TOKYO (XFN-ASIA) – Toshiba Corp aims to sell around 3 mln players compatible with the HD DVD next-generation optical disc format in the current year to March 2008, up sharply from the 250,000 units it sold last fiscal year, the Nikkei financial daily reported, without citing sources.

The global market for next-generation DVD players is seen at 4-5 mln units in fiscal 2007, with Toshiba seeking a 60-70 pct share, the Nikkei said.

To better compete with companies promoting the rival Blu-ray Disc format, Toshiba plans to continue with its strategy of cutting prices and releasing low-priced players in the US, the largest market, according to the newspaper.

The company slashed prices of both entry-level and midrange players by 100 usd there this month, bringing price tags to 399 usd and 499 usd, respectively.

(1 usd = 118.72 yen)

yasuhiko.seki@xfn.com

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