Was it worth it?? [2.0 Upgrade]

[Head Shot]

:confused: For all those that have upgraded to version 2.0, was that move all worth it? I'd like to know because there has been mixed outcome that are posted here. I personally have had no luck in getting it upgraded. But after seeing all these threads perhaps its not so bad. The only negative so far is that I have not been able to play King Kong.

The bad outcome has ranged from skips to poorer picture quality. Some has pointed out as black crush and others have had problems with pixelation and WTW level problem. While a few of you have had no problems.

So tonight I'd like to quantify this before I get another Toshiba 2.0 disk . This is I believe information some here would like to know.

[WirelessGuru]

The first thing I did when I got my new XA1 was set up it's network protocols and download 2.0. So I voted "Other"(please explain)

I will say I have not had one issue so far. I even got ATL from netflix that was scratched up so much I didn't think it would even recognize it and it played flawlessly. I am very happy so far.

[bitemymac]

voted neither. I upgraded to 2.0 for TruHD, but not for PQ improvements.

[xradman]

Voted other. I upgraded to 2.0 as soon as I got my XA1. No problems what so ever with any of my HD-DVDs so far.

[awhite4777]

720p vastly improved

[aaronwt]

Voted neither. I upgraded for TrueHD 5.1. 1080i output looks the same.

[pedra12]

I voted Great becasue it inproved 720p especially when I was watching The Incredibles. The jaggies in the Pixar logo were softer. Plus it gave me 5.1 True HD over analog. :D

[Big J]

I voted great, because I think there was a very slight improvement in the picture. That said, I will also have to say that since I upgraded to 2.0, I've had 2 audio synch issues (pausing fixed it) whereas before the upgrade, I had none.
J

[the crane]

TrueHD 5.1

[ressom]

Voted other. I upgraded to 2.0 as soon as I got my XA1. No problems what so ever with any of my HD-DVDs so far.

Ditto.

[JOHNnDENVER]

other.. I upgraded with in the 1st 24 hours. I was not able to really scrutinize the previous firmware to much. They both generally seemed fine though.

[Ron-P]

Other: No disk issues and now have 5.1 TrueHD.

[Head Shot]

So far these numbers are reassuring. But what about this black crush and other picture quality issues I kept reading? I have been unable to play Kong and I just want to avoid image degradation and having the inability to backward upgrade if I have these issues.

[JOHNnDENVER]

We are not all having BTB issues after the 2.0 FW.....

I can see your position of caution.

Kong -vs- potential video levels issues???

[mcrexx]

I saw no difference in picture quality in 1080i. Not sure about 720p cause I never use that resolution.

However, the main reason I upgraded to firmware 2.0 was for the Dolby TrueHD. That made it all worth it.

[Person99]

Good poll. I too want to upgrade to 2.0 for TrueHD but have been timid since I've had only 1 audio sync problem to date and many with 2.0 seem to have more problems than I've had with 1.4. I'll be eagerly watching this thread. :)

Dave

[Forceflow]

Voted other. I upgraded to 2.0 as soon as I got my XA1. No problems what so ever with any of my HD-DVDs so far.

Same with me. The PQ looks the same (amazing!). No additional problems (no problems at all!).

[Charles R]

Going from both 1.2 and 1.4 to 2.0 (around six players) I noticed a slightly sharper image when I compared my reference scene. Video levels are the same for 1.4 and 2.0 with different levels for 1.2 via DVI (although you can adjust them away with your brightness and contrast settings). As far as skips and whatnot they appear to be the same across the board.

[Head Shot]

Going from both 1.2 and 1.4 to 2.0 (around six players) I noticed a slightly sharper image when I compared my reference scene. Video levels are the same for 1.4 and 2.0 with different levels for 1.2 via DVI (although you can adjust them away with your brightness and contrast settings). As far as skips and whatnot they appear to be the same across the board.

I was hoping that at least this scenario would occur- no degradation in picture/video output, and no increase of picture stops and stutters. I hope with the TrueHD 5.1 and Kong on the screen it would be a no-brainer to upgrade.

The previous disk that I failed to launch the upgrade with does not show any filetypes when I scanned it on my computer. Appeared blank. Was there suppose to be some type of filename that is visible?

[web]

No problems with the 2.0 firmware upgrade. Using a HDMI-DVI connection to a 65" RP-CRT (Mits 65813). No 'black crush' issue. Never had any skipping/synch problems with any firmware version (have used all firmware versions from 1.0 on) and 2.0 is no different with both purchased and Netflix rentals. Playback with scratched rental disks has not been a problem.

web

[venture4]

Introduced skip and sync problems, which now seem to be getting worse. Waiting for 2.1 firmware, IF, it ever arrives.

[Head Shot]

Introduced skip and sync problems, which now seem to be getting worse. Waiting for 2.1 firmware, IF, it ever arrives.

Was the player running well , free ofskips and sync problem before you had it upgraded?

