Feature article HD TECHNOLOGY

The future of HD technology

Don’t miss it—the High Definition revolution is already underway. “HD to go”, Toshiba’s innovative combination of powerful performance, advanced graphics and outstanding widescreen technology, delivers the ultimate thrill of mobile High Definition viewing.

Looking to 2006, we predict that next-generation notebooks will offer HD DVD storage and burning capabilities. What’s more we can’t wait to see HD for video rental or for HDTV to come of age. Read on to learn more about the future of HD technolo- gies.

A look into the future: it’s high definition HD DVD: A quick look at the advantages Did you know that over 50 million households in Western Europe receive digital signals? The future is obvious – broad- casting is digital. As a result, demand for high definition TVs is 1. Backwards Compatibility with DVD soaring. Consumers increasingly expect greater realism and su- HD DVD uses the same disc structure as DVD (two 0.6 mm perior image quality in all aspects of visual . That’s thick polycarbonate discs bonded together), improving the why high definition content is so appealing – the HD DVD format possibility of backwards compatibility with existing DVD tech- has been accepted for movie distribution and will soon be avail- nology. This not only assures easier manufacturing of the discs able for personal storage uses, such as burning HD content to and hardware lower manufacturing costs may mean lower disc. The world of entertainment approaches a new frontier, and consumer pricing. HD DVD is ready to lead the way. 2. More data on a single piece of media What is HD DVD? Today’s multi-media demands better forms of saving and HD is an acronym for ‘high definition’, a format that transporting image data in the workplace and at home. The provides superior image quality and better image resolution. HD DVD Forum has approved HD DVD-ROM discs with a data ca- images are sharp and clear, appearing more like the pictures you pacity of 30 GB, and higher capacities are under development. see in a movie theatre. 3. iHD will deliver enhanced user interactivity

HDTV delivers an enhanced Interactive high definition (iHD) is the interactive layer under entertainment experience. development for the next generation DVD media. Adoption of iHD technology will enhance user activity on PCs and will as- sure optimization for both AV and PC applications.

4. Protected content Commercialized HD DVDs will utilise state-of-the-art pro- But why do high definition images look so much better than tection technology. A highly secure system will provide the standard definition (SD), even to the naked eye? The answer lies ultimate copyright protection. in the composition of a high definition image. Consider that a typical image is made of a series of small dots, called . To

HD technology create a single frame of a picture, the pixels are displayed on the that both the entertainment and IT worlds will support HD DVD screen in horizontal lines, which are called scan lines. One frame content, enabling greater convergence of entertainment and of a high definition image contains either 720 technology. This is particularly advantageous for AV PC users lines or 1080 interlaced scan lines, compared to the 525 lines who have a foot in both the IT and the entertainment world. required to build a standard definition frame. That’s a significant increase in the amount of detail required to build just one frame of a high definition image.

HD also produces a lifelike viewing experience because im- ages are composed in 16:9 widescreen . This ratio appears rectangular, rather than the square 4:3 aspect ratio used to build standard definition images. In fact, most feature- length movies are shot in 16:9 aspect ratio – viewing the movie in 16:9 format ensures that you get the full picture quality, just as it was shot. So what is HD DVD? Simply put, HD DVD is a means of stor- ing and copying high definition content to DVD media. The in- creased picture detail requires more storage space when writing this data to disc. The 30 GB HD DVD can store up to 8 hours* of 1,125 scan line HD images, or up to 48 hours of 525 scan line SD images. When compared to today’s DVD with a capacity of 4.7 GB, or up to 2 hours of 525 scan line SD images, you can easily see why HD DVD is the format of the future. Better image data and more storage space produces an unbeatable entertain- ment or multi-media experience.

* Playback time depends on data transfer rate.

Where is HD DVD taking us? To date, we have witnessed significant convergence of high definition digital content and entertainment. Proof of this con- vergence is evident from an examination of the major backers of the HD DVD format – major Hollywood studios, the DVD Forum (an international association that develops DVD standards), and leaders in the IT industry. Paramount Home Entertainment was one of the first major content providers to back HD DVD, a for- mat originally developed by Toshiba Corporation and NEC Cor- poration, then later backed and supported by the DVD Forum. Other major backers are Warner Home Video, New Line Cinema, HBO Home Video, Universal Pictures, and Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd. In addition, both Intel and Corporation have an- nounced support for HD DVD. But why examine the list of HD DVD backers? This list proves

HD technology  HD technology: today and tomorrow

HD viewing is already possible on many notebooks today Many of today’s notebooks are equipped with high resolution LCD technology and support for progressive scan, which is the best possible method of displaying an image onscreen. If you al- ready own a notebook that uses TruBrite® technology, such as the Qosmio from Toshiba, HD con- tent is vivid in detail. TruBrite® LCD screens offer sharp image clarity, brilliant colors in high-gloss, with a wider viewing angle (up to 170 degrees) than standard notebooks – perfect for sharing the HD experience.

Next generation notebooks will offer HD DVD storage and burning Although HD technology hasn’t been around long, it’s apparent that this technology is here to stay. HD DVD players and HD DVD video software is expected to arrive in the market shortly. In addi- tion, notebook manufacturers such as Toshiba are planning next generation products to include HD DVD storage and burning capabilities. Owners of the next generation Qosmio will be able to collect a large quantity of HD content for their personal audio video collection, then store the con- tent on HD DVD media or view the high definition video on their notebook.

HD DVD rentals will become entertainment media of choice Major Hollywood studios are now working to release HD DVD titles to the consumer market. It’s only a matter of time before HD DVD rentals become the media of choice both in the video store and online. And, there is more good news – the standard DVDs you own now will play on the next-generation HD DVD players. The reason? HD DVD discs adopt the precise disc structure as standard DVDs.

HDTV – a look to the future Although many television broadcasts are now digital, high definition television is about to become the norm, rather than the exception. In addition to better quality TV, high definition television offers a commercial-free viewing experience. The maximum transfer rate of a digital TV broadcast is 24 Mbps. Compare that to 36.55 Mbps capability of an HD DVD disc drive, and you get the ability to record, pause and playback television broadcasts real-time.

The future of HDTV is not only very bright but also mobile. Imagine receiving digital video high definition television broadcasts within any parked vehicle. That’s exactly what the IT sector is working to develop – the use of automatic satellite acquisition technology to broadcast digital HD content to those who are truly ‘on the go’.

HD technology 

©2005. Toshiba Europe GmbH. While Toshiba has made every effort at the time of publication to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein, product specifications, configurations, prices, system/component/options availability are all subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date product information about your , or to stay current with the various computer software or hardware options, visit Toshiba’s Web site at www.toshiba-europe.com.