Toshiba delays HD DVD launch

[O.D.S]

In the latest instalment in the long running next generation DVD saga, Toshiba has put back its HD DVD launch.

In an announcement today, the Japanese company said the US launch of the technology would now most likely be in February or March of next year, as it finalises details of its copy protection, advanced access content system (AACS).

Toshiba said in September it may put back its domestic launch until the New Year, but the company remains hopeful of good news soon.

A spokeswoman for Toshiba told the Reuters news agency: "I cannot say when the AACS issues will be resolved.

"But it's hard to think the launch in Japan will come after the US launch."

Toshiba has been battling against a Sony-led rival next generation format, Blu-ray, for over three years.

Blu-ray's US launch is set for Spring of next year, coinciding with Sony's PlayStation 3 hitting the shelves, which is expected to include the new disc technology.
LINK: http://www.avinfo.co.uk/index.php?main=story&id=15113368

[xbdestroya]

Yeah, things just aren't looking all that good for HD-DVD.

[chrismt]

I'm gonna be so shocked if a Sony format actually wins and becomes a standard! Now hopefully DRM doesn't screw up a great new technology. I can just imagine working at Hastings asking if a person would like that movie in Blu-Ray or UMD.

[axia777]

Hah hah hah!! It is another nail in the coffin of HD-DVD. Maybe the war really is over before it even gets truly started. Good riddance I say. There will no confusion and split formatting for consumers if HD-DVD fails before it goes to market. I hope it does, but doubt it will. Toshiba will fight hard, and lose hard. Sony and the rest of the BluRay consortium must be so happy with the acceptance of it in the movie industry.

[Handycrap101]

I'm not surprised...Soon we'll hear news that companys are DROPPING HD DVD...

[Domination]

LINK: http://www.avinfo.co.uk/index.php?main=story&id=15113368

I thought it was January. http://community.the-underdogs.org/smiley/misc/confused.gif Not good. Not good at all. :nono:

I have a feeling Toshiba is going to completely pull the plug on HD-DVD very early. This thing is going up against a console and a superior format with very little to no lead to saturate homes.

[CrumCon]

i hope they dont pull the plug before Blu-Ray hits the market, cause i dont want Blu-Ray associations gets their ass so lazy to push blu-ray to get 50GB disc soon.

[Garfunkel]

What is toshiba smoking, there allowing sony to win before they release there product.

Your sig is very distracting, crumcon..... er what are we talking about again...oh that's right the tragic loss of toshiba.

[Powercell]

Maybe we'll hear something at CES about a unification?

[axia777]

Maybe we'll hear something at CES about a unification?

No bloody like my man. Sony is going to mop the floor with HD-DVD and laugh all the way to the bank.

[speed stick]

I'm not surprised...Soon we'll hear news that companys are DROPPING HD DVD...

I hope that happens because it will benifit the consumer. Nothing worse that buying something thats only good for a year then they stop making movies for it.

[tazz3]

why are they even going to launch this player.
its going to lose.
blu -ray is the player of the future

[jaxmkii]

i dint even know HD-DVD was still a possibility!?! figured EVERYONE knew it was a blatant LOSER!

[Garfunkel]

Toshiba, i hope you are reading this.........

[axia777]

Nope, ignorance is bliss for them I guess. Because at the current rate of companies backing BluRay, they do seem a bit ignorant at the moment.

999!!!

[Garfunkel]

They are waddling through darkness with a walking stick......

[Z]

doesn't that mean BD will release first? even if HD-DVD gets a head start, it wouldn't matter if it was only a month or so.
like with PS3, if BD releases first, the competition will have an even harder time on the market.