HD DVD - Frequently Asked Questions

Background

Q: What has Toshiba announced concerning HD DVD?

Following recent major changes in the market, Toshiba undertook a thorough review of its overall strategy for HD DVD, which led to our decision to no longer develop, manufacture and market HD DVD players and recorders.  We will continue, however, to provide full product support and after-sales service for all owners of Toshiba HD DVD products.

Q: Why has Toshiba decided this?

Toshiba is firmly committed to providing consumers with the right technology to suit their current and future lifestyle. A number of factors influenced our decision.

Warner's announcement of exclusive support for Blu-ray was the primary trigger. It had a significant impact on the market, including retailers and content providers.

We also noticed that sales of both next generation disc formats are below expectations while uptake of digital movie download services is accelerating, which could render all High Definition discs in the market redundant.

Those are the two main decisions that lead to our decision to redirect resources to concentrate on future leading innovation in a wide range of technologies that will drive mass market access to HD content.

HD DVD customer sales and support

Q: Will you accept product returns from consumers if requested?

A: Our standard policy regarding consumer product returns applies, which means we do not accept return of product that is working properly.

Q: Where can I return my HD DVD player?

A: Our standard policy regarding consumer product returns applies, which means we do not accept return of product that is working properly. 

Q: I've purchased a Toshiba HD DVD player, does this mean it won't work anymore?

A: You can continue to enjoy using your HD DVD player in exactly the same way as previously.

Q: Will current HD DVD titles continue to be available in the market?

There are approximately 1,000 titles in the market that can be viewed with the players.  The HD DVD titles are listed on the www.thelookandsoundofperfect.com website. Please check there for details of current and future HD DVD movie releases worldwide.

Q: What happens if my HD DVD player breaks?

A: We will continue to provide normal after-sales service so customers can use our products confidently. We will also stock parts for five years from now.

Q: What is the warranty on my player?

Toshiba's warranty for High Definition DVD, (HD DVD) players is parts & labour warranty for 2 years from the date of purchase, for home use, with the exception of Remote Controls whose warranty are 1 year and remote control batteries, which are excluded as consumable items.

HD DVD players purchased for commercial use are covered under warranty for Parts & labour for 1 year from the date of purchase, with the exception of remote control batteries, which are excluded as consumable items.

Q: Can I still receive firmware updates?

Yes. We will continue to support and provide firmware updates should they be required.

Toshiba products

Q: I recently purchased a Toshiba notebook with an HD-DVD drive does this mean it is obsolete? Are you offering compensation?

A: No. Your HD-DVD drive can play and burn CDs and DVDs like all DVD super-multi drives plus playback HD DVDs and also up-scales DVD (using an external HDMI cable) offering inherent value and quality. There are approximately 1000 HD DVD titles available worldwide and are listed on the www.thelookandsoundofperfect.com web site.

Q: I've got an Xbox 360 and bought the HD DVD driver, what do I do with this now?

You can continue to use your HD DVD driver in exactly the way you always have. Please refer to Xbox / Microsoft for any queries on you may have.

Q: Are you going to start a movie download service via the internet?

A: We regard digital content downloading as one growth area, and interest in digital content downloading is growing faster than we originally expected. We are currently reviewing business strategies that can use Toshiba's strengths including high capacity NAND flash memory, small form factor hard disk drives, next generation CPUs, visual processing, and wireless and encryption technologies.

Blu-ray

Q: Is it possible to play HD DVD titles on a Blu-ray player or Blu-ray titles on an HD DVD player?

A: No. Your HD DVD player will not play Blu-ray discs and Blu-ray players will not play HD DVD discs.

Q: Can I update my player via firmware to play Blu-ray discs?

A: No. These two formats are not compatible. Your HD DVD player will not play Blu-ray discs and your Blu-ray player will not play HD DVD discs.