Toshiba (Europe) Updates Firmware of HD-XE1 & HD-E1 to v1.5

Toshiba Europe has released the v1.5 firmware update for HD-XE1 & HD-E1 HD DVD players sold in the European region.

This update addresses some problems Toshiba has identified with HDMI/DVI connectivity and disc playback.

If you have a broadband internet service, you may obtain the firmware update over the Internet using the Ethernet port on the back of your HD DVD Player. Instructions for configuring the Ethernet port and downloading the firmware update can be found in the owner’s manual for your HD DVD Player. BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.

If you do not have an Ethernet-based broadband connection for your player or prefer not to use one, you may contact Toshiba Customer Service for your country and request that a firmware update disc be sent by mail. You can update the firmware using this update disc by following the instructions provided with the disc.

Please first refer to the document Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-E1 and HD-XE1 [PDF File] for full details of the update and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (Europe), before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

The above document is also available in French, German, Italian & Spanish.

Hewlett-Packard Makes Its Asian Debut of Home PCs with HD DVD-ROM Drives

HP, the No. 1 PC Vendor globally, has unveiled Hong Kong's first Home PC Series with high-definition digital optical drive - HP Pavilion m-Series Home PC, which is the most powerful in HP Home PC family. It not only possesses strong features with outstanding performance, but also stylish black chassis design, making it a perfect choice for consumers looking for superb digital entertainment.

Industry's first Home PC with HD-DVD ROM

HP Pavilion m-Series Home PC is equipped with high-definition optical drive, its high-resolution disc has three times more capacity than a normal DVD disc, with up to 15GB storage, which is adequate for storing new generation high-definition TV program and movie. Its resolution is up to 1080p, six times more than traditional DVD, bringing more detailed, vivid and real-life movie-like video performance.

For more details, check out HP's press release.

'Dead Silence' on HD DVD Soon...

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced Dead Silence (Unrated) to arrive on HD DVD/DVD Combo disc, June 26 (Day-and-date with DVD release). The main feature on the HD DVD side is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.40:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 audio. English [SDH] & French subtitles are provided. This title is expected to retail at $39.98 SRP each.

Full list of extras are as follows (Present on both HD DVD & DVD sides):

• Alternate Opening
• Alternate Ending
• Deleted Scenes
• The Making of Dead Silence
• Mary Shaw's Secrets
• Evolution of Visual FX
• Aiden "We Sleep Forever" Music Video

Toshiba (America) Releases v2.2 Firmware Updates for First-Gen HD DVD Players

Toshiba America has released the version 2.2 firmware updates for HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1 that was/is being sold in the U.S./Canada.

An important note: BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.

This firmware update adds support for certain anticipated network delivered content in future HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, as well as addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

The firmware update addresses and improves HDMI and DVI connectivity. If you still experience problems, try disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable. Make sure your display input is set to HDMI (or DVI). If your display has more than one HDMI/DVI input, make sure that all connected HDMI/DVI source devices are powered on (even if not in use). If none of these solve the problem, please turn off the TV and the HD DVD player. Check all connections. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable. Turn on the TV first and then turn on the HD DVD player. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

This firmware update, which includes material from prior updates, addresses various playability issues. You should also check to be sure that the disc is clean and, if the disc will not operate at all, that you are inserting the disc with the right side up. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

How to obtain and install the firmware update:

If you have broadband internet service, you may obtain the firmware update over the internet using the Ethernet port on the back of your HD DVD Player. There are instructions for configuring the Ethernet port on pages 44-45 of the owner's manual. Page 57 of the owner's manual describes how to download the firmware update.

If you do not have an Ethernet-based broadband connection for your player or prefer not to use one, you may contact Toshiba Customer Solutions and request that a firmware update disc be sent by mail. Specific update instructions are provided with the disc.

Direct links to v2.2 firmware update image files, to create your own firmware update CD:

• HD-XA1 & HD-A1 v2.2 Firmware Update

Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

Some Updates...

We've updated the details of the Blood Diamond HD DVD (Due on July 3) in this post. The HD DVD title will not be released on a HD DVD/DVD Combo disc and will also feature Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless audio. This HD DVD title will also be the first to feature web-enabled extras, details in the link above.

Magnolia Home Entertainment has announced the South Korean film The Host (2006) on HD DVD and DVD, July 24. Each will be priced at $29.98 SRP.

Warner Announces First Web-enabled HD DVD Title

This big news just came in... Had to post it before going back to "hibernation".

