Toshiba delays UK launch of HD-E1 and HD-XE1 HD DVD players in the UK
If a HD DVD player is top of your Christmas list, you may be out of luck, with the news that Toshiba is delaying the launch of the HD-E1 and HD-XE1 HD DVD players in the UK and Europe. Toshiba still hopes to have the HD-E1 in the UK in mid-December, but it’s cutting it very fine.
The reason? Well, according to Toshiba’s official statement: “During final production testing of the HD-E1 model HD DVD player this month, Toshiba engineers have identified a minor reliability issue with an outsourced LSI component. Due to Toshiba’s commitment to providing the highest quality product possible, this component is being replaced before the HD-E1 is released to consumers. The shipment of HD-E1 units to the UK market is consequently expected to be delayed, although a quantity of units will be shipped for retail in December. These changes in the manufacturing schedule will also result in production of the HD-XE1 model being revised to January 2007.”
So realistically, if you want HD DVD this Christmas, you’ll have to go for the HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360. Or jump ship for Samsung’s BDP1000 Blu-ray player.
