Toshiba touts third-generation HD DVD

It may feel like Blu-ray and HD DVD have only been around for the blink of an eye, but Toshiba is already on its third generation of HD DVD players. The manufacturer has unveiled three new boxes that it claims offer exceptional video performance and greater ease of use.

Tosh's ‘exclusive’ third generation range includes the HD-A3, HD-A30 and HD-A35 HD DVD players all of which are extremely thin at roughly 6cm deep. The HD-A30 and HD-A35 are both capable of displaying video at 1080p, which is considered by many to be true ‘full’ HD resolution, and at the true cinema 24 frames per second rate.

Toshiba's third generation, all singing all dancing, HD-A35

The HD-A3 is Tosh's entry-level third generation HD DVD player, displaying video at 1080i resolution, but not supporting 24fps.

The HD-A30 and HD-A35 models will also ship with in-built CE-Link connectivity, allowing them to communicate with and control peripheral devices, such as TVs, though an HDMI connection. So you could be able to turn on your TV via a single button on a Toshiba HD DVD player. The HD-A35's HDMI connectivity also enables it to provide 5.1 channel analogue output and up to 7.1 channel High Bit Rate Audio, which creates advanced surround sound by bypassing the player’s internal audio processor and sending signals directly to a 7.1 capable A/V receiver.

Unfortunately, for the time being, the boxes will only be available to Toshiba’s American consumers. The HD-A30 will be available first in September for $400, with the HD-A3 and HD-A35 both shipping in October for $300 and $500 respectively.

Toshiba announced last month that it intends to release a firmware update in the US next month that will allow its HD-XA2 and HD-A20 players to display video at 24fps.