Warner Home Video has announced that Blood Diamond will debut on HD DVD, July 3. The main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.40:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus (English, French & Spanish) 5.1 and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English) audio tracks. English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles are provided. It includes commentary by director Edward Zwick, featurettes and production diaries as bonus materials. All bonus materials found on the 2-disc Special Edition DVD will be ported over. Each will be priced at $28.99 SRP.

The HD DVD of Blood Diamond will be the first HD DVD to include web-enabled extras which allows viewers to use their players to offer opinions in WHV's online polls and to view other exciting special features such as maps of conflict pertaining to war-torn areas in Africa.

The Blood Diamond HD DVD will be the first disc of any high-definition format to feature web-enabled extras, taking advantage of the network functionality that each and every HD DVD player is equipped with. Note that the playback of the movie does not need a network/Internet connection, it is the web-enabled extras that needs the connection.

The HD DVD version of Blood Diamond will also contain the In-Movie Experience (IME), an exclusive interactive feature that allows viewers to enjoy new ways of accessing interviews and other material while the movie is running. In addition, for the first time WHV will include the new Focus Points feature that takes the viewer to exciting in-depth featurettes and production diaries. The IME for Blood Diamond allows viewers to embark on an epic journey with director Edward Zwick, charting the emotional and filmmaking challenges of Blood Diamond.

Those with 1st-generation HD DVD players may be required to update their player's firmware to the latest version in order to enjoy the web-enabled extras as the latest firmware update includes enhancement to network functionality of the player, such as the handling of web "cookies".

By the way, we had also updated all changes and announcements to our HD DVD Release List.

Some Updates on 'Band of Brothers' HD DVD

Toshiba Corporation announced today that it has agreed to transfer its interest in Toshiba Entertainment Inc. (Toshiba Entertainment) to Hakuhodo DY Media Partners Inc. (Hakuhodo DY Media Partners). Effective May 1, 2007, Toshiba Entertainment will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Hakuhodo DY Media Partners.

Toshiba has reached an agreement with Hakuhodo DY Media Partners that will assure the continued development of Toshiba Entertainment’s current film production and distribution business, while drawing on the know-how and capabilities that Hakuhodo DY Media Partners has cultivated over 30 years of experience in the content business.

Up till today, we've not receive any changes with regards to the Band of Brothers HD DVD releases due in Japan on July 27. According to the PR statement above, it seems that it is quite unlikely that major changes will be made to the announced HD DVD releases. You may want to check the HD DVD Promotion Group's Japanese HD DVD Release List (in Japanese), to confirm that this title will still be released on July 27.

This will be my last post until I'm back on the first week of May... See you then.

HD DVD Format - One Year On...

Late last month was the 1st anniversary of HD DVD's worldwide launch, which started in Japan. Today is the 1st anniversary of HD DVD's North American launch.

Back then, we reported that early adopters getting their HD-A1s at some retail stores over the weekend of April 15/16, 2006 before the official launch date on April 18.

And we also provided the first details to HD DVDs first released when the player was available at retail. Serenity, Phantom of the Opera, Million Dollar Baby, The Last Samurai... Remember, how street dates were broken at some stores for these titles then...

Some HD DVD highlights of the past year...

• Phantom of the Opera being the first title on any high-definition format with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless audio.
• The Bourne Supremacy is the first title on any high-definition format to feature Picture-in-Picture video commentary, "Bourne Instant Access" Presented by Toshiba.
• Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio output capabilitites were added to the HD-XA1, HD-A1, HD-D1, and the RCA HD DVD players via Version 2.0 firmware update. Initially, Dolby TrueHD audio could only be enjoyed via the 2.0-channel output, without the external compatible receiver.
• Mission: Impossible 3 being the first 2-disc HD DVD set released.
• Advanced interactive features such as Picture-in-Picture video commentary/PiP access to bonus footages (Termed In-Movie Experience! from Warner Home Video & U-Control from Universal Studios Home Entertainment) only available on HD DVD titles released:
  - Titles from Warner (These titles are currently HD DVD-exclusive): Constantine, Dukes of Hazzard (Unrated), Troy, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Batman Begins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, V For Vendetta, Smallville - The Complete Fifth Season.
  - Titles from Universal Studios (Studio is HD DVD-exclusive): The Bourne Supremacy, The Fast and the Furious, Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, The Break-Up, Accepted, King Kong - 2005 Theatrical Cut, Miami Vice, Children of Men and The Good Shepherd.
• Sept 14 last year, 2nd-generation HD DVD players were announced, HD-A2 and the HD-XA2. With the HD-XA2 being the first HD DVD player to have 1080p video output for both HD and SD content (via HDMI).
• Last Sept, Toshiba had also announced HD-E1/HD-XE1 to be available in Europe late 2006.
• Microsoft Announced Xbox 360 HD DVD Player Add-on to be available in November 2006 and every player sold is bundled with a King Kong (2005) HD DVD.

