital, the extra conversions produce addi- DVD. Conversely, faces were clear on the -60 dB and -75 dB, but some are even better. tional compression artifacts. HD tape, and if you were in Salt Lake City The best LaserDisc players had luma noise When DV video is transferred across the for the original concert, I’ sure you would levels between -50 dB and -53 dB, and chroma i.Link interface, only the STD and LS3 easily recognize others that were there. The noise levels between about -45 dB and -53 recording modes can be used. I recorded writing on signs that sometimes could not dB. None of these measurements include the sequence using both modes. The STD be read on the DVD was perfectly clear on MPEG noise artifacts, which are not random recording mode was clearly superior to the the D-Theater tape. and depend instead on the image content. LS3 mode. In the STD mode, there was only None of this was a surprise. DVD doesn’t Video noise levels when recording digital subtle picture degradation in a few difficult come close to matching the picture defini- signals were in the same range as DVD video images. There was a small increase in tion of HDTV. In this case, the D-Theater for- players, and invisible to the eye. Test signals mosquito noise in areas that already had mat reveals some of the limitations of the recorded from the S-video interface picked minor mosquito noise on the DVD, and a original source. HDTV is unmerciful in up a small amount of noise in the analog slight color smearing in a few areas. Unless exposing less-than-perfect camera focus, circuits or during analog-to-digital conver- you were looking for problems, I doubt you and hand-held cameras making dizzying sion. But the noise when digitally recording would see them. In the LS3 mode, there was movements, coupled with a smoky haze analog S-video signals was excellent and significantly more mosquito noise in addi- from stage effects won’t exercise the ulti- unlikely to be visible on most recordings. tional picture areas along with some block- mate of the format. The HM-DH30000U also performs quite well edge noise. Color smearing was slightly The JVC D-Theater demo tape was an as an analog recorder in the S-VHS SP more obvious in some areas. Picture degra- excellent example of the format’s picture recording mode, but you can see some dation would have been noticeable even if I quality. The picture definition was equal or noise in analog recordings. hadn't been specifically looking for it. better than anything I have seen on terrestri- Another major difference between analog Next, the analog S-video output was al or satellite HDTV. The detail and textures and digital recording is the video frequency recorded using the 28.2 Mbps HS mode. reminded me of my best 35mm slides. The response, which determines the horizontal The resulting picture was virtually indistin- color was often brilliant, but never appeared picture resolution. (Table 2) The frequency guishable from the input. This was clearly unnatural. I’ve watched a great deal of response of the HM-DH30000U when digi- the best recording combination and it still HDTV, but I still continue to be amazed by tally recording standard-definition signals provides 3.5 hours of recording on one cas- the difference in color resolution between from the i.Link interface, or the S-video sette. The STD mode was next and it was high-definition TV and DVD. Small details, input, is about the same as an average DVD also quite good. Only a very minor amount which would be dull or even colorless on player. But when S-video signals are record- of mosquito noise was added to areas that DVD, are rendered in vivid color on HDTV. ed using analog S-VHS recording there is a already exhibited some MPEG noise. This This ability alone produces a realism that is major loss in high-frequency response (and illustrated the cascading effect of second- lacking in any standard-definition format. therefore resolution), which is to be expect- generation MPEG encoding. (The video had The only slight flaw I noticed on the JVC ed for analog VCR recording. been encoded and decoded once for the demo tape were some odd jaggies and DVD and a second time for the tape.) I moiré on a few scenes shot in Japan. Those From Tape To Screen recorded some additional