Toshiba have abandoned their HD-DVD format and instead want to tap the growing demand for Blu-ray in Japan with three new Blu-ray recorders, set to hit the Japanese market in four weeks. The three new VARDIA branded recorders which allow you to copy material from DVD to Blu-ray and vice versa, come with an HDMI interface, a USB port, LAN connectivity and an SD memory card slot.
The basic model D-B305K features a 320GB HDD and will set you back $1,100
The D-B1005K (at $1,400) comes with a huge 1 Terra Byte hard disc
And $1,500 will get you the D-BW1005K, perfect for VHS fans who can backup their cassettes onto Blu-ray discs with this Blueray/VHS combo recorder.
Alongside the recorders is the SD-BD1K, Toshiba's new Blu-ray player with a cost of $300
There is no word on if and when the new devices will hit the US or UK but reports from market researchers suggest that the blu-ray is about to see somewhat of a boom in the next few years.
The report anticipates that 'The BD player population will rise to 132 million by 2012 and that the PS3 will remain the dominant BD player until at least 2010.'