Toshiba DVD Players

Conceding their loss in the high definition format war doesn't mean Toshiba will be immediately jumping on the Blu-ray bandwagon. Instead the company has talking up its latest line of upscaling DVD players, the XD-E500 being one of the more affordable examples. Review details: Single Test   → Test results

The SD-280E is the first new DVD player to roll off Toshiba's 2008 production line, and we were first in line to take a look. It's a distinctly entry-level affair, with a stripped down spec and ultra-low price, making it a perfect player to accompany a second TV in the bedroom or the kitchen. Despite its simple spec, there are actually two players beneath it in the pecking order - the SD-180E (which only boasts a JPEG viewer) and SD-185E (with DivX and JPEG playback). The SD-280E goes one step further by adding MP3 to the compatibility list. Review details: Single Test   → Test results

In the same way that vinyl lives on in the age of MP3 downloading and CDs, VHS tape recorders are still around despite DVD and hard-disk being today's preferred recording technologies. VCRs continue to crop up in product ranges every year, despite the death knell being sounded years ago. It's reminiscent of Rocky Balboa, the ageing crowd favourite who, after winning so many battles in the past, keeps coming back from retirement for one last shot at glory against younger, more talented opponents. The key reason why manufacturers haven't thrown in the towel is that most people still have VHS tapes lying around containing stuff that they can't find on DVD, or precious memories that need to be transferred onto disc before the plug is finally pulled on the format. We mention this not only for a whimsical trip down memory lane but also to introduce the SD-38VB, a DVD player with a built-in VHS VCR. Review details: Single Test   → Test results