MUMBAI: Toshiba Corp. is finally planning an entry into the Blu-ray market with laptops and Blu-Ray disc players. The company will also be joining the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), which is the industry body that oversees development of the high-definition format.

Until last year, Toshiba was a firm backer of the HD DVD optical-disc format that had been battling Blu-ray Disc. There was a huge tussel between Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats last year in their race to dominate the market for movies produced in high definition format. Eventually, with four major Hollywood studios backing the Blu-ray format, the HD format conceded defeat. However, in light of the increasing consumer demand for HD content, Toshiba has now decided to enter the Blu-ray market.

In a statement, the company said, "To meet the increasing consumer demand for high definition content, Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. will be entering the Blu-ray market. We will share additional product information and details later this year. In light of recent growth in digital devices supporting the Blu-ray format, combined with market demand from consumers and retailers alike, Toshiba has decided to join the BDA."

 

Toshiba will begin production of stand alone Blu-ray players as well as drives for PCs and laptops and the first products are likely to be ready by the end of 2009.