'Talk to Me' On HD DVD/DVD Combo, October 30

Full details available here.

ArcSoft Joins InterVideo and CyberLink to offer HD DVD Playback Software

ArcSoft, Inc. is demonstrating ArcSoft Digital Theatre™ 2 this week at IFA 2007 in conjunction with the HD DVD Promotion Group. Digital Theatre is a high definition video player that supports playback of HD DVDs, commercial and homemade DVDs, and a variety of high definition multimedia files. The HD DVD Promotion Group is showcasing Digital Theatre as part of its advancement of standards-based implementations of HD DVD playback.

Digital Theatre's HD DVD playback functionality includes complete support for high definition interactive content such as U-Control. Additionally, Digital Theatre supports next generation audio formats such as Dolby Digital and DTS, as well as a variety of advanced trick play features such as Smart Stretch and Time Stretch. Available for Windows XP and Windows Vista, the program also includes a Windows Media Center Edition plug-in that provides a 10-foot user experience.

Digital Theatre is available as a standalone application or as part of ArcSoft TotalMedia™ Extreme, a software suite that provides solutions for playback, capture, editing, and authoring of standard and high definition content. For more details, please visit www.arcsoft.com/products/digitaltheatre.

Venturer Electronics Introduce Entry-Level HD DVD Player

Venturer Electronics today announced the launch of its first HD DVD player for the North American market, in time for 2007 Holiday sales.

The SHD7000 will be distributed in North America by Venturer Electronics of Markham, Ontario, and sold through national retailers with retail prices expected to be one of the lowest among entry-level HD DVD players.

Currently the specs stands as follows, though we expect further details to be revealed later:

• 720p/1080i video output for both HD DVD and upconverted DVD-Video content
• HDMI output (v1.2a)
• Analog 2-Channel (Down-mix) Audio output and Digital Optical output.
• Component video, Composite video and S-Video terminals
• Ethernet port
• CD Playback

It has been specifically mentioned that the HD DVD player will conform to the HD DVD player requirements set out by the DVD Forum. That is to say, the player should also be able to decode DTS, Dolby Digital-Plus, Dolby Digital and Dolby TrueHD (at least 2-channels).

Source: Venturer HD DVD Player to Ship in Time for 2007 Holiday Sales (August 28)

Stay tuned for further confirmations and specifics...

Universal Studios Announced 'Tremors' On HD DVD, this Nov 20

In addition to the Pride and Prejudice HD DVD that will be released on Nov 13, Universal Studios Home Entertainment has also announced that Tremors will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on HD DVD (non-combo), this November 20. The disc specs and list of bonus materials included, are as follows:

Tremors (HD DVD / $29.98 SRP)

• 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
• Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English)
  Dolby Digital-Plus (5.1 English and 2.0 French)
• English [SDH] and French subtitle options
• Bonus materials include:
  - Making Of Tremors
  - Outtakes
  - Featurette
  - Theatrical Trailers
  - Kevin Bacon Profile
  - Michael Gross Profile
  - Reba McEntire Profile
  - Production Photographs

Stay tuned for further updates...

A Quick Update (Updated August 27)

• Want to know why the movie 300 is better enjoyed at home when you get it on HD DVD? Check out the official promo site for 300 HD DVD/DVD Combo.
• Cat People HD DVD seems to have been pulled from the Universal Studios' September 25 release slate. A check with some retailers and distributors have indicated this.
• Motörhead's "Stage Fright" - World's First Web-Enabled Music HD DVD is expected to be released in Germany this August 31.

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Next, if you're interested in some HD DVD-only discussions, you may want to check out this forum. The forum is pretty active with new topics added almost everyday.

Remember we asked for inputs on your wishlist of features on the Transformers (2007) HD DVD to make it much more than meets the eye to general audiences, please note that you can still post your opinions in this thread of the HD DVD Discussion Forum (HD DVD-only discussions, forum rules available here). It doesn't really have to be all logical. I once fantasised about the possibility that when the disc is played back, the player transforms into an Autobot. (But that's really a joke, the player couldn't transform.)

