Toshiba's Qosmio G45 now with world's first notebook HD DVD-R/RW optical drive

Toshiba's Digital Product Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced it lowered the starting price on its HD DVD notebook line to $899 ESUP, starting with the Satellite A205 notebook. In addition to the new pricing structure, Toshiba incorporated the world's first notebook HD DVD-R/RW optical drive into the Qosmio G45, and collectively boosted the greater overall power and functionality of its full lineup of HD DVD enabled notebook computers.

With an $899 starting price more users now have access to the industry's most complete portfolio of leading high-definition notebook computers. Also, with the addition of an HD DVD rewritable drive Qosmio users are empowered with the ability to burn, erase and re-burn content to HD DVD-RW discs. The Toshiba HD DVD notebook portfolio consists of four models featuring high-definition widescreen displays with resolutions up to 1080p and screen sizes ranging from 15.4- to 17-inches. The portfolio includes the Satellite A205, Satellite P205, Satellite X205 and Qosmio G45 models.

For a limited time, with the purchase of an HD DVD enabled Toshiba notebook, consumers qualify to receive five HD DVD movie titles for free, from a selection of 15 popular titles, via a mail-in offer. Eligible models and complete offer details are available at http://www.toshibadirect.com/hddvdpc, and the promotion is valid until February 28, 2008.

The convergence of high-definition with the widespread appeal of the DVD format has lead to the creation of the new HD DVD format. The next-generation technology of HD DVD provides an unsurpassed experience in terms of resolution and interactivity. While today's DVD format has a maximum playback resolution of 480p, HD DVDs leap forward with an image resolution that is up to six times sharper. The result is a visual experience with brighter colors, enhanced details and greater overall image sharpness.

Designed to be a truly interactive medium, HD DVD delivers an unprecedented experience that will change how people watch and enjoy their movies. Available to users are features, such as picture-in-picture director's commentary and instant scene book-marking, for instant access to a user's favorite scenes on-the-fly. Unlike today's DVD viewing experience, many HD DVD interactive features can be enjoyed while the film is being viewed. Additionally, an HD DVD enabled notebook is compatible with all of today's standard-definition DVD titles, ensuring that a user's collection of DVD movies is not left obsolete.

For a more expansive viewing experience, select Toshiba HD DVD enabled notebooks include an HDMI port and can be connected to an HDTV to deliver a pure high-definition image that will equal the resolution capability of the HDTV, up to 1080p.

The Qosmio G45, Satellite X205, Satellite P205 and Satellite A205 featuring HD DVD drives will be available at http://www.toshibadirect.com/ and at a variety of major consumer electronics and computer stores nationwide.