Members of the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc promotion groups fired off the first rounds in the new high-stakes, high-definition optical disc format war at International CES by unveiling some of the first players and software, expected to hit dealer shelves starting this spring.

Backers of the HD DVD format took the early lead at the show by unveiling what will probably be the first high-definition optical disc players in the market.

Toshiba, a key HD DVD format developer, announced plans to market two HD DVD players in March at suggested retail prices of $499.99 and $799.99, respectively.

Read more about the debut of HD DVD players at http://www.twice.com/article/CA6299653.html.