Happy First Birthday to HD DVD format! I do hope the next few years will be one that's filled with exciting high-definition content on HD DVD.

Oh, please note that the blog will not be updated over the next few weeks, both J.Z. and I will be back only in the first week of May.

So please contribute whatever news (please provide the source too) related to HD DVD, during this period, to us via e-mail (hd_dvd_format AT yahoo DOT com) so that we can "catch up" with the latest updates in HD DVD world.

Samsung Electronics to support HD DVD playback on its next-gen players...

Samsung Electronics has announced that it will provide HD DVD playback capabilities on its next-gen high-definition standalone player, the Samsung BD-UP5000, despite reportedly having strong opinions previously, indicating that it will only support the competing format.

Samsung also added that in its press release, to possibly address some "rumors":

"Samsung is flexible to market a stand-alone HD-DVD player whenever consumers demand it. Our main concern is not technology but consumer choice” said Dongsoo Jun, Executive Vice President of the Digital AV Division at Samsung Electronics.

As much as this news is welcomed by many who have adopted the HD DVD format or both high-def formats, I'm cautiously happy about this piece of news, keeping in mind that the LG Combo player has led to a short-changed HD DVD experience (the player did not conform fully to the HD DVD specs) while BD specs were fully implemented. Early adopters who have no prior knowledge about both high-def formats may not know about the kind of entertainment experience HD DVD can currently provide over BD, such as Picture-in-Picture video commentary.

Thus for this Samsung Duo HD player, I believe we'll have to see and scrutinise the full tech specs, especially with regards to audio/video output/decoding capabilities for HD DVD playback (whether its similar/comparable to BD playback) and whether it conforms fully to the HD DVD specs, before we as consumers can acknowledge that they really do offer us a choice with this player.

Toshiba (America) Releases v1.5 Firmware Update for 2nd-Gen Players

Toshiba America has released the another firmware update for HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W and HD-D2 sold in U.S.. This release will update the firmware to version 1.5.

This update addresses some problems Toshiba has identified with HDMI/DVI connectivity and disc playback.

If you have broadband internet service, you may obtain the firmware update over the internet using the Ethernet port on the back of your HD DVD Player. Instructions for configuring the Ethernet port and downloading the firmware update can be found in the owner’s manual for your HD DVD Player. BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.

If you do not have an Ethernet-based broadband connection for your player or prefer not to use one, you may contact Toshiba Customer Solutions and request that a firmware update disc be sent by mail.

The current firmware update includes all of the prior firmware updates.

Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W and HD-D2 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

Some News...

Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") has announced that its newest HD DVD player, the HD-A20, is now shipping to U.S. retailers. Priced at $499.99 (MSRP), the HD-A20 adds to Toshiba's second generation of HD DVD players and makes 1080p resolution available at an attractive price point. Visit Toshiba's HD-A20 product page for more info.

*****

Warner Home Video has announced Rio Bravo and The Cowboys to arrive on HD DVD, June 5. The main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 OAR video with Dolby Digital-Plus audio tracks. English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles are provided. The list of bonus materials present on both titles mirrors that of their upcoming Special/Deluxe Edition DVD cousins. Each will be priced at $28.99 SRP.

*****

Paramount Home Entertainment has announced Norbit on HD DVD, June 5. The main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 audio tracks. English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles are provided. The disc will be priced at $39.99 SRP.

List of bonus materials include:

• The Making of Norbit
• Man of a 1,000 Faces
• Power Tap
• The Stunts of Norbit
• 14 Deleted Scenes

*****

All new announcements of HD DVD titles have been updated into the HD DVD Release List.

'Band of Brothers' Arriving On HD DVD in Japan, July 27

[Apr 5, 2007] Originally posted.
[Apr 10, 2007] Audio specs updated and cover artwork preview added.

[May 7, 2007] Cover artwork preview updated (The finalised one...)

Toshiba Entertainment Inc. and Amuse Soft Entertainment ,Inc has announced that the HD DVD release of Tom Hanks' and Steven Spielberg's Band of Brothers will arrive in Japan on July 27.

The entire series which was originally produced with high definition TVs in mind and consist of 10 parts will released in 5 volumes. Each HD DVD (HD-30 disc) will contain one volume of the series, comprising of 2 parts. The 5 volumes are expected to be sold seperately, with each volume being priced at 3,990 Yen. The main feature on each disc will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.78:1 with DTS-HD 5.1 (English & Japanese voiceover) audio tracks. Previously, it was indicated that the 2 audio tracks will be in Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1. Only Japanese subtitles (for both the English and Japanese voiceover audio tracks) are provided.

