http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2006_03/pr3101.htm ; Specs for techs: Key Features of the New Player 1. Playback of high definition content and support for advanced content features Alongside playback of high-definition quality HD DVD content, the HD-XA1 supports enhanced functionality and diverse features. While those features depend on content, the player's "pop-up menu" displays menu or movie chapters while the movie plays, enabling to search desired functions or jump to a desired scene through chapter guide. The player also supports PIP with motion video functions. For example, director's and actor's commentary can be motion video super-imposed concurrently when the movie continues to play, allowing them to literally point to the material they are discussing. 2. Next generation surround-sound formats HD DVD supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, next generation surround-sound formats, and also supports L-PCM 5.1ch. Analog 5.1ch output integrated into the HD-AX1 allows consumers to enjoy surround sound simply by connecting the player to an AV amplifier with analog input. 3. Digital high definition picture output with up-converter and HDMI output Through the HDMI interface, high-definition pictures stored in a disc can be displayed digitally in HD, on digital TVs and displays that incorporate HDCP capable HDMI input. Such TVs include Toshiba's new TV REGZA Z1000 series. Through the HDMI interface, standard definition DVDs can be up-converted to an output resolution of 720p or 1080i, to complement the performance of a HDTV. 4. Compatible to playback various discs including current DVD software In addition to prerecorded DVD software, HD-XA1 supports playback of DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM discs. It is also compatible with music CDs and playback of CDs in WMA or MP3 file format. Key Specifications (see attached GIF) About HD DVD Format HD DVD is standardized by the DVD Forum, the international association of some 240 companies. Specifications of HD DVD-ROM physical, file and application formats were approved by the Forum in August 2005. In addition to a versatility that enables support for diverse applications, including players, recorders, PCs and automotive devices, HD DVD's main features are: 1) The same disc structure as DVD, two 0.6mm-thick polycarbonate discs bonded back-to-back. This structure makes it easy for HD DVD to achieve backward compatibility with DVD hardware devices, and also assures a simple manufacturing process for discs and hardware devices, resulting in reasonable manufacturing costs. 2) Robust playability, with no need for a disc cartridge to protect against surface blemishes and fingerprints. 3) The ability to meet capacity demands. The DVD Forum has approved HD DVD-ROM discs with a data capacity of 15GB with a single-layer disc and 30GB with a dual-layer disc (1GB = 1-billion bytes). High data capacities are achieved by adopting a shorter wavelength blue-violet laser and advanced data processing technologies, assuring the ability to store large capacity data sources, including high-definition images. 4) Adoption of advanced navigation and content features to enhance the entertainment of consumers. 5) Adoption of AACS (Advanced Access Content System) to secure robust content protection. 6) Using twin format disc technology (single-sided dual-layer; DVD 4.7GB and HD DVD 15GB), a single disc can store both HD DVD and DVD versions of a film, allowing consumers to immediately enjoy the standard definition movie on today's DVD players and to playback the same movie in HD on an HD DVD player at a later date. A combination disc (double-sided dual-layer; DVD 8.5GB and HD DVD 30GB) is now under development. Kilroy Hughes Sr. Media Architect Digital Media Interoperability Team Microsoft Corporation -- Binary/unsupported file stripped by Ecartis -- -- Type: image/gif -- File: Toshiba spec sheet.gif -- Desc: Toshiba spec sheet.gif ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways: - Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at FreeLists.org - By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line.