speculation only at this point. However, this might the the starting date where we see cheap China mari players with MS and Broadcom's SoC reference design. That would also open the floodgate for other traditional CEs to produce HD DVD players. Though the cheapest price is equal to the current A2, if indeed it is a SoC player, it would allow more flexible price adjustment. launch it at $299 and discount it for $199 before christmas, priceless .





http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/08/02/third...on-october-1st/



http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Tos...s_For_Oct_1/837

Updated on August 7. Toshiba has made this official



http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/news/newsarticle.asp?newsid=173

WAYNE, NJ - AUGUST 6, 2007
TOSHIBA TO DEBUT THIRD GENERATION HD DVD PLAYERS FOR HIGH DEFINITION ENTHUSIASTS
Toshiba takes the Hi Def movie experience to a whole new level with 24 frames per second support, CE-Link connectivity, High Bit Rate Audio capabilities and unmatched interactivity functionality
Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("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.

"With a majority market share in unit sales of next generation DVD players, consumers are speaking loud and clear, and they are adopting HD DVD as their HD movie format of choice," said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "Because of the proven manufacturing efficiencies of the HD DVD format, Toshiba can bring this level of innovation in technology to a new generation of players with cutting-edge functionality at affordable prices."

Building on the success of its first and second generation players, new leading enhancements in select models in the third generation line include an improvement in video performance with 1080p/24 frames per second (24p) support. Movie films are traditionally captured at 24 frames per second and select Toshiba third generation HD DVD players will be able to maintain this frame rate allowing consumers to enjoy movies in their native frame rate.

Also added to the line is "CE-Link" (HDMI(tm) CEC) connectivity which 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.

Toshiba Third Generation HD DVD Models

Toshiba's third generation family starts with the entry level HD-A3 player featuring 1080i output capability. The other two new models, Toshiba's HD-A30 and HD-A35, 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 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 - a perfect complement to Toshiba's award winning REGZA(R) HD LCD televisions.

Beyond the Hi Def Movie Experience

Starting with 1st generation players, all of Toshiba's HD DVD players support the enhanced features of the HD DVD format mandated by the DVD Forum including picture-in-picture video, audio commentary and the ability to allow web-enabled network capabilities. Using the Ethernet ports found on all Toshiba HD DVD players, once connected to the network, users can access 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 accessing new bonus features, some HD DVD discs may include locked prerecorded content which can be unlocked with a downloadable key from the studio's online server. Web-enabled capability is now opening the door to a new entertainment experience beyond hi def video and audio.

"Consumers will always have a consistent experience with HD DVD as we have an established platform to keep the players updated to ensure the ultimate HD movie experience," said Yoshi Uchiyama, Group Vice President, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "A mandatory Ethernet port in all HD DVD players ensures that consumers can receive updates to their units to support the latest offerings from the studios and maximizing their investment in the format."

All of Toshiba's HD DVD models are backward compatible allowing users to enjoy their libraries of current DVD and CD software while enhancing the look of regular DVDs by upconverting them to near high definition quality.

For more information on HD DVD, please visit www.toshibahddvd.com.

Expected Pricing and Expected Availability:
HD-A3 ($299.99, October 2007)
HD-A30 ($399.99, September 2007)
HD-A35 ($499.99, October 2007)



This post has been edited by g5sim: Aug 7 2007, 06:58 AM

Wow, so fast third generation liao. The price is attractive too, more attractive than getting the external HD-DVD add on for XBOX 360. So praying hard that there are Region 3 HD-DVD titles so that we can enjoy cheaper titles to go along with the player.

Seems like Toshiba is on the right track by offering the hardware at the right price without compromising the picture and sound quality. Bravo to Toshiba. I wonder why is only Toshiba producing HD-DVD players? How about Marantz, Denon, Pioneer, ...... etc. Hope to see more choices from the HD-DVD camp but honestly, Toshiba HD-DVD players already won the hearts of the critics.

one from Onkyo coming very soon. Pioneer is exclusive to Blu-ray. Denon has announced a $2000 Blu-ray player (but is not exclusive to BD)

I predict at least two or three more HD DVD player brands during CEDIA in early September.

HD DVD has NO region coding (Unlike Blu-ray) that is why some people are importing Blu-ray Exclusive titles in HD DVD from Europe, some of the titles especially fox titles are not even released in Blu-ray in the USA

Err ........ mind my noobness, I thought blu-ray titles are region free. Just my assumption since an Asian PS3 console (Region 3, right?) can play titles released in the US (Region 1, right?). Actually I just assumed they're region free since all titles could be played on an Asian PS3 including those Region 2 Japanese blu-rays titles like Mika Nakashima's concert. Not sure whether the hardware is region free or the blu-ray titles have not been encoded with a region restriction yet. What do you think?

Well, hope to see more combo players in the future which offers playback as good as the Toshiba and the finest player from the Blu-Ray camp. I guess that's possible since some universal dvd players could play SACD and DVD Audio softwares with audiophile sound quality. I know the combo players from Samsung and LG are just entry level ones, hope we can see more higher end combo players later on and if they can sell one at USD299, I guess I'll be the first one to jump in joy but then, if I'm not mistaken, the combo players are around USD600 to USD800.