All discs will contain the following as bonus materials:

• Preview trailer of the next few parts (Japanese edition)
• Cast & Crew Profile (Stills)

Documentary We Stand Alone Together (80 mins.) will be available only on the Vol. 5 HD DVD disc.

Click on the below image to access the official webpage (in Japanese) for this HD DVD release.

A Required Update for InterVideo WinDVD HD Player

Now if you own PC/laptop with a HD DVD-ROM drive and uses InterVideo WinDVD HD software player to playback your HD DVD movie collections, you may be required to update the software player to ensure that you will be able to continue to enjoy the latest HD DVD content.

Corel Corporation is releasing an important new security update for InterVideo WinDVD.

Corel has taken this step in response to recent reports that hackers have illegally obtained certain software licensing keys and have used them to duplicate copyrighted HD DVD/BD content without prior authorization. Corel takes this situation very seriously and has been working closely with its OEM partners and AACS LA to ensure it takes the steps necessary to prevent copyright infringement from happening in the future.

WinDVD customers who are currently using HD DVD playback will need to download the free security update from your PC or Drive manufacturer's support websites.

This update includes security enhancements as well as updated licensing keys that will be required to view both newly purchased HD DVD titles and those in your existing HD DVD collections. By downloading Corel's free update, you will be able to continue to enjoy the latest HD DVD content, while ensuring that copyrighted materials are properly protected.

Please be aware that failure to apply the update will result in AACS-protected HD DVD playback being disabled.

Some related links:

• Corel Releases Important Update for InterVideo WinDVD
• Corel Warns InterVideo Users AACS Revocation May Be Forthcoming
• InterVideo WinDVD HD player update for Toshiba Qosmio G35/G30 series HD DVD model

'The Contract' Premieres on HD DVD, July 24

First Look International has indicated that it is expected to premiere The Contract on HD DVD, this July 24, day-and-date with DVD release. It should be priced at $32.98 SRP.

No further details are available to us at the moment. Any of the details above is also subject to changes.

Toshiba (America) Releases v2.1 Firmware Updates for First-Gen HD DVD Players

Toshiba America has released the version 2.1 firmware updates for HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1 sold in U.S.

An important note: BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.

This firmware update adds support for certain anticipated network delivered content in future HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, as well as addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

The firmware update addresses and improves HDMI and DVI connectivity. If you still experience problems, try disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable. Make sure your display input is set to HDMI (or DVI). If your display has more than one HDMI/DVI input, make sure that all connected HDMI/DVI source devices are powered on (even if not in use). If none of these solve the problem, please turn off the TV and the HD DVD player. Check all connections. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable. Turn on the TV first and then turn on the HD DVD player. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

This firmware update, which includes material from prior updates, addresses various playability issues. You should also check to be sure that the disc is clean and, if the disc will not operate at all, that you are inserting the disc with the right side up. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

Details of 'Breach' HD DVD

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced Breach (2007) on HD DVD/DVD Combo disc, this June 12 (Day-and-date with the DVD release). It will be priced at $39.98 SRP.

HD DVD Side

• 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
• Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & French)
• English [SDH] & French subtitles

DVD Side

• Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
• Dolby Digital 5.1 (English & French)
• English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles

Bonus Materials (On both the HD DVD & DVD sides):

• More than 18 minutes of Deleted and Alternate Scenes
  - Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Writer/Director Billy Ray and Editor Jeffrey Ford
  - Alternate Scenes wtih Optional Commentary by Writer/Director Billy Ray and Editor Jeffrey Ford
• Breaching the Truth - Get an insider's look at how the compelling story of the man who spent more than twenty years selling his country's secrets to its enemies finally came to the screen.
• Anatomy of a Character, Brought to you by Volkswagen - A powerful portrait of Chris Cooper, one of the most versatile actors in film today, as he transforms himself into master spy Robert Hanssen.
• "The Mole" - Originally aired on television's "Dateline" in 2001, this in-depth profile offers an intriguing glimpse of the public and private lives of double-agent Hanssen.
• Feature Commentary with Writer and Director Billy Ray and former FBI operative Eric O'Neill

Universal Studios' HD DVD-exclusive U-Control interactive entertainment experience will also be provided with this title (only on the HD DVD side). For this title, the interactive experience consists of the following:

• Picture in Picture - Access behind-the-scenes footage and video commentary with director Billy Ray and former real-life FBI operative Eric O'Neill, all without interrupting your movie experience.
• Collect your own movie clips with My Scenes