Panasonic promises longer DVD-DVR recording, 120GB vs. 80GB

The consumer-electronics maker said on Monday that its DMR-E100H device will feature a hard-drive capacity of 120GB, compared with a maximum of 80GB in earlier DVD-DVR hybrids. The device, set for release in August at a price of about $ 1,200 (£738), allows people to record live television shows to either the hard drive or to a DVD-RAM or DVD-R disc.

Panasonic, a North American unit of Japanese giant Matsushita, was among the first consumer-electronics makers to develop a combination DVD and DVR recorder. Its early move allowed it to become the leading seller of DVD recorders in the consumer-electronics market.

Key competitors in that niche include Philips and Pioneer. But unlike its rivals, Panasonic is backing older formats, DVD-RAM/-R. The others are pushing the DVD-RW/-R formats.

"No one else is pushing (DVD)-RAM, but Panasonic has the largest share for DVD recorders in the consumer-electronics market," said Danielle Levitas, an analyst with research firm IDC. Buyers will eventually decide which format will win, she added, pointing out that Japanese consumer electronics makers are supporting DVD-RW.

By the winter holidays, there will be many more products using dual-format, DVD+RW and DVD-RW, technology, Levitas predicted.