I'm know this has been posted (but this thread isn't giving me definitive answers), so I'll have to do it again: how do you get toslink to output Dolby Digital AND output via HDMI at the same time?

My setup:
Toshiba A2: HDMI to Panasonic PZ700U 50" plasma, toslink to Yamaha 793

No matter how I configure the digital outputs, I cannot get Dolby Digital to the receiver via toslink. My TV (via toslink) won't output Dolby Digital, so I must go from the A2 directly to the Yamaha receiver.

At most, I get Dolby Pro Logic (lame). Otherwise, it's dead silence. I know the input does take Dolby Digital (Xbox360 or HDPVR) -- the Toshiba simply isn't working.

Do I have a bad receiver?

Well, right now I have optical going to my receiver and HDMI going to my projector... everything working fine.
I will look at my settings and report back... STAND BY...

I've got spdif as BITSTREAM and HDMI set to DOWNMIXED PCM. However, I don't really know what the HDMI audio is doing since I only have it hooked up to a projector right now.

When using spdif output, high rez audio is transcoded to full bitrate DTS, so you're not going to get TrueHD sountracks via spdif... only HDMI.
Make sure that your receiver is capable of DTS. Also make sure that the dvd you are playing does include a 5.1 soundtrack and that it is selected as such in the menu of the dvd as well.

I've got spdif as BITSTREAM and HDMI set to DOWNMIXED PCM. However, I don't really know what the HDMI audio is doing since I only have it hooked up to a projector right now.

These are the suggested settings in a previous post for audio via optical (which is what you want). Works for me (DTS, not lame at all).

If you care, audio via HDMI settings are HDMI to auto or PCM, SPDIF to PCM.

No, I don't care either, but someone might.

Good luck.

Toslink audio: Bitstream
HDMI audio: downmix PCM
Result: Dolby Digital with DVD. No output for HD-DVD (receiver does say Dolby Digital).

Looks like my issue is the receiver being too old and not having DTS at all. Guess I'm in the new market for a receiver with new bells and whistles. The Onkyo SR805 looks like it has the features I need, I'll probably start there.

Hey All,

I've searched for a bit, but can't seem to find an answer to this. I know that the A2 can't play WMA or MP3, but I recall reading a while back that you could burn a dvd with wav or cd audio on it. This would be awesome as my A2 is the only optical device I currently have in my chain.

I have Nero 6 Ultra Edition, is there any way I can burn one of these audio dvd's for my setup.

Thanks in advance.

all my HD-DVD's have horrible dialog volume that gets buried in any and all sound effects. It almost seems like sound effect volume is set twice as high as dialog volume.


I have my HD-A2 connected to my HK247 receiver via HDMI and sound is set on the HD-DVD and the receiver to Prologic 5.1


Is this normal for rented DVD's or something?


Where do I begin to try and resolve this issue?


thanks

all my HD-DVD's have horrible dialog volume that gets buried in any and all sound effects. It almost seems like sound effect volume is set twice as high as dialog volume.


I have my HD-A2 connected to my HK247 receiver via HDMI and sound is set on the HD-DVD and the receiver to Prologic 5.1


Is this normal for rented DVD's or something?


Where do I begin to try and resolve this issue?


thanks



since u set ur receiver to 5.1 i am going to assume u have 5.1 set up. does the hk247 not have the ability to select each speaker and volume level?

Have you turned on the "dialog enhancement" option in the players Audio menu?

Re-reading your post, do you have your receiver set to Prologic? Are you bitstreaming or PCM settting on the HDMI settings on the player?

I have 2 A2's hooked to Onkyo 604 and a DG910 and do not have issues with dialog in movies. I have only heard pretty good thinks on your 247 also, so I have to believe it's a simple setup issue.

are your speakers calibrated? maybe your center channel is too low

Prologic??? You should be listening to multichannel PCM or bitstreaming DTS. You have an incorrect setting somewhere. And turning on "dialog enhancement" in the player is NOT the answer.

rynberg,

I didn't say Dialog enhancement was the answer, I was asking if he had it turned on.

I have my HD-A2 connected to my HK247 receiver via HDMI and sound is set on the HD-DVD and the receiver to Prologic 5.1

Is this normal for rented DVD's or something?

Check the settings on your A2: see post #4507, above.
Rented DVD's are just like all others, just a little more beaten up. Should still sound fine (rent an HD-DVD, which should sound fabulous).

are your speakers calibrated? maybe your center channel is too low

used the auto mic calibrate feature with the hk247

Did you check the settings after the auto-calibrate? I like the feature, but would never blindly trust it did a good job. Check each speakers settings.

Check the settings on your A2: see post #4507, above.
Rented DVD's are just like all others, just a little more beaten up. Should still sound fine (rent an HD-DVD, which should sound fabulous).


will check settings... thanks


and yes... I just rented Transformers HD-DVD from Netflix and I can't hear anything that is spoken.... but the sound effects are fantastic :)

Did you check the settings after the auto-calibrate? I like the feature, but would never blindly trust it did a good job. Check each speakers settings.

will do....


thanks :)

I'm sure its been answered, I tried searching but I couldn't find the answers to my simple question. What equipment do I need to have, in order to have my A2 light up Dolby TrueHD/DD+/DTS-HD?

I'm sure its been answered, I tried searching but I couldn't find the answers to my simple question. What equipment do I need to have, in order to have my A2 light up Dolby TrueHD/DD+/DTS-HD?

An HDMI receiver. Now, if you want your receiver to light up TrueHD, etc...well, that is another story.

Prologic??? You should be listening to multichannel PCM or bitstreaming DTS. You have an incorrect setting somewhere. And turning on "dialog enhancement" in the player is NOT the answer.


I needed to set to PCM and for some reason Center channel was modified to -9db. After the adjustments everything worked perfectly.


thanks to all :)

After the adjustments everything worked perfectly.


And we all lived happily ever after.
Enjoy.

An HDMI receiver. Now, if you want your receiver to light up TrueHD, etc...well, that is another story.

What if you want both? I thought even if the reciever has hdmi, the hd-a2 would still decode it into pcm and send it to the the receiver? It would like up Multi-PCM wouldn't it? Or is that only if the receiver decodes TrueHD/DD+. Anyways I have a Onkyo 605 on the way...I was just curious how I'd be able to get TrueHD/DD+ to light up on the player.

What if you want both? I thought even if the reciever has hdmi, the hd-a2 would still decode it into pcm and send it to the the receiver? It would like up Multi-PCM wouldn't it? Or is that only if the receiver decodes TrueHD/DD+. Anyways I have a Onkyo 605 on the way...I was just curious how I'd be able to get TrueHD/DD+ to light up on the player.

Uhhhh....you just want that light to come on? That's never going to happen with the A2.

However, you will be able to hear TrueHD and DD+ sound by simply allowing the player to decode it and send it via MC PCM (set HDMI audio to "auto" in the A2).

Wait a minute - I just re-read your post. You want the lights on the player? I don't believe there are any such lights on the A2...

Uhhhh....you just want that light to come on? That's never going to happen with the A2.

However, you will be able to hear TrueHD and DD+ sound by simply allowing the player to decode it and send it via MC PCM (set HDMI audio to "auto" in the A2).

Wait a minute - I just re-read your post. You want the lights on the player? I don't believe there are any such lights on the A2...

I don't know if there is a light on the player but I do know hitting the info button during playback will telling if you are listen to the TrueHD track or DD+ track on any disk.

I don't know if there is a light on the player but I do know hitting the info button during playback will telling if you are listen to the TrueHD track or DD+ track on any disk.

IIRC, the only light on the player is the "Multi" one that comes up. For the details you need to press the Display button on the remote a few times to bring the OSD up.

I had read here on this forum that the latest firmware was supposed to correct the issue with the A2's display still showing "2 channel" when playing any SD material. Mine is still showing "2 channel" in the upper right corner of the A2's display, even though my receiver is showing the proper decoding. Anyone else have this issue?

Ken

I have the hd a2 connected to my Pioneer Elite 94txh through HDMI and my Direct TV DVR through hDMI, I have sound on both but no picture?? Got tyo be an easy fix.

I should probably try this under the receiver thread, but I figure this might work also.

Thanks

I have the hd a2 connected to my Pioneer Elite 94txh through HDMI and my Direct TV DVR through hDMI, I have sound on both but no picture?? Got tyo be an easy fix.

I should probably try this under the receiver thread, but I figure this might work also.

Thanks

What inputs? Did you go into input setup and be sure everything is assigned correctly?

Also, your display device is hooked up via HDMI too, right? You can't go HDMI in and component out...

An HDMI receiver. Now, if you want your receiver to light up TrueHD, etc...well, that is another story.
Well technically (or, AFAIK) there is no such receiver out there that the A2 will be able to make the Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD indicator light up on the receiver (I assume the OP was referring to lighting up the indicator on the receiver, rather than on the A2 itself). IOW--the A2 will never be able to light up the TrueHD indicator on any TrueHD-capable receiver.

Just answering the OP's question from a different--but still valid--point of view; IOW I was answering it from the POV of the A2, rather than from the receiver's POV...your response is also valid and does answer the OP's question. ;)

Just got my first HD movies from the BB deal, got Transformers and Harry Potter. Just after watching Transformers I come away happy but yet dissapointed at the same time. The picture was very good on some shots but really lacked on others. It was really grainy on some and on others had some white pixels show up. Any Ideas? I got my player from the Walmart special and was going to check the firmware first before I made any rash decisions.

My setup, HD-A2, monoprice 28awg HDMI with ferrites, Samsung 4051-D LCD just over a year old.

I should also note that I rented Knocked up and experienced graininess also, although I dont recall any white pixels.

Thanks for any recommendations.

Thanks for the answers. I believe I saw a light indicator on the A2 when I was looking at it up close. So why is the light indicator there if there is no way of it lighting up (on the A2 not the receiver). I just want to know, not cause it really is a 'necessary' for me.

The white pixel thing is odd for sure.

The other stuff? What did you try?

If a movie has grain it will have grain on the HD version / transfer as well.

Transformers was a pretty amazing title PQ wise for me and my Wallyworld A2.

It's unfortunate that my first real post is bad news, but hope to seek help from the community here.

My sis who's based in US, returned today to Singapore with a HD-A2 (from $98 Wal-Mart sale) for me as a Christmas gift. As Singapore uses 220v I had to get a voltage converter. Unfortunately I set the converter incorrectly and tragedy struck. White smoke came out from the player as I quickly shut it off :(

Most of the internals looked ok, but there was a leak of brownish liquid with a bad smell. I couldnt really identify the origin, but suspect it to be either the fuse or a capacitor. Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lelearn/2122665068/

1. Is the green tube the fuse and the brown tube the capacitor? I noticed that the top of the brown tube (arrowed) has a slight protrusion compared to the other one and suspect this to be the source of the leak.

2. Any of the above user-replaceable?

3. Would anyone try to return the player for a replacement?

I've yet to try local Toshiba customer support as HD players are not readily available locally and the only player shown on the local site is HD-E1. (http://www.toshibahddvd-asia.com/products/hd-e1.html) Is this the same as the A2?

Really appreciate any advice!

I would try getting the unit replaced under warranty. For $99 it's a throw away item since any labor repair costs would be more than the player cost.

Thanks for the answers. I believe I saw a light indicator on the A2 when I was looking at it up close. So why is the light indicator there if there is no way of it lighting up (on the A2 not the receiver). I just want to know, not cause it really is a 'necessary' for me.

It could be a standard LED display that is used across the whole line. Cheaper to build one display than customize individual displays for 3, 6, or 8 different units. Kind of like the 2-wheel drive Jeep models still have the "4WD" light on the dash display, except it's blacked out.

Thanks for the answers. I believe I saw a light indicator on the A2 when I was looking at it up close. So why is the light indicator there if there is no way of it lighting up (on the A2 not the receiver). I just want to know, not cause it really is a 'necessary' for me.

It could be a standard LED display that is used across the whole line. Cheaper to build one display than customize individual displays for 3, 6, or 8 different units. Kind of like the 2-wheel drive Jeep models still have the "4WD" light on the dash display, except it's blacked out.

