Toshiba has announced that its HD-DVD players, which it claims are the first in the US market, are now shipping to retailers nationwide.

The HD-XA1 and HD-A1 players are backwards-compatible enabling users to play their libraries of current DVD and CD software.

Toshiba said that the players are the first to support the HD-DVD Video format approved by the DVD Forum.

Both models support three next-generation surround-sound formats: 5.1ch Dolby Digital Plus, two channels of Dolby TrueHD, and 5.1ch DTS core stream for DTS-HD.

Support for up-conversion of standard DVD through HDMI output allows consumers to enjoy current DVD libraries with output scaled to their HDTV or HD displays.

The players also support advanced navigation and interactive features. Depending on content, a 'pop-up menu' displays movie chapters with thumbnails while the movie plays, and allows users to navigate menu features without pausing playback.

Picture-in-picture with motion video functions include the ability to play supplementary video over the main programme, allowing viewers to watch bonus content, such as a superimposed director's commentary or a documentary about the making of the movie, while the movie plays.

"With the ever-growing number of HDTV sets, consumers are looking for a way to enjoy more content in high definition," said Tina Tuccillo, vice president of marketing and communications at Toshiba.

"This campaign showcases all the excitement and realism that HD-DVD offers to the consumer in an entertaining and exciting way. Toshiba's HD-DVD players provide consumers with the ability to experience the true power of their HDTVs. "

Expected pricing for the players is $799.99 for the HD-XA1 and $499.99 for the HD-A1.