November 30, 1999 --

CHICAGO - A new digital 512-channel scanner will take center stage in the ultrasound section of Toshiba America Medical Systems' booth at this week's RSNA show. The new scanner, called PowerVision 8000, will be the Tustin, CA company's offering in the competitive super-premium ultrasound segment. The system first debuted at the American Heart Association meeting in November.

PowerVision 8000 doubles the number of channels found in the company's previous high-end offering, the 256-channel PowerVision 7000. The improvements give the new scanner a better dynamic range (175 dB) and better resolution than its predecessor, according to the company. PowerVision 7000 will be retired from the company's lineup.

Offered as an option to PowerVision 8000 is PowerView, Toshiba's advanced imaging package. The work-in-progress package includes support for all seven DICOM connectivity service classes, as well as well as 3-D imaging for radiology and cardiology applications. PowerVision 8000 has received Food and Drug Administration clearance and should begin shipping in the next several months.