After launching the world’s first HD DVD player, Toshiba continued to ride the wave of success with the first laptop model featuring an integrated HD DVD drive. However, initially, the Qosmio will only be available in the Japanese market.
The War Resumes
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| Source: Kakaku.com |
The battle between the Blu-ray and HD DVD formats reignited at the end of March with Toshiba’s release of the world’s first commercial HD DVD player. This device promises to elevate home entertainment to a new level with superb audio and visual quality.
Specifically, the HD-XA1 player can run movies and video clips in the HD DVD format while also supporting new-generation surround sound. Additionally, even regular DVD discs can be enhanced by this player to match the resolution of high-definition televisions.
Now, with the first laptop equipped with an HD DVD drive officially hitting the market, the HD DVD format is sure to gain traction and attract more attention in the near future. This laptop features a dual-core Intel processor running at 2.0 GHz and has a 17-inch widescreen display. The DVD drive can read and write CDs and DVDs, as well as display HD DVD films. Its price will be around 400,000 yen, equivalent to approximately $3,400.
The Race Is On
HD DVD and Blu-ray are fiercely competing in the race to replace DVD. While Samsung, Sony, Hitachi, and JVC back Blu-ray, Toshiba, Microsoft, Intel, and NEC are betting on HD DVD.
Whether HD DVD or Blu-ray will win the hearts and wallets of consumers remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the competition between these two formats will be particularly intense.
Both Sony and Toshiba have been forced to delay the announcement of their high-definition DVD formats due to issues with integrated digital rights management technology. Sony has postponed the release of the highly anticipated PlayStation 3 gaming console until November of this year (the PS3 can play Blu-ray movies and content).
“Now is the time for the race to begin. Previously, manufacturers were hesitant about the standards and technologies, but now they have a clearer vision and are ready to compete,” said Ted Schadler, an analyst at Forrester Research.
The backing of Blu-ray by many Hollywood studios may give this format an advantage, but HD DVD shows superiority in the enterprise space, promising greater storage capacity.
In the future, we can expect numerous products utilizing these two formats to emerge, and then we will see who will emerge victorious.
Tian Yi
