Toshiba plans imminent HD DVD release

A Toshiba representative told CNET.co.uk's sister site, CNET Japan, that the company plans to release titles in the HD DVD format on 28 March. This supports the company's assertion during January's Consumer Electronics Show that it would release an HD DVD player in March. At the time, Toshiba said the first players would cost $499 and $799 (£286 and £457).

Jiji-tsushin, a news outlet in Japan, reported that Toshiba will release a HD DVD drive for PCs in April and an HD DVD recorder in May. Toshiba earlier said they would release a notebook with an HD DVD drive and discuss the specs this quarter. Toshiba leads the HD DVD camp. Sony, Samsung and Philips are part of the rival Blu-ray camp. Blu-ray players will come out later in the year and cost more.