Toshiba's Third Generation HD DVD Players

Toshiba follows up their 2nd generation HD DVD players, announcing new third generation of HD DVD players that are headed for the U.S. market this Fall. The three new models include the HD-A3 ($299.99, October 2007), HD-A30 ($399.99, September 2007), and HD-A35 ($499.99, October 2007) all featuring new enhancements and an improvement in video performance with 1080p/24 frames per second (24p) support. Since Movie films are traditionally captured at 24 frames per second, these new Toshiba third generation HD DVD players will be able to maintain this frame rate which should making for an even better HD viewing experience. Toshiba also added "CE-Link" (HDMI-CEC) connectivity which offers the capability to communicate with and control another CE device, for example using "CE-Link" with "One Touch Play" allows you to turn on a CEC capable HDTV and a Toshiba HD DVD player, and start playing a movie, with a single touch of a button on the player remote.

Toshiba Third Generation HD DVD Models    

Toshiba's third generation family starts with the entry level HD-A3 player featuring 1080i output capability. The other two new models, Toshiba's HD-A30 and HD-A35, will output 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080p), the highest HD signal currently available. Both models are capable of outputing signals at 1080p/24 frames per second so consumers can enjoy movies in their native frame rate. The HD-A30 and HD-A35 models also feature "CE-Link" (HDMI-CEC), allowing two- way control between the HD DVD player and a TV through an HDMI connection.    

The top-of-the-line HD-A35 also adds support for Deep Color via HDMI allowing compatible display devices to deliver outstanding video quality - displaying millions of possible colors to billions of possible colors. Additionally, the HD-A35 offers 5.1 channel analog output and High Bit Rate Audio (up to 7.1 channel) via HDMI. With content encoded in 7.1ch, this advanced surround sound is achieved through the HDMI connection bypassing the player's internal audio processor and sending the signal to a 7.1 capable A/V receiver. High Bit Rate Audio will allow the consumer to integrate the HD-A35 with the latest multi-channel A/V receivers and enjoy a whole new dimension of high definition home entertainment.    

All of Toshiba's third generation HD DVD players are refined with new cosmetic designs. Rounded edges, slim chassis (only 59.5 mm - nearly half as tall as first generation players) and high gloss, black acrylic face plates create very sleek devices - a perfect complement to Toshiba's award winning REGZA(R) HD LCD televisions.    

Beyond the Hi Def Movie Experience    

Starting with 1st generation players, all of Toshiba's HD DVD players support the enhanced features of the HD DVD format mandated by the DVD Forum including picture-in-picture video, audio commentary and the ability to allow web-enabled network capabilities. Using the Ethernet ports found on all Toshiba HD DVD players, once connected to the network, users can access bonus features, as available, from a movie studio's server. This data is then saved in the player's persistent storage and can be accessed by the user. In addition to accessing new bonus features, some HD DVD discs may include locked prerecorded content which can be unlocked with a downloadable key from the studio's online server. Web-enabled capability is now opening the door to a new entertainment experience beyond hi def video and audio.    

All of Toshiba's HD DVD models are backward compatible allowing users to enjoy their libraries of current DVD and CD software while enhancing the look of regular DVDs by upconverting them to near high definition quality.    

For more information on HD DVD- http://www.toshibahddvd.com.