Toshiba is bringing its third-generation HD-DVD players to market this fall, and in a nice nod to working stiffs who have families, the company is also going to make the units affordable.
Toshiba’s third-generation family starts with the entry level HD-A3 ($299.99), which outputs at 1080i. The other two new models, the HD-A30 ($399.99) and HD-A35 ($499.99), both output at 1080p and are capable of outputting signals at 1080p/24 frames per second so consumers can enjoy movies in their native frame rate. The two 1080p models also feature “CE-Link” (HDMI-CEC), which allows two-way control between the HD-DVD player and a TV through an HDMI connection.
All three models will release in October, and all are approximately 1/4-inch thinner than their second-generation counterparts.
If you find yourself in the market for an HD-DVD player this fall, Toshiba is also sweetening the pot with a bundle promotion in which consumers will take home the HD-DVDs of “300” and “The Bourne Identity.â€? In addition to this bundle, Toshiba on Oct. 1 will kick start a mail-in offer in which consumers can get five HD-DVD titles for free (from a selection of 15) with the purchase of any HD-DVD player. The promotion will run through Feb. 28, 2008.
