The model to be released in December (HD-E1) will be followed in February by a higher-end model – the HD-XE1.  Both support playback of pre-recorded HD DVD discs and are backwards compatible with DVDs and CDs. They can also upscale DVD content to 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolution (with an appropriate HD display) via the four HDMI terminals, Toshiba says.

In terms of audio, the players support the audio formats used in DVD as well as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. Other features include the ability to browse movie chapters with thumbnails while the movie plays (i.e. without going back to the menu, as on DVDs), the ability to watch bonus material while the movie is being played and Ethernet terminals to allow for networking and downloading content.

RRPs:
HD-E1 $1099
HD-EX1 $1599

See: www.castel.com.au