That's all for this week...

'License To Wed' On HD DVD/DVD Combo This October 30

Warner Home Video has announced that License To Wed, starring Robin Williams and Mandy Moore, will be available to own in high-definition on a HD DVD/DVD Combo disc, this October 30. The main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.40:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish) and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English) audio options. English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitle options are available on the disc. The disc is expected to have a price tag of $39.99 SRP.

Special features ported over from the combo fullscreen/widescreen DVD release includes:

• Ask Choir Boy - Interactive Relationship Advice from the Film's Hilarious Junior Pastor-in-Training
• Funny Additional Scenes with optional director's commentary

HD DVDs To Be Released Next Tuesday, August 28

Next week's HD DVD releases are all exclusives from Paramount/DreamWorks and Universal Studios. They are Blades of Glory, Dawn of the Dead: Unrated Director's Cut, Heroes: Season 1, The Hurricane and Notting Hill. Among them, Heroes: Season 1 HD DVD set will feature HD DVD-exclusive U-Control immersive interactivity (with web-enabled features) and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless audio can be found on Dawn of the Dead: Unrated Director's Cut and Notting Hill HD DVDs.

Cover artwork of all titles from DreamWorks & Universal Studios are provided below. You may click on the cover artwork previews below to find out the retail price, full disc details and release specifications of each respective title.

Details of New HD DVD titles from Paramount/DreamWorks Home Entertainment

Paramount Home Entertainment has indicated that A Mighty Heart (2007) will be available to own (in high-definition) exclusively on HD DVD, from October 16 (Day-and-date with the DVD release). This HD DVD title is a non-combo HD DVD release and will be priced at $39.99 SRP.

Extras include:

• A Journey of Passion: The Making of A Mighty Heart
• Public Service Announcement - Pearl Foundation with Christiane Amanpour
• Committee to Protect Journalists
• Theatrical Trailer (HD)

Other details (including the possibility of a lossless or an uncompressed audio track) are to be confirmed, though the main feature will be presented in in 1080p High Definition OAR with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 audio track. English [SDH], Spanish, French, Portuguese subtitle options are provided.

Besides A Mighty Heart HD DVD, both comedies Old School (2003) Unrated and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) Unrated, starring Will Farell, will be available on HD DVD this November 27, from DreamWorks Home Entertainment. Both are non-combo HD DVD releases and each is expected to have a suggested retail price of $29.99. Main feature is expected to be presented in 1080p High Definition OAR with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 audio tracks. The bonus materials previously found on the DVD release will also be ported over.

Stay tuned for further updates when we have more...

Do bookmark our HD DVD Release List, as it will be continuously updated when new announcements/adjustments come in.

Upcoming HD DVD Events & 24p Support Update

Once again, the month of September is about to arrive and it can be expected that HD DVD format's upcoming plans will be unveiled at the IFA 2007 and CEDIA Expo 2007. Hardware and software (HD DVD titles) announcements and other confirmations are likely to be made during these two events.

• Toshiba and the European HD DVD Promotional Group is expected to hold a press conference at the IFA 2007, held in Berlin, on August 31.
  
  
• And Toshiba will also be holding a press conference at CEDIA Expo 2007, on September 5.

Should there be any new announcements or confirmations being made at these events, we'll try to get them posted here as soon as possible. We would like to encourage all readers who have official HD DVD news from these events to contribute, so that we'll not miss out anything significant. Thanks in advance!

Also, should there be no further delays, Toshiba will add an enhanced performance function, come early September, 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. This firmware update is also expected to be applicable to the HD-XE1 and HD-EP10 HD DVD players.

Some Upcoming HD DVDs from Warner Home Video (France)

[July 11, 2007] Originally posted.

[August 22, 2007] Updated with some cover artwork previews, plus the announcement of separate French HD DVD releases of each film in the Matrix Trilogy.

Warner Home Video (France) has indicated that The Reaping (Les Châtiments) will be available on HD DVD in France, this Oct 24. It will have a recommended retail price of 24,99 €. As usual, the main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition OAR video with Dolby Digital-Plus audio options.

