Toshiba were rumoured to be launching Blu-ray players by the end of the year, and the Japanese manufacturer of the ill-fated HD DVD format has today confirmed its plans by applying for membership of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA).
In an official statement, Toshiba cites the growing demand of Blu-ray as a reason for its decision. "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," said the company.
"Toshiba aims to introduce digital products that support the Blu-ray format, including BD players and notebook PCs integrating BD drives, in the course of this year. Details of the products, including the timing of regional launches, are now under consideration. We will make announcements in due course," it adds.
In the months following the demise of HD DVD, Toshiba had attempted to undermine the relevance of high-def formats by introduction an upconverting technology for standard-def DVDs known as XDE (eXtended Detail Enhancement).
However, it has now opted to join the likes of Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and numerous others as a member of the BDA.