CES, LAS VEGAS - JANUARY 7,
2007
TOSHIBA DELIVERS - SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF SECOND GENERATION HD
DVD PLAYERS COMPLETES THE SEAMLESS TRANSITION TO HIGH DEFINITION
Increased Shipment Volume to Meet Market Demand; New Player
Introduction Enhances Line-up of HD DVD Players
Proving its leadership in the seamless transition to high
definition, Toshiba today announced it has successfully introduced
its second generation HD DVD players - delivering stunning image
quality, astounding audio capabilities and a new level of
interactivity never seen before. Building on its early lead in the
market and proving the strength of the HD DVD format, Toshiba has
now added a new player to enhance its family of HD DVD players and
has increased shipment volume to meet the growing market demand.
"It's with great satisfaction that we announce the
successful launch of Toshiba's second generation HD DVD
players," said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing,
Toshiba America Consumer Products Digital A/V Group. "Our
second generation HD-A2 is selling through very well indicating a
stronger market demand than before, and now with a new line-up of
second generation players, we're proving that Toshiba is the
consumer's choice for next generation HD DVD."
Bigger Commitment, Bigger Line-Up
At CES, Toshiba is introducing the new HD-A20, which is expected
to retail at $599.99. With the 1080p capabilities of the HD-A20,
Toshiba has taken high definition to the next level at an
attractive price point. The HD-A20 joins the existing Toshiba HD
DVD line-up which includes the entry level HD-A2 and the top of
the line model, HD-XA2. This expanded line of products offers
enhanced functionalities of the HD DVD format and is proof of
Toshiba's commitment to the smooth transition to the next stage in
high definition entertainment
"According to NPD Group data, the sales of HDTVs grew 52
percent between January and September of 2006. With the continued
growth over this most recent holiday selling period and throughout
2007, we anticipate the demand for HD DVD to complement the demand
and adoption of HDTVs," continued Sally. "There is no
other high definition format in the market that can meet this
demand with the same breadth of line and availability of players
as Toshiba."
HD DVD - The Players
To meet the latest advancements in Audio/Video interfaces,
Toshiba's models connect to HDTV sets via High Definition
Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) - the multi- industry-supported,
all digital A/V connection capable of providing the transmission
of uncompressed digital video and multi-channel audio on a single
cable.
To match the resolution of your display, Toshiba's HD DVD
players output HD DVD content through the HDMI interface in 720p
or 1080i for the HD-A2, and 720p, 1080i or 1080p for the HD-A20
and the HD-XA2. Through the HDMI interface, standard definition
DVDs can also be upconverted to match the resolution of HD
displays. The HD-A2, HD-A20, and HD-XA2 are all backward
compatible, so users can continue to enjoy their libraries of
current DVD and CD software.
Both the HD-A20 and the high end HD-XA2 HD DVD player are
designed to output 1920 x 1080p, the highest HD signal currently
available, via HDMI. As the premium HD DVD player, the HD-XA2 also
incorporates support for Deep Color output through HDMI, and a
297MHz / 12 bit Video DAC with high-quality, 4x oversampling for
increased bandwidth for true playback of an HD picture to a video
source. Additionally, it comes with a picture setting function
allowing customers to optimize picture quality with user
adjustable settings for color, contrast, brightness, edge
enhancement and block noise, among others.
All of Toshiba's HD DVD players support a variety of HD audio
options to complement its HD video offerings. This includes both
lossy and lossless formats from Dolby Labs and DTS® including the
Dolby® Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD.
With black high gloss finishes and slim chassis designs, the
new HD DVD player line has a refined, sleek appearance that
complements Toshiba's extensive TV line-up.
Expected Pricing and Expected Availability:
HD-A2 ($499.99, Available Now)
HD-A20 ($599.99, Spring 2007)
HD-XA2 ($999.99, Available Now)
HD DVD - The format for a smooth transition
HD DVD is a seamless transition from DVD enhancing the home
theater experience, particularly with the combination discs that
contain both HD DVD and DVD content on the same disc. Taking
advantage of the combination discs, consumers can enjoy the HD DVD
quality with their HDTV and have the flexibility to view the
standard definition version on existing DVD players and even
portables. Additionally all Toshiba HD DVD players offer network
connectivity and interactivity to reach a new high definition
experience. Only HD DVD made it a mandatory part of the standard
to support networking, persistent storage and secondary video
decoders. Networking and persistent storage have the capability to
let consumers download and store new content on their HD DVD
players. With combination discs, network connectivity and
additional storage, HD DVD is easing the transition from SD to HD
providing consumers with the ultimate home entertainment
experience.
About Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.
Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is owned by Toshiba
America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, a world leader
in high technology products with subsidiaries worldwide. Toshiba
is a pioneer in HD DVD, DVD and DVD Recorder technology and a
leading manufacturer of a full line of home entertainment
products, including flat panel TV, rear projection and direct view
televisions, combination products and portable devices. Toshiba
America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is headquartered in Wayne, New
Jersey. For additional information please visit
www.tacp.toshiba.com.
Toshiba respects the rights of others. Our products are only
intended for lawful recording, storage and playback of authorized
content and any other lawful use.
Design specifications and dimensions are not final and are
subject to change. Please confirm specific features and exact
dimensions by reference to the product itself.
HD DVD with high-definition content required for HD output.
Viewing high-definition content and up-converting DVD content may
require an HDCP capable DVI or HDMI input on your display device.
Firmware update may be required for some interactive features
depending on content, which may also require an always-on
broadband internet connection. Some features may require
additional bandwidth.
Some recordable media may not be supported. Dolby Digital Plus,
Dolby TrueHD and DTS support for up to 5.1 channels (DTS HD
support for DTS core only). MP3/WMA audio files not supported.
Some current DVDs and CDs may not be compatible. HDMI audio
support for PCM only. Because HD DVD is a new format that makes
use of new technologies, certain disc, digital connection and
other compatibility and/or performance issues are possible. This
may, in rare cases, include disc freezing while accessing certain
disc features or functions, or certain parts of the disc not
playing back or operating as fully intended. If you experience
such issues, please refer to the FAQ sections of
www.toshibahddvd.com or www.tacp.toshiba.com for information on
possible work-around solutions or the availability of firmware
updates that may resolve your problem, or contact Toshiba Customer
Solutions. Some features subject to delayed availability. 1080p
capable display required for 1080p output resolution. Deep Color
feature as specified in HDMI 1.3a requires compatible Deep Color
capable HD display and/or device. Some devices may not be
compatible.
Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby True HD support for up to 5.1
channels. DTS-HD support for up to 5.1 channels of DTS® core
only. Firmware update may be required for some interactive
features depending on content, which may also require an always-on
broadband internet connection. Some features may require
additional bandwidth.
Please see www.toshibahddvd.com and owner's manual for more
information. Some features subject to delayed availability.
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
"DTS" is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.
HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface
are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC.
HD DVD and DVD are trademarks of DVD Format/Logo Licensing
Corporation. |