I noticed you voted OTHER rather than TERRIBLE.

[I WANT MORE]

I have noticed that the base level is quite low compared to the Panny BD player that I have. Lower also than programs that I watch on D*. Don't know why. Hooked up to receiver via HDMI. Watched Batman Begins in True HD and bass was quite low.

[ILJG]

Other than 720p resolution, I don't think the main reason for the firmware was PQ. It was to enable TrueHD and interactivity capabilities of the player.

[tryguy]

My SanyoZ4 looks much better to my untrained eye now at 720P

[Vipper IV]

Was the player running well , free ofskips and sync problem before you had it upgraded?



I'm having the same problem, but it was introduced with version 1.4, from my experience. I got the player with 1.4, had skipping issues, and downgraded to 1.2, where it operated perfectly. Since I wanted TrueHD, I loaded 2.0 when it became available; however, recently skipping has been a bit of an issue. Hopefully 2.1 will fix it, because I REALLY don't want to send the unit to Toshiba. If 2.1 doesn't arrive by the time the HD-A2s make their way to the market, I'm thinking about buying one of those. I know it's a new technology, but I really don't think these units should have problems like this.

[plazman]

If you experience skipping, reboot the player by holding down the power button for 10 secs. If that doesn't help power off for around 30 secs. If that does not help, I'm afraid the install was buggy on your player.

If you want to be proactive, just reboot the player ever so often - 2 weeks or so. It takes only 10 secs or so, less than powering up! Remember this is a PC and needs to be reset and clear it's memory etc....with 2.0, I believe because of the bigger error correction more frequent rebooting is required.

My 2 cents.

[Vipper IV]

If you experience skipping, reboot the player by holding down the power button for 10 secs. If that doesn't help power off for around 30 secs. If that does not help, I'm afraid the install was buggy on your player.

If you want to be proactive, just reboot the player ever so often - 2 weeks or so. It takes only 10 secs or so, less than powering up! Remember this is a PC and needs to be reset and clear it's memory etc....with 2.0, I believe because of the bigger error correction more frequent rebooting is required.

My 2 cents.

I unplugged the unit for 24 hours. Wouldn't that accomplish the same as "rebooting" it?

Maybe I'll try the upgrade again and see if that helps. Really, the only 2 that have given me problems are M:I3, which played flawlessly the first few times, and King Kong. The Interpreter gave me no problems, and I watched that in between the glitchy play of M:I3 and the skip-laden King Kong viewing. Who knows *what* the deal is?

[venture4]

Head shot

I watched only 2 Hd movies before I upgraded which played, both played fine. Since the upgrade theplayer has started to skip and have audio sync issues, I don't think I can watch a disc now all the way through without some sort of problem. Cleaning the discs with luke warm water helps but its as if the player has got immune to this cleaning and starting to play up again. There is no way I will buy the A2 incase it has the same problem, I paid $499 for my A1, I don't think perfect play back is asking too much, I'm now going to wait for 2.1, if that fails I will not be buying anymore HD discs until a player arrives without these sort of bugs.

[jedilips]

Upgraded for TrueHD, but 2.0 introduced HDMI ERROR 1 on SD-DVDs that was not there previously. I really hope they fix it with 2.1.

[venture4]

I would love to know how long we will have to wait for 2.1, I think someone said this month, but I'm not holding my breath :-(

[rdjam]

The main purpose of 2.0 for me was to get 5.1 TruHD audio.

[Head Shot]

The main purpose of 2.0 for me was to get 5.1 TruHD audio.


Yes rdjam, that was the general consensus why the upgrade was enthusiastically done. Unfortunately some of the negative side effects are showing up with some players. I was just trying to collect and quantify data in one place so that there is less anecdotal and more scientific. By the response here so far I am heartened that we are pretty much having the same goal.

I had previous freezes/skips but only to two to three movies out of 30+ movies viewed that I blamed on the disk authoring/"printing" rather than the player itself. I am still on version 1.0 by the way.

Thank you all for participating in this informal poll. It has helped some here, I'm sure. I'll be toying with the decision as I wait for the replacement disk from Toshiba.

In the meantime I urge you all to please keep posting for a more accurate data set. :)

[billymac]

black crush for me along with failure to pass btb to my display.

i can overcome this by going hdmi to M1-HDMI adapter at my display, but unfortunately as with most of the infocus line it forces 720p even with 1080i out of the player and the picture is not as good. :(

i have a pseudo-calibrated preset for hd-dvd with an increase in brightness, but there is definitely missing information and blacks and shadow detail are still not right.

[Head Shot]

I have in my hands the Toshiba disk arriving tonight . Hmm, to do or not to do? Aw what the heck, I'll go with the general consensus here and try it.[crosses fingers]

[Head Shot]

Saw King Kong, finally. Stressed the player a bit and so far no hiccups. Hopefully it will play flawless this Thanksgiving movie marathon.

[Murilo]

I see people saying it improved 720p, is it as good as 1080i now on a 720p display?

