Toshiba announced today that they've released a new set of firmware
updates for their HD DVD players. The update adds support for web-enabled network capabilities, giving consumers the ability to access
additional content and bonus features.
Using the Ethernet ports found on all Toshiba HD DVD players, and thecurrently
available firmware update, once connected to the network, userscan download bonus features, as available, from a movie studio's
server.This data is then saved in the player's persistent storage and can beaccessed by the user. In addition to downloading new bonus
features, someHD DVD discs may even include locked prerecorded content which can beunlocked with a downloadable key from the studio's
online server.
In addition to downloading content, HD DVD users also have the abilityto upload content and interact with
content providers. For example, withthe award winning title, "Blood Diamond" from Warner Home Video, users canparticipate in interactive
polls. After providing feedback, results aredelivered back to users via the HD DVD player.
Toshiba plans to release another
firmware update in September that will enable 1080p/24 output on the HD-XA2 and HD-A20. More information can be found here.
