Most HD DVD players and disc may sport a lower price than Blueray players but they’re beaten technically by the latter’s built in 1080p support. This changes with the launch of Toshiba’s HD XE1. Now HD DVD has a champ that can best the Blueray camp.

I purchased the Toshiba just last week and find it pristinely built. The almost all metal case tells you that this is something that won’t break in the near future. It’s styling is sleek and hefty simultaneously- reminiscent of the roaring 80’s. Think betamax player! I love the elegant remote: clad in chrome, it bears a lot of sensual heft and weight. A far cry from the plasticky remotes of competing brands. You feel like you’re wielding a stick of platinum, not recycled chinese castoffs. Oh, the buttons are laid out nicely and lovely to press!

That’s just the aesthetics. Let’s look inside.

First, you got connections galore. S-Video, composite video, analog, and 5.1 audio.
You also enjoy HDMI 1.3 which pumps out superb bandwith allowing for a dazzling color range. Toshiba also threw in 5.1 analog audio out and digital coaxial audio out right next to the serial RS232 socket. With these you can pop in remote control systems and display up to 1080p.

Techheads will appreciate some PC technology that found its way into the Toshiba. Imagine: an ethernet port on the back that connects the DVD to the internet and home network. You can download additional bonus features and update with the latest firmware drivers.

So… was it easy to set up? You betcha! It took me 5 minutes to hook the cables to my existing speaker system and set up my preferred features. Rocket science not mandatory.

Play a DVD, any DVD, and you’ll gasp at how the crisp images leap right at you. Clarity is superb, especially on my JVC Interiart Musee. You can almost feel that Alien sneaking right next to the female marine.

With all that bliss, there’s gotta be one catch. Right?

Yep. The price. I paid a premium for these features. The unit costs a few quid over standard offerings. I don’t care, however. I no longer need to mosey to the theatre.