Toshiba prepping third-gen HD DVD players

Toshiba will release its third generation of HD DVD players this fall, Amazon has revealed through inadvertent store leaks. The HD-A3 and HD-A35 as well as the now-removed HD-A30 appear to be drop-in replacements for the current A2 series that may offer enhanced software features and a possible ergonomic redesign while keeping the same basic separation of features. As with the entry A2, the A3 will be limited to 720p/1080i output while the A35 offers 1080p, HDMI 1.3 output with deep color on supporting TVs, and CEC support for controlling the player's basic features through the remote of an attached HDMI device.

Few if any details have surfaced about the A30, but its role as a substitute for today's A20 suggests 1080p playback without the advanced HDMI and CEC features. Pricing will also be virtually identical with the A3, A30, and A35 selling for $299, $399, and $499 each. An announcement of all three may take place as soon as August 6th, though an official release is not expected until October 1st. [via Format War Central]