Toshiba HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-XA2 HD-DVD Players

Toshiba adds the HD-A20 to its HD-DVD player lineup joining the HD-A2 and HD-XA2.
All of the above 3 model can connect to HDTVs via the HDMI interface. The Toshiba HD-A2 can output content in 720p or 1080i and the Toshiba HD-A20 and HD-XA2 can output not only in 720p or 1080i but also 1920 x1080p which is the highest HD resolution.

The 3 HD-DVD player support also HD audio output.

The Toshiba HD-A2 and HD-XA2 are available now with a price tag of $499.99 and $999.99 while the HD-A20 will be available in Spring this year for $599.99.

Press Release 

TOSHIBA DELIVERS – SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF SECOND GENERATION HD DVD PLAYERS COMPLETES THE SEAMLESS TRANSITION TO HIGH DEFINITION
Increased Shipment Volume to Meet Market Demand; New Player Introduction Enhances Line-up of HD DVD Players

Proving its leadership in the seamless transition to high definition, Toshiba today announced it has successfully introduced its second generation HD DVD players – delivering stunning image quality, astounding audio capabilities and a new level of interactivity never seen before. Building on its early lead in the market and proving the strength of the HD DVD format, Toshiba has now added a new player to enhance its family of HD DVD players and has increased shipment volume to meet the growing market demand.

“It’s with great satisfaction that we announce the successful launch of Toshiba’s second generation HD DVD players,” said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba America Consumer Products Digital A/V Group. “Our second generation HD-A2 is selling through very well indicating a stronger market demand than before, and now with a new line-up of second generation players, we’re proving that Toshiba is the consumer’s choice for next generation HD DVD.”

Bigger Commitment, Bigger Line-Up
At CES, Toshiba is introducing the new HD-A20, which is expected to retail at $599.99. With the 1080p capabilities of the HD-A20, Toshiba has taken high definition to the next level at an attractive price point. 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. This expanded line of products offers enhanced functionalities of the HD DVD format and is proof of Toshiba’s commitment to the smooth transition to the next stage in high definition entertainment

“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.”

HD DVD – The Players
To meet the latest advancements in Audio/Video interfaces, Toshiba’s models connect to HDTV sets via High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMIâ„¢) – 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.

To match the resolution of your display, 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 x 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.

Expected Pricing and Expected Availability:
HD-A2 ($499.99, Available Now)
HD-A20 ($599.99, Spring 2007)
HD-XA2 ($999.99, Available Now)

Toshiba