Despite a HD DVD setback Toshiba has introduced a laptop computer that can read and record HD DVD discs. It is the first of its kind and ideal for both a home and office enviroment.

The news ahead of the International Consumer Electronics Show came two days after Warner Bros. Entertainment said it would stop offering its movies in HD DVD, choosing instead to stick with a competing high-definition video format, Sony Corp.’s Blu-ray. The announcement dealt a potentially fatal blow to HD DVD, which has been championed by Toshiba. Toshiba makes practically all HD DVD players.

Toshiba’s Qosmio G45-AV690 is powered by an Intel Core 2 processor and the Windows Vista operating system. Its 17-inch display offers resolution of 1080p, the highest currently available. The laptop also features 320 gigabytes of hard drive space, a remote control and a fingerprint reader.

The  laptop comes with a mail-in offer for five free HD DVD titles through Feb. 28. Only two major U.S. studios now support HD DVD, while five support Sony’s Blu-ray disc.