The DMR-E100H will be available in August at an MSRP of $1199.95. Also announced is the SC-HT1000 Recordable DVD Home Theater Sound System, which will join Panasonic's DVD-RAM family this fall at an MSRP of $999.95.

One DMR-E100H feature is that it can record MPEG4 image data at the same time it is recording MPEG2 data to the hard disk. The DMR-E100H can also transfer MPEG data to an SD Memory Card at high speeds for storage or for use in other devices. For example, you could transfer a recorded TV program from the DMR-E100H to an SD Memory Card and then use a compatible digital video camcorder/camera to view the program away from your home. In addition, MPEG4 or MPEG2 data recorded by such devices can be transferred to the DMR-E100H via an SD Memory Card for editing or storage on the hard disk. The DMR-E100H can also convert MPEG2 data to MPEG4 and copy it onto an SD Memory Card in a single step.

One touch of a button records data from the DMR-E100H's hard disk drive to a DVD-RAM or DVD-R disc at high speeds. Recording goes at a quick 12x normal speed to a DVD-RAM disc or 24x normal speed to DVD-R (both in EP mode). For example, a one-hour program can be recorded to DVD-RAM in just 5 minutes or to DVD-R in just 2.5 minutes. Recording from a DVD-RAM disc to the DMR-E100H hard disk drive is also possible.

The DMR-E100H lets users view a previously recorded program from a DVD-RAM disc or the hard disk drive while simultaneously recording a different program. With Chasing Playback, users can also view the recorded portion of a live program, from the beginning, while continuing to record that program until its completion. The Time Slip feature also allows viewers to replay a scene recorded 30 seconds earlier without disrupting the recording process.

The DMR-E100H offers a variety of other useful and convenient functions.

Auto Renewal Recording, a PVR-like function, lets users automatically record a favorite show every day or every week onto the hard disk or DVD-RAM disc.

Creating an original video on DVD is simple with the DMR-E100H. Using the DV input terminal and DV cable, images can be recorded from a digital camcorder directly to the hard disk drive or a DVD-RAM or DVD-R disc. To make editing easier, the DV Automatic Recording mode creates a playlist, which consists of a sequence of thumbnail still images each representing a different scene.

Thumbnail display of contents is also possible for recording to a DVD-RAM or DVD-R disc. Since each scene is displayed with a thumbnail image, it's easy for users to select the sequence of scenes they want to play back.

The DMR-E100H also features Progressive Scan, which ensures optimum picture quality when viewing DVD movies.

The DVD video recording technology used in the DMR-E100H complies with the DVD-RAM recording formats standardized by the DVD Forum. DVD-RAM provides a single format for computer and video-based applications. The format offers high storage capacity on removable media, high-speed data transmission, exceptional picture and sound quality, fast random-access memory, and rewritability up to 100,000 times.