With the recent news that Toshiba has abandoned the High Definition DVD format technology for Blu-ray, several retailers are taking the despicable move to rename the HD DVD player in hopes of fooling the consumer into thinking they are getting something else.
Play.com has renamed Toshiba’s "HD-EP30 HD DVD Player" (as it was known on February 15th) is now listed as the "HD-EP30 HDMI Upscaling Player with HD DVD High Definition Playback."
Circuit City renamed Toshiba’s HD-A3 as an “Upconversion DVD/HD-DVD Player."
How many others have followed suit, I don't know, but beware.
In all fairness, the players do ‘upscale’ the HD DVD, but it depends on your TV as to whether or not an upscaling DVD player is worth the price. Your set may already be able to perform ths function. If you have an older CRT-based set you will most likely not see any improvement. Your DVD will probably not display any improvement over current HD television broadcasts.
Toshiba’s explanation for dropping the format: "We carefully assessed the long-term impact of continuing the so-called 'next-generation format war' and concluded that a swift decision will best help the market develop," said Atsutoshi Nishida, President and CEO of Toshiba Corporation. "While we are disappointed for the company and more importantly, for the consumer, the real mass market opportunity for high definition content remains untapped and Toshiba is both able and determined to use our talent, technology and intellectual property to make digital convergence a reality."
Toshiba will continue, however, to provide full product support and after-sales service for all owners of Toshiba HD DVD products.
This decision will not impact Toshiba's commitment to standard DVD, and the company will continue to market conventional DVD players and recorders.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/top-ten-things-to-do-with-your-now-defunct-hd-dvd-player/ offers a humorous list of suggestions on how to get the now defunct HD DVD players out of your life.
Just make sure you research what you are getting before plunking down your money, even if it is at a sale price it could be outdated.
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