HD DVD players by Toshiba to be out by month end

dipdude

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HD DVD camp announced today that it will beat the Blu-ray product launch by about two months.

Toshiba is set to launch HD-A1 and HD-XA1 players by the month end. Both the players are available for Pre-Order.

First, there will be the entry-level HD-A1, which will be priced at $500, just about half of what Samsung's Blu-ray player will cost. The second model, HD-XA1, offers a few upgrades and rings in at $800. Both models will be available through retailers such as Best Buy at the end of this month, according to Toshiba.

The feature set of both players are somewhat underwhelming, considering the significant price. Both units are backwards compatible with common DVD and CD formats. Compared to the entry-level model, the higher-end version offers MP3 and WMA playback capability as well some gadgets such as a fancier display and a motorized drop-door

Both models do not support full support the full 1080p resolution (1920x1080) but are limited to 720p/1080i. Those stunning and realistic videos we have seen at this year's Consumer Electronics Show apparently have to wait until the second generation of HD DVD players arrives.

Also somewhat strange is the integration of Ethernet ports on the backside panel of both players. Ethernet is the only way to connect an HD DVD player (and most likely also Blu-ray players) to a broadband Internet connection, as sources indicated that wireless connections are considered not to be safe enough to withstand content piracy.

The company did not say which HD DVD movies will be available at launch; however, the HD DVD information website lists 43 titles that apparently are "ready for launch."

Features:
  • High Definition DVD playback via HDMIâ„¢ interface at 720p/1080i resolution
  • Standard DVD upconversion to 720p or 1080i through the HDMI interface
  • Multi-Format Compatibility: HD DVD, DVD, DVD-R/-RW, DVD-RAM, CD, CD-R/-RW
  • Onboard Dolby® Digital, Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD (2-ch), DTS and DTS-HD
  • Decoding with 5.1 Analog Audio outputs
  • Multi-Channel 24-Bit/192kHz audio DACs
  • Pre-programmed Remote Control with TV Controls
Advantage Toshiba:
  • HD DVD playback delivers outstanding resolution, bright, vivid colors and stunning sound from the next generation DVD standard adopted by the DVD forum.
  • Backwards compatibility of standard DVDs allows you to enjoy your current collection of DVDs on the player.
  • Video Up-conversion via the HDMI interface scales the standard DVD video to output resolution of 720p or 1080i, matching the resolution of the HDTV.
  • Built in multi-channel decoders for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD (2ch), DTS and DTS-HD will bring improved fidelity and sonic realism to the soundtracks.

Toshiba HD DVD Player, Model HDA1 @ $500



Specifications:

Video
  • Disc Playback: HD DVD, HD DVD-R, DVD, DVD-R/-RW/-RAM, CD, CD-R/-RW
  • HD Content Output via HDMI (Disc Native Resolution)
  • 11-bit / 216MHz Video DAC
  • Video Up-Conversion for SD DVD (720p/1080i)
  • Enhanced Black Level (0IRE / 7.5IRE Selection)
  • Letterbox / Pan & Scan Support
Audio
  • Built-in Dolby® Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS® and DTS-HD Decoders
  • Dolby True HD Compatible (2 Channel)
  • Four 32-bit Floating Point Digital Signal Processors
  • Multi-Channel 24-bit/192kHz Audio DACs
  • HDMI Audio support up to 5.1 L-PCM
  • Multi-Channel Signal Management
  • Dynamic Range Control
  • MP3 and WMA Playback
Convenience
  • Pre-programmed Remote Control w/ TV Controls
  • Tri-Lingual OSD (English, French/Japanese)
  • Bit Rate Display
  • FL Dimmer
  • Fast Forward
  • Fast Reverse
  • Slow Play
  • Step Play
  • Time Search
  • A-B Repeat
  • Screen Saver
  • Parental Lock
Connections
  • Front Panel:
    • 2 USB Terminals
  • Rear Panel:
    • 1 High Definition Multimedia Interface (ver. 1.1)
    • 1 ColorStream Pro® Component Video
    • 1 S-Video
    • 1 Composite Video
    • 1 Stereo Analog Audio
    • 5.1 Multi-Channel Analog Audio
    • 1 Coaxial Digital Output
    • 1 TosLink® Optical Digital Output
    • 1 Ethernet 10/100 Port
Approximate Dimensions:
  • Width: 17"
  • Height: 4"
  • Depth: 14"