Close inspection of my A2 front panel shows no DD+ or THD lights. There is a standard "Dolby" symbol and a DTS logo but no others. I have not noticed if the Dolby symbol lights when playing a DD+ track. There are DD+ and TrueHD logos silk screened on the top of the unit. Perhaps that is what you are remembering.

Another interesting tidbit that goes to Jgatie's point - there is a "p" as well as an "i" next to 1080 in the resolution display.

Can I hook up the HDMI to my receiver from the hd a2 for sound and the component to the receiver for video?? Basically does thr a2 output from both the component and hdmi outputs at the same time?

I am having a problem with my TV accepting the HDMI from my receiver. So I need the sound through the hdmi cable and the video through the component cable.

Thanks

I read some of the posts about using an ethernet bridge. I haven't found a cheap one yet. Can I use an old Netgear b router?

I have never had a DVD player operator like this. (HD-A2)

How do you stop the player then start back from the same place you left off in the movie? The player works like this (stop, play (resume from were left off) when I play a SD-DVD but on HD-DVDs (300, Old School, Bourne Identity) when I press stop then play it start the film from the beginning. The "resume play" button does not work.

What gives? I must be missing something simple.

Help please

Can I hook up the HDMI to my receiver from the hd a2 for sound and the component to the receiver for video?? Basically does thr a2 output from both the component and hdmi outputs at the same time?

I am having a problem with my TV accepting the HDMI from my receiver. So I need the sound through the hdmi cable and the video through the component cable.

Thanks

Yes, it will output sound via HDMI and video via component at the same time.

most hd media is authored in advanced mode which doesn't allow this. Using the bookmark feature is the only way. This is for both Blu-ray and HD DVD. If it is a deal killer I'd stick to SD.

I just use the pause button for a bathroom break, no problems.

Yes, it will output sound via HDMI and video via component at the same time.

Won't it be restricted to 480p though... because of HDCP??

Won't it be restricted to 480p though... because of HDCP??

Only flagged content will be restricted. Unfortunately, this includes almost every commercial SD DVD made. On the other hand, no HD DVD has ever been flagged and will display in HD just fine over component.

Blu Ray players do this too. It has to do with the way the discs are authored and not the format or necessarily the player.

Instead of stopping/starting the player just pause it. I've left mine paused for hours with no ill effects.

Can I hook up the HDMI to my receiver from the hd a2 for sound and the component to the receiver for video?? Basically does thr a2 output from both the component and hdmi outputs at the same time?

I am having a problem with my TV accepting the HDMI from my receiver. So I need the sound through the hdmi cable and the video through the component cable.

Thanks

Seems to me the easiest solution would be to either run HDMI to your TV and optical to your receiver for sound, or to run Component to your receiver and optical for sound...

Only flagged content will be restricted. Unfortunately, this includes almost every commercial SD DVD made. On the other hand, no HD DVD has ever been flagged and will display in HD just fine over component.

Well, I am just getting into "true" HD, and am embarassed to realize that you can do HD via component. I had no idea. What makes no sense at all, is that SD is STILL restricted. That makes no sense what-so-ever.

Seems to me the easiest solution would be to either run HDMI to your TV and optical to your receiver for sound, or to run Component to your receiver and optical for sound...



If I use the optical for audio I am restrcited to DTS as the sound format. Unless I am mistaken, the new HD audio formats can only be passed using HDMI, this is why I need to have HDMI for AT LEAST the audio posrtion of the HD dvds.

Optical audio will put me back to where I was prior to getting my new receiver. I also do not want to be switching inputs on my TV everytime I watch a movie.

If I use the optical for audio I am restrcited to DTS as the sound format. Unless I am mistaken, the new HD audio formats can only be passed using HDMI, this is why I need to have HDMI for AT LEAST the audio posrtion of the HD dvds.

Optical audio will put me back to where I was prior to getting my new receiver. I also do not want to be switching inputs on my TV everytime I watch a movie.


Not true. Your A2 will downmix uncompressed audio and pass them out the optical as a high bitrate DTS signal. Which is still superior to the audio you can get from DVD.

Not true. Your A2 will downmix uncompressed audio and pass them out the optical as a high bitrate DTS signal. Which is still superior to the audio you can get from DVD.

Yes, the higher bitrate DTS is better than SD, but not as good as the full glory of THD.

I see no downside to using the HDMI for audio like he wanted to in the first place (other than losing upconversion of SD).

Yes, the higher bitrate DTS is better than SD, but not as good as the full glory of THD.

I see no downside to using the HDMI for audio like he wanted to in the first place (other than losing upconversion of SD).

I have an "adequate" sound system that I've invested several thousand dollars in and don't notice much of a difference between True-HD natively output from my A1, or downmixed to optical as DTS.

But to each their own.

Can I hook up the HDMI to my receiver from the hd a2 for sound and the component to the receiver for video?? Basically does thr a2 output from both the component and hdmi outputs at the same time?

I am having a problem with my TV accepting the HDMI from my receiver. So I need the sound through the hdmi cable and the video through the component cable.

Thanks

Since you apparenty got a nicer AVR to produce nicer sounds (I did not catch that in the initial post) - I would try my darndest to get with the TV and AVR thread and/or tech support to get the HDMI handshake issue resolved - But only if you care about upconverying SD discs, which for me seems silly as your TV should handle upconversion just fine.

I actually had the Pioneer 74txvi prior to the newer 94. UPS damaged on the way to a service center for a firmware upgrade. They cut a check for 1k which allowe dme to purchase the newer AVR.

The post a few above is the first and only person I have heard that didnt think True HD was far superior to DTS. Since I have the receiver capable of playing True HD I will take advantage of that.

Thanks for clarifying that anything input through HDMI can not go out through component on my reciever. That makes sense of this entire mess.The TV cant get the HDMI handshake with my receiver, and my components were hooked up via HDMI, thus no picture. As soon as I hooked up the components using component in and out I had a picture.

Just means I now need to run HDMI in as well as component in to the receiver and component out.


I had HDMI running from the DVR directly to the TV, now I have component running and I can not see ANY difference.

I will see tonight if the HDMI and component look the same coming out of the HD A2.
I might also call up Samsung to see if there is anything they can do with this handshake problem as I am convinced it is the TV as this Pioneer AVR has been written about extensively in the audio section of this forum and I havent seen others complaining about it.


Thats what I get for buying the 1st 1080p Samsung set with HDMI inputs.

Thanks,
Corey

Interesting perspective. I've got an older non hdmi receiver and am using optical with my A2. I've not been in a hurry to upgrade as I haven't been sure there would be much of a sound benefit compared to the high bitrate DTS that I get. Until I either can hear a difference on someones setup or in a store setting, I don't believe I'll spend any extra dollars. I've not really seen where there are definative observations of the better audio quality. Is it clearer sounds? A better range of the dyanmics? What exactly is better?

Dan

Interesting perspective. I've got an older non hdmi receiver and am using optical with my A2. I've not been in a hurry to upgrade as I haven't been sure there would be much of a sound benefit compared to the high bitrate DTS that I get. Until I either can hear a difference on someones setup or in a store setting, I don't believe I'll spend any extra dollars. I've not really seen where there are definative observations of the better audio quality. Is it clearer sounds? A better range of the dyanmics? What exactly is better?

Dan

More detail, more dynamic range, less roll off of frequencies and better clarity. It is similar to the differences between 192k MP3 and CD. That said, if you've never heard it, you won't miss it much. What you have is at least equal to standard DTS/DD.

More detail, more dynamic range, less roll off of frequencies and better clarity. It is similar to the differences between 192k MP3 and CD. That said, if you've never heard it, you won't miss it much. What you have is at least equal to standard DTS/DD.

theoretically it should I guess. In theory I should have better than standard dolby digital or DTS as it is a higher bitrate than on standard DVD's. I'll admit I need to rent a standard DVD of the same movies I own on HD DVD and compare. That would only tell me if I hear a difference between a higher bitrate. So is the difference that since there is no compression, you have no audio quality loss compared to regular DVD's or downmixed HD DVD's? Until I hear a true lossless format I guess I'll never know for sure.

Dan

Suppose I hooked up my Toshiba A2 to my big screen in my basement and (deep gasp) didn't use it for a year or two.

Would it still play if no new software had been downloaded?

If not, would it work if I download whatever the latest software version is at that future time?

More detail, more dynamic range, less roll off of frequencies and better clarity. It is similar to the differences between 192k MP3 and CD. That said, if you've never heard it, you won't miss it much. What you have is at least equal to standard DTS/DD.

I'll add better channel separation to that list.

However, I would agree that how much of a difference one hears will have to do with a lot of factors including: personal taste, source, sound components and last, but probably most importantly, the room.

Not true. Your A2 will downmix uncompressed audio and pass them out the optical as a high bitrate DTS signal. Which is still superior to the audio you can get from DVD.

Just to confirm, the HD-A2 will not be able to pass THD or DD+ via hdmi cable to the receiver? If so, what HDDVD player does allow passing of this audio codecs to the receiver?

Just to confirm, the HD-A2 will not be able to pass THD or DD+ via hdmi cable to the receiver? If so, what HDDVD player does allow passing of this audio codecs to the receiver?

It will not pass the raw bitstream, but that does not matter as it will decode it and pass it as PCM via HDMI - preserving the full quality (and player-mixed sound effects).

Bottom line - if you have HDMI, you can get the hi-rez sound.

theoretically it should I guess. In theory I should have better than standard dolby digital or DTS as it is a higher bitrate than on standard DVD's. I'll admit I need to rent a standard DVD of the same movies I own on HD DVD and compare. That would only tell me if I hear a difference between a higher bitrate. So is the difference that since there is no compression, you have no audio quality loss compared to regular DVD's or downmixed HD DVD's? Until I hear a true lossless format I guess I'll never know for sure.

Dan

Not just "compression" per se. TrueHD uses compression, but it yields the exact same content as the original master, with no loss, once it is uncompressed - i.e. is it "lossless" compression. The real key is lossy compression. In order to achieve the files sizes needed for DD/DTS, the compression algorithm is lossy, meaning they have to throw something away in order to get it down to size. Generally, the bigger the level of lossy compression, the more that is thrown away.

Now whether or not this loss is heard acoustically is a big argument, but even the experts agree that there is an audible difference between lossy DD/DTS and the master recording. Since TrueHD is lossless (as are other HD formats), and DD+ is very high bitrate lossy, the differences from the master recording are either non-existent or very small. But can they be heard? Most agree (both anecdotal and scientifically tested) that the difference from standard DD/DTS is quite audible.

I have an "adequate" sound system that I've invested several thousand dollars in and don't notice much of a difference between True-HD natively output from my A1, or downmixed to optical as DTS.

But to each their own.

I hooked my A2 to a newer AVR and also didn't notice much, if any difference between TrueHD via PCM and TrueHD when down converted to 1.5 mbps DTS.

At least three quarters of my HD DVDs only have a 1.5 mbps Dolby Digital Plus sound track and in a blind test, even with multi-thousand dollar set ups, most users will have a hard time telling the difference between that and DD+ down converted to DTS.

If you have perfect ears in a perfect environment and have invested many, many dollars then you might notice a slight difference but it's hardly worth a second mortgage.

Most users are comparing TrueHD and DD+ to down converted Dolby Digital. I find full bitrate DTS is a big step up from Dolby Digital but the step up after this to TrueHD and DD+ is rather tiny for most soundtracks.

I read some of the posts about using an ethernet bridge. I haven't found a cheap one yet. Can I use an old Netgear b router?
If you can enable the router to work in bridge mode, then yes...otherwise you will need some kind of (wireless) ethernet bridge device. I'm using a Linksys Wireless Gaming Adapter (WGA54G)...actually--since I have more than one device that I would like to enable network/Internet connectivity for but only one wireless bridge, I connected my devices to an old Netgear ethernet switch I had lying around, then connected the switch to the wireless bridge--voila, now all of my devices can wirelessly connect to the Internet.

As far as finding a "cheap" wireless bridge--I think Fry's sells the Buffalo one in the $35-$40 range...or if you prefer Linksys, you can find them on Ebay for anywhere between $30-$60 depending on whether they're new or used.