[paulbh]

Is anyone that is having any skipping or drop out problems using component and digital optical/coaxial connections?

[plazman]

As others have said, 720p improved. Everything else is the same. On my previous 720p plasma, I'd say 720p and 1080i looked about the same after calibration. Before 2.0, 720p was slightly better than SD DVD.

After 2.0 I also need to reboot the player once in awhile, but the better audio makes it worthwhile for me. It's not a big deal since it takes 10 secs to reboot. I just do it when I remember....no skipping or lock ups for me.

[craftech]

So far it is 63 Pro and 73 who say it didn't improve anything or made things worse. Good reasons not to take the risk if your player is working properly as mine is with firmware 1.4

It is also entirely possible that 2.0 was the last since newer players are coming out.

Maybe some of you should start thinking about asking Toshiba about making a disk that will revert back to another more reliable firmware.

John

[Head Shot]

I see the numbers differently. Out of 138 votes, 109 showed that it either improved or not introduce any more problems. That is reason to upgrade for me. At least one of the voter for terrible is a BluRay fanboy.

[bobgpsr]

...who say it didn't improve anything or made things worse.
For video in this poll's context.

The real reson to upgrade to 2.0 f/w is for audio. Dolby TrueHD 5.1 playback.
FWIW I saw no diff for video using a component video connection. For those with DVI and previously having 1.2 f/w then the 2.0 f/w may hurt video (colorspace issue).

Bob

[Head Shot]

For video in this poll's context.

The real reson to upgrade to 2.0 f/w is for audio. Dolby TrueHD 5.1 playback.
FWIW I saw no diff for video using a component video connection. For those with DVI and previously having 1.2 f/w then the 2.0 f/w may hurt video (colorspace issue).

Bob

The picture issues I was referring to is specifically the stopping, freezing, stuttering, or slo-mo problems I encountered very infrequently.

It's now running Constantine and so far the second disk I've played is running flawlessly.

Yes, the only reason one should upgrade as bobgpsr mentioned is for the sonic improvement. In my case this 2.0 was necessary to play KinkyKong :D

[bobgpsr]

In my case this 2.0 was necessary to play KinkyKong
Oops! Forgot about the new Universal discs. Yes I understand that there must have been some updates to HDi capabilities also in the 2.0 f/w. At the time it came out no discs needed it.
:o
Bob

[homerx]

So far so good, I mainly got this for the ucontrol and hopes my HDMI in would work (and it does yeah).
But so far I've watched king knog and charlie and the chcolate factory with no probloms. With the old software charlie had sync issues for a few minnites.

[mak99]

Like wirelessguru:

the first thing I did when I got my new XA1 was set up it's network protocols and download 2.0. So I voted "Other"(please explain).

It's performed well, with no problems to really speak of...

[williamtassone]

I voted "other" has 1080i looked identical after 2.0.

I still noticed stuttering on King Kong . Admittedly this was improved after a labourious cleaning session of the disc but honestly something needs to be done where you can invent a system where u put a disc in and it plays RIGHT-THROUGH without stuttering.This cleaning is a pain in the ass

[cpcat]

Big problem for me with 2.0 is altered EDID functionality over HDMI/DVI. Can no longer utilize 422 component with SD DVD and must use PC levels. This is irritating and needs to be fixed. I'm beginning to wonder if there will be a V2.1 firmware.

I said a long time ago that this is a great player assuming Toshiba holds up their end with firmware support. We'll see.

[williamtassone]

Big problem for me with 2.0 is altered EDID functionality over HDMI/DVI. Can no longer utilize 422 component with SD DVD


Is that the case with HD-DVD as well?

[narcopolo]

If you experience skipping, reboot the player by holding down the power button for 10 secs.
Holding down the power button doesn't do anything special with my XA1. It will just turn the player on or off, regardless of how long it is held down.

[Head Shot]

I've had some playing time since upgrading. So far there is not a hint of any misfires by the player output. Toshiba remote continues to have problem-free functions. Picture quality seems to not have worsened. I just haven't tried the 2-3 problem disks yet.

So I'll vote now for neither.

[cpcat]

Is that the case with HD-DVD as well?

422 works for me with most HD DVD's. This means I have to switch back and forth between PC levels for SD DVD and video levels for HD DVD.

[tbase1]

did my update today and have had no problems from what I've seen so far. The picture did improve ,but not enough to make me go WOW. Some of the features on newer hd-dvd's are enabled by the update and I love the true hd audio via 5.1 analog.

[tomasallan]

My own HDDVD's (DVD Studio Pro HD) won't play anymore as well as some older family DVD's I have. The HDDVD's I created on DL media.

[Graham Johnson]

You have no choice but to update with 2.0 in any case.

Miami vice will not play with 1.4 and neither will King Kong. I havent noticed anything bad since upgrade, But I now have true HD on my player as well.

Upgrading to 2.0 is a non event. Just do it. You know you want to.