Toshiba HD DVD Player, Model HDXA1 @ $800



Specifications:

Video
  • Disc Playback: HD DVD, HD DVD-R, DVD, DVD-R/-RW/-RAM, CD, CD-R/-RW
  • HD Content Output via HDMI (Disc Native Resolution)
  • 11-bit / 216MHz Video DAC
  • Video Up-Conversion for SD DVD (720p/1080i)
  • Enhanced Black Level (0IRE / 7.5IRE Selection)
  • Letterbox / Pan & Scan Support
Audio
  • Built-in Dolby® Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS® and DTS-HD Decoders
  • Dolby Pure HD Compatible (2 Channel)
  • Four 32-bit Floating Point Digital Signal Processors
  • Multi-Channel 24-bit/192kHz Audio DACs
  • HDMI Audio support up to 5.1 L-PCM
  • 5.1 Channel Bass Management
  • Speaker Size
  • Speaker Distance
  • User Selectable Crossover (80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz)
  • Channel Level Adjustment
  • Dynamic Range Control
  • MP3 and WMA Playback
Connections
  • Front Panel:
    • 2 USB Terminals
  • Rear Panel:
    • 1 High Definition Multimedia Interface (ver. 1.1)
    • 1 ColorStream Pro® Component Video (gold plated)
    • 1 S-Video (gold plated)
    • 1 Composite Video (gold plated)
    • 1 Stereo Analog Audio (gold plated)
    • 5.1 Multi-Channel Analog Audio (gold plated)
    • 1 Coaxial Digital Output (gold plated)
    • 1 TosLink® Optical Digital Output
    • 1 Ethernet 10/100 Port
    • 1 RS-232C
Approximate Dimensions:
  • Width: 17.72"
  • Height: 4.33"
  • Depth: 13.39"

[break=Toshiba delays release of HD DVD players, Netflix jumps the gun]

Toshiba delays release of HD DVD players, Netflix jumps the gun


In a brief statement issued to members of the press late Friday, Toshiba America indicated that it intends to release its upcoming HD-A1 and HD-XA1 players in tandem with studios' release of movies for the HD DVD format those players support. Without saying so explicitly, Toshiba's statement appears to indicate the company is willing to delay the release of its players until at least 18 April, when the earliest slate of HD DVD movies from Warner Home Video - Million Dollar Baby, The Last Samurai, and The Phantom of the Opera - are due for release.

Toshiba has now announced that they will not appear until at least the middle of April, in order to coincide with the release of the first batch of HD DVD movies:
"Toshiba is currently working with major studios and major retailers to finalize sales dates of our players," the company stated. "In order to ensure maximum launch of HD DVD, we intend to synchronize launch of players with title releases from Hollywood studios."​
The earliest possible date for the release of the players would thus be April 18, which is when Warner Home Video plans to release the titles Million Dollar Baby, The Last Samurai, and The Phantom of the Opera in HD DVD format.

The company stated that it is continuing "to make pre-sale HD DVD demonstrations in 40 major cities" across the United States. Some retailers included in the tour responded in an online poll that they planned to sell HD DVD players even if the movies weren't ready.

The reason for the delay in getting the movies out was due to members of the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) being unable to agree on a final specification for copy protection. This has been an issue for both Blu-ray and HD DVD, as content producers remember how easily the CSS encryption scheme for DVD movies was cracked, and are anxious to avoid repeating that scenario.