HD-DVD is surely progressing rather quickly...but then again, it already has its base (DVD) established long time ago. Even though the prices of the players are cheaper, I think BD will still be the future....thanks to video retal store like Blockbuster backing them up ZOMG not another "wong dai sin" post about hd format

combo players are $999 up

There is NO region coding in HD DVD (its not currently in the HD DVD spec) but yes in Blu-ray (though i do not think it has been applied to the current BD releases )

---

Added on August 4, 2007, 4:21 amthe only reason that Blockbuster agreed to let Sony put Blockbuster's name in Sony's press release is because Blockbuster knew that the financial and non financial benefit that they are getting from Sony is more than what they will get from selling/renting Hidef disks. Blockbuster is a dying dinosour anyway, Walmart sells $130bil worth of DVD, more than all the other retailers combined in the USA


This post has been edited by g5sim: Aug 4 2007, 04:21 AM

Contrary to your statement tere, g5sim, Blockbuster tend to cater to the more hardcore audiophilic audience rather than Walmart, which their core trget customers tend to shop for run-of-the-mill stuff catered to average Joes and Janes. You are correct when you say Walmart sold that amount worth of DVDs, and they especially carry mediums that cater to their bottom line (meaning they stock more DVDs than HD format mediums) , rather than encouraging HD adoption, which is what Blockbuster and Future Shop are trying to encourage the general public to embrace.

This is based on anecdotal experience (a.k.a mine ) when we visited stores around California.

Blockbuster and WalMart fulfill different roles. WalMart is your hypermarket i.e. rather like CarrreFour here in Malaysia. It is therefore ubiquitous and that explains why it sells so many DVDs. It's a huge retailer with multiple stores.

Blockbuster on the other hand deals only with DVD/recordable media. It is both retail and rental. I doubt very much it will disappear anytime soon.

yupe that is the problem - and when Wal-mart decides to tackle Blockbuster with their own renting, BBI will be out of business in no time. Well BBI's decision to gain benefits elsewhere by letting go the money that they can earn selling and renting HD DVD in more than 1000 stores is very telling on where the are heading. oh wait, their CEO was fired soon after the BD backing announcement

---

Added on August 5, 2007, 4:24 pmyou should bring lots of Add On home and sell them on the Bulk thread

---

Added on August 7, 2007, 6:55 amToshiba officially announcing the Gen3 HD DVD players:

WAYNE, NJ - AUGUST 6, 2007
TOSHIBA TO DEBUT THIRD GENERATION HD DVD PLAYERS FOR HIGH DEFINITION ENTHUSIASTS
Toshiba takes the Hi Def movie experience to a whole new level with 24 frames per second support, CE-Link connectivity, High Bit Rate Audio capabilities and unmatched interactivity functionality
Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("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.

"With a majority market share in unit sales of next generation DVD players, consumers are speaking loud and clear, and they are adopting HD DVD as their HD movie format of choice," said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "Because of the proven manufacturing efficiencies of the HD DVD format, Toshiba can bring this level of innovation in technology to a new generation of players with cutting-edge functionality at affordable prices."

Building on the success of its first and second generation players, new leading enhancements in select models in the third generation line include an improvement in video performance with 1080p/24 frames per second (24p) support. Movie films are traditionally captured at 24 frames per second and select Toshiba third generation HD DVD players will be able to maintain this frame rate allowing consumers to enjoy movies in their native frame rate.

Also added to the line is "CE-Link" (HDMI(tm) CEC) connectivity which 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.

Toshiba Third Generation HD DVD Models

Toshiba's third generation family starts with the entry level HD-A3 player featuring 1080i output capability. The other two new models, Toshiba's HD-A30 and HD-A35, 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 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 - a perfect complement to Toshiba's award winning REGZA(R) HD LCD televisions.

Beyond the Hi Def Movie Experience

Starting with 1st generation players, all of Toshiba's HD DVD players support the enhanced features of the HD DVD format mandated by the DVD Forum including picture-in-picture video, audio commentary and the ability to allow web-enabled network capabilities. Using the Ethernet ports found on all Toshiba HD DVD players, once connected to the network, users can access 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 accessing new bonus features, some HD DVD discs may include locked prerecorded content which can be unlocked with a downloadable key from the studio's online server. Web-enabled capability is now opening the door to a new entertainment experience beyond hi def video and audio.

"Consumers will always have a consistent experience with HD DVD as we have an established platform to keep the players updated to ensure the ultimate HD movie experience," said Yoshi Uchiyama, Group Vice President, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "A mandatory Ethernet port in all HD DVD players ensures that consumers can receive updates to their units to support the latest offerings from the studios and maximizing their investment in the format."

All of Toshiba's HD DVD models are backward compatible allowing users to enjoy their libraries of current DVD and CD software while enhancing the look of regular DVDs by upconverting them to near high definition quality.

For more information on HD DVD, please visit www.toshibahddvd.com.

Expected Pricing and Expected Availability:
HD-A3 ($299.99, October 2007)
HD-A30 ($399.99, September 2007)
HD-A35 ($499.99, October 2007)



This post has been edited by g5sim: Aug 7 2007, 06:55 AM

Already in process, but getting a few of them for close friends from different discussion boards. Cheap Add Ons as low as USD160, plus a couple of PS3/PS3 related items. Malas nak buat bisnes lah, dont have a business bone in my body. My SoCal/FL trip end of this month/back here in mid-September should see me taking advantage of the "shipping-in quota" made available for staff. In addition to a few other juicy "tidbits" i can find from Best Buy, Futureshop, and such.

lucky people see what Toshiba can spring out in September and October