New Medium Enterprises is introducing in India its HD VMD high definition player along with HD Bollywood content in Hindi, Tamil, English and gradually in all regional languages, at the Times AV Revolution Expo at Bombay Exhibition Center.

This week will also see the launch of an HD VMD Bundle Box including 5 HD titles, available at a RRP of RS11500 (€200), through Indian retailers and on e-commerce sites for Asian audiences living overseas. NME's hardware and content is thus offered at a price considerably lower than its larger HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc competitors, making it the most accessible HD format yet.

As part of NME's launch into six regions worldwide, India remains a central focus within the company's global strategy. With top tier Bollywood film distributor Eros already signed up as an international partner, NME says it is forging a number of other key content and electronic relationships, quickly establishing HD VMD as the most supported High Definition format in India.

NME also count film content distributors AP International, Ultra and Eagle as partners for South Indian and Hollywood content and are nearing conclusion with four other major distributors to be announced later this month.

Despite the proliferation of HD LCD and plasma displays, many consumers, including those in Asia, have little or no access to high definition content. Forecasts have predicted it would be some time before HD becomes a true global offering. "By introducing HD VMD, NME promises to revolutionize the home entertainment market in Asia with the first HD red laser format available to consumers," says the company. NME believes that its Bollywood content is a major key in its global strategy for growth.

NME also announced its latest commercial partnership with leading Australian CE distribution and retail company Westan Australia to distribute its HD VMD players bundled with five Icon Film Distribution blockbuster hit titles, including The Queen, We Were Soldiers, The Hitcher, Footy Legends and Butterfly Effect II. Bundles boxes are priced AUS$349.

Westan Australia distributes consumer electronics products including plasma screens, DVD players, projectors with leading brands such as LG, Samsung, Epson, working with mass-retailers including Target, Myer, K-Mart and Harvey Norman.

Story filed 28.10.07