The gradual evolution of the optical disc technology saw the arrival of the DVDs. DVDs changed the entire entertainment experience. People could watch the latest blockbusters from the comfort of their homes with their latest high definition DVD players, with unmatched picture quality and audio output. DVDs are everywhere, so too are DVD players. You have the high definition DVD players with all sorts of features. The future lies with emerging technologies like Blu-ray and advanced optical discs.

Blu Ray Player Toshiba

Blu-ray Discs

Blu Ray Player Toshiba

Blu-ray, popularly known as BD or blue-ray discs, is a next-generation optical disc that has been developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA). The group consists of leading consumer electronics giants, PC and media manufacturers, like Philips, Samsung, Sony, Sharp, HP, Hitachi and Panasonic, to name a few. The format enables recording, rewriting and playback of high definition video (HD). One major advantage that the technology has over conventional DVDs is that it allows for more storage capacity. It can hold up to 25GB on a single layered disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. The technology also incorporates advanced video and audio codes for the ultimate high definition viewing experience. The name Blu-ray is used because the format uses a blue-violet laser, instead of a red laser as in the case of traditional DVDs.

Another major advantage with Blu-ray format lies in the fact that the entire technology is backwards compatible. You can now play your old CDs and DVDs through a BD/DVD/CD compatible unit. The blue-violet laser has a shorter wavelength than a red laser, which enables it to focus on a disc area with greater precision. The data is also packed on the surface of a disc more tightly. This explains the disc's capability to store more data, even though it is of the same size as a traditional CD.

The technology is supported by some of the world's leading manufacturers. In fact, many major movie studios have already announced titles with Blu-ray in them. Warner, Disney, Sony, MGM, and Paramount are among the leading studios who have embraced the format. Some of the famous titles include movies such as Desperado, Fantastic Four, Hero, Kill Bill, and Lethal Weapon. Sony has in fact come out with a mass produced model, which has already hit the market. Several other leading brands have also announced their intentions to launch models with the Blu-ray format.

The Blu-ray movie codes are different from that of DVD region codes. So you have North America, South America, Japan, and East Asia excluding China forming the Region 1, followed by Europe and Africa forming the Region 2. China, India, and Russia make up Region 3.

One major disadvantage with Blu-ray format is that many standard DVD players are unable to read the discs. This problem is being rectified in the form of backward compatible players though. The growth of Blu-ray discs is expected to drive the growth of the home theater segments to further unprecedented heights.

Advanced Optical Discs

Yet another technology, or format to be precise, which is giving the Blu-ray format a good run for its money, is the Advanced Optical Disc (AOD) format. It has been created by Toshiba in collaboration with NEC. Even though it is considered the main rival to the Blu-ray format, ironically, it is being supported by the DVD forum that includes nine members, who are 'Blu-ray disc founders.' While a single layered disc using this technology holds around 15 GB of data, a double layered disc would hold 30 GB of data. One can compress 20 GB of data in the recordable version.

This format too uses the blue laser, the difference being the higher compression of the video stream. One major advantage of the AOD format over the Blu-ray format is the fact that the AOD format will cost you less. Although not a great deal is known about the format as yet, if one were to go by the Toshiba-NEC team, then the players would be smaller than the ones using Blu-ray format.

Capable of playing high definition DVD, some models using the AOD format from Toshiba have already hit the markets. They are roughly priced around 0-0. Details available on the progression of the technology are sketchy, however, during this point in time.

Industry Trends

Industry analysts believe that the Blu-ray format would hold sway over the masses in the near future. There are other related technologies which are also trying to break in, like the Holographic Versatile Disc (HVD) technology. This technology is still at a research stage and claims to have greatly increased storage capacity than both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats.

Researchers are also working on many other technologies. Some of them are claiming to be working on a technology with a storage capacity that is, believe it or not, 100 times that of a DVD. The technology involves making disks with a three-dimensional structure rather than the traditional two dimensional DVDs. With data storage and protection assuming importance, research on various lines is being carried out. Most of these research activities have the potential to revolutionize the home theater market.

With convergence of various features being the trend nowadays, there are several models of DVD players already available in the market, which have gaming options apart from playing DVDs. The increasing popularity of home theater systems is driving the research in this field.

