By Patrick Avenell
SYDNEY, NSW: Just on 18 months after conceding defeat in the high definition format war, Toshiba has today officially reinforced HD-DVD’s defeat, launching its first Blu-ray player.
Priced at the competitive volume end of the market, the Toshiba BDX2000 (RRP $329) is BD-Live compatible; supports enhanced audio formats, including Dolby True HD; includes an SD card slot; and is compatible with Toshiba’s Regza link.
Talking about the release of this Blu-ray player, but not mentioning the war, is Toshiba Australia managing director Mark Whittard.
“Blu-ray technology has matured and is now beginning to establish itself in the local market,” Whittard said. “Toshiba’s extensive innovation in the DVD and home entertainment sector has enabled us to offer a player that we can be proud of and has convinced us that we can hold our ground in the growing Blu-ray Disc market.”
According to the product description, the new player has a faceted design with a “smoked mirror front panel”. To create a streamlined appearance, the primary functions and controls are hidden behind a drop down door.
The only mention of Toshiba’s vanquishing in the format war is a note at the end of the official release. It reads “This product does not play HD DVD discs.”