It will not pass the raw bitstream, but that does not matter as it will decode it and pass it as PCM via HDMI - preserving the full quality (and player-mixed sound effects).

Bottom line - if you have HDMI, you can get the hi-rez sound.

Is there any feaure other than HDMI port that I need to make sure is present on the receiver I will buy in case I upgrade to experience this DD+ or THD?

Thanks!

Is there any feaure other than HDMI port that I need to make sure is present on the receiver I will buy in case I upgrade to experience this DD+ or THD?

Thanks!

Yes, it must be at least HDMI 1.1 and it must not be a "pass through" or "switching only" receiver. Some receivers only switch and/or pass the HDMI video to the TV, they do not process HDMI audio. Needless to say, you don't want one that can't process audio.

Make sure the HDMI port can accept both audio and video. Some cheap Pioneers / Sony and a few others can pass video through their HDMI port but you can't use them for decoding PCM audio. Read the manual and don't believe what a BB salesman has to say unless you get it in writing.

Not just "compression" per se. TrueHD uses compression, but it yields the exact same content as the original master, with no loss, once it is uncompressed - i.e. is it "lossless" compression. The real key is lossy compression. In order to achieve the files sizes needed for DD/DTS, the compression algorithm is lossy, meaning they have to throw something away in order to get it down to size. Generally, the bigger the level of lossy compression, the more that is thrown away.

Now whether or not this loss is heard acoustically is a big argument, but even the experts agree that there is an audible difference between lossy DD/DTS and the master recording. Since TrueHD is lossless (as are other HD formats), and DD+ is very high bitrate lossy, the differences from the master recording are either non-existent or very small. But can they be heard? Most agree (both anecdotal and scientifically tested) that the difference from standard DD/DTS is quite audible.

Thanks for that explanation. I owe it to myself to check it out in the near future. Can anyone recommend a title that you would say is an obvious improvement over the downrezzed hd or a conventional DVD audio track?

I had read here on this forum that the latest firmware was supposed to correct the issue with the A2's display still showing "2 channel" when playing any SD material. Mine is still showing "2 channel" in the upper right corner of the A2's display, even though my receiver is showing the proper decoding. Anyone else have this issue?

Ken

Anyone???

Ken

I have never had a DVD player operator like this. (HD-A2)

How do you stop the player then start back from the same place you left off in the movie? The player works like this (stop, play (resume from were left off) when I play a SD-DVD but on HD-DVDs (300, Old School, Bourne Identity) when I press stop then play it start the film from the beginning. The "resume play" button does not work.

What gives? I must be missing something simple.

Help please

Really you're not missing anything. If memory serves, this has to be programmed into the HD DVD in order for the resume feature to work. Almost all of the HD DVDs I have seen will not resume. I think I've seen only 1 HD DVD that could do this so far. I'd like to see the studios program this into all their DVDs.

Yes, it must be at least HDMI 1.1 and it must not be a "pass through" or "switching only" receiver. Some receivers only switch and/or pass the HDMI video to the TV, they do not process HDMI audio. Needless to say, you don't want one that can't process audio.

Awesome! :D

Quote:
Originally Posted by vcosta715
I read some of the posts about using an ethernet bridge. I haven't found a cheap one yet. Can I use an old Netgear b router?

If you can enable the router to work in bridge mode, then yes...otherwise you will need some kind of (wireless) ethernet bridge device. I'm using a Linksys Wireless Gaming Adapter (WGA54G)...actually--since I have more than one device that I would like to enable network/Internet connectivity for but only one wireless bridge, I connected my devices to an old Netgear ethernet switch I had lying around, then connected the switch to the wireless bridge--voila, now all of my devices can wirelessly connect to the Internet.

As far as finding a "cheap" wireless bridge--I think Fry's sells the Buffalo one in the $35-$40 range...or if you prefer Linksys, you can find them on Ebay for anywhere between $30-$60 depending on whether they're new or used.

Thanks. I'm not sure if the netgear router can go into bridge mode. I'll have to get the model number and check it out.

I have an old Neatgear B router..I don't think they have bridge mode...There is the cheap buffalo bridge but they only have one port...

I am reading..and thinking about the new slick way to do it..
That is to buy a cheap Linksys Router (which doesn't act as a bridge) and then install the open source router fw and change it into a bridge...then you have a router that acts like a bridge...

This Is FW the site looks like not to hard to do...there is plenty about if you search...and lots of routers are supported.
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Anyways not sure what I am going to do

Yes, it must be at least HDMI 1.1 and it must not be a "pass through" or "switching only" receiver. Some receivers only switch and/or pass the HDMI video to the TV, they do not process HDMI audio. Needless to say, you don't want one that can't process audio.

Also, if you have a 7.1 setup you will care if the receiver can apply processing like PLIIx to the PCM streams. I know the Pioneer Elites do and I think some of the Onkyos don't - but owners of those should correct me if I'm mistaken there...

Anyone???

Ken

I think there are still some issues with this display. It doesn't really matter, though, as the audio is processed properly. Just the display is wrong.

(I have not upgraded to 2.7 yet)

Also, if you have a 7.1 setup you will care if the receiver can apply processing like PLIIx to the PCM streams. I know the Pioneer Elites do and I think some of the Onkyos don't - but owners of those should correct me if I'm mistaken there...

Onkyo 605 doesn't, Onkyo 705 does. Personally, I don't care. I have a 5.1 because of current space, but even when I had 7.1 I didn't care for the PLIIx stuff. I liked my 5.1 as 5.1 and my 7.1 as 7.1. I really don't care to light up all the speakers all the time, just when the format calls for it. I'm in the minority, I know. :o

Ok, I did a search of the thread and did not see anything about this. I have a completely stupid question and I am 99% sure I know the answer. Is it possible via a firmware update for the A2 to process DTS HD MA? I'm asking because Pan's Labyrinth comes out this week and for some reason New Line seems to think DtS HD MA is the way to go on both formats.

Basically I am really debating whether to go with the Blu Ray in the hopes the PS3 eventually gets HD MA decoding or just get the HD DVD due to extra features. So I figured this was something I may as well verify will never happen.

My A2 completely freezes on standard definition DVD layer changes. Should I return it or is it a issue that others are having?

It will never happen. However, the A2 will extract the DTS core from MA and output at 1.5 Mbps.

So what do you have to buy to get the best audio formats with no compression. I was under the impression that the A2 could do so via HDMI. Is that wrong?

Have not heard of it happening. Mine certainly does not.

Depends on the disk. Some dvds are poorly written (fox Die hards) and have a pause on every player I've tired. The majority of the disk I've played on the A2 haven't had a problem.

So what do you have to buy to get the best audio formats with no compression. I was under the impression that the A2 could do so via HDMI. Is that wrong?
On the HD DVD side, the A35 will bitstream all of the various flavors of audio to the receiver for decoding. This assumes that one has a receiver capable of receiving and decoding the audio.

So what do you have to buy to get the best audio formats with no compression. I was under the impression that the A2 could do so via HDMI. Is that wrong?

You can get "the best audio formats with no compression" via the A2, except for DTS-HD/MA. TrueHD and DD+ are decoded in the player and sent to the HDMI capable receiver with "no compression". Now, if you wish you receiver to do the decoding instead of the player, you have to purchase the XA2 or the A35 (and maybe the Onkyo does it, I'm not sure).

Ok, so I have an A2 that I can move to the living room when I get something better. What would I have to get that internally decodes DTS-HD/MA???
Does the A35 do that?... or do I have to get a high end HDMI receiver that decodes it??

Ok, so I have an A2 that I can move to the living room when I get something better. What would I have to get that internally decodes DTS-HD/MA???
Does the A35 do that?... or do I have to get a high end HDMI receiver that decodes it??A35 or a XA2 -- and a high end HDMI 1.3 receiver with decoding for the new codecs built in.:eek:

A35 or a XA2 -- and a high end HDMI 1.3 receiver with decoding for the new codecs built in.:eek:


Yup, no players decode DTS-HD MA internally. But unless the user is heavily into import HD DVD's, it's really not that big a deal. Domestic HD DVD's are almost 99.9% DTS-HD free.

Here is an update from my A2. I was running it to my monoprice hdmi switcher then to my Z-2000 projector. It would play the movie for about a minute then drop the video only(I run the optical for audio). I switched the PS3 with my A2 and for some reason the A2 now works. The A2 is going directly into the projector. My Ps3 still works going into the switcher. I guess the A2 just does not like the monoprice switcher.

Yup, no players decode DTS-HD MA internally. But unless the user is heavily into import HD DVD's, it's really not that big a deal. Domestic HD DVD's are almost 99.9% DTS-HD free.

Interesting. I guess the DTS-HD MA will be the next big "sales pitch" for next year and the year after then.:rolleyes::D
Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.:)

A35 or a XA2 -- and a high end HDMI 1.3 receiver with decoding for the new codecs built in.:eek:

Hmmm... I'm waiting for prices to come down a little more before I get an A35... at least that's what I'm thinking right now. I also do not have an HDMI switching receiver yet. So, maybe I will play the waiting game on the receiver and see if an affordable one with DTS-HD MA hits the street soon.
:)

I have my A2 connected via HDMI to my Projector and it works all the time.

I have it powered off and using my AVR to switch the Component to my Sony TV.

I cant get Component out to the TV unless the HDMI is disconnected and the Player is bounced,even though the PJ is off and TV is on.

Maybe I could run it direct to the TV?

For me, this was only a problem with SD-DVDs. HD-DVDs will send a signal to both component and HDMI.

This is an off-shoot of the boot times thread. I had posted this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12538220#post12538220) there:



For my A2 (firmware 2.7), with Dawn of the Dead (2004), it takes 27.5 seconds from power on until I get the "HD DVD" on my screen. Then it takes another 14 seconds before the play counter starts. That's a little under 42 seconds total.

With the machine on but with no disc in the player, it takes over 20 seconds from the time you press the close button to the time the playback counter starts. (This is including the couple of seconds for the tray to retract and the door to close.)

With the machine on with a disc in the player but playback stopped, it takes under 5 seconds from the time you press the play button until the playback counter starts.

Does anyone know how much power the unit draws when on but idle (with or without a disc in the unit)?
Does anyone know how much power the unit draws when off?

The instruction manual just says it can draw up to 33 Watts, but obviously that's with the player on and playing a movie.
Well, I did all the measurements myself on my Toshiba HD-A2, with a Kill A Watt (http://www.p3international.com/products/special/P4400/P4400-HG.html) meter.

http://www.p3international.com/products/special/P4400/images/2.jpg

Off: 1 Watt (The unit usually said 1 Watt but once in a while it dropped to 0.)
Start up, with no disc: Usually less than 40 Watts, but spiking at 41 Watts.
Loading a disc: Spikes up to 52 Watts
Playback (Transformers): 48 Watts
Playback with PiP (Transformers): 48 Watts (to my surprise, since it is the same as without PiP)
Claimed power usage in manual: 33 Watts

However, the one that really surprised me was this...

Idle, with no disc in the player: 37 Watts

To reach one kilowatt hour, the player would have to be on 27 hours. So, over the course of a year just at idle, it would use approximately 324 kilowatt/hrs. That's roughly 20 bucks per year in electricity, depending on your local rates. It would be less than $1 if you kept the unit off.

I don't know if the 3rd gen players are any better at idle, and I know $20 isn't a huge amount of money, but I for one will be keeping my A2 off when it's not in use. Having the HD DVD player's LED on all the time would be kinda annoying anyway.

I keep my whole HT (other than my DVR) on a Switched surge protector, it save's me almost 140 watts of power.

I got my Bill under $80 from $175 the year earlier at this time and a high of $230 in the summer.

Phantom loads are a killer.

Shooting for under $50 when I get the solar installed.

Beside $20 is an HD-DVD!

I keep my whole HT (other than my DVR) on a Switched surge protector, it save's me almost 140 watts of power.

I take it then that you are always throwing the switch on and off. I also take it that you do not have your TV connected (otherwise you have to hit the individual power on / power off buttons) because TVs usually need to be reset (like DVRs which need that date & time inputted every time the units are powered up.)