Movie makers too are increasingly dependent on digital formats for both film making and projection. Digital video and audio outputs are considered far more superior to the existing traditional methods, and offer viewers an enhanced movie experience.

Explanation of the Two Major Formats: Blu-ray Disc or Advanced Optical Disc

Blu Ray Player Toshiba

Special Price!!! Toshiba HD-A30 1080p HD DVD Player

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Toshiba HD-A30 1080p HD DVD Player Feature

HD DVD Playback
DVD/CD Playback
Upconversion for SD
720p/1080i/1080p resolution
Includes Warner Bros' 300 HD DVD and Universal's The Bourne Identity HD DVD (packaged inside)

Toshiba HD-A30 1080p HD DVD Player Overview

The HD-A30 takes the performance and convenience of HD-DVD to the next level. For the highest level of picture quality with high definition TVs, the HD-A30 adds 1080p output for twice the resolution of a 720p signal. The HD-A30 is equipped with CE-Link HDMI-CEC connectivity. This convenient feature offers the capability to communicate with and control another HDMI-CEC compatible device all with one controller. 1080p/24 frames per second support offers a smoother, more film-like, viewing experience. The HD-A30 HD DVD player maintains this frame rate, allowing you to enjoy movies in their native frame rate. High definition playback delivers 720p/1080i/1080p resolution, up to six times the resolution of DVD. Leading-edge efficient video compression standards make it possible to experience the full potential of your HDTV. Advanced audio, including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD (core only), along with legacy formats including Dolby Digital and DTS bring an increased sonic realism to movie soundtracks. Slim chassis cosmetic design is only 59.5 mm and features a sleek high gloss, black acrylic faceplate. Web-Enabled capability opens a whole new world of entertainment experiences that can include access to exciting studio-provided enhanced features. Ethernet connection allows your HD DVD player to receive updates to support future applications and services. This player is not compatible for use with Blu-Ray discs. Dimensions - Width 16.9 x Height 2.34 x Depth 12.9 Weight - 7.26 pounds

Toshiba HD-A30 1080p HD DVD Player Specifications

Amazon.com Product Description The Toshiba HD-A30 HD DVD Player stands less than two-and-a-half inches tall but packs a long list of cutting edge features. The HD-A30 sells at a very reasonable price but has top-end features such as support for 1080p/24-frame video and HDMI-CEC compatibility.

The Toshiba HD-A30 stands less than two-and-a-half inches high but has support for 1080p/24-frame video. View larger.

The HD-A30 upconverts standard DVDs for display on an 1080p HD screen. View larger.

A Refined, Slimmer Look
The HD-A30's refined design--with rounded edges, a slim chassis, and a high-gloss black face plate--looks sleek and elegant in your home theater system without taking up too much real estate.

Outstanding Performance
All of Toshiba's HD DVD players support the enhanced features of the HD DVD format, including picture-in-picture video, audio commentary, and Web-enabled network capabilities. With an Ethernet port, the A30 can connect to the Internet for firmware updates to keep the player up to date on new features, and to support the growing number of HD DVD titles with interactive online features and bonus content.

The HD-A30 uses the latest HDMI 1.3 interface to connect to your HD television, providing large bandwidth to eliminate any data bottlenecks and to support new technologies for the utmost in viewing experience. The HD-A30 can output video at 1080p, the highest resolution available, and includes support for 24-frame video, which maintains the native 24-frames-per-second rate of films, thereby delivering an experience more similar to one in theaters.

If you have a large collection of standard definition DVDs, the HD-A30 will upconvert them to near-HD quality for display on your HD television. Progressive scan output means the scan-lines of interlaced video are eliminated and the result is a clean image that has no motion distortion or artifacts. In addition to 1080p, the HD-A30 also outputs at 720p and 1080i if desired.

Sparkling Surround Sound
The HD-A30 supports most surround sound audio standards, with built-in decoding for Dolby TrueHD 5.1ch, Dolby Digital Plus 5.1ch, DTS 5.1, and DTS HD (core only).

One-Touch Convenience
You can use the CE-Link (HDMI-CEC) to connect the HD-A30 with other CEC-capable devices for unsurpassed simplicity and convenience. For example, if the HD-A35 is connected to a compatible HDTV, you can turn on both the HD DVD player and the TV and start playing a movie with a single touch of a button on the remote.

The HD-A30 is backed by a limited 1-year warranty.