Philips has announced plans to launch Australia's first stand alone DVD-RW Video Recorder, the DVR1000, in October this year. The Netherlands-based electronics manufacturer, which expects DVR to replace VCR technology as the Australian visual entertainment technology of choice within 3 years, began a series of demonstrations of the DVR1000 in Brisbane today.
"The launch of the DVD-Recorder (DVR1000) later this year spells the beginning of the end for the trusty VCR in the lounge rooms of Australians", said Philips marketing manager, Jonathon Wight.
Philips optimism for DVD-RW technology and the DVR1000 is based on the current popularity of DVD players. "DVD was launched in 1997, and since then almost 500,000 DVD players have been purchased, which is a phenomenal penetration rate for a new technology", said Wight.
David Wolf of Philips corporate communications says that VCR technology will actually assist DVR in reaching its adoption rate. "This is push button recording technology, people are used to the concept."
Presently DVD players can be purchased for around AU$400-500 while the DVR1000 is expected to retail for $AU6559, but Philips still doesn't expect this to impede the technology's progress in the living room.
"It won't stay at $AU6000 for three years," said Wolf "the current price covers initial set-up costs for getting the technology into the country."
Philips' announcement arrives soon after Pioneer's release of the DVR-A03--the first DVD-R made available to Australian consumers for under AU$2100.
