Toshiba Adds Innovative Products to DVR Line-up
(For the Japanese market only)

9 June, 2004

TOKYO -- Toshiba Corporation today announced two new digital video recorders (DVR) integrating a DVD recorder and hard disk drive (HDD) and able to record two television programs simultaneously to the hard drive. The RD-XS53 and RD-XS43 both feature a multi-drive DVD recorder and high capacity HDD and support remote programming via the Internet. They will be launched in the Japanese market on August 1, with an open price.

Digital video recorders incorporating a DVD recorder and HDD offer viewers the freedom to record hundreds of hours of programs to HDD, to edit programs saved to the HDD, to save the favorites to DVD and build a program library, and even allow viewers to watch a program after it has started and during recording. Toshiba's new DVRs now integrate dual MPEG2 encoders and tuners for terrestrial analog broadcasts, allowing two programs to be recorded at the same time. As the both programs can be saved to the HDD, management and editing are available after recording. This distinctive feature allows family members to record different programs simultaneously, enabling high-quality recording of different TV programs such as sports events – without any concern about the length of the program.

The versatility of the new models is further enhanced by internet connectivity via "Net de Navi^®" software. This supports remote programming of the DVR from a PC, PDA or cellular phone. Once a program is recorded, it can be saved into any one of 24 folders, a newly integrated function that allows viewers to set categories for program libraries and management. The new recorders also integrate DEPG^TM, Toshiba's proprietary advanced electronic program guide. By connecting the recorder to a broadband Internet, viewers can download an on-screen program guide form which they can simply select programs that they want to record. The key operating functions are all controlled via a simple menu screen that assures stress-free operation, even for new users.

The RD-XS53 has a 320GB HDD supporting up to 570 hours of digital recording and can interface with and control an external tuner for SKY PerfecTV!, the digital satellite broadcasting service provided by SKY Perfect Communications Inc. in Japan. The RD-XS43 incorporates a 250GB HDD that supports up to 445 hours of digital recording. Both DVRs integrate a multi-drive that supports DVD-RAM, DVD-RW and DVD-R discs.

Other key features of the new models include enhanced recording quality, thanks to integration of Toshiba's new "RD Engine W"; support for the MN1.0 recording mode that allows sustained recording at a video bit rate of 1.0Mbps; and high-speed dubbing from the HDD to the DVD at up to approximately 32x standard speed.

As the pioneer in DVD players and recorders, Toshiba created a new market in April 2001 when it took the initiative in combining a HDD with a DVD video recorder for the first time in the RD-2000. Successive model introductions have refined the concept. The RD-XS40, introduced in December 2002, was the world's first DVR with internet connectivity; 2003's RD-XS31 brought the multi-drive to DVR, introducing support for DVD-RAM, DVD-RW and DVD-R discs and providing consumers with a hassle-free solution and more flexibility in their home recording and viewing choices. With digital broadcasting ushering in an enormous increase in program channels, there is a growing need for longer and multiple recording without concerns for limitation of recording time or recording quality. The newly introduced RD-XS53 and RD-XS43 meet these requirements and are expected to promote further market expansion.

DVRs integrating a DVD video recorder with an HDD have emerged as the clear product of choice in the home video market, and currently account for some 70% of products shipped in the Japanese market. Toshiba will continue its leadership and innovation in the DVD marketplace.

Note:
Maximum digital recording times described here are based on recording mode of MN1.0 in video (1.0Mbps bit rate) and M1 in audio. The maximum consecutive recording time to the HDD is nine hours. The HDD is able to store up to 396 titles, and up to 99 titles can be recorded to a DVD disc. Once the maximum number of titles has been recorded, the DVRs cannot record more programs, even if the HDD or DVD disc still has remaining capacity.