The HD-E1 will be the first model to offer HD DVD quality to TV lovers, while the step-up HD-XE1, which will follow early in December, will deliver even more astonishing image and sound thanks to its state-of-the-art audio and video processing. Both feature a sleek, slim-line, matt-black design.
The two players support the playback of pre-recorded HD DVD discs, promising consumers stunning, digital, high definition picture quality far surpassing that delivered by standard DVD. HD DVD discs also offer crystal clear sound in three new sound formats1, as well as a whole new range of interactive features far more advanced than those available on the current DVD format.
Both players are also backwards compatible with existing DVD and CD formats, and the HD-XE1 can ‘upscale’ and output existing DVD content at 1080p for display on HD Ready LCD, Plasma panels and other HD TVs or monitors4 via HDMI terminals.
The HD-E1 and the HD-XE1 also promise to deliver breath-taking visual image quality. The HD DVD format delivers an image with a resolution much greater than standard DVD, giving exceptional levels of image detail and clarity.
Both players will also upscale traditional DVDs via the HDMI output to 720p and 1080i resolutions – with the HD-XE1 also offering 1080p upscaling – enabling consumers to rediscover their existing DVD collections in improved picture quality.
Clarity of image is only half the story; sound quality is also hugely enhanced with the HDE1 and HD-XE1. On top of the audio formats already used in standard DVD, both models support the clarity and realism of three next generation surround-sound formats.
Dolby Digital Plus uses a higher bit rate (up to 3Mbit/sec) to improve fidelity and bring increased realism to movie soundtracks; Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD support very high bit rates and larger sampling rates to produce a stunning audio experience.
The HD-E1 and HD-XE1 also open up a whole new world of interactivity available on HD DVD titles.
Advanced Navigation and Content features offer new and exciting ways to interact, for example: the ability to browse movie chapters with thumbnails while the movie plays, as well as navigating menu features without pausing playback; Picture in Picture (PIP) with motion video functions, including the ability to play supplementary video over the main programme. This allows viewers to watch bonus content, such as a superimposed director’s commentary or a documentary about the making of the movie, while the movie plays.
Both players come with Ethernet terminals to take advantage of forthcoming bonus features or new functionalities offered by Advanced Navigation and Content features that require internet connectivity or plug-in accessories.
However, the arrival of HD TVs and HD broadcasts is fuelling demand for a higher quality format that can deliver next generation video and audio. HD DVD is such a format; it builds on consumer familiarity with DVD and is very competitively priced, yet offers an amazing home entertainment experience. The HD-E1 retails for €599 while the HD-XE1 is available for €899.
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