27 September, 2005,
Tokyo'”Toshiba Corporation today
brought high-definition imaging to portable computing with the development of
the world's first notebook PC integrating a slim-type HD DVD-ROM drive. Toshiba
plans to commercialize the new PC by the beginning of 2006, initially in
Japan, giving computer users access
to high definition video images recorded in the HD DVD format.
With TV moving towards high
definition digital broadcasts and PCs increasingly integrating advanced AV
capabilities, including TV tuners, demand is emerging for high definition
programming and content. Toshiba has responded to this trend by promoting the
advanced imaging capabilities of the next-generation HD DVD format, and has now
brought HD DVD to portable computing, the fastest growing segment of the
computer market.
The slim-type HD DVD-ROM drive,
with a height of only 12.7 millimeters, takes full advantage of the physical
structure of HD DVD discs to realize a pick-up head with a single optical lens
that can read HD DVD discs and read and write to standard DVD and CD. This size
advantage also supported Toshiba in bringing high definition capabilities to the
go-anywhere small form factor of the notebook PC.
Toshiba has assured that users can
enjoy a mobile, high definition environment to the full by equipping the new PC
with a high resolution LCD display.
The new PC will be exhibited at
CEATEC JAPAN 2005, at Makuhari Messe, Chiba Prefecture, from October 4 to 8, 2005.
About HD
DVD
HD DVD is the next-generation DVD
format standardized by the DVD Forum, the international association of some 240
consumer electronics, IT, entertainment software, disc manufacturing and other
related companies around the world. The versatility of HD DVD supports many
applications, including players, recorders, PCs and automotive devices.
Main features of HD
DVD
1) The same disc structure as DVD,
two 0.6mm-thick polycarbonate discs bonded back-to-back, makes it much easier
for HD DVD to achieve backward compatibility with DVD. It also assures easier
manufacturing of discs and hardware devices, resulting in lower manufacturing
costs.
2) Robust playability, with no
need for a disc cartridge to protect against surface blemishes and fingerprints.
3) The DVD Forum has approved HD
DVD-ROM discs with a data capacity of 30GB, enough capacity for more than eight
hours of high definition video images*. Higher capacities are also anticipated;
Toshiba has already developed a disc with a 45GB capacity. High data capacity is
achieved by adopting a shorter wavelength blue-violet laser and advanced data
processing technologies, assuring the ability to store large capacity data
sources including high-definition images.
* MPEG4-AVC or VC1 compressed
video and audio data at a data transfer rate of 8 to 9Mbps
Source: Toshiba Japan