I switch it on when we start watching and off after we're done for the night.

Sometime we go without even watching TV at all and it says off for days.

TV gets tuned off as well I don't have any lose of settings though.

Any input on the Component issue with SD-DVD's

Here is an update from my A2. I was running it to my monoprice hdmi switcher then to my Z-2000 projector. It would play the movie for about a minute then drop the video only(I run the optical for audio). I switched the PS3 with my A2 and for some reason the A2 now works. The A2 is going directly into the projector. My Ps3 still works going into the switcher. I guess the A2 just does not like the monoprice switcher.

I like monoprice for many things, but I have found in personal experience that their HDMI switches have issues. I tried a couple different ones to no success. I had friends who bought their HDMI switches on my recommendation of Monoprice in general and they had problems. All problems similar to yours.

Unfortunately, Monoprice is very poor is post sales support and service. They never allowed me to return the switches, even though I only had them 1 week.

Others report positive results, I am just sharing my first hand experience

I purchased the Xtreme HDMI four position switcher with remote from amazon for less than $80 and it works great.

Can someone tell me why some SD movies are formatted with black side bars (4.3?) when played in my A2? Again it's only some of the SD movies I've played, not all.

Well, either they are 4:3 native movies OR more than likely what you may be referring to is a NON-anamorphic dvd. Are there black bars on the top/bottom AND on the sides, or just on the sides? What movies are you talking about? If you give which movies, that would make it easier to figure out.

Can someone tell me why some SD movies are formatted with black side bars (4.3?) when played in my A2? Again it's only some of the SD movies I've played, not all.

Well, either they are 4:3 native movies OR more than likely what you may be referring to is a NON-anamorphic dvd. Are there black bars on the top/bottom AND on the sides, or just on the sides? What movies are you talking about? If you give which movies, that would make it easier to figure out.

Like Smarty said, more info is needed. The A2 can only output what is fed into it. What DVD in particular are you watching?
Read this whole artcile and keep in mind your set in 16:9 (or 1.85:1) ratio.
http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/anamorphic/aspectratios/widescreenorama.html

Well, either they are 4:3 native movies OR more than likely what you may be referring to is a NON-anamorphic dvd. Are there black bars on the top/bottom AND on the sides, or just on the sides? What movies are you talking about? If you give which movies, that would make it easier to figure out.

Just the sides. So far it's done it on DMB (can't remember the exact concert name) and Ocean's 11.

And the DVD's look perfect in my Phillips DVDR3575H.

I have no clue what DMB stands for.
Are they "full screen" dvds or widescreen dvds?
If they are the pan & scan full screen versions, that may be the problem. It's possible that your other dvd player is useing a stretch or zoom funtion to make a 4:3 native dvd fill up the screen on a widescreen display.
What is the make and model number of your display?

I like monoprice for many things, but I have found in personal experience that their HDMI switches have issues. I tried a couple different ones to no success. I had friends who bought their HDMI switches on my recommendation of Monoprice in general and they had problems. All problems similar to yours.

Unfortunately, Monoprice is very poor is post sales support and service. They never allowed me to return the switches, even though I only had them 1 week.

Others report positive results, I am just sharing my first hand experience

I have two HDMI monoprice switches and both have had 0 issues.

I have no clue what DMB stands for.
Are they "full screen" dvds or widescreen dvds?
If they are the pan & scan full screen versions, that may be the problem. It's possible that your other dvd player is useing a stretch or zoom funtion to make a 4:3 native dvd fill up the screen on a widescreen display.
What is the make and model number of your display?

Dave Matthews Band.

Sorry, I should have been more detailed in my original question, but I figured it was something simple that others had ran into and there was a canned answer for it.

Ok. My setup.

A2>Onkyo 605 via HDMI
Onkyo 605>Samsung 5087S (2007 LED DLP) via HDMI

Have watched several SD DVD's on the A2 in the past month of so but I guess I just hadn't watched right ones for this to happen. A quick check shows that Rounders, Ocean's 11, and Dave Mathews have the black sid bars. All others look fine in the A2 and all of them (even the ones with the bars) look fine in my Phillips DVDR3575H. The Phillips is obviously filling in the screen and the A2 is not.

Dave Matthews Band.

Sorry, I should have been more detailed in my original question, but I figured it was something simple that others had ran into and there was a canned answer for it.

Ok. My setup.

A2>Onkyo 605 via HDMI
Onkyo 605>Samsung 5087S (2007 LED DLP) via HDMI

Have watched several SD DVD's on the A2 in the past month of so but I guess I just hadn't watched right ones for this to happen. A quick check shows that Rounders, Ocean's 11, and Dave Mathews have the black sid bars. All others look fine in the A2 and all of them (even the ones with the bars) look fine in my Phillips DVDR3575H. The Phillips is obviously filling in the screen and the A2 is not.

Actually, those are probably fullscreen DVD's. If they were widescreen films originally, they are cropped on the sides and then the Philips is further distorting them by stretching them out, so you are watching a cropped and stretched film, the worst of both worlds. If they were 4:3 to begin with, then the A2 is displaying them in the proper aspect ratio, the Philips is stretching them out.

I got the HD-A2 from Wal-Mart during the $100 promotion, and I'm having trouble playing the 20th Anniversary DVD of Transformers: The Movie, and the new Bourne Ultimatum DVD. I did just update to the newest firmware (does that require my player to be connected to the internet?). Is there any reason why the player would not play those discs?

Thanks,

James

Actually, those are probably fullscreen DVD's. If they were widescreen films originally, they are cropped on the sides and then the Philips is further distorting them by stretching them out, so you are watching a cropped and stretched film, the worst of both worlds. If they were 4:3 to begin with, then the A2 is displaying them in the proper aspect ratio, the Philips is stretching them out.

Yeah I'll buy that. 3 things though. 1)No one else is complaining/has complained about side bars on SD DVD's? 2)The PQ of the Phillips is dang good, stretched/cropped or not. 3) I can't find a setting in the Phillips setup menu asking me to stretch fullscreen.

Yeah I'll buy that. 3 things though. 1)No one else is complaining/has complained about side bars on SD DVD's? 2)The PQ of the Phillips is dang good, stretched/cropped or not. 3) I can't find a setting in the Phillips setup menu asking me to stretch fullscreen.

1 - haven't had the A2 long, but have not heard of that problem being common.

2- if you change the rez on the A2 to 480p, then you can probably use your zoom/stretch functions on your display to fill the screen. you may even be able to do it in 720p/1080i but I doubt it.

3- it's usually not worded like that. on my Oppo, you can choose either WIDE or WIDE-AUTO. I think the WIDE-AUTO will stretch any 4:3 content.

Is your Philips hooked up to the same display as your A2. If not, it may also be the display stretching and not the player... maybe. :)

1 - haven't had the A2 long, but have not heard of that problem being common.

2- if you change the rez on the A2 to 480p, then you can probably use your zoom/stretch functions on your display to fill the screen. you may even be able to do it in 720p/1080i but I doubt it.

3- it's usually not worded like that. on my Oppo, you can choose either WIDE or WIDE-AUTO. I think the WIDE-AUTO will stretch any 4:3 content.

Is your Philips hooked up to the same display as your A2. If not, it may also be the display stretching and not the player... maybe. :)

Phillips is hooked up to the same display, only difference being the A2 is HDMI and the Phillips is on component.

What is the native rez of the display?
What rez is the Philips outputing?
What rez is the A2 outputting?
Are you puting the 2 different dvd players on the same input?... or 2 different inputs... direct to the tv, or through an hdmi receiver?

Phillips is hooked up to the same display, only difference being the A2 is HDMI and the Phillips is on component.

Your Phillips DVD player is outputting 480p, which your display is either zooming in on or is stretching (yuk!). The difference is the A2 is outputting 1080i, which your display cannot zoom or stretch.

People really need to learn how their equipment works....I know it's not always easy these days but...

People really need to learn how their equipment works....I know it's not always easy these days but...

Now there's a helpful statement.:rolleyes:

Guess no one needs AVS forum to discuss their problems huh?

People really need to learn how their equipment works....I know it's not always easy these days but...Other than a few who don't want to take the time to read their manual, those who come here do so to learn how to get the most from their equipment. They are the ones learning how their equipment works,and thank goodness. It's all the others out there, millions of them, relying on that Sears salesperson for proper setup advice that should concern us.

People like myself come on these forums to get explanations on how their stuff works from
1: people who know what they are talking about

2: To speak to PEOPLE that can help us non experts better understand our manuals. Manuals feed information, but if you dont understand what that means, it is PEOPLE that clear it up for us.

These forums exist for all degrees of users. These forums are like part of my family. I trust the people in these forums more than any salesperson, so it is disheartening when another forum member wants to chastise someone for asking questions.

If you dont want to answer questions, dont. But when you say people should learn how their equipment works...... ??? What do you think they are doing in this place to begin with? Trying to learn how their stuff works.

Merry Christmas

I watched a movie recently and was surprised to find it 4:3 pillarboxed, only to realize afterwards that it was a two-sided disc, with the "wide-screen" version on the other side. Duh!

Kevin

I get no sound when playing SD discs, but HD discs work fine. I get picture from SD DVDs, just no sound. If anyone has any tips, they would be greatly appreciated.

If it's any help, the DTS symbol on my receiver (Integra) flashes when playing SD and stays solid when playing HD discs.

Your Phillips DVD player is outputting 480p, which your display is either zooming in on or is stretching (yuk!). The difference is the A2 is outputting 1080i, which your display cannot zoom or stretch.

People really need to learn how their equipment works....I know it's not always easy these days but...

No only were you rude but you were also wrong. ;) The Phillips and the A2 are both set to output 1080i - both are fed to the onkyo 605. The difference is that the Phillips is using component and the A2 is using HDMI. Seems the onkyo downrezes 1080i to 720p over component, whereas the A2 is 1080i to the display (HDMI in > HDMI out = untouched). I didn't realize it but I guess my display has a different memory for each resolution input? For 720p it was set to wide-fit. I never thought to check this because I knew they were both going into the display via one HDMI. Anywho, I guess those films really are old school 4.3 pillarboxed.

Thanks for the help everyone.

No only were you rude but you were also wrong. ;) The Phillips and the A2 are both set to output 1080i - both are fed to the onkyo 605. The difference is that the Phillips is using component and the A2 is using HDMI. Seems the onkyo downrezes 1080i to 720p over component, whereas the A2 is 1080i to the display (HDMI in > HDMI out = untouched). I didn't realize it but I guess my display has a different memory for each resolution input? For 720p it was set to wide-fit. I never thought to check this because I knew they were both going into the display via one HDMI. Anywho, I guess those films really are old school 4.3 pillarboxed.

Thanks for the help everyone.

I thought you said some of the movies were Rounders and Oceans 11. Those are definately NOT 4:3 native films. Either you are in posession of the pan&scan version of the dvd, or your aspect ratio on you display is set to the wrong setting.
Glad to hear you at least finally have some resolve.
Good luck to you.:)

Today I watched 300 in the a2 set at 1080i output. After it was over I put in an SD DVD and I had no picture, but I did have audio.

The A2 goes into my Pioneer Elite via Component for video, HDMI for audio.
I changed the out[ut from the A2 to 4890p and now I have a picture.

Anyone know why this happens? I am not sure why the upconverted signal wont get passed to the TV??

Any suggestions?
Thanks

Today I watched 300 in the a2 set at 1080i output. After it was over I put in an SD DVD and I had no picture, but I did have audio.

The A2 goes into my Pioneer Elite via Component for video, HDMI for audio.
I changed the out[ut from the A2 to 4890p and now I have a picture.

Anyone know why this happens? I am not sure why the upconverted signal wont get passed to the TV??

Any suggestions?
Thanks

So, you have the A2 hooked up with both HDMI and Component, right? You are the one having trouble getting the HDMI video through the 94 correct? First off, I don't see why that would be an issue since it works great through all the older Pio Elites (74, 82 and my 84) but anyway... I'm just guessing here but I'll bet it has to do with this dual hookup.

