First HD DVD player released

Toshiba has released the worlds first HD DVD player, the HD-XA1, in Japan. Its release marks the beginning of the battle between HD DVD and Sony backed rival, Blu-ray, to become the mainstream next-generation DVD format.

HD DVD boasts superior quality picture and sound compared to regular DVDs as well as much higher storage capabilities.

HD DVD also comes with advanced navigation and interactive features, including a pop-up menu and Picture in Picture (PIP). PIP gives viewers the option to play supplementary video on top of the main program, allowing them to watch bonus content at the same time as watching the movie.

The HD-XA1 costs around 110,000 yen ($936) and comes with two complimentary HD DVD movie titles, Resident Evil and Moonlight Jellyfish, until April 27.

Following constant delays, two Toshiba HD DVD players, the HD-XA1 and HD-A1, are due to be released in the US sometime this April and will retail for around $800 and $500 respectively.

Related:

• Toshiba: First HD DVD players will be interactive
• Blu-ray disc player by Philips in 2006
• The first Blu-ray and HD DVD players for US revealed