Toshiba unveiled its new video enhancement technology for DVD with the introduction of the XD-E500 player. Standing for extended detail enhancement, the XDE technology reportedly goes beyond upconversion, taking DVD picture quality to a new level, according to those who saw the standard DVD/XDE player side-by-side demonstration Toshiba recently held at a press conference.

The upconversion helps sharpen edges and helps reduce blurriness that typically happens when DVDs are played on larger TVs. The new DVD players use ‘Quad Core’ microchips or ‘SpursEngines’ that scale DVD resolution up to Blu-ray quality. These chips are based on the ones which Toshiba makes for Sony’s PS3 videogame console.

In addition to upconversion from 480i/p to 1080p, XDE technology offers consumers the ability to customize their viewing experience to their liking with its picture mode settings. With these three selectable settings – Sharp, Color and Contrast – users can get the most out of their DVD movie-viewing experience on their terms.

Sharp Mode offers improved detail enhancement that is one step closer to high definition. Edges are sharper and details in movies are more visible. Unlike traditional sharpness control, XDE technology analyzes the entire picture and adds edge enhancement precisely where it's needed.

Color Mode makes the colors of nature stand out with improved richness. Blues and greens are more vivid and lifelike. Color Mode combines the improvement in color with the detail enhancement of Sharp Mode and is ideal for outdoor scenes.

Contrast Mode is designed to make darker scenes or foregrounds more clearly visible without the typical "washing out" that can occur with traditional contrast adjustment. Recommended for dark scenes where detail may be difficult to notice, Contrast Mode is also combined with Sharp Mode to provide a clearer viewing experience.

The XDE technology will be onboard the XD-E500 1080p/24fps Upconverting DVD player. The player also incorporates key features found on today's upconverting standard DVD players such as HDMI-CEC, DivX certification, JPEG capability, MP3 and WMA playback amongst others. The XD-E500 is shipping this month with a recommended retail price of $149.99.

Toshiba is careful not to pitch its new player against full spec hidef Blu-ray devices. "Consumers have embraced the DVD format like no other technology and invested in large libraries of their favorite movies. As the market moves towards high definition, XDE lets them experience their existing DVD library and the tens of thousands of DVD titles in a whole new way," said Louis Masses, Director of Product Planning. "XDE offers consumers a simple solution to add on to their HDTV purchase. XDE works with existing DVDs to deliver a near HD experience with enhanced detail and richer colors. Toshiba is delivering to consumers what they want - a high quality experience at an affordable price."

A new Web site, www.toshibaxde.com, will be launched to help educate consumers on the benefits of XDE technology, the company says.

Story filed 26.08.08