Evesham approaches HD-quality for standard discs

Evesham has launched a DVD player that can boost ordinary films to what it claims is near high-definition quality.

Using the DVD1000's HDMI connector, users will get a direct digital connection to a HD-ready TV and thus, films on standard DVD discs should look more impressive in terms of picture quality.

The DVD1000 will also work with existing TVs for users who haven't yet upgraded to an HD-ready TV. It will play DVDs bought from any part of the world and also supports mp3, Jpeg and DivX playback for watching downloaded films.

The company has also launched the PVR160 Twin Tuner Personal Video Recorder. A combined digital terrestrial/Freeview receiver and digital video recorder, it enables users to access all free-to-air digital TV channels and radio stations, as well as record, rewind and pause live TV.

It features a full 7-day electronic programme guide (EPG), which lists information about upcoming TV scheduling. The PVR160 can be programmed to record favourite shows once or continually until the 160GB hard drive is filled up, which should be after about 80 hours.

The 'timeshift' function allows users to control live TV. It automatically records the last 30 minutes of a programme so users can pause and rewind a live broadcast. It can also record from one channel whilst the user is watching another.

The DVD1000 and PVR160 are both available now, priced at £70 and £150 respectively.