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

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 WAYNE, N.J., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Consumer Products,L.L.C. ("Toshiba"), announced today its third generation of HD DVD playersfor the U.S. market. Continuing to outpace the competition in sales ofdedicated high definition players and responding to increased consumerdemand, Toshiba revealed three new sleek and stylish models for an ultimateHD home movie experience. With all three new models priced under $500(MSRP), Toshiba is delivering a powerful line-up of HD DVD players designedto meet the aggressive growth in demand for high definition TVs.

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

Building on the success of its first and second generation players, newleading enhancements in select models in the third generation line includean improvement in video performance with 1080p/24 frames per second (24p)support. Movie films are traditionally captured at 24 frames per second andselect Toshiba third generation HD DVD players will be able to maintainthis frame rate allowing consumers to enjoy movies in their native framerate. Also added to the line is "CE-Link" (HDMI(TM)-CEC) connectivity whichoffers the capability to communicate with and control another CE device ina 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 DVDplayer, and start playing a movie, with a single touch of a button on theplayer remote.

Toshiba Third Generation HD DVD Models Toshiba's third generation family starts with the entry level HD-A3player 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 ofoutputing signals at 1080p/24 frames per second so consumers can enjoymovies in their native frame rate.

The HD-A30 and HD-A35 models alsofeature "CE-Link" (HDMI-CEC), allowing two- way control between the HD DVDplayer and a TV through an HDMI connection. The top-of-the-line HD-A35 also adds support for Deep Color via HDMIallowing 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 BitRate Audio (up to 7.1 channel) via HDMI. With content encoded in 7.1ch,this advanced surround sound is achieved through the HDMI connectionbypassing the player's internal audio processor and sending the signal to a7.1 capable A/V receiver. High Bit Rate Audio will allow the consumer tointegrate the HD-A35 with the latest multi-channel A/V receivers and enjoya whole new dimension of high definition home entertainment.

All of Toshiba's third generation HD DVD players are refined with newcosmetic designs. Rounded edges, slim chassis (only 59.5 mm - nearly halfas tall as first generation players) and high gloss, black acrylic faceplates create very sleek devices - a perfect complement to Toshiba's awardwinning REGZA(R) HD LCD televisions. Beyond the Hi Def Movie Experience Starting with 1st generation players, all of Toshiba's HD DVD playerssupport the enhanced features of the HD DVD format mandated by the DVDForum including picture-in-picture video, audio commentary and the abilityto allow web-enabled network capabilities. Using the Ethernet ports foundon all Toshiba HD DVD players, once connected to the network, users canaccess bonus features, as available, from a movie studio's server. Thisdata is then saved in the player's persistent storage and can be accessedby the user.

In addition to accessing new bonus features, some HD DVD discsmay include locked prerecorded content which can be unlocked with adownloadable key from the studio's online server. Web-enabled capability isnow opening the door to a new entertainment experience beyond hi def videoand audio. "Consumers will always have a consistent experience with HD DVD as wehave an established platform to keep the players updated to ensure theultimate HD movie experience," said Yoshi Uchiyama, Group Vice President,Toshiba's Digital A/V Group.

"A mandatory Ethernet port in all HD DVDplayers ensures that consumers can receive updates to their units tosupport the latest offerings from the studios and maximizing theirinvestment in the format." All of Toshiba's HD DVD models are backward compatible allowing usersto enjoy their libraries of current DVD and CD software while enhancing thelook of regular DVDs by upconverting them to near high definition quality. For more information on HD DVD, please visit http://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)

About Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is owned by Toshiba America,Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, a world leader in hightechnology products with subsidiaries worldwide.

Toshiba is a pioneer in HDDVD, DVD and DVD Recorder technology and a leading manufacturer of a fullline of home entertainment products, including flat panel TV, combinationproducts and portable devices. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. isheadquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. For additional information, pleasevisit http://www.tacp.toshiba.com. Important Notes: HD DVD with high-definition content required for HD viewing. DVD withstandard definition content will upconvert to near HD quality. Viewinghigh- definition content and up-converting DVD content may require an HDCPcapable DVI or HDMI input on your display device. 1080p capable displayrequired for viewing content in 1080p. Firmware update may be required forsome interactive features depending on content, which may also require analways-on broadband internet connection. Some features may requireadditional bandwidth. To take advantage of web-enabled network content,downloading and installing the latest firmware (ver.2.3 for HD DVD playermodels HD-XA1, HD-A1, and HD-D1; ver.2.0 for HD DVD player models HD-XA2,HD-A2, HD-A2W, HD-D2, HD-A2C, and HD- A20; and ver.1.0 for HD-A35, HD-A30,and HD-A3) is required.

Web-enabled features require an always on broadbandconnection along with specific movie titles that include this form ofcontent. MP3/WMA audio files not supported. For 24p output, content thatwas created in 1080p/24 frames/sec is required. Viewing 24p output requiresan HD display capable of accepting a 1080p/24Hz signal. Use of CE-Link,which is a feature based on HDMI-CEC, requires an HDMI-CEC compatibledisplay device. Depending on the specifications of your TV, some or allCE-Link functions may not work even if your TV is HDMI-CEC compatible. Useof High Bit Rate Audio requires High Bit Rate Audio compatible AV receiver.Deep Color feature as specified in HDMI 1.3a requires compatible Deep Colorcapable HD display and/or device. Because HD DVD is a new format that makesuse of new technologies, certain disc, digital connection and othercompatibility and/or performance issues are possible. This may, in rarecases, include disc freezing while accessing certain disc features orfunctions, or certain parts of the disc not playing back or operating asfully intended.

If you experience such issues, please refer to the FAQsections of http://www.toshibahddvd.com or http://www.tacp.toshiba.com for information onpossible work-around solutions or the availability of firmware updates thatmay resolve your problem, or contact Toshiba Customer Solutions. Somefeatures subject to delayed availability. While Toshiba has made everyeffort at the time of publication to ensure the accuracy of the informationprovided herein, product specifications, configurations,system/component/options availability are all subject to change withoutnotice. For additional information on Toshiba HD DVD players, please visithttp://www.tacp.toshiba.com/hddvd/ HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface aretrademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC. HD DVD and DVD are trademarks of DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation.