All prices in U.S. dollars unless otherwise specified.
Replay TV 2000
 Synopsis of Product / Unique Features: The ReplayTV is a VCR-like device that continually records the incoming TV signal on an internal hard drive, allowing you to create your own programming on demand. Pause, rewind and fast forward can be initiated in real time during a television broadcast. Replay TV is offering their Replay Network Service which allows you to search a channel guide and record shows based on search criteria. Create your personal profile by letting Replay TV know what your favorite and shows and actors. It will search the database daily and find programming that fits your profile and automatically download it onto the hard drive. Come home from an eveing out and your program is ready to watch.
There are three different configurations allowing from 6 to 28 hours of digital storage space. Plus, the Replay 2000 comes standard with two IEEE-1394 Firewire ports for additional storage space.
Price: Basic fee is $699 for the 6 hr hard drive. Built-in to the price is a life-time subscription to Replay TVs program guide.
Currently Available.
Meridian Lossless Packing (MLP)
 Synopsis of Product / Unique Features: MLP or Meridian Lossless Packing is a bit for bit lossless compression algorithm that comes just in time to ensure maximum bandwidth for DVD-Audio. MLP is being licensed by Dolby Labs. This compression scheme saves up to 50% storage space without any loss of data. A compression scheme of this caliber is necessary so that the additional bandwidth of 24-bit, 6-channel DVD-Audio discs doesn't reduce the playing time below a CD's average 74 minutes.
Digital Harmony
 Synopsis: This company took the open standard originally developed by Apple and turned it into a viable and rapidly accepted networking format in the A/V industry. Companies such as Sony, Denon, Meridian, Phast, Monster Cable and California Audio Labs are embracing this IEEE 1394 standard, otherwise known as Firewire. It allows digital audio, video and control signals to be sent via a single cable. Even long runs do not interfere with the signal. Even speakers, such as Meridian's digital loudspeaker canbe connected via Firewire. The clutter of multiple A/V hookups will soon be obsolete.
THX
 Synopsis: The THX Home Program has become so successful and recognized over the years. The program has been further refined into two distinct categories. THX Ultra is honored to those products meeting the original Home THX specification and includes many top-of-the-line A/V controllers, receivers, amplifiers and speaker systems. The new designation of THX select is a special set of performance standards for mid-priced receivers and speakers that will primarily be used in smaller listening areas. THX also announced a new specification for THX certification of VHS videocassette recorders. In conjunction with the THX Digital Mastering Program that monitors the quality of VHS software, this new spec establishes a higher standard for VHS recorders.
Tivo
 Synopsis of Product / Unique Features: In a joint venture with Philips and DirectTV, Tivo has introduced personal TV. Live broadcast (including cable and satellite) can be paused, fast forwarded and rewound. You'll never miss that last touchdown pass again. Tivo also provides extensive programming and recording features. It learns what you like to watch and starts building a profile. It will even start to make suggestions. Let Tivo know your favorite shows and it will search the constantly updated database (via modem) and automatically record them for you. It will be waiting for you when you get home. There are three hard drive storage sizes-- 10 hours for $499, 20 hours and 40 hours. The latter two have not been priced. Tivo charges a fee of $9.95 a month to download from their program guide.
Availability: Spring 1999 in Japan
DTS releases 7 highly anticipated DVD titles
 Synopsis of Product / Unique Features: The first DTS-encoded DVD titles from Universal Pictures will the shelves in January. Expect at least 5 to 6 new titles a month for a while, though its expected that DTS-encoded titles will soon be rolling out as fast as their Dolby Digital counterparts.
Dolby Digital HDTV demonstration
Synopsis of Demonstration: Dolby demonstrated Dolby Digital for HDTV broadcasts using a variety of local and network HDTV broadcasts as well as several movie clips for an extraordinary preview of the next generation of TV viewing.
Dolby also introduced a new technology: "Dolby Headphones" allows the user to hear full 5.1 channel surround with headphones on a variety of sources, including DVD, PC games, CD's and satellite broadcasts.
Sony Audio CD Prototype
Synopsis of Product / Unique Features: DSD or Direct Stream Digital is Sony's answer to the next phase of audio CD technology. It incorporates a 1-bit recording process that uses an unusually high sampling rate of 2.82mHz to achieve a 100kHz frequency response and a dynamic range over 120dB. Initially, this is a two-channel format but it will expand as a multi-channel format as the technology progresses.
Availability: Spring 1999 in Japan
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