Toshiba debuts enhanced DVD player

Toshiba America Consumer Products group is unveiled a new DVD player overseas that it says significantly enhanced existing DVD playback without the need for Blu-Ray discs.

The company, which has retired its HD DVD format that competed with Blu-Ray, has released a US$149.99 DVD player with XDE (eXtended Detail Enhancement) which ups resolution from 480i/p to 1080p.

“Consumers have embraced the DVD format like no other technology and invested in large libraries of their favorite movies. As the market moves towards high definition, XDE lets them experience their existing DVD library and the tens of thousands of DVD titles in a whole new way,” said Louis Masses, director of Product Planning.

“XDE offers consumers a simple solution to add on to their HDTV purchase. XDE works with existing DVDs to deliver a near HD experience with enhanced detail and richer colors.

The player improved image sharpness, contrast and colour to give near high definition viewing but without the need for consumers to buy a whole new set of films he said.