Toshiba and Industry Leaders Unite Behind HD DVD

Strategic Insights -

Toshiba Corporation, a leader in next-generation digital technologies, has welcomed the endorsement of HD DVD by Intel and Microsoft Corporation, two of the IT industry's key companies. This announcement highlights the growing recognition of HD DVD as the ideal format for the IT industry, thanks to its superior scope, versatility, and reliability. As the chair of the DVD Forum, Toshiba actively promotes HD DVD and has defined its specifications as the next-generation DVD format. The endorsement by Intel and Microsoft, in addition to the support from major Hollywood studios, Japanese and international content holders, and disc replicators, will contribute to the momentum of support for HD DVD as the format of choice for next-generation HD applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toshiba has welcomed the support of Intel and Microsoft Corporation for HD DVD, highlighting its growing recognition as the ideal format for the IT industry.
  • HD DVD features compatibility with current DVD formats, adding advanced features such as cost-efficient manufacturing of discs and hardware, superior interactivity through iHD software, and robust content protection.
  • The endorsement by Intel and Microsoft, along with major Hollywood studios and content holders, will contribute to the momentum of support for HD DVD.
  • Toshiba will continue to promote accelerated adoption of the HD DVD format and collaboration with interested companies.
  • The DVD Forum, led by Toshiba, has defined HD DVD specifications as the next-generation DVD format.
  • Key industry players, including Hitachi, Ltd., IBM Corporation, and Sony Corporation, are members of the DVD Forum's Steering Committee.
  • Recent highlights related to HD DVD include the development of a slim HD DVD-ROM drive for notebook PCs, the commercialization of a 30GB dual-layer HD DVD-R disc, and the confirmation of manufacturability of HD DVD discs at high volumes.

Statistics:

  • As of September 2005, the DVD Forum has 240 member companies, including major Hollywood studios and leaders from the CE and IT industries.
  • The DVD Forum defines DVD format specifications, promotes exchanges, and encourages broad acceptance of DVD products on a worldwide basis.
  • HD DVD features compatibility with current DVD formats and adds advanced features such as cost-efficient manufacturing of discs and hardware, superior interactivity through iHD software, and robust content protection.
  • Toshiba plans to commercialize the world's first notebook PC integrating a slim-type HD DVD-ROM drive by the beginning of 2006.
  • Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology (TSST) has commercialized the world's first slim HD DVD drive for notebook PCs.

Sources:

  • BUSINESS WIRE, "Toshiba Corporation Announces HD DVD Support by Intel and Microsoft Corporation"
  • About DVD Forum
  • Recent highlights related to HD DVD:

+ BUSINESS WIRE, "Toshiba Corporation Announces Development of the World's First Notebook PC Integrating a Slim-Type HD DVD-ROM Drive"

+ BUSINESS WIRE, "Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Announces Commercialization of the World's First Slim HD DVD Drive for Notebook PCs"

+ BUSINESS WIRE, "Toshiba Corporation Announces a 30GB Dual-Layer HD DVD-R Disc"

+ BUSINESS WIRE, "Several Key Manufacturers Confirm Manufacturability of HD DVD Discs at High Volumes"

+ BUSINESS WIRE, "Toshiba Corporation and Other Companies Announce Successful Development of a Prototype 15GB HD DVD-R Disc"