Besides that, Warner (France) has also indicated that two french films will be available on HD DVD in France, this Oct 31. They include Kirikou et les bêtes sauvages and Les Triplettes de Belleville. The details that I'm able to get hold of is pretty sketchy. But I can say here that a 1080p High Definition OAR video is pretty much set in the stone. And these titles are very likely to be HD DVD-exclusives. Similarly, each will be priced at 24,99 €.

This HD DVD release of Kirikou et les bêtes sauvages is likely to mirror the contents found on the French 2-disc DVD release.

Should any reader have official information on the video/audio specifications of these releases, please do not hesitate to e-mail us the information at hd_dvd_format (AT) yahoo (DOT) com so that we could share it with the online HD DVD community as soon as possible. Thanks in advance!

Another thing, Warner Home Video (France) has announced that separate HD DVD releases for each of the The Matrix Trilogy films, is available to own from October 17 for 24,99 € each. That is to say, if you liked the first Matrix film, you can just buy the the HD DVD release of the first one. Main feature presentation specs and list of bonus materials for the HD DVD release of each film in the series is expected to mirror that of the North American HD DVD release (The Complete Matrix Trilogy HD DVD set). There has been no confirmation if Warner will do the same in North America, where the HD DVDs of all 3 films have been packaged and sold as a single product.

I'll have to say thumbs up for localise content on HD DVD... Seriously, it is largely because of DVD, that I'm introduced to the whole new world of foreign films... and HD DVD has continued with this tradition.

Early Details of Universal Studios' November Wave of HD DVDs

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced Pride & Prejudice on HD DVD, this November 13. This title may offer some indication that Universal Studios may be abandoning Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 altogether, for original audio tracks, favoring Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless audio instead. This is a logical move considering that all standalone HD DVD players released to date are capable of decoding and playback 5.1-channels of Dolby TrueHD audio.

The main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1 video with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English) & Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (French) audio options. English [SDH] and French subtitle options are provided.

Bonus materials include:

• Audio Commentary with Director Joe Wright
• Conversations with the Cast
• Jane Austen, Ahead of Her Time
• A Bennet Family Portrait
• HBO First Look: Pride & Prejudice
• The Politics of Dating
• The Stately Homes of Pride & Prejudice

Stay tuned for further updates...

Paramount & DreamWorks Chose HD DVD Over Blu-ray

Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc. and DreamWorks Animation SKG, each announced today that they will exclusively support the next-generation HD DVD format on a worldwide basis. The exclusive HD DVD commitment will include all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, as well as movies from DreamWorks Animation, which are distributed exclusively by Paramount Home Entertainment.

The companies each said that the decision to distribute exclusively in the HD DVD format resulted from an extensive evaluation of current market offerings, which confirmed the clear benefits of HD DVD, particularly its market-ready technology and lower manufacturing costs. Paramount Home Entertainment will launch its exclusive HD DVD program with the release of the blockbuster comedy hit "Blades of Glory" on August 28th and follow with two of the biggest grossing movies of the year "Transformers" and "Shrek the Third". These three titles alone represent more than $1.5 billion in box office ticket sales worldwide.

"Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience," said Brad Grey, chairman and chief executive of Paramount Pictures. "I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount."

Paramount Home Entertainment will issue new releases day and date as well as catalog titles exclusively on HD DVD. Today's announcement does not include films directed by Steven Spielberg as his films are not exclusive to either format.

Source:

• Paramount to offer movies in HD DVD (Associated Press)
• Official Press Release

Past Weeks' HD DVD Software News

Bandai Visual USA has announced the following anime HD DVD titles to be released in U.S./Canada. They are as follows:

• Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honneamise
  2-discs (HD-30 & Region 1 DVD-9) / September 11 / $79.99 SRP
  
  Main feature on the HD DVD will be presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 16x9 (VC-1 Encode) video with Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 (English), Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (Japanese) & L-PCM 2.0 (Japanese) audio options. English & Japanese subtitle options are provided. Bonus features include Theatrical Trailer & Pilot film.
  
