The HD-DVD camp is not taking it lying down while loads of people go out and buy themselves a Blu-ray equipped PS3. Electronics manufacturer Venturer is to launch a new cut-price HD-DVD player just after Christmas.

The new SHD7001 standalone High Definition DVD player from Venturer offers 1080i video output via a direct HDMI connection to your HD ready TV.  It also comes with Dolby TrueHD (5.1channel) sound completes the SHD7001 HD experience.

The new SHD7001 is not only a High Definition DVD player, but it is also backward compatible with the older DVD format and boasts the ability to upscale. The manufacturer claims that the player gives old DVD films "bright and vivid detail" that "looks crisp and forceful and boosts performance to near HD sharpness giving standard DVDs a complete make over to make them look better than ever."

The SHD7001 also features a 10/100 Ethernet connection and by connecting it to your broadban, bonus features can be accessed as well as fan communities and special recorded content put in place by movie studios on HD DVDs can be unlocked.

"We are very excited about this product launch. QVC will be able to demonstrate the features and benefits of HD-DVD and make it available to consumers at a knockout price!" says David Rouse, Venturer Sales Director. "At last an affordable solution for the many thousands of HDTV owners."

The SHD7001 will initially be available to buy in the UK exclusively from QVC TV Home Shopping Channel from the 29^th December, when it will be the featured product of the day (Today's Special Value).

More information regarding the SHD7001 can be found at www.venturer.eu.com. At the moment there is no word on the price of the player - we hope it's as cheap as the player looks.

SHD7001 Specification:

HD Output: 720p/1080i
SD Upscale with HDMI: 480p/720p/1080i
HD DVD Video
DVD Video

Audio

Dolby Digital: 5.1channel
Dolby Digital Plus: 5.1channel
Dolby TrueHD: 5.1channel
DTS: 5.1channel
DTS HD (core only): 5.1channel

Playback Media

HD DVD Video
DVD Video (R2)
DVD VR (R2)
DVD-R (video) (R2)
DVD-R DL (video) (R2)
DVD-RW (video/VR CPRM) (R2)
CD, CD-R/-RW (CD-DA) (R2)

Ports

Digital/Analogue out simultaneously
Video Output: Composite, Component
Audio Output: Analogue 2 channel, Digital Optical
HDMI Output
Ethernet (10/100base)