One company that isn't worried about the HD DVD delay at all is Netflix, who has already set up a web page for existing members, allowing them to configure their accounts to automatically select HD DVD movies if they are available. According to their site, HD DVD movies will be delivered at no extra cost. Netflix promises to carry Blu-ray movies as well, but tells members to "check back later this year" for availability.

Will the slight delay cause HD DVD to lose ground against its blue-lasered rival? Probably not. Given that both formats offer similar increase in quality, consumers will probably be more interested in two things: price and title availability. Retail prices for HD DVD movies are set at US$28.99, slightly less than the expected US$35 price for Blu-ray movies. Title availability is a question that remains to be answered, although Blu-ray appears to have the upper hand for now. Regardless, it seems as if the launch of the respective players will mark the true beginning of this format war.
[break=Toshiba Launches First HD-DVD Player in Japan]
Toshiba Launches First HD-DVD Player in Japan

Battle over next-generation DVD formats will now play out in retail stores.

Toshiba began selling the world's first HD-DVD player on Friday in Japan, moving the format battle between the world's largest consumer electronics makers from the floors of trade shows to retail stores.

HD-DVD is backed by Toshiba, the DVD Forum, and companies including Microsoft and Intel, and is vying for supremacy with Blu-ray Disc, which is backed by Sony, Panasonic, Samsung Electronics, and others, in the race to replace DVD for high-definition content.

Toshiba's first player, the HD-XA1, is one of two models first shown at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. It's scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in April along with another player, but the Japan launch Friday marks the first time a dedicated player for either format has reached the market.

The late finalization of AACS affected content providers as well as hardware makers like Toshiba. The first video content for HD-DVD isn't due on sale in Japan until April 7.

The Japan launch of Toshiba's HD DVD players will be followed by the U.S. debut in April.

High Expectations

Toshiba will make around 2000 of the players per month at first, but expects total worldwide sales in the next year of 600,000 to 700,000 units, said Yoshihide Fujii, head of Toshiba's consumer electronics unit, at a news conference in Tokyo.

It added that it would aim to launch HD DVD-equipped PCs in the April-June period.

The player will sell for $936 in Japan, while it is expected to carry an $800 price tag in North America. In that market there will also be a cheaper player, the HD-A1, priced at $500. Toshiba said the price in Japan is based on its expectation that video enthusiasts will be first to adopt the technology, while in the U.S. the prices are aimed more at average consumers, who are more price conscious.

Early buyers of HD-DVD and Blu-ray products face the risk that their chosen format might eventually be pushed to the sidelines of the market. There is at least one incentive to purchase now, however: the HD-XA1 has no region coding for the HD-DVD content, meaning it can play HD-DVD discs purchased anywhere in the world. A decision on region codes isn't expected to be made for several months.

[break=Toshiba HD-DVD Players Shipping (Finally)]
Toshiba HD-DVD Players Shipping (Finally)

BestBuy stores are getting limited supplies of Toshiba's HD-DVD player


Toshiba's many times delayed HD-A1, HD-DVD player has finally been shipped to retail locations including BestBuy even though titles are not yet available. Ron-P from Surf City, CA, a member of the AVSForum website, has thrown down his cash for the set top player, about $578.73 including a $40 service plan and tax in his market.


Toshiba's HD-DVD players began shipping in Japan the last of March and the American consumer market has been waiting on the devices since their announcement. With a few delays due to reasons of content availability and some premature launch date announcements, the player is finally here in the US.

Content is expected within the next few weeks, but many are not completely optimistic as HD-DVD titles have been delayed a few times already.

[break=Universal releases first HD DVD movie]
Universal releases first HD DVD movie

Universal, at least, is ready for anyone who's just bought a Toshiba HD-A1 HD DVD player in the US and wants some hi-def films to play on it. Make that 'movie' - the studio's Home Entertainment division today began shipping its first and only HD DVD title, Serenity, but you'll have to wait a week for further discs.

