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| HD DVD delivers advanced interactivity with Web-enabled capabilities |
July 6, 2007 |
Momentum for HD DVD continues as Toshiba captures 70 percent share of high definition set-top player market
Markham, ON – July 4, 2007 – Toshiba of Canada Limited, Consumer Electronics Group (Toshiba CEG) today announced that HD DVD players will deliver on the promise to provide advanced content and interactivity. This announcement comes on the heels of recent US data from NPD indicating that 70 percent of all high definition set-top players sold in May and June 2007 were HD DVD format players. In Canada, Toshiba CEG has experienced its most successful three months of HD DVD player sales to date.
A new generation of HD DVD titles feature web-enabled network capabilities that allow consumers to easily access additional content and bonus features as available and to enjoy their favorite HD DVD movies like never before. Since the launch of HD DVD, all of Toshiba’s players have offered advanced interactive functionality including picture-in-picture video and audio commentary, which have already been available on many HD DVD movies. Now Toshiba takes interactivity to the next level. Every HD DVD player ever sold will be able to download the latest firmware to access web-enabled network content. No other high definition home entertainment format currently matches the features offered by Toshiba and the HD DVD format.
“HD DVD once again makes movie history, providing consumers with the best of pre-recorded content and now the only true online interactive movie experience,” said Dave Vitale, Toshiba product manager. “With HD DVD, studios have the ability to develop new and unique content for movie fans, enabling consumers to have an entirely new way to access entertainment and customize their home movie experience that is currently not available with any other format. This is just another of many firsts HD DVD is delivering to movie lovers.”
Toshiba HD DVD Players’ Web-Enabled Network Capabilities
Using the Ethernet ports found on all Toshiba HD DVD players, and the currently available firmware update, once connected to the network, users can download 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 downloading new bonus features, some HD DVD discs may even include locked prerecorded content which can be unlocked with a downloadable key from the studio’s online server.
HD DVD users also have the ability to upload content and interact with content providers. For example, with the award winning title, “Blood Diamond” from Warner Home Video, users can participate in interactive polls. After providing feedback, results are delivered back to users via the HD DVD player.
The first web-enabled network content became available on June 26 with the launch of Bandai Visual’s anime title “Freedom” volume 1. While this is the first HD DVD anime title available in the North America , “Freedom” is also the first HD DVD “twin format” disc (featuring both HD DVD and DVD on one side of the disc).
“While others may talk about interactivity, HD DVD has proven time and time again that is pushes the envelope to offer true interactive features long before any other format in the world can come close,” commented Dave.
Toshiba Announces 24p Output
Coming in early September, Toshiba will add an enhanced performance function to its HD-XA2 and HD-A20 HD DVD players by offering the capability for users to update the firmware of their players allowing playback of film content in 1080p/24 frames per second, or 24p. Movie films are traditionally captured at 24 frames per second and Toshiba’s HD DVD players will be able to maintain this frame rate allowing consumers to enjoy movies in their native form.
Mandatory to the HD DVD format, every Toshiba player is equipped with an Ethernet port. In addition to the capability to access web enabled content, this also allows HD DVD owners to conveniently update the firmware of their players with new features and performance improvements.
Effective July 1st Toshiba CEG HD DVD players will be reduced by $100 making the HD-A2 available for an every day price of $399.99 and the HD-A20 for $499.99. The top of the line HD-XA2 continues to be available for $999.99.
Toshiba of Canada
Toshiba of Canada Limited is a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of electronic products and semiconductors. Headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Toshiba of Canada is a digital technology leader with a wide range of Audio Visual Personal Computers, notebook computers, high definition home theatre systems including televisions, DVD players, multi-media projectors, and portable media centres. Throughout its history, Toshiba’s commitment to technological and environmental innovations has distinguished the corporation from its competitors.
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For more information, please contact:
Adrienne Simic
Media Profile
416.342.1800
adrienne@mediaprofile.com
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