First HD DVD Player Goes on Sale

Toshiba kicked off the next-generation of DVD technology on Friday with the launch of its first HD DVD player in Japan. The HD-XA1 is priced at 110,000 yen, or $940 USD -- slightly higher than it will cost in the United States. No movies in the format will be available until April, however the Toshiba player can play current DVD discs as well.

Toshiba delayed the introduction of the $799 HD-XA1 in the United States last week due to movie studios needing more time to prepare films. The electronics maker also plans to introduce a cheaper $499 player to help push adoption among consumers who may balk at the cost of upgrading to high definition. Sony is expected to launch its first Blu-ray player in July for $1,000.