Toshiba launches first DVD player with XDE video enhancement technology. Will it sell?

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Just a couple of months ago, Toshiba announced new upscaling technology which the company claimed would rival Blu-ray, building a system in to the latest Qosmio notebooks.

We’ve heard nothing more since, expecting more details at IFA, but today Toshiba has announced a new upconverting DVD player with XDE Technology.

It’s not immediately obvious whether “eXtended Detail Enhancement” is exactly the same system that Toshiba talked about back in June, but given its feature set, it’s highly likely…

Onkyo launches entry-level home cinema system and upscaling DVD player

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Onkyo has announced two new bits of kit for the home cinema buff on a bit of a budget.

The HT-S5105 is a complete 5.1-channel home cinema system offering 5 x 130W output plus a 90W subwoofer, and much of the technology found on more expensive Onkyo products, but for just £350.

It comes with the receiver and five magnetically-shielded speakers and the subwoofer, and features Audyssey microphone-based set-up system and EQ which should allow it to adapt the sound to whatever room it’s placed in, with very little effort on the part of the listener…

Toshiba controversially announces their new 1080p upscaling technology will rival Blu-ray

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Early June a rumour emerged that Toshiba would be launching a new attack on Sony, via the magic of new ‘upscaling’ technology. Of course, this is nothing new, with Toshiba themselves working on similar products for “some considerable years, at least 3-5 years”, with DVD players, TVs and now laptops containing the upscaling chips, plus with their ‘Super-resolution’ imagery where SD-content is upscaled via an interpolation algorithm to 1080p.

However, today at a London event, Toshiba formally announced upscaling would be their next plan of attack on Sony, claiming they would be focussing on “taking standard content, and displaying in HD format”. This technology, upscaling standard definition content, such as a DVD, to a higher resolution, has long been controversial for not even comparing to the real high-def experience that comes via Blu-ray, or HD DVD…

Denon upgrades entry-level DVD players: DVD-1740 and DVD-1940

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Denon has launched upgraded entry-level DVD players, offering more eco-friendly, upscaling, sleekly designed goodness.

The DVD-1740 offers “Near Full HD” upscaling of DVDs via an HDMI connection, progressive scan via component inputs, a clear front display, larger control buttons, and smooth, curved edges matching Denon’s 2008 Home Cinema receivers. There’s also DivX ULTRA functionality. Priced at £149.99.

Philips unveil HTS8100 SoundBar Ambisound "one box" speaker system

Philips has announced its new HTS8100 SoundBar Ambisound system, which claims to give realistic surround sound from a single speaker bar.

Front and rear-channel signals are emitted by the six drivers mounted in the sound bar, enveloping the listener irrespective of their location. It doesn’t rely upon sound reflections, so listeners will get the full surround sound effect wherever they sit and whatever the size and shape of the room, providing that they’re within range of the speakers.