Today's disc costs $35, as will future releases: Doom and Apollo 13 on 25 April; Cinderella Man, Jarhead and Assault on Precinct 13 on 9 May; and The Chronicles of Riddick, Van Helsing, U-571 and The Bourne Supremacy on 23 May, more than a month away.

Universal pledged to continue releasing HD DVDs "on a monthly basis" after that.

All the named movies will ship on dual-layer 30GB discs, though Universal didn't say at what resolution beyond claiming they offer "best-in-class" picture quality. They will all incorporate Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 Surround Sound soundtracks in English, French and Spanish, with suitable sub-title tracks. Universal didn't say what extras, if any, the discs would offer beyond that old DVD favourite, "interactive menus", which this time round can be accessed while the movie's still playing.

That said, the Bourne Supremacy disc will feature a full-length picture-in-picture behind-the-scenes documentary design to be watched alongside the main feature.

Warner is also expected to ship its first HD DVD titles today, offering Million Dollar Baby, The Last Samurai and The Phantom of the Opera for $29 a pop.
[break=Pentium 4-M reanimated for Toshiba's HD DVD player]
Pentium 4-M reanimated for Toshiba's HD DVD player

It appears that Intel has found a customer for a processor that already has been phased out and dropped off its pricing sheets: Toshiba's shiny new HD DVD player relies on fairly antiquated hardware that is based on Intel's Pentium 4-M processor and a chipset that was originally created for a ULV Celeron M processor.

Sources told TG Daily that the HD DVD player, which will be offered in two versions for $500 and $800, integrates a Pentium 4-M processor. The chip is based on the 130 nm "Northwood" core and was available with clock speeds ranging from 2.4 to 3.06 GHz. Officially, the CPU is no longer available and apparently has been phased out several months ago to drive the Pentium M processor into more market segments. It is unclear which version of the Pentium 4-M is used in Toshiba's HD DVD player.

While the regular Pentium 4-M's were only offered in combination with 852 series chipsets, Toshiba has received a 130 nm 854 chipset from Intel's consumer electronics division. According to Intel's website, the 854 was only available for a 600 MHz ULV Celeron M chip, which also was targeted at consumer electronics devices. However, it appears that Intel has enhanced the 854 for Toshiba, as it integrates alpha blending, a transparency feature that previously only had been available in the 82xxx series of graphics controllers. Also, the 854 comes with MPEG2 and MPEG4 decoding codec for Linux and Windows CE.

Toshiba's decision to build the Pentium 4-M into its HD DVD player is somewhat surprising as the processor consumes significant power, measured by today's standards. The chips operate in a power envelope ranging from 59.8 watts (2.4 GHz) to 70 watts (3.06 GHz), compared to 25 watts of a Pentium M or less than 10 watts in current ULV Celeron M and upcoming ULV Core Duo and Core Solo processors. Toshiba rates the HD DVD player at a total power consumption of 79 watts, which typically is high enough to require a fan to cool the system. As a result, the player may create more noise than a version that is equipped with a processor that consumes significantly less power.

While Toshiba did not tell us why it chose the Pentium 4-M for its player, the price/performance ratio may have had some impact on the decision. We hear that Intel is selling the CPU for less than $100. From the consumer's point of view, a Pentium 4-M may not be best product for the player, especially if $800 are changing hands. The winner here is Intel, which is able to breathe life into a product that can be produced in large volumes for little money.

[break=First Look: We Test Toshiba's First HD-DVD Player]
First Look: We Test Toshiba's First HD-DVD Player
The HD-XA1 offers an impressive picture, but its performance is sluggish.


On the last day of March, Toshiba put on sale the world's first HD-DVD player, the HD-XA1. HD-DVD is one of two formats vying to replace DVD for high-definition movies and the players have been awaited for some time.

Over the last week I've had a chance to use the HD-XA1 at home and while the choice of movies is still limited, the few available have given me a taste of how the player shapes up.

