Toshiba HD-A20

[rooster-x]

While we're still waiting to see an XE1 in the UK, Toshiba are supposed to be announcing a cut down HD-XA2 at CES. Its just not fair!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=782590

From AVS

Toshiba announces HD-A20 1080p new model
Here's a heads-up that tomorrow Toshiba will be showing their third new second generation HD DVD player, the HD-A20.

The A20 will output resolutions up to 1080p at 24 or 60 fps, like the XA2.

No 5.1 analog output and lower priced than the XA2, Toshiba has rounded off their G2 models with a good, better, best selection.

I don't expect Silicon Optix's Reon processor for the A20. MAP is $599.99. More details to come tomorrow when the CES show opens.

-Robert

[Angry the Clown]

It could well mean they're about to adjust the retail price of the A2 to around $399 or a little lower. I am assuming this will also result in an HD-E20 as well.

[rooster-x]

Originally Posted by Angry the Clown

It could well mean they're about to adjust the retail price of the A2 to around $399 or a little lower. I am assuming this will also result in an HD-E20 as well.

Maybe an HD-E10, but they might not release in the UK as the market isn't as big as the states. I guess it would depend on how may 1080p sets are in the uk, as this is what the HD-E10 would be targetting, without the expensive SD-DVD upconversion from the Reon chip, you don't get the analogue audio outs so I will still probably go for the HD-XE1, (one day )

Rooster-X

[Angry the Clown]

Yes, it'd probably be an E10 if released here. You’re quite right. I forgot they replaced 2’s for 1’s in the models for Europe.

[ash]

Originally Posted by via Engadget

Toshiba did have a new announcement at its CES press conference today. Slotting in between the just shipped HD-A2 (pictured) and HD-XA2 HD DVD players, the HD-A20 will provide the standard feature set of the HD-A2 with the 1080p output featured in the high end HD-XA2. Hitting streets this spring, it will retail at $599, but does not include other HD-XA2 features like Deep Color support -- and presumably not HDMI 1.3 either -- or its enhanced video DAC and additional PQ settings.

Details are still sketchy, and no news on UK release.

[Rob100]

That sounds great news for HD-DVD.

There's also a mention in that thread on AVS of a new Samsung Blurry player for $500 USD (not confirmed).

Things are really hotting up now

[ash]

Not exactly a good think for consumers, people will get confused? 3 model, each within $100-200 price difference? Atleast there will be variety.

[Angry the Clown]

You can see a photo taken form the show floor of the A20 here.

Here is the full press release:

CES, LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 (HDMI(TM)) - 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)

HD DVD is a seamless transition from DVD enhancing the home theater experience, particularly with the combination discs that contain both HD DVD and DVD content on the same disc. Taking advantage of the combination discs, consumers can enjoy the HD DVD quality with their HDTV and have the flexibility to view the standard definition version on existing DVD players and even portables. Additionally all Toshiba HD DVD players offer network connectivity and interactivity to reach a new high definition experience. Only HD DVD made it a mandatory part of the standard to support networking, persistent storage and secondary video decoders. Networking and persistent storage have the capability to let consumers download and store new content on their HD DVD players. With combination discs, network connectivity and additional storage, HD DVD is easing the transition from SD to HD providing consumers with the ultimate home entertainment experience.

[Tejstar]

If only the HD-A20 had 5.1 analogue outputs...

[beecee]

Originally Posted by Tejstar

If only the HD-A20 had 5.1 analogue outputs...

nah 7.1....

[Roam]

Either will do