New Toshiba DVD Recorders Announced

[JK27]

Toshiba displayed their entire line of recorders at CES 2005. New models include the following:

RD-XS34: DVD Recorder with recording and playback of DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD-RW, 160GB HDD, DV input;

D-VR4: DVD recorder with a 4 Head Hi Fi VCR, Bi-Directional dubbing between DVD and VCR and four different recording modes;

D-R4: DVD Recorder which will offer recording and playback of DVD-RAM, DVD-RW or DVD-R media.

Release dates and prices: D-R4 ($249.99, March 05); D-VR4 ($349.99, March 05); RD-XS34 ($499.99, March 05)

At CES, Toshiba also displayed 2 current DVD recorders with TIVO: the RS-TX20 with 120GB hard disc drive (up to 140 hours of recording time) and the RS-TX60 with 160GB hard disc drive (up to 200 hours of recording time). Both are currently available for purchase.

More info here: http://www.dvdrecorderworld.com/news/145

If the Japanese version of the RD-XS34 is the same as the U.S. version, this may include an ethernet connection. Take a look at the picture of the rear of the RD-XS34, port 2. Interesting! The remote also looks improved, with an LCD readout.

[lordsmurf]

Let's hope they finally fixed the IRE problems.

[Rosco]

I wouldn't be money on it.

[Synergy]

The RD-XS34 for North America bears no resemblance to its Japanese cousin, see the photo from CES:

http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050108/ces06_04.jpg

Apparently Toshiba, like Panasonic, Pioneer and others, finally designed models specific for the North American market instead of just adapting their domestic models. Ethernet connection for a $500 recorder? not a chance. How about fixing the IRE setting first? Looks like every major manufacturer is adding TV Guide EPG though.

[JK27]

The RD-XS34 for North America bears no resemblance to its Japanese cousin, see the photo from CES:

http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050108/ces06_04.jpg

Apparently Toshiba, like Panasonic, Pioneer and others, finally designed models specific for the North American market instead of just adapting their domestic models. Ethernet connection for a $500 recorder? not a chance. How about fixing the IRE setting first? Looks like every major manufacturer is adding TV Guide EPG though.

Thanks for the pic. Any pics of the rear of the unit? Thanks.

[oldfart13]

The Toshiba D-R4 has shown up at The Real Canadian Superstore for $300CAD. No other details yet. I am real suspect of the Superstores prices though. They had the Liteon 5005s at $250 discounted from $271 and said they were discontinuted when I can buy any number of them from Wal-Mart a couple blocks away for $198CAD!