Pretty Pictures

In terms of picture quality, I'm pleased to report that the player delivered everything I've come to expect from high-definition.

I played a few discs: The movies "Biohazard" and "Moonlight Jellyfish" are bundled with the player in Japan, and I also purchased "Zozakura," an HD presentation of Japanese cherry trees in full bloom that has the distinction of being the first commercial HD-DVD content on the market. All looked great.

All three discs are encoded with the MPEG4AVC codec, which is one of three HD-DVD codecs. To be honest, I couldn't tell the difference between the HD-DVD disc and the MPEG2-encoded HD television that we have in Japan. I'm sure a professional lab could show a difference, and perhaps under precise circumstances in a specially lit room there might appear to be some difference, but I think most consumers will be hard pressed to distinguish HD-DVD from Blu-ray Disc or broadcast HDTV.

That makes this format battle a little more interesting because, unlike similar battles in the past, it's going to be less about the picture or audio quality and more about the content, features, and functionality of players.

Not So Speedy

So what about the usability of the Toshiba player?

My overwhelming impression of the HD-XA1 has been of slowness, and this is mainly down to the start-up. It takes about 35 seconds for the "Toshiba HD-DVD" logo to appear on-screen after hitting the "on" button, and the "Welcome" message remains on the player's display until 55 seconds after launch. There's a further 10 seconds elapse--meaning 65 seconds in all--before the first images from the disc appear on the screen.

What's more, you can't do anything while the player is booting up, so it takes about a minute just to eject a disc from the machine. That isn't very impressive.

Disc load times while the machine is running are also slow. It took 28 seconds for the "loading" display to change to "HD-DVD" when after slipping in a disc, and a further 10 seconds for the disc to start playing. Loading a DVD disc is slightly quicker, but only by about 5 seconds.

Toshiba realizes the player takes a long time to start and wants to improve this, according to a spokeswoman.

It should be noted that I recorded disc load times of between 25 seconds and 3 minutes when I tested a pair of Blu-ray Disc recorders in 2004 from Sony and Panasonic, so perhaps this is something consumers will have to live with from first-generation machines.

When the machine has started and the disc has loaded things are quicker. Skipping from chapter to chapter or calling up the menu on HD-DVD or DVD discs takes about the same amount of time normally experienced with today's DVD players.

Interactive Menus

The on-screen set-up menu is clean and crisp and Toshiba gives three different skins from which users can select. But there is some unevenness in the overall on-screen display. Pop-up messages from the player are in a more basic and less professional looking on-screen dialog box and that's a bit of a disappointment. It would be nicer if the cleaner menu style was adopted for all on-screen dialog.

One of the discs, the "Zozakura" cherry blossom title, had the much-talked about interactive menus. Unlike a conventional DVD, where you have to jump back to the original menu screen, on this HD-DVD title it's possible to bring up a menu that is overlaid on the video while it plays. On "Zozakura" this enables jumps between chapters, but content producers have shown demonstrations of more complex content. For example, an actor can appear on-screen above the movie and give his comments on the current scene being shown.

Overall the HD-XA1 is a little disappointing, especially because of the speed. The player has a hefty price tag--it is currently available in Japan for about $847 and will be launched this month in the U.S. for $800--and the slow boot-up is a surprise. But make no mistake, the picture quality is great and these speed problems don't affect enjoyment or operation while movies are being watched.

HD-DVD has shown itself through this player as a format with much promise for high-definition content. If the same can be said of Blu-ray Disc, which seems likely, consumers might have a difficult choice on their hands.
 
if this is half the price of the blu-ray drives, how expensive will the playstation 3 cost? $1000!!! glad i got an xbox!!!
 
Pentium 4-M reanimated for Toshiba's HD DVD player.

First Look: We Test Toshiba's First HD-DVD Player - The HD-XA1 offers an impressive picture, but its performance is sluggish.
 
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