Toshiba is introducing its new HD-A20 HD DVD player at the 2007 International Consumer Electronic Show currently running in Las Vegas. The HD-A20, which features 1080p capabilities, is expected to retail at US$599.99, according to the company. 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.
"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."
Toshiba's HD DVD players 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.
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 1920×1080p, 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.
The HD-A2 and HD-XA2 are both available now and have a suggested retail price of US$499.99 and US$999.99, respectively. The HD-A20 will be available in the spring of 2007 at a suggested retail price of US$599.99.
