As expected, Toshiba officially announced their third generation lineup of standalone HD DVD players yesterday with the introduction of three new units all priced under $500 dollars. Enhancements found in the third generation include 1080p/24 frames per second (24p) support and CE Link connectivity which allows the player to communicate and control another consumer electronics device via HDMI. The three new players are the entry level HD-A3, the mid-range HD-A30, and the new top of the line HD-A35.

All the new systems feature new cosmetic changes including rounded edges, slim chassis designs (only 59.5 mm tall), and high gloss, black acrylic face plates.

Features of the HD-A3 include:

Toshiba HD-A3

  • 1080i output
  • MSRP of $299.99 and due October 2007

Features of the HD-A30 include:

Toshiba HD-A30

  • 1080p output
  • 1080p/24p support
  • CE-Link allowing two way control between HD DVD player and a TV via HDMI
  • MSRP of $399.99 and due September 2007

Features of the HD-A35 include:

Toshiba HD-A35

  • 1080p output
  • 1080p/24p support
  • CE-Link allowing two way control between HD DVD player and a TV via HDMI
  • Deep Color via HDMI
  • 5.1 channel analog output
  • High Bit Rate Audio (up to 7.1 channel) via HDMI – bypasses the player’s internal audio processor and sends the signal to a 7.1 capable receiver
  • MSRP of $499.99 and due October 2007

[Check it out via PC Magazine]

Technorati Tags: , , , ,