Toshiba HD DVD to offer 'true cinema' frame rate

To get that true cinema experience, simply ditch your microwave popcorn and download Toshiba's latest HD DVD firmware update that support film's 24 frames per second (fps) playback speed.

Toshiba's HD-A20

Although not set to become available in the US until September and only suitable for two of its HD DVD players, the HD-XA2 and HD-A20, the firmware promises to support a 1080p HD image resolution running at a frame-by-frame display rate that matches the speed at which film is traditionally shot.

UK HDTVs more commonly display 720p and 1080p images at 25fps, while US screens run to 30fps. In each case, the result is a movie that plays faster, with sound at a higher pitch, than it would in the cinema. With so-called '24p' playback, there's no such distortion.

Toshiba equips each of its HD DVD players with an Ethernet port and so, come September, users will be able to download the firmware for their players. You'll also need a TV capable of 24p output, such as Sony's D3000 Bravia LCD series.

Existing firmware updates for Toshiba HD DVD players have already brought users such web-enabled wonders as the ability to upload content, interact with content providers and, after watching Blood Diamond, participate in interactive polls about the diamond trade. Can't wait, can you?

Toshiba's HD DVD firware update will be available in the US from September, but a date has yet to be confirmed for its European release.