analog video from artifacts didn’t appear anywhere else on the a LaserDisc, which produced virtually no tape, which made me wonder if that segment In order to make a visual evaluation of MPEG artifacts at the 14.1 Mbps rate. had been converted from another HDTV for- recording quality, I recorded a complex six- Next I compared the same video record- mat. The picture was superb everywhere minute sequence of DVD video using each ed at the 4.7 Mbps LS3 rate. This time, sig- else. The Dolby Digital Pro Logic-decoded of the HM-DH30000U recording modes. I nificant artifacts were added to the picture soundtrack was excellent, and a better evaluated each sequence using a Runco in the form of mosquito noise and block- example of music than the IDP-980 Ultra projector with an 89-inch wide edge noise. I would estimate that the pic- live concert tape. Stewart Filmscreen. The 480i sequences ture degradation would be visible to most were projected as interlaced video without a critical viewers. I wouldn't use this mode for From Tape To scaler to avoid any deinterlacing or scaler second-generation MPEG recording, but it Instruments artifacts from interfering with the picture could be used effectively for most routine evaluation. An Altinex (www.altinex.com) analog TV broadcasts. I had limited time with the JVC D-VHS TR6102HD Transcoder was used to convert The S-VHS SP recording was evaluated recorder, so I only measured its recording the YPbPr output of the HM-DH30000U to next. The picture was noticeably softer than performance in three configurations—D-VHS RGBHV to drive the Runco projector. the digital recordings, but of course there STD mode using the digital i.Link interface, My first two recordings used the i.Link were no additional second-generation MPEG D-VHS STD mode using an analog S-video interface to transfer digital video and audio artifacts since this was an analog recording. input, and S-VHS SP recording (on a D-VHS between a Pioneer DVR-7000 DVD recorder In fact, the softer picture rendered some of cassette) using the S-video input. and the JVC HM-DH30000U D-VHS recorder. the MPEG artifacts from the original DVD Measurements were made using a Tektronix This is not an ideal combination because invisible. The loss of color resolution was

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significant, which dulled the vividness of the resuming normal play on the digitally recorded pricing structure for high-definition movies, picture and removed some color detail. Luma tapes. It also took 97 seconds to rewind one and the knowledge that within a few years noise was visible in some images, and some hour of playing time on the JVC demo tape. they will probably want to buy the same chroma noise was visible. But overall it was Although rewinding a tape or searching HDTV titles over again on HD-DVD? That, I an excellent recording for analog S-VHS. for a particular scene may seem agonizingly think is the question. As always the market Finally, I compared the EP mode. The pic- slow compared to DVD, just try to rewind or will vote with their dollars. But I know I’ll ture was even softer and noise levels were stop your HDTV satellite or digital terrestrial soon be clearing off a shelf to start collect- slightly higher. But it still would have been broadcasts. Of course you can’t. Nor can you ing my library of D-Theater movies. useful when longer recording times were chose the day and time you want to watch a required on an analog tape. But unless ana- particular high-definition movie, which you JVC HM-DH30000U log recordings are required for compatibility can do with a D-Theater tape library. D-VHS D-Theater VCR reasons, there is no reason to use this mode or the SP analog mode either. The digital It’s More Than HDTV • Digital set-top box ready with Digital-to-Digital l connection via i.Link (IEEE 1394) terminal recording modes are far superior and pro- • HDTV Digital Broadcast Bitstream Recording/ vide even more recording time. The JVC HM-DH30000U isn’t only about Playback HDTV. This recorder also provides superb • Built-in MPEG2 Decoder for Direct Connection The Tale Of The Tape standard-definition digital recording quality to HDTV that is far superior to anything available • Record Any Type of Broadcast including