Toshiba delays launch of HD DVD recorder

07/14/06 - newratings.com

LONDON, July 14 (newratings.com) – Electronics goods producer Toshiba Corp (TOSH) Thursday announced that it is delaying the launch of the world’s first high definition optical disc recorder based on the HD DVD format until the end of this month due to inadequate pre-launch inventory.

Toshiba said slower procurement of some components of the recorder has resulted in low levels of inventory. The delay is not due to any hitch in the production process or a bug in the recorder’s software, the company added. The product, earlier planned to be launched in Japan on June 14, will now be launched on July 27. Tokyo-based Toshiba said the new machine, equipped with a 1-tetrabyte hard disk, is capable of storing up to 130 hours of high-definition terrestrial digital broadcasting programmes. The company expects to sell the new machine for ¥398,000.