Toshiba has unveiled the first group of high-definition DVD players and computers that use the HD-DVD standard at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The company will start shipping its HD-XA1 and HD-A1 players in the US during March at $799 and $499 respectively.

The premium model offers a high-end look as well as USB connectors for gaming peripherals. Both models support high definition (720p) and 1080i (ultra HD) screen resolutions, internet connectivity and high quality sound.

Toshiba also unveiled a model in its Qosmio line of laptop computers equipped with an HD-DVD drive, but did not provide a projected shipping date or retail price.

Toshiba is the first vendor to show final next-generation HD-DVD products, but is followed closely by the consortium behind the competing Blu-ray standard.

Pioneer has promised /2147898 to start shipping a Blu-ray recorder for PCs in the first quarter of this year.

The Toshiba launch did not come as a big surprise as the company was forced to delay /2147567 the launch of its HD DVD players late last year.