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By: Richard Del Cazzo
Web site: http://www.hdtv-hdtv.com
High definition receiver: Sony Electronics today unveiled
the SAT-HD200 set-top box, an advanced DIRECTV® high definition
receiver featuring multiple format modes, keyword search,
favorite channel list, 20-event reminder, and program guide
from DIRECTV service1.
The new high definition receiver also incorporates a Digital
Visual Interface (DVI-HDTV) connection that allows uncompressed
digital video to be delivered to the growing number of TVs
compatible with the High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection
(HDCP) specification.
With its built-in, all-format ATSC, standard NTSC, and DIRECTV
satellite tuners, the high definition receiver delivers over-the-air
digital and analog antenna, cable and satellite television
broadcasts. The fully integrated receiver can also deliver
both DIRECTV high-definition and DIRECTV standard-definition
programming content, providing viewers access to hundreds
of channels of entertainment programming, including movies,
sports, news, music, and special events.
The SAT-HD200 high definition receiver features multiple
format modes that can be selected from the remote control
and front panel display to best reproduce the original broadcast
on a wide variety of television models. It handles multiple
conversion of all 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i broadcast formats,
and implements three variable settings that can automatically
change the format depending on the original broadcast signal.
One of the multiple format modes is the Auto DVI setting
that allows automatic format change depending on the DVI-HDTV
enabled television set. DVI-HDTV is a secure digital interface
that delivers encrypted, high-quality digital video in an
uncompressed format to DVI-HDTV equipped sets.
"This new high definition receiver set-top box is a
versatile HD solution that can accommodate any high-definition
source for display," said Tim Alessi, director of marketing
for Sony Electronics' Visual Network Products Division. "It
includes the widely used standard analog and high-definition
outputs, as well as the DVI-HDTV digital interface. The SAT-HD200
is a perfect complement to our new Hi-Scan® television
sets."
The SAT-HD200 high definition receiver's versatile connectivity
also includes HD component (Y/PB/PR) and RGB video outputs
for easy connection and viewing on a wide variety of high-definition
TVs and monitors. In addition, it features an S-Video, two
composite video and a RF output for connection to conventional
television sets and recording devices.
The new high definition receiver also incorporates an Advanced
Program Guide™ from DIRECTV for simple organization
of programming choices. The integrated guide quickly and seamlessly
displays all standard digital and high-definition DIRECTV
programming, as well as terrestrial and cable programming
while video and audio continue in the background.
The high definition receiver's host of convenience features
include: a VFD window on the unit's front panel for easy reference
of channel numbers and current output format settings, a keyword
search for fast and easy finding of programs, a favorite channel
list of up to 50 channels, and a 20-event reminder function.
Also available right from the remote control are up to 8 wide
mode aspect ratio settings, and a signal strength meter.
Housed in a stylish brushed silver chassis to complement
Sony's latest line of FD Trinitron® WEGA® flat-screen
direct view and rear projection television sets, the SAT-HD200
high definition receiver set-top box will be available in
September for about $900.
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