New Models Feature Digital Sound Effects (MP3), Video Clip Functions And Removable Media Card

WAYNE, NJ (Sept. 12, 2000) -- JVC introduced two new digital video cameras today, the GR-DVM90 and GR-DVM80. These two additions join JVC's fleet of small digital camcorders -- weighing under 1 pound (approx. 435g), and loaded with special video, snapshot and sound effects, 2.5" color LCD monitor, and DV input/output (i.Link/Firewire, IEEE1394 compliant) for digital multimedia system integration.

Pro-Style Features
The GR-DVM90 offers high resolution DV moving images and XGA (1024x768) digital stills -- plus downloadable digital sound effects, and built-in Auto Flash with red-eye reduction. On the GR-DVM90 and its sister Digital DualCam the GR-DVM80, the 2.5-inch LCD monitor has 180% tilt; on-screen menus, digital effects (including sepia, black & white, classic film, cinema, strobe, twilight, slow shutter, variable-speed shutter and video echo) and scene transitions (faders, wipes, and dissolves).

Progressive Scan Promises Superior Images
The GR-DVM90 and GR-DVM80 Digital CyberCams incorporate a wide array of advanced picture-improvement technologies that work in combination to ensure high image quality. These include progressive CCD, progressive color filter and high-band processor which together yield images with high resolution in the Progressive mode (520 lines horizontal x 480 lines vertical).

A 680,000-pixel progressive scan CCD records an entire frame in one scan. In contrast, most video cameras which use an interlace scan system to record half a frame (one field) at a time. The full-frame capture eliminates the gap between fields and reduces blur and artifacts. When combined with JVC's progressive color filter, a pure signal is generated from each scanning line, boosting the vertical resolution up to 480 lines (in progressive mode) and increasing sensitivity to a much higher level. The high-band processor gives the camera the ability to calculate and restore luminance that would be lost in conventional processing, helping the camera achieve 520 lines of horizontal resolution.

Progressive Mode Recording
Because of its Progressive design, both new Digital CyberCams (GR-DVM90 and GR-DVM80) are actually taking 30 high-resolution still-frame pictures every second -- just like a high-speed motor drive on a still camera. The progressive scan CCD captures a complete frame without motion blur, and each and every frame can be frozen in playback for downloading of favorite images on a computer or printer. This incredible functionality lets users get as many as 100,000 high-quality shots on a single 60-minute DV tape!

Dual-Shooting Mode
On JVC's flagship GR-DVM90, a removable MultiMedia card (MMC) allows users to shoot motion video and still pictures simultaneously. The camera offers a DV in/out terminal (i.LINK: 1394IEEE compliant) for downloading images to PCs or other DV-compatible electronics and for online editing.

Using the "Snapshot" button, customers can easily capture a still picture on the MultiMediaCard while motion video continues to record on tape. These HG Pro-Snapshots can be taken in a wide variety of styles such as Full-screen, Pin-up, 4- and 9-frame multi-picture, and rapid Motor Drive shooting of consecutive shots -- stored on the MultiMedia Card and recorded on video tape simultaneously. When recorded on tape, a shutter-like "click" sound effect is added to the recording for creative impact.

Download digital stills with the HG Pro-Snapshot function on a DV cassette or on a removable MultiMedia Card, which in turn can be used to simply upload those stills to a PC (via PC Card Adapter to be made available at a later date). Images on the card can be stored at a VGA (640x480) or the higher XGA resolution (1024x 768) to provide superior printing results similar to that of a conventional Digital Still Camera. The 8MB MultiMedia Card supplied with the unit holds a "library" of 24 to 155 shots (depending on the resolution setting that's chosen) for many hours of enjoyment.

The GR-DVM90 is currently available at a list price of $1699. The GR-DVM80 is currently available at a list price of $1499.

For additional information on JVC's Video products, visit JVC's web site at http://www.jvc.com/.