  This HD DVD/DVD 2-disc set will also contain a 20-page full color booklet.
  
  
• Freedom Vol. 2
  1 Single-sided disc (HD DVD/DVD Twin Format Disc) / September 25 / $39.99 SRP
  
  Main feature on the HD DVD will be presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 16x9 (VC-1 Encode) video with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (Japanese) & L-PCM 2.0 (Japanese) audio options. English subtitles are provided.
  
  Bonus features on the HD DVD include FREEDOM 1 Digest (Internet connection required) and FREEDOM 2 TV Commerical Flash (Internet connection required) and the trailer of the next episode.

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Paramount Home Entertainment has delayed both Face/Off Special Collector's Edition and The Jack Ryan Special Edition Collection HD DVDs to October. Face/Off Special Collector's Edition will now be released on October 30 and The Jack Ryan Special Edition Collection HD DVD set will instead be released on October 23. Disc specifications and list of bonus materials are still sketchy.

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Warner Home Video has announced The Omega Man on HD DVD, November 27. It will be a non-combo release priced at $28.99.

Blade Runner 5-Discs Complete Collector's Edition ($39.99 SRP) and the Ulimate Collector's Edition ($99.98 SRP) have both been officially announced to be available on HD DVD, starting December 18. Both release configurations will feature the same on-disc content with the exception of the UCE being housed in a special limited edition deckard briefcase packaging along with a few collectible memorabilia thrown in. More details and package artwork here.

Alexander Revisited: The Final Cut 2 Discs Special Edition will be available to own on HD DVD, from September 18. It will be priced at $28.99 SRP.

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From Universal Studios:

• Universal Studios Home Entertainment has now confirmed that the Battlestar Galactica (2004): Season One will be available on 6-disc HD DVD set from December 4. The high-definition version of this TV series is available to own only on HD DVD. It is a non-combo HD DVD set and has a suggested price tag of $99.98 SRP. Full details here.
  
• Evan Almighty, Knocked Up (Unrated) & Evening are all expected to be released on the HD DVD/DVD Combo disc. All three will have a suggested price tag of $39.98. Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless audio tracks can be found on Evening and Evan Almighty HD DVDs while U-Control/Web-Enabled special features can be found on Evan Almighty and Knocked Up (Unrated) HD DVDs.

Past weeks' HD DVD Hardware News...

• Onkyo USA has finally confirmed earlier reports that it is introducing a new HD DVD player to retail. The DV-HD805 HD DVD player is packed with features such as high-bit-rate audio streaming via HDMI version 1.3a and support for playback at 24fps (which is the native frame rate of the original sources for most HD content). The DV-HD805 includes an Ethernet port to allow users access to these capabilities, as well as enable the user to easily download any future firmware updates. On the DVD upconversion front, the onboard HQV Reon VX video processing chipset provides exceptionally precise video scaling (to 720p, 1080i or 1080p). The player is expected to be available at retail from Fall 2007 at $899 MSRP. Full press release here.
  
  
• Toshiba has announced that it will be introducing third-generation HD DVD players to retail, starting September 2007. Entry-level model HD-A3 will be priced at $299.99 MSRP while the feature-packed model, the HD-A35, will be priced at $499.99 MSRP. Full details via this blogpost.

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Latest Firmware Versions and Error Code Status explanation...

Instructions on how to check the version of the firmware installed on Toshiba's HD DVD players available here.

Please note that the new web-enabled HD DVDs such as Blood Diamond, Freedom Vol. 1 and 300 would require latest firmware update for the web-enabled features to function without major hiccups. Should you face still face error messages when accessing the web-enabled features after having updated your firmware to the latest version, do check out HD DVD ASSISTANCE FOR WEB-ENABLED FEATURES (Click on the link titled Web-Enabled Features on this website) for specific explanation of each error status code.

