Toshiba has fought back after seemingly losing ground in to Blu-ray recently with an announcement that the promotional prices used to attract US consumers are here to stay.
Affordability is still HD-DVD's trump card and, in the US at least, prices have fallen to all time lows. And there is also news of firmware upgrades adding more features such as network connectivity.
Via
Endgadget
The recommended retail price of the high-end HD-XA2 has been reduced from $1000 to $799, the mid-range HD-A20 has fallen from $499 to $399 and the entry-level HD-A2 is now a mere $299.
All models will also add network connectivity to download web-enabled bonus material through a firmware update scheduled for September. And the HD-XA2 and HD-A20 are set to receive 24p output as well.
“With HD DVD, studios have the ability to develop new and unique content for movie fans, enabling consumers to have an entirely new way to access entertainment and customize their home movie experience that is currently not available with any other format,” said Jodi Sally, Toshiba’s digital A/V group marketing VP.
Using supplied Ethernet ports on all players, consumers will be able to download bonus features to internal storage from a movie studio’s server. The functionality will also enable 'unlocking' bonus content hidden on some HD DVD discs using a downloadable key.
Great if you live in the States but sadly there's no confirmation that similar incentives will reach the UK market.
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