My guess is that when you played the HD-DVD it handshaked with the HDMI connection at 1080i. Then, when you switched to SD the A2 probably saw the good handshaked HDMI connection and sent the upconverted video to it (thus turning off the component output because it won't send upconverted video over component).

When you bumped the resolution down, it turned the component connection back on. If you had started with the SD it probably would have bumped itself down to 480p and all would be good, but playing the HD disc first is what "messed" it up. It was trying to be intelligent and give you the best picture.

Like I said - just a guess but that is my feeling on what probably happened.

Ummm, isn't the output resolution for sd dvd restricted to 480p via component due to HDCP? I think that is the problem. If you want 720p/1080i/1080p for sd dvd, you will have to do it via HDMI. The A2 will pass those resolutions via component for HD DVDs only.

I believe you are correct, but since I can not use the HDMI signal for video (at least not running through the Pioneer 94txh), I just put my upcoverting DVD player back into the loop and ran HDMI direct to my Tv and digital coax into the receiver.

Damn TV has me in fits. If it could just accept the HDMI signal from my Pioneer i would be very happy.

The one time I really went out and jumped early on a newer technology (my hlr6178) and I am getting bit in the a.. now.

Thanks for everyones help.

I tried to get someone else in the display area to comment on my situation with my TV. I can not believe I am th eonly person with this problem and apparently ll hlr xxx78 series tv owners have retired from AVS:)

On sale at Wal-Mart for $248 starting 12-19, includes two free movies +5 more fre with mailer!

Sounds like a good deal to me!

On sale at Wal-Mart for $248 starting 12-19, includes two free movies +5 more fre with mailer!

Sounds like a good deal to me!

????????????:confused:?????????????
What are you referring to?? An A2 for sale at WM for $248?? That would be an aweful deal:eek:.

Never had a problem playing any HD disk until today. I popped in DVE-HD and it just sticks on "loading." I have to hold down the power button and turn it back on with eject just to get the disk out.

I tried several times with the same result. Then I tried every one of my other HD disks - all played fine.

I haven't upgraded to 2.7 yet from 2.5. I wouldn't think this would be an issue just to play DVE.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

I doubt upgrading the firmware will solve your problem but it's always the best first step.

????????????:confused:?????????????
What are you referring to?? An A2 for sale at WM for $248?? That would be an aweful deal:eek:.

Methinks he's being facetious...

????????????:confused:?????????????
What are you referring to?? An A2 for sale at WM for $248?? That would be an aweful deal:eek:.


Maybe I got the model number wrong. It's the latest model they have been selling for $288 recently.

The Blu-ray Player is also on sale for $299.

Maybe I got the model number wrong. It's the latest model they have been selling for $288 recently.

The Blu-ray Player is also on sale for $299.
Mebbe the A3?

Which BD player?

Never had a problem playing any HD disk until today. I popped DVE-HD in my A2 and it just sticks on "loading." I have to hold down the power button and turn it back on with eject just to get the disk out.

I tried several times with the same result. Then I tried every one of my other HD disks - all played fine.

I haven't upgraded to 2.7 yet from 2.5. I wouldn't think this would be an issue just to play DVE.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Maybe you have a defective disc. Have you tried both sides with the same results? I have the DVE and had no problems. You might try cleaning the disc.

Maybe you have a defective disc. Have you tried both sides with the same results? I have the DVE and had no problems. You might try cleaning the disc.

Ditto on the defective disc. I'd try to get an exchange and see if the new one does the same thing. That is, AFTER you update the firmware.

Maybe you have a defective disc. Have you tried both sides with the same results? I have the DVE and had no problems. You might try cleaning the disc.

Yes. The SD side plays fine. Disk is clean and flawless.

Yes. The SD side plays fine. Disk is clean and flawless.

There is a remote chance the disc could still be defective, just like Home made DVD's commercially made DVD's can appear to be fine, yet if there was a processing error at the factory, it would still not work. If you have a friend with an HDDVD player, you could try it at their house just to see if it's a bad disc.

There is a remote chance the disc could still be defective, just like Home made DVD's commercially made DVD's can appear to be fine, yet if there was a processing error at the factory, it would still not work. If you have a friend with an HDDVD player, you could try it at their house just to see if it's a bad disc.

Or take it to a store that has an HD-DVD player setup on display :).

There is a remote chance the disc could still be defective, just like Home made DVD's commercially made DVD's can appear to be fine, yet if there was a processing error at the factory, it would still not work. If you have a friend with an HDDVD player, you could try it at their house just to see if it's a bad disc.


I am a betting man..that disc is MOST likely the problem.

I just bought this for my mom. I just have a quick question to clarify. . .

Does this upconvert standard DVDs as well as play HD DVDs?

I just bought this for my mom. I just have a quick question to clarify. . .

Does this upconvert standard DVDs as well as play HD DVDs?

The simple answer is yes. It does upconvert SD dvds. You will set the output resolution to 720p or 1080i and HD dvds will play at that resoulution. SD dvds will also be upconverted to the same resolution. Please realize that the A2 does NOT output at 1080p for SD or HD. It is limited to 720p/1080i.

The simple answer is yes. It does upconvert SD dvds. You will set the output resolution to 720p or 1080i and HD dvds will play at that resoulution. SD dvds will also be upconverted to the same resolution. Please realize that the A2 does NOT output at 1080p for SD or HD. It is limited to 720p/1080i.
Is that only by using HDMI?

Is that only by using HDMI?

Up-conversion of regular DVDs for any Blu-ray, SD-DVD or HD-DVD player is only via HDMI.

component = SD@480p , HD@480p/720p/1080i

hdmi = SD@480p/720p/1080i , HD@480p/720p/1080i

I remember seeing a thread on viewing jpeg photos in high-def on the hd-a2 but can't seem to find it.

I burned several high quality jpegs onto cd-r with the hope of viewing them on my hd-a2...but it won't seem to work. Am I missing something?
Does the a2 not read jpeg, or must I prepare the disc some certain way?

thanks for your help. If it's already been discussed, the link would be a big help.

I haven't seen an A2 for sale in a while but they had them at my local Circuit City tonight for $197.99.

I haven't seen an A2 for sale in a while but they had them at my local Circuit City tonight for $197.99.

Ouch. I think I saw one here in the "Marketplace" w/3 dvds for $150.

Ouch. I think I saw one here in the "Marketplace" w/3 dvds for $150.

That wouldn't be the Marketplace in Hartville would it?

i own an a35 that is going back to amazon for a refund due to not being able to playback rentals without some sort of problem (usually video freeze.) this is the 2nd unit i've had but the problems are still the same.

in the a35 forum i have read numerous posts claiming that the a2 has given very few playback issues of rentals.

what is the opinion for anyone in this forum? i need a unit that will play back rentals since that's all i do.

That wouldn't be the Marketplace in Hartville would it?

Ummm, no... :D That would be the Marketplace right here on AVS :).

i own an a35 that is going back to amazon for a refund due to not being able to playback rentals without some sort of problem (usually video freeze.) this is the 2nd unit i've had but the problems are still the same.

in the a35 forum i have read numerous posts claiming that the a2 has given very few playback issues of rentals.

what is the opinion for anyone in this forum? i need a unit that will play back rentals since that's all i do.

REntal dvd are absolutely no different what-so-ever tan the dvds you purchase from the store. If thaey are not playing correctly, it's because of...

scratches
dirt
smudges
stickers
residue
warpage

...because they are damaged.

Not to say that it's not a real issue, so Toshibe should be working on getting these dvds to play just as well as dvds of the same "animal" in SD dvd players.

i own an a35 that is going back to amazon for a refund due to not being able to playback rentals without some sort of problem (usually video freeze.) this is the 2nd unit i've had but the problems are still the same.

in the a35 forum i have read numerous posts claiming that the a2 has given very few playback issues of rentals.

what is the opinion for anyone in this forum? i need a unit that will play back rentals since that's all i do.

I've got an A2 and only remember one rental that didn't play after a good cleaning

I've got an A2 with no problems, rental or purchase. Maybe it's a more reliable player than the A35. If you've had trouble with 2 of them, maybe try to seek out an A2.

i own an a35 that is going back to amazon for a refund due to not being able to playback rentals without some sort of problem (usually video freeze.) this is the 2nd unit i've had but the problems are still the same.

in the a35 forum i have read numerous posts claiming that the a2 has given very few playback issues of rentals.

what is the opinion for anyone in this forum? i need a unit that will play back rentals since that's all i do.
I have a hd-a2 and have never had a disc not work perfectly all my rentals come from netflix.

thanks everyone for responses about the ability of the a2 to play rentals. it sounds like that's the one i'll go with after i return the a35.

one other question- what is the difference between the a2 and the a20? cc has the a20 for $250. the only site i see that has the a2 is amazon but it's through one of their other sellers which i really don't want to use.

However, the one that really surprised me was this...

Idle, with no disc in the player: 37 Watts

...but I for one will be keeping my A2 off when it's not in use. Having the HD DVD player's LED on all the time would be kinda annoying anyway.
Well I'm guessing the fact that the A2's fan helps add to the power consumption a wee bit--AFAIK I believe it spins even when the A2 is idle (but not powered off)...

Sorry if this has been reported already.

I am an european owner of a A2, so most of my dvd's are pal.

The fact that the E1 is similar to the A2 kept me thinking.
The A2 should be able to play pal afterall its just a pc.

Because I upgraded the A2 firmware to 2.7 i couldn't test flashing it with the E1 firmware.
(this will be my next challenge)

My idea was the unit must be possible to display pal only the firmware blocks it.
So i backupped one of my dvd's to my pc and edited the .ifo files with ifoedit.

I changed the pal settings to ntsc and burned the backup.
My first attempt failed because I forgot to edit all the .ifo files.
My second attempt was succesfull and my kids are watching the pal version of ratatouille now on my ntsc-blocked a2.

I also had to adjust the region settings, which also will be my next project.

I have an HD A2 hooked up to an Onkyo 605 (via HDMI) and from the receiver, to the an XBR4. When playing CDs, if the TV is OFF, the receiver will flash 'HDMI' about every five seconds and the audio will drop out then come back. If the TV is on, everything plays right through with no problems. Probably it's the 605 and not the A2, but anyone has any idea how to fix it? Thanks in advance.

I can't seem to figure this HDMI stuff out. I'm trying to connect up to my Onkyo 604 via HDMI, but all that hapens is HDMI flashes on the receivers screen for a few seconds then it says No Signal. Optical works fine, however I'd like to get the extra bandwidth hdmi offers for hddvd audio...

I've tried every possible combination for setting spdif and hdmi audio in the HD-A2's audio setup. If I understand correctly from reading here the best settings for my situation are spdif to pcm and hdmi audio to auto, however I've tried every possible combination just in case, still nothing. The screen on the HD-A2 has the HDMI lit up. and I feel like the HD-A2 knows its hooked up cuz if I play a retail DVD with the hdmi hooked up to the receiver, then I dont get video on the component without manually switching the HD-A2 to 480 in the setup menu.... whereas without the hdmi cable hooked up it automatically switches to 480p for retail dvds...

I understand this could be something on the receiver side, but if anyone has any insight I'd appreciate it. The funny thing is I started reading this thread yesterday for a completely different reason, but ended up learning hdmi is better audio than optical, so this morning I went out and bought the hdmi cable, been struggling all day to try to make this work... yesterday I was in blissful ignorance thinking I had everything perfect.

I can't seem to figure this HDMI stuff out. I'm trying to connect up to my Onkyo 604 via HDMI, but all that hapens is HDMI flashes on the receivers screen for a few seconds then it says No Signal. Optical works fine, however I'd like to get the extra bandwidth hdmi offers for hddvd audio...

I've tried every possible combination for setting spdif and hdmi audio in the HD-A2's audio setup. If I understand correctly from reading here the best settings for my situation are spdif to pcm and hdmi audio to auto, however I've tried every possible combination just in case, still nothing. The screen on the HD-A2 has the HDMI lit up. and I feel like the HD-A2 knows its hooked up cuz if I play a retail DVD with the hdmi hooked up to the receiver, then I dont get video on the component without manually switching the HD-A2 to 480 in the setup menu.... whereas without the hdmi cable hooked up it automatically switches to 480p for retail dvds...