Earlier this month, Toshiba America has released the v2.2 firmware update for HD-A2, HD-A20 & HD-XA2 HD DVD players sold in the U.S./Canada. Toshiba (Japan) has also released the v2.2 firmware update for HD-XF2 and HD-XA2 HD DVD players sold in Japan.

HD DVD Players Released in the U.S./Canada

• HD-A1/D1 & HD-XA1 (Version 2.3)
• HD-A2/D2/A2W & HD-XA2/A20 (Version 2.2)

HD DVD Players/Recorders Released in Japan

• HD-XA1 (Version 2.3)
• HD-XF2 & HD-XA2 (Version 2.2)
• VARDIA RD-A1 (Ver06)
• VARDIA RD-A600/A300 (Ver03)

HD DVD Players Released in Europe

• HD-E1 (Version 2.0)
• HD-XE1/EP10 (Version 2.0)

HD DVD Players Released in Asia (Hong Kong, India & Southeast Asia)

• HD-E1KTE (Version 2.0)

Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-on Player

• Version 2.0.4636.0 (After applying May 2007 Revised Update)

The Bear Has Returned...

I'm (Wild Bear) back from my break, and will be updating this blog with a summary of all the latest HD DVD news and information soon... this is in addition to what J.Z. has posted during my absence. Do stay tuned.

In the meantime, you may want to check out our HD DVD Release List for an updated list of HD DVD releases to expect in the coming weeks or months.

'Evening' HD DVD/DVD Combo Arrives this September 25

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced Evening (2007) as a HD DVD/DVD Combo release and will be available to own from September 25. The disc has a suggested price tag of $39.98. Optional Spanish subtitles are provided only on the DVD side.

The HD DVD disc specs and list of bonus materials stands as follows:

• 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.40:1
• Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English) & Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English)
• English [SDH] & French subtitle options
• Bonus materials (on both HD DVD & DVD sides) includes:
  - Deleted Scenes
  - One Weekend by the Sea: Remembering Evening
  - Adapting Evening

'Battlestar Galactica: Season One' On HD DVD, December 4

Disappointed and anxious that there was still no confirmation on Battlestar Galactica (2004): Season One coming out on HD DVD... when this HD DVD title was heavily rumored to be released in September?

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has now confirmed that the Battlestar Galactica (2004): Season One will be available on 6-disc HD DVD set from December 4. The high-definition version of this TV series is available to own only on HD DVD. It is a non-combo HD DVD set and has a suggested price tag of $99.98 SRP.

Each episode of the series and the miniseries will be presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.78:1 video with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English) and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English) audio options. Only English [SDH] and French subtitle options are included.

A breakdown of the bonus materials on each disc:

Disc One:

• Encyclopedia Galactica - An interactive guide including ships, characters, colonies and flight training manual (HD DVD-Exclusive)
• Picture in Picture - Behind the Scenes of the Mini Series (HD DVD-Exclusive)
• Feature Commentary with Director Michael Rymer and Executive Producers David Eick and Ronald D. Moore
• Deleted Scenes - Mini Series
• Sketches and Art
• From Miniseries to Series
• Change Is Good, Now They're Babes
• The Cylon Centurion
• Future/Past Technology
• The Doctor Is Out (Of His Mind)
• Production
• Visual Effects
• Epilogue

Disc Two:

• Encyclopedia Galactica - An interactive guide including ships, characters, colonies and flight training manual (HD DVD-Exclusive)
• Picture in Picture - Behind the Scenes of the Mini Series (HD DVD-Exclusive)
• Deleted Scenes
• Feature Commentary with Director Michael Rymer and Executive Producers David Eick and Ronald D. Moore
• Pilot Commentary with Director Michael Rymer and Executive Producers David Eick and Ronald D. Moore

Disc Three:

• Deleted Scenes
• Episode 103 "Bastille Day" Commentary with Ronald D. Moore and David Eick
• Episode 104 "Act of Contrition" Commentary with Ronald D. Moore and David Eick

Disc Four:

• Deleted Scenes
• Episode 105 "You Can't Go Home Again" Commentary with Ronald D. Moore and David Eick

