Manufacturer: Toshiba
Format: HD DVD
Model: HD-D1, HD-A1
Price: $498.00, HD-D1, Walmart.com; $499.99, HD-A1, Amazon.com
Availability: April 2006

The new Toshiba HD DVD player allows you to finally experience the true power of your high-definition television. Now you can watch movies the way they were meant to be seen — from the comfort of your own living room.

• HD content output via HDMI — the first industry-supported, all-digital audio/visual connection
• Over three times the MBps of a standard DVD means a sharper, more detailed picture
• Converts standard DVDs to either 720P or 1080i to match your HDTV's performance
• Dolby® Digital Plus technology brings enhanced audio fidelity for a more realistic listening experience
• Enhanced black-level selection (0IRE/7.5IRE) for optimized brightness
• Letterbox/pan and scan support for multiple video picture formats
• Movies are more interactive than ever with HD DVD — customize your viewing experience to watch movies the way you want to

Manufacturer: Sony
Format: Blu Ray
Model: BDP-S1
Price: $999.99, BDP-S1, BestBuy.com; $999.00, BDP-S1, Amazon.com
Availability: August 2006

Experience your favorite movies and audio in a whole new jaw-dropping way with this Blu-ray high-definition disc player. Stunning 1080p resolution delivers vivid images complete with rich sounds that you won't be able to tear yourself away from.

• Next-generation Blu-ray format compatible, for true HDTV video with amazing color and incredible high-resolution surround sound
• Delivers greatly enhanced video performance with standard DVDs by upconverting their video resolution to HDTV-compliant 720p, 1080i, or 1080p via the HDMI interface
• Built-in decoders for next-generation Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD high-resolution surround, plus lossless Dolby TrueHD (2-channel)

Manufacturer: RCA/Thomson
Format: HD DVD
Model: HDV5000
Price: $498.00, HDV5000, Walmart.com; $499.99, HDV5000, CircuitCity
Availability: May 2006

This advanced HD DVD player can play the new high definition DVDs, as well as up-convert standard DVDs to deliver an image of astounding clarity, color and resolution. Because of its premium performance, it carries a premium price.

• True high definition (HD) video from HD DVD discs (available in a growing selection)
• HD up-conversion of standard DVD discs dramatically improves picture quality from the DVDs you already own or can rent
• Fully compatible with standard DVDs and audio CDs
• Network connection for access to advanced content
• 5.1 channel surround sound for you-are-there realism in movie soundtracks
• HDMI output for digital audio and video in one convenient connection; reduce your cable clutter