I understand this could be something on the receiver side, but if anyone has any insight I'd appreciate it. The funny thing is I started reading this thread yesterday for a completely different reason, but ended up learning hdmi is better audio than optical, so this morning I went out and bought the hdmi cable, been struggling all day to try to make this work... yesterday I was in blissful ignorance thinking I had everything perfect.

I could be wrong because I don't have one of these, but I thought the 604 was only a pass-thru HDMI switching receiver. IOW - no audio via HDMI...

Check your manual to see if it says anything about receiving audio via HDMI inputs and correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks ebr, but I believe it is supposed to work, what the 604 can't do (that better receivers can) is component video input to hdmi output... under the supported audio formats for hdmi it includes "multichannel linear pcm (5.1ch 32-96khz 16/20/24 bit)" which I believe is what the HD-A2 should be putting out. And there are other people in this thread with Onkyo 604 who havent mentioned this problem, plus I called Onkyo support earlier today and they said it should be working, they blame the hd-dvd player or hdmi cable. I'm sure its possible the HD-A2 or the brand new hdmi cable have problems, but it seems unlikely to me.

Is there any sort of audio HDMI handshake that has to occur like there is for video devices? If there is, maybe you need to power up the Onkyo and HD-A2 simultaneously...also have you tried disconnecting the optical alltogether?

Thanks ebr, but I believe it is supposed to work, what the 604 can't do (that better receivers can) is component video input to hdmi output... under the supported audio formats for hdmi it includes "multichannel linear pcm (5.1ch 32-96khz 16/20/24 bit)" which I believe is what the HD-A2 should be putting out. And there are other people in this thread with Onkyo 604 who havent mentioned this problem, plus I called Onkyo support earlier today and they said it should be working, they blame the hd-dvd player or hdmi cable. I'm sure its possible the HD-A2 or the brand new hdmi cable have problems, but it seems unlikely to me.

Okay, good. As Rosanne Rosannadanna would say...

Yep Danman, I've disconnected the optical, and tried various power up sequences to no avail. I *believe* the handshaking is working on the HD-A2 end, and this is why: If I select the hdmi input on my receiver (that the hd-a2 is connected to), then "HDMI" comes up on the HD-A2 display. If I then select a different input on the reciever, "HDMI" disappears from the HD-A2 and it switches from 1080i to 480p (since I have a retail dvd in) automatically. If I switch the receiver back to the hdmi input, yet again HDMI pops up on the HD-A2 and it switches bacj to 1080i. My conclusion, since I'm not touching anything on the HD-A2, yet it reacts to me selecting or deselecting the hdmi input on the receiver, is that it thinks it is correctly communicating with the receiver. That's why I think the problem is the receiver, since it's the thing saying "No Signal" on the screen and not putting out any sound, (which is why I called Onkyo!).

During all this playing with every setting and closely watching all the displays, I did find one quirk with the HD-A2. If I have hdmi audio set to pcm or downmixed pcm, then "MULTI" lights up on the HD-A2, but if I have "AUTO" selected, then it says 2CH. I dont think this is related to my problem, however. FYI, one of the first things I tried this morning was upgrading to firmware 2.7, my player was running fine with 1.3 prior to all this messing around, but I hadn't paid any attention to the HD-A2 display before so I dunno if this is a new "bug" or something people are already aware of.

edit: well, my problem is solved, but not sure why. I decided to switch the cable to hdmi2 on my receiver instead of hdmi1. now it works fine.

I decided to switch the cable to hdmi2 on my receiver instead of hdmi1. now it works fine.

As you originally suspected, more a receiver problem than a player problem. Good work. Enjoy.

what is the difference between the a2 and the a20? cc has the a20 for $250. the only site i see that has the a2 is amazon but it's through one of their other sellers which i really don't want to use.

what is the difference between the a2 and the a20? cc has the a20 for $250. the only site i see that has the a2 is amazon but it's through one of their other sellers which i really don't want to use.

The A2 does resolutions up to 1080i. The A20 does resolutions up to 1080p.

Got my 1st 408bc504 message today :mad:
Playing back Mr. Bean's Holiday when zee Germans roll into French village. The disc froze and that's it. Had to pull the plug to shut the power down.
Tried to play the flip side on my Pio flagship SD-DVD player which too had trouble reading the menus.
I'm starting to suspect that disc is seriosly efd up :confused:
BTW, what the hell is up with brand new, outta the case DVDs now coming with stains, scracthes ?????

I have a pretty basic question, hope someone can help...
When I push the "display" button ib the a2 remote, it shoes my audio is Dolby D+. However, my receiver is showing it's playing in DTS (which I want)

Does this mean I'm getting DTS, or should the A2 display button show "DTS" as playing?

I have the setting set as spdif bitstream (downmixed PCM) and using HDMI w/ optical.
thanks if anyone can help..

I have a pretty basic question, hope someone can help...
When I push the "display" button ib the a2 remote, it shoes my audio is Dolby D+. However, my receiver is showing it's playing in DTS (which I want)

Does this mean I'm getting DTS, or should the A2 display button show "DTS" as playing?

I have the setting set as spdif bitstream (downmixed PCM) and using HDMI w/ optical.
thanks if anyone can help..

I guess HDMI is going only to the display...?

DD+ (nor TrueHD or DTS-HD/MA) cannot be sent via spdif so it is downmixed to DTS (1.5mbs) to go through that connection. So, both displays are correct. You are playing the DD+ track but it is being re-encoded as DTS and sent to your receiver.

If its an option, use HDMI for the audio too.

I guess HDMI is going only to the display...?

DD+ (nor TrueHD or DTS-HD/MA) cannot be sent via spdif so it is downmixed to DTS (1.5mbs) to go through that connection. So, both displays are correct. You are playing the DD+ track but it is being re-encoded as DTS and sent to your receiver.

If its an option, use HDMI for the audio too.

Thanks for the reply, I think I see. I don't have an hdmi receiver (so for me it's basically hdmi for the video, and toslink direct to receiver - or passed through the tv)
So basically, I am getting 1.5 DTS (not 640 DD) with the a2 reading DD+ and the receiver reading DTS?
thanks

Thanks for the reply, I think I see. I don't have an hdmi receiver (so for me it's basically hdmi for the video, and toslink direct to receiver - or passed through the tv)
So basically, I am getting 1.5 DTS (not 640 DD) with the a2 reading DD+ and the receiver reading DTS?
thanks

Yes. You are getting 1.5 DTS and not 640 DD.

I've tried the search function for my A2 issue, but have not come up with an answer. Any help would be great.

Have an A-2 to an Onkyo 605 to an Optoma HD70. Rented the Bourne movie HD-DVD.
Popped it in and ran via HDMI into the receiver - beautiful. Came back later to actually watch it (2 hrs. later) and the sound was gone. Resetting and rebooting didn't work.
Tried the component/optical route and sound is there. Problem with component was a HUGE green push that changing the HD70 wouldn't fix.

Any answers?

I've tried the search function for my A2 issue, but have not come up with an answer. Any help would be great.

Have an A-2 to an Onkyo 605 to an Optoma HD70. Rented the Bourne movie HD-DVD.
Popped it in and ran via HDMI into the receiver - beautiful. Came back later to actually watch it (2 hrs. later) and the sound was gone. Resetting and rebooting didn't work.
Tried the component/optical route and sound is there. Problem with component was a HUGE green push that changing the HD70 wouldn't fix.

Any answers?

Here we go again:

A2 audio:
if HDMI, set HDMI to either auto or PCM, set SPDIF to PCM.
if optical, set HDMI to downmix PCM, set SPDIF to bitstream.

Your receiver may need to be told where the sound is coming from, too.

Component problem sounds like a bad cable or poor connection.

Component problem sounds like a bad cable or poor connection.

HD70 has problems with green push, but 99.9% of users are able to calibrate most of it out.

Try calibrating the picture useing DVE or AVIA.
If it was so bad that you could not get rid of it, I certainly would not have kept it... exchange it for a new one or call Optoma to have it repaired.

Are you turning the HD DVD player on before or after the TV is on? Could be a handshaking error.

Griffon2k,

I started my issue over as a new thread.

ttp://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=961131

But I have tried both start up sequences.

LastButNotLeast - A2 audio for HDMI and SPDIF settings match what you said when I tried both feeds - I was aware of that and made sure to check. Cabling quality - all monoprice component/HDMI/switches - everything has always worked.


I was vague in my first post - I understand the green push effect on HD70. I used settings from the tweak thread (don't remember which ones off-hand) and it has worked beautifully on component feed for everything (about five movies) but this one HD-DVD movie.

I have not used my AVIA calibration disk yet - tweaks worked well and I've been on the road for work since I set it up. I obviously need to do that - I would have returned it quickly if there was a hint of this before last night.
Hopefully that solves the green via component - I'm going to keep the Bourne HD-DVD for a while (maybe create an extreme profile) if it is the disk itself.

Here is what I did do differently - had everything going when I checked it (family over for X-Mas dinner). Turned off projector/receiver and left A2 on STOP for a tad over two hours. Came back and restarted everything - that is when no sound via HDMI and horrible visual via component. Tried to reset everything - maybe cut the power completely to re-establish? Handshake issues for the HDMI issue?

Family was cool with it - ran the regular DVD format upstairs upconverted via component on a 50" rear CRT.

...and it has worked beautifully on component feed for everything (about five movies) but this one HD-DVD movie.

If everything continues to work, then I'd blame the DVD.
Do other movies play via HDMI?
Next step would be to bring the suspect DVD somewhere else and try it there.
Good luck.

So I have an HD-A2 and a panasonic th42px75u.

Should I have the player set to "up to 720p" or "up to 1080i" for best picture quality. I have tried both and can't really tell a difference. I figured the 720p would be better since the tv's native resolution is 1024x768, but I am kind of a noob.
Kind of makes me with I had waited and gotten a 1080p set and not had to mess with this. LOL.
Thanks.

Can anyone help me figure out how to solve a 'No Disc' screen on HD-DVDs? I'm currently on FW 2.5 and can't get my player to upgrade to 2.7. It had worked perfectly till the other night when it crapped out during 'The Aviator'. I can load DVDs with no problem, just no HD-DVDs.

Can't you download the 2.7 firmware from toshiba then burn it to a cd? Nero works for me for burning?

Alternatively have you tried a reset (while on - hold power button on unit for 10-15 sec) or reinitialize from the menu?

does the a2 output a maximum of 1080i? i thought i read somewhere that updating the firmware will allow it to do 1080p.

does the a2 output a maximum of 1080i? i thought i read somewhere that updating the firmware will allow it to do 1080p.

1080i only, no firmware update will change this.

then why does the lcd screen have the option to light up 1080p? why include that "p" if the hardware won't allow it?

then why does the lcd screen have the option to light up 1080p? why include that "p" if the hardware won't allow it?

it's just a "universal" display. that way they can use the same display on different dvd players. that doesn't mean that the hardware "inside" is capable of 1080p.

then why does the lcd screen have the option to light up 1080p? why include that "p" if the hardware won't allow it?

Economy of scale. It's easier to make one screen with all options and install it on the whole line rather than make 3 different screens. It's the same reason your car dash will have an "ABS" light that is blacked out, even if you don't have ABS brakes.

well that sucks.

so anyway is my tv (samsung lnt4661f) able to upconvert that to 1080p? the only hd movie i own, happy feet, shows it is being presented in 1920 x 1080i when i hit the info button on the tv remote. i wonder if i need to change a setting on the tv to deinterlace it.

using hdmi direct to tv.

well that sucks.

so anyway is my tv (samsung lnt4661f) able to upconvert that to 1080p? the only hd movie i own, happy feet, shows it is being presented in 1920 x 1080i when i hit the info button on the tv remote. i wonder if i need to change a setting on the tv to deinterlace it.

Your set is a fixed pixel display, it can't display anything but 1080p. The info button is showing you the input format only, the output is always 1080p, and all other resolutions/formats are upscaled and/or deinterlaced to 1080p.