Disc Five:

• Deleted Scenes
• Episode 109 "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down" Commentary with Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore
• Episode 110 "The Hand of God" Commentary with Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore

Disc Six:

• Deleted Scenes
• Episode 111 "Colonial Day" Commentary with Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore
• Episode 112 "Kobol's Last Gleaming" Pt 1 Commentary with Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore
• Episode 113 "Kobol's Last Gleaming" Pt. 2 Commentary with Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore

'Top Gun' Japanese HD DVD Features Discrete 6.1 Lossless Audio

Paramount Pictures (Japan) will be releasing Top Gun on HD DVD, this October 26. Fans of Top Gun will be glad to know that the Japanese HD DVD release contains the Dolby TrueHD 6.1 (English) lossless and Dolby Digital-Plus 6.1 (English & Japanese) audio tracks. DTS-ES 6.1 (English) audio option is also provided. The disc contains English & Japanese subtitle options. It is expected to be priced at 4,935 Yen (inclusive of relevant taxes).

An audio commentary (which I suspect is the one ported over from the Special Collector's Edition DVD) could also be expected on this release, pending further confirmation.

Based on the current information that I have, it seems that the North American HD DVD release of Top Gun is missing out on these features. The North American HD DVD release contains 5.1-channel audio, whether Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Digital-Plus, and certainly does not have any of the DVD special features ported over.

Once we have more of the finalised details, they will be posted up on this blog. Do contribute if you've more official information...

'Knocked Up' & 'Evan Almighty' HD DVDs Announced...

On September 25, Knocked Up will be released on the HD DVD/DVD Combo disc with a price tag of $39.98 SRP. The HD DVD side will feature the 133 minutes unrated cut of the film while the DVD side will feature the theatrical cut. U-Control Picture-in-Picture Instant Access interactive feature is provided with this title. You can access hilarious behind-the-scenes footage and discover how Writer/Director Judd Apatow and cast work together on set, all without interrupting your movie experience. Full details of this HD DVD release available here.

Evan Almighty will be released on the HD DVD/DVD Combo disc on October 9, with a suggested price of $39.98. On the HD DVD side, a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless audio track is included to accompany the high-definition version of the film. Other HD DVD-exclusive extras include:

• Picture-in-Picture: Viewers will get a truly "inside" look at the making of the movie through Behind-The-Scenes footage and interviews with cast and crew.
• Ark Building for Dummies: 3-D pop up graphics give a step-by-step guide to ark building for the viewers at home.
• Animal Wrangler: In sync wtih the movie, graphics give factual information on each type of animal.
• Get on Board

Full details of the Evan Almighty HD DVD available here.

Lastly, these two HD DVD titles will also contain HD DVD-exclusive Web-Enabled features, as promised by Universal Studios late last month. With these discs, you can connect your HD DVD player to the Internet and download exclusive content, trailers and updates.

Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players for High Definition Enthusiasts

Toshiba announced today its third generation of HD DVD players for the U.S. market. Continuing to outpace the competition in sales of dedicated high definition players and responding to increased consumer demand, Toshiba revealed three new sleek and stylish models for an ultimate HD home movie experience. With all three new models priced under $500 (MSRP), Toshiba is delivering a powerful line-up of HD DVD players designed to meet the aggressive growth in demand for high definition TVs.

Toshiba Third Generation HD DVD Models

Toshiba's third generation family starts with the entry level HD-A3 ($299.99 MSRP, Available Oct 2007) player featuring 1080i output capability. The other two new models, Toshiba's HD-A30 ($399.99 MSRP, Available Sept 2007) and HD-A35 ($499.99 MSRP, Available Oct 2007), 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 "CE-Link" (HDMI(TM)-CEC) connectivity offers the capability to communicate with and control another CE device in a whole new way. For instance, using "CE-Link" with "One Touch Play" consumers will be able 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.

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.

This blogpost will be updated when we have more... or when Wild Bear returns late August. Do stay tuned for all the HD DVD news and more when he returns to contribute on this blog.