HD, SD or Analog There is no escaping the fact that this is from an analog VCR. So if you keep a • HS mode (28.2 Mbps) for up to 4 hours* HDTV . On a couple of occasions I library of programming from satellite or ter- recording experienced “dropouts” while viewing the restrial broadcasts, switching to digital tape STD Mode (14.1 Mbps) for up to 8 hours* JVC demo tape, in the form of a second or will greatly improve picture quality and even SD recording so of silence and usually a momentarily save some space. Also the Video Navigation LS3 Mode (4.7 Mbps) for up to 24 hours* long-time recording frozen image or a short burst of MPEG features provide some wonderful tools that *Per DF-480 cassette blocks. But surprisingly the defects were will make creating your library easier. • D-VHS (HS, STD, LS3) S-VHS (SP, EP) S-VHS ET never repeatable on that tape. Each time I (SP, EP) would rewind past the suspected “dropout” D-Theater Or Not • HiFi VHS (SP, EP) VHS (SP, EP) and play the same section again with no dif- D-Theater? • Full-Spec HDTV Compatible (with all 18 ATSC broadcasting formats) ficulty. On several other occasions I played • DigiPure Technology for high resolution analog the entire demo tape without any “dropouts,” After becoming spoiled by the operational recording and playback and I never experienced any problems with features of DVD technology, it was a shock • 5.1 Dolby Digital Output (optical) the Motley Crüe tape. to return to tape. But there simply are no • 2 channel Linear PCM Audio Output capability However, one of the six-minute record- other current alternatives for prerecorded • 1080i, 720P, 480P and 480i ings that I made had three dropouts that HDTV programming, and I believe political • 3 Sets of AV inputs • 3 S-Video inputs were repeatable every time I replayed the and economic issues still put a high-defini- • 2 Sets of AV outputs tape. The picture would freeze and the tion DVD introduction three to five years away. • 2 S-Video Outputs sound would become silent for a second or Even though D-VHS is a step back in • 1 Component Video Output (YPbPr) so. But I never experienced dropouts any- operating convenience, it is a giant leap for- • 1 x Optical Digital Output where else on that tape. ward in accessible video quality and the • 2 x I.Link Terminal (IEEE 1394), DV input only for camcorders This recorder wouldn’t be ideal for precision ability to choose what and when we watch • Front Inputs ( AV, S-Video, i.Link ) D-VHS editing applications. When the pause HDTV. If convenience were the only tradeoff, • Video Navigation- Tape Number, Record date control is pressed the tape stops immediately. I’m certain this new format would be a and Category sorting But when play is pressed again, the picture tremendous success. But will videophiles • D-Theater compliant with the advanced D-VHS jumps forward three to four seconds before also accept a return to a LaserDisc-like security system • Frame Synchronizer for pristine analog-to-digital dubs Table 1 • MTS Decoder for SAP programs JVC HM-DH30000U Recording Noise Measurements • VCR Plus+ with provided cable box controller YPbPr S-video • Express Programming Y Pb Pr Y Chroma AM Chroma PM • Plug and Play for automatic tuner and clock * 2.5 MHz 2.5 MHz * 100 - 1 MHz 100 - 1 MHz set-up i.Link D-VHS STD -74 -78 -78 -71 -60 -57 • 1-year / 24-event programmable timer S-video D-VHS STD -50 -51 -53 -50 -50 -52 • Av Compu Link S-video S-VHS SP -45 -47 -50 -45 -46 -42 • Multi-Brand TV Compatible Jog/Shuttle Remote * = Unweighted Control • 90 days labor and 1 year parts Table 2 • Weight (In Pounds): 13.3 JVC HM-DH30000U Recording Frequency Response • Dimensions (WHD): 17-15/16 x 4-3/16 x 13-5/8 • Price: $1,999.95 0.5 MHz 1.0 MHz 2.0 MHz 3.0 MHz 4.1 MHz 5 MHz YPbPr Manufactured In Japan By i.Link D-VHS STD 0.0 -0.2 -0.7 -1.5 -3.0 -4.2 Victor Company Of Japan, Ltd. For: S-video D-VHS STD -0.3 -0.3 -0.6 -1.0 -2.1 -4.6 S-video S-VHS SP -0.7 -1.7 -4.9 -6.1 -9.0 -18.0 JVC Company Of America S-video 1700 Valley Road i.Link D-VHS STD -0.2 -0.4 -0.7 -1.5 -2.8 -4.2 Wayne, New Jersey 07470 S-video D-VHS STD -0.4 -0.5 -0.7 -0.9 -2.0 -4.6 Tel: 973 315 5000 / Fax 973 317 5000 S-video S-VHS SP -0.9 -1.9 -4.8 -6.1 -9.0 -18.0 www..com

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