The good thing is unless your set has a lousy deinterlacer, you will never see the difference between 1080i and 1080p. This is the dirty little secret the marketing types and sales people don't want you to know.

well that sucks.

so anyway is my tv (samsung lnt4661f) able to upconvert that to 1080p? the only hd movie i own, happy feet, shows it is being presented in 1920 x 1080i when i hit the info button on the tv remote. i wonder if i need to change a setting on the tv to deinterlace it.

using hdmi direct to tv.


If you have a 1080p display then the 1080i is getting converted to 1080p. If you have a 720p display then the 1080i is getting converted to 720p.

yeah the display is 1080p. i believe it does 24fps also, but right now i dont care about that. maybe in a few years when hd players are more affordable and include all the features of the top of the line ones right now will i care to upgrade. just got the onkyo 605 for the upconversion of the wii and vcr via hdmi and also due to my need for a receiver with hdmi.

off topic, does anyone know what resolution vhs tapes are presented in? 480i? or is it even lower than that? would i want to use svideo instead of the composite cables or will it even make a difference since the receiver will upconvert the analog signal anyway?

s-vid is better than composite

s-vid is better than composite

yeah i understand that but i dont have one lying around and i dont want to order one if its going to end up being upconverted by the receiver anyway.

Can't you download the 2.7 firmware from toshiba then burn it to a cd? Nero works for me for burning?

Alternatively have you tried a reset (while on - hold power button on unit for 10-15 sec) or reinitialize from the menu?

Tried everything. For some reason the burner on my laptop will only write at 24X speed, with every program I've tried. I've read here that 2X or 4X is the way to get it to work that way.

I figure I'll call Toshiba this weekend and see if I can't get it to work or send it in.

yeah i understand that but i dont have one lying around and i dont want to order one if its going to end up being upconverted by the receiver anyway.

S-Video is a slightly better analog cable than a standard yellow (composite RCA) S-Video (Separate Video) - carries Brightness and color separately wheras traditional RCA carries entire signal together. I can not image a situation in which your eyes would discern any difference when using digital equipment, s-Video is definately better for analog transfer of information, but if you don't have a cable laying around I think you'll be equally underwhelmed with the quality of either.

Hi All,
I'm having trouble entering my user id on the web enabled option for Eastern Promises. I created an account a few movies ago (can't remember which one) anyway when I go to the web enabled options there are 2 options. 1 create a account or you can log in. I've tried logging in and no matter how many time I select the user id inout box the A2 (running 2.7) never allows me down to the keyboard. If I slelect create an account I can enter the user id fine but it tells me my account already exists. Is this a A2 problem, or HD DVD problem or am I just not getting it? :confused::confused: Thanks.

off topic, does anyone know what resolution vhs tapes are presented in? 480i? or is it even lower than that?

Horizontal resolution of VHS is 240 lines.

yeah i understand that but i dont have one lying around and i dont want to order one if its going to end up being upconverted by the receiver anyway.


S-video will look better. I have a 46" Mits LT-46231 and have used s-video to it from a Sony and Mits S-VHS VCR. It looks much better with s-video providing the tape is in good shape, and was recorde using good quality video. I used these to dub family videos, a few DVDs, and other program material to use on video editing system I have. Better than SD satellite or regular TV (analog) in most cases.:)

You can get an s-video cable from Target, walmart, etc for a few $. Or order from Monoprice, very reasonably.

Preface: I have read alot of threads and am still in need of your expert advice.

I have an HD-A2 with a Rotel 1055 hooked up via optical. I only have a two channel setup and would really like to know what settings I should be using.

Does it matter if the content of the disc is TrueHD or DD+? From what I have read it does not matter for me since 2 channel TrueHD can be sent via optical in both formats but does it matter what my rec. is sent (ie. DD or PCM). Am I correct on any of this? I have tried a million different settings and wire combinations (optical, RCA etc) and I am beyond confused on how it should be set up and what I even think sounds better or not. Should the settings change dependant on the disc content? Please help.

Ken

I have both the A2 and the S300. My HDTV is a HP 42" plasma which only has one HDMI input so I run them though a Xtreme 4 position HDMI switcher. I have the audio connected with digital out to my Pioneer receiver which is pushing a set of Bose AM 10 speakers. The pictue (color) and sound are breathtaken. I keep my firmware up todate and I've only had one problem and that was with a damaged netflix dvd. I really enjoy the threads that are posted here and I learned a lot from them. Please keep the questions coming so the ones who know the answer will keep responding to them.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and I would like to wish each of you a Happy & Safe New Year!!! :)

I have both the A2 and the S300. My HDTV is a HP 42" plasma which only has one HDMI input so I run them though a Xtreme 4 position HDMI switcher. I have the audio connected with digital out to my Pioneer receiver which is pushing a set of Bose AM 10 speakers. The pictue (color) and sound are breathtaken. I keep my firmware up todate and I've only had one problem and that was with a damaged netflix dvd. I really enjoy the threads that are posted here and I learned a lot from them. Please keep the questions coming so the ones who know the answer will keep responding to them.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and I would like to wish each of you a Happy & Safe New Year!!! :)

If you want to continue enjoying the threads you may not want to mention the Bose speakers. There's a lot of hate for Bose on this forum.;)

Bose Suck !!!!! :D

Bose Suck !!!!! :DI believe that should be "Bose Sucks!!!!":D:D:D

I was useing the Bose name in the plural form, which is still Bose. Therefore Bose Suck is in fact correct. Another way to say the same thing would be...
Bose speakers suck !!!!! :D

I was useing the Bose name in the plural form, which is still Bose. Therefore Bose Suck is in fact correct. Another way to say the same thing would be...
Bose speakers suck !!!!! :D
Actually, I believe Bose is an irregular noun, so the plural form would be Bosen. :p

Actually, I believe Bose is an irregular noun, so the plural form would be Bosen. :p

Bose is a singularly irregular company with plurally irregular products.
So two or more products are Bosi?

hey guys,
i was watching a movie with family yesterday and it locked up and then stopped putting out audio for a bit. i turned off the player and turned it back on and it played fine...actually it sounded a bit better.

Is the reliability something i should be worried about or nope?

Sorry but I will continue to enjoy my speakers and the threads. Tell me whats the problem with Bose speakers?

Sorry but I will continue to enjoy my speakers and the threads. Tell me whats the problem with Bose speakers?

nothing...if you own them... go ahead and enjoy them. If you got a deal for them, even better. In canada though, for the price of a good bose setup, i could have gone with a custom built system from various components.

I have a lot of bose stuff in my sports cars and their just fine. also, if you havn't noticed...most people on AVS forum are really anal about things that even they won't admit they can't even hear.

You enjoy your Bose system, i will enjoy my B&W's, the others will enjoy their magnepans, and most importantly, we will all enjoy good movies! :D

Sorry but I will continue to enjoy my speakers and the threads. Tell me whats the problem with Bose speakers?

To make it short and sweet...
The purpose of speakers is to reproduce the sound just as the artist/producer/studio/etc... intended. Therefore the speakers should be as "transparent" as possible while still be able to produce "appealing" sound at different volume levels.
Bose are anything but transparent. Some say they like the sound, but it does not sound natural.
Now while Bose does not have what Audiophiles consider good sound, they use marketing techniques to make their products appear much, much better.
They put a TON of money into marketing, and charge outrageous prices to make unsuspecting consumers believe that they are buying a PREMIUM speaker. A person who doesn't know much about speakers look at Bose and think, "They're expensive, so they must be good... and look how stylish too." Not to mention that salesman at the Bose store blowing smoke up your but too. Now a lot of companies use the same marketing techniques you might say. It's just that Bose takes it to a whole new level. They are 90% marketing.

Add this...
You can buy a nice inexpensive pair of quality speakers for $100 that will run circles around a pair of Bose that cost $500.

They put a TON of money into marketing, and charge outrageous prices to make unsuspecting consumers believe that they are buying a PREMIUM speaker. A person who doesn't know much about speakers look at Bose and think, "They're expensive, so they must be good... and look how stylish too."

Some others with good marketing -- Monster, Sony....shall I go on ;)

Sorry but I will continue to enjoy my speakers and the threads. Tell me whats the problem with Bose speakers?

Absolutely nothing if you enjoy the sound they give you in your setup.

I was useing the Bose name in the plural form, which is still Bose. Therefore Bose Suck is in fact correct. Another way to say the same thing would be...
Bose speakers suck !!!!! :DActually, the plural form of Bose is Bozos. :D

I'm currently running a wireless bridge to a wireless router. At the moment a HD DVR is connected for Directv's DOD and I also have a PS2 connected for online gaming. Both of these device can access the internet.

I'm having a hard time connecting the HD-A2 to the internet for web enabled features.

When I turn on the DHCP it recognizes the IP and Subnet address however when
DNS is turned on all I get is zeros. I've also tried manually inputing the DNS server to no avail.

I'm open to any other suggestions. I have a library of HD DVD's that I cannot access the web features of these movies.

Ok so they suck. Looks like my likes for Bose has turned this thread into a speaker one. Can we get back on track with the A2?

I got an A2 for Christmas. I have it hooked up to my Pioneer tsx-84sxi which accepts PCM input so I can have the A2 decode and give me the DD+ and DDHD sound. My question is, though, is this limited to 5.1 with the A2? I have a 7.1 setup and have several DVDs that use 6.1 sound and that works fine with the A2. However, I put in the HDDVD version of Digital Video Essentials which has both the DD+ and DDHD sound that is supposed to output as 6.1. However, my receiver is only picking it up as 5.1 and not 6.1 so my rear speakers do not output any sound.

Am I correct about this? Anything I can do to enable 6.1 sound over PCM with DD+ or DDHD?

Hi Everybody,

I have a Toshiba HD-A2 player connected via HDMI to an Onkyo SR-805 receiver. I cannot get any audio in this configuation---video is fine.
On the reciever it simply says "No signal" I have the latest firmware on the player. There have been two or three occasions where there was an audio signal, but once I shut off the player it stopped working again.
The old composite audio/video connections work fine. (which is what I have been forced to use)

My current HD-A2 audio settings are:

Digital Out SPDIF......................PCM (not using)
Digital OUT HDMI......................Auto
Dynamic Range Control.............OFF
Dialog enhancement.................OFF

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.

I got an A2 for Christmas. I have it hooked up to my Pioneer tsx-84sxi which accepts PCM input so I can have the A2 decode and give me the DD+ and DDHD sound. My question is, though, is this limited to 5.1 with the A2? I have a 7.1 setup and have several DVDs that use 6.1 sound and that works fine with the A2. However, I put in the HDDVD version of Digital Video Essentials which has both the DD+ and DDHD sound that is supposed to output as 6.1. However, my receiver is only picking it up as 5.1 and not 6.1 so my rear speakers do not output any sound.

Am I correct about this? Anything I can do to enable 6.1 sound over PCM with DD+ or DDHD?

I sure thought the DVE disc had 7 channels of test signals, but maybe I'm remembering wrong. In any case, I don't know of any HD-DVDs that actually have more than 5.1 discrete tracks (there may be some) but regardless, you can get your full surround system to work by engaging one of the 7.1 processing modes on the 84 (DPLIIx or Neo 6). These work really well with standard and hi-def tracks.

I sure thought the DVE disc had 7 channels of test signals, but maybe I'm remembering wrong. In any case, I don't know of any HD-DVDs that actually have more than 5.1 discrete tracks (there may be some) but regardless, you can get your full surround system to work by engaging one of the 7.1 processing modes on the 84 (DPLIIx or Neo 6). These work really well with standard and hi-def tracks.

Yeah, the DVE HDDVD version is setup for 6.1. Says so on the back and also if you go through the test sounds they display that as well as it pans around the room. I have the SD version of this as well and it has 6.1 on it too which actually works perfectly over bitstream with standard DD.

Anyone know why PCM with the A2 only goes to 5.1 and not 6.1 or 7.1? Is it a bandwidth issue or something? Anyone know for sure?

Yeah, the DVE HDDVD version is setup for 6.1. Says so on the back and also if you go through the test sounds they display that as well as it pans around the room. I have the SD version of this as well and it has 6.1 on it too which actually works perfectly over bitstream with standard DD.

Anyone know why PCM with the A2 only goes to 5.1 and not 6.1 or 7.1? Is it a bandwidth issue or something? Anyone know for sure?

I'm pretty sure the A2 could handle up to 7.1 discrete but I don't know of any discs that have it. You are right that the DVE disc only has 6.1 but all 6 channels (and sub) work fine in my setup and I have the same receiver as you do...

I have an A2 and I wonder if it will ever decode DTS-MA and output over PCM via HDMI 1.1?

I'm pretty sure the A2 could handle up to 7.1 discrete but I don't know of any discs that have it. You are right that the DVE disc only has 6.1 but all 6 channels (and sub) work fine in my setup and I have the same receiver as you do...

Hmmm.... That's weird. I have never had an issue with 6.1 before with SD DVD. That even works with the A2 (I have the sound output set to Auto which sends it as bitstream when playing SD DVD). When you're sending the PCM from DVE to your receiver does it show that it's receiving the 6th back channel on the receiver's display like it does when it receives it from an SD source? Mine is only showing that it's getting 5.1 from the A2 via PCM.

Hmmm.... That's weird. I have never had an issue with 6.1 before with SD DVD. That even works with the A2 (I have the sound output set to Auto which sends it as bitstream when playing SD DVD). When you're sending the PCM from DVE to your receiver does it show that it's receiving the 6th back channel on the receiver's display like it does when it receives it from an SD source? Mine is only showing that it's getting 5.1 from the A2 via PCM.

I just did it again and no, it does not light the SB channels. And, if I go to "stream direct" I lose the rear channels like you are saying. However, If I engage PLIIx, it works exactly like it should.

So, I guess its not really 6.1 in the channel levels test but the matrixing works perfectly. Likewise, all my HD-DVDs matrix to 7.1 very well.

I just did it again and no, it does not light the SB channels. And, if I go to "stream direct" I lose the rear channels like you are saying. However, If I engage PLIIx, it works exactly like it should.

So, I guess its not really 6.1 in the channel levels test but the matrixing works perfectly. Likewise, all my HD-DVDs matrix to 7.1 very well.

Ok, that makes sense. I wish the A2 would ouput all 7 via PCM, though. I usually keep it 5.1 unless it's actually a 6.1 disc.

I just did it again and no, it does not light the SB channels. And, if I go to "stream direct" I lose the rear channels like you are saying. However, If I engage PLIIx, it works exactly like it should.

So, I guess its not really 6.1 in the channel levels test but the matrixing works perfectly. Likewise, all my HD-DVDs matrix to 7.1 very well.

Matrixing to 7.1 via DPL IIx? Are you talking the DD True HD or DD + ? Isn't that a downgrade in audio quality?

Extra black bars on HD DVD with A2

I just got an HD A2 and am waiting the arrival of my Sammy 4065. In the meantime, I hooked up the player to my older HD crt Hitachi 1080i via component. Both HD DVDs I put in ( MI 3 and Transformers) have an added 1.5 inches of a lighter black bar in additon to the normal 2 inches of black bars. I've messed with the shape size setting and resolution setting but still the same thing. Is this normal for my crt tv and will these bars dissappear witht the new sammy 1080p? Can anybody enlighten me?

Matrixing to 7.1 via DPL IIx? Are you talking the DD True HD or DD + ? Isn't that a downgrade in audio quality?

No downgrade in quality. It works very well - even on TrueHD or DD+ LPCM streams.

No downgrade in quality. It works very well - even on TrueHD or DD+ LPCM streams.

Ok, so I could send DD True HD 5.1 in PCM via HDMI to my SR9600 and choose DPL IIx ?

Ok, I also have a question...
I have not tried to fully research the facts about audio till now, because my setup was limited.
Now I am getting an Onkyo TX-SR805 in about a week. So now I will be able to send audio via HDMI to my receiver. Will the A2 send all HD audio codecs? I don't think I need to worry about decoders in the dvd player, since the 805 already has them, right?In other words, will I be able to hear the best sound possible available on any given dvd.
Will this player serve me well enough as any of the other HD-DVD players??
I am NOT concerned with... 1080p or SD upconversion.

the only limitation audiowise on the A2 is that it doesn't bitstreme out of HDMI for the lossless stuff. it compresses it to PCM stream and sends it out over HDMI.

The more expensive toshiba's will bitsrtream everything out so that way you have zero compression of the audio sources and its all true lossless uncompressed audio from beginning to end.

you have an HDMI 1.3 reciever, might as well take full advantage of it.

my 2 cents

the only limitation audiowise on the A2 is that it doesn't bitstreme out of HDMI for the lossless stuff. it compresses it to PCM stream and sends it out over HDMI.

The more expensive toshiba's will bitsrtream everything out so that way you have zero compression of the audio sources and its all true lossless uncompressed audio from beginning to end.

you have an HDMI 1.3 reciever, might as well take full advantage of it.

my 2 cents

Audio is not compressed to PCM, it is decoded to PCM and still lossless and no loss of quality. The only difference is with the A2 the player is doing the decoding and not the receiver. Theoretically there should be no difference.

Ok, I also have a question...
I have not tried to fully research the facts about audio till now, because my setup was limited.
Now I am getting an Onkyo TX-SR805 in about a week. So now I will be able to send audio via HDMI to my receiver. Will the A2 send all HD audio codecs? I don't think I need to worry about decoders in the dvd player, since the 805 already has them, right?In other words, will I be able to hear the best sound possible available on any given dvd.
Will this player serve me well enough as any of the other HD-DVD players??
I am NOT concerned with... 1080p or SD upconversion.

Just to clarify what primetime said - the fact that the 805 has the decoders would be meaningless with the A2 because it won't send the raw bitstream. However, it doesn't need to because it will decode DD+ and THD and send them as PCM with no quality loss (again, no compression involved).

The only possible thing you're giving up is DTSHD - which no player I know of decodes at this point.

Ok, so I'm still good with the SR9600 using PCM over HDMI 1.1? I wish the SR9600 could be upgraded with the new HD audio codecs, since it is a beast that should be upgradable, but...HDMI 1.1 is limited, right? Cannot upgrade the HDMI on the receiver.

So HDMI 1.1 cannot bitstream HD audio?

What does the A2 do with DTS-HD and DTS-HD MA tracks? Does it send them PCM? (HDMI)

What does the A2 do with DTS-HD and DTS-HD MA tracks? Does it send them PCM? (HDMI)

Depends on the settings. If HDMI Audio is set to PCM, it decodes the 'core' DTS tracks from the DTS-HD/MA and sends it PCM. If set to Auto, it sends the 'core' DTS as bitstream. Neither one is fully decoded by any HD DVD player currently made, although the A35 and the XA2 can send the full bitstream to be decoded by a HDMI 1.3 receiver.

Depends on the settings. If HDMI Audio is set to PCM, it decodes the 'core' DTS tracks from the DTS-HD/MA and sends it PCM. If set to Auto, it sends the 'core' DTS as bitstream. Neither one is fully decoded by any HD DVD player currently made, although the A35 and the XA2 can send the full bitstream to be decoded by a HDMI 1.3 receiver.

Ok, my receiver will not do bitstream. So if sent PCM is it no longer lossless? Also, will the core and MA tracks be identical as PCM? Say if I had a chose of 2 disc' one had DTS-HD and the other was MA, would the MA track benefit me in anyway? (HDMI to PCM.)

I got an A2 for Christmas. I have it hooked up to my Pioneer tsx-84sxi which accepts PCM input so I can have the A2 decode and give me the DD+ and DDHD sound. My question is, though, is this limited to 5.1 with the A2? I have a 7.1 setup and have several DVDs that use 6.1 sound and that works fine with the A2. However, I put in the HDDVD version of Digital Video Essentials which has both the DD+ and DDHD sound that is supposed to output as 6.1. However, my receiver is only picking it up as 5.1 and not 6.1 so my rear speakers do not output any sound.

Am I correct about this? Anything I can do to enable 6.1 sound over PCM with DD+ or DDHD?
Not possible to get more than 5.1-ch. DD+/True HD output from the A2 due to its' HDMI not being 1.3a. IIRC--this limitation isn't necessarily a h/w issue w/ the HDMI chip itself, but more along the lines that the HDMI 1.2 (which is present in the A2) spec/implementation did not allow/support greater than 5.1 DD+/True HD output.

Not possible to get more than 5.1-ch. DD+/True HD output from the A2 due to its' HDMI not being 1.3a. IIRC--this limitation isn't necessarily a h/w issue w/ the HDMI chip itself, but more along the lines that the HDMI 1.2 (which is present in the A2) spec/implementation did not allow/support greater than 5.1 DD+/True HD output.

Are you sure about this? Because I have a receiver that is only HDMI 1.1 (or maybe 1.2) and it can receive 7.1 PCM from my PS3...

I thought the HDMI 1.1 spec allowed for up to 8 channels of audio.

Are you sure about this? Because I have a receiver that is only HDMI 1.1 (or maybe 1.2) and it can receive 7.1 PCM from my PS3...

I thought the HDMI 1.1 spec allowed for up to 8 channels of audio.

Pretty sure if the source player can output PCM over HDMI 1.1 it will do the full 7.1 channels and the receiver will be able to play it back.

i recently changed to the recommended audio setting for hdmi to display and optical to avr and immediately noticed an improvement. i can now hear low bass sounds that were previously missing. nice

drc is supposed to be set to off, correct?

Ok, my receiver will not do bitstream. So if sent PCM is it no longer lossless? Also, will the core and MA tracks be identical as PCM? Say if I had a chose of 2 disc' one had DTS-HD and the other was MA, would the MA track benefit me in anyway? (HDMI to PCM.)

The thing is only where the bitstream audio is being decoded; in the A2 or in the receiver. Theoretically there is no loss of quality, it only which machine does the decoding.

Are you sure about this? Because I have a receiver that is only HDMI 1.1 (or maybe 1.2) and it can receive 7.1 PCM from my PS3...

I thought the HDMI 1.1 spec allowed for up to 8 channels of audio.
I guess one would have to ask Toshiba as to why they chose to limit (cripple?) the MPCM HD audio output to no more than 5.1 channels on the A2; however, the A2 (and A3 as well) will never be able to output TrueHD and DTS-HD soundtracks as a raw bitstream due to its HDMI not being at least 1.3 (this is based on the HDMI 1.3 spec, not necessarily due to some hardware limitation of the HDMI chip itself--i.e., maybe the chip can physically support such streams but the spec won't allow it). I should have clarified my previous post by stating that the limitation applied specifically to the raw TrueHD/DTS-HD bitstream, though...so my bad on that.

I guess one would have to ask Toshiba as to why they chose to limit (cripple?) the MPCM HD audio output to no more than 5.1 channels on the A2; however, the A2 (and A3 as well) will never be able to output TrueHD and DTS-HD soundtracks as a raw bitstream due to its HDMI not being at least 1.3 (this is based on the HDMI 1.3 spec, not necessarily due to some hardware limitation of the HDMI chip itself--i.e., maybe the chip can physically support such streams but the spec won't allow it). I should have clarified my previous post by stating that the limitation applied specifically to the raw TrueHD/DTS-HD bitstream, though...so my bad on that.

DOES anyone know why they chose to limit it to 5.1 PCM?

DOES anyone know why they chose to limit it to 5.1 PCM?

Do we know for sure that they did? Is there a disc out there that has discrete 7.1 on it?

Since the DVE disc works perfectly as advertised (6.1) when using PCM and DPLIIx I'm not convinced that that wasn't how it was designed. Anyone have another disc with true 7.1 audio?

Do we know for sure that they did? Is there a disc out there that has discrete 7.1 on it?

Since the DVE disc works perfectly as advertised (6.1) when using PCM and DPLIIx I'm not convinced that that wasn't how it was designed. Anyone have another disc with true 7.1 audio?

Actually if it were working as advertised, you shouldn't have to engage the matrixing to have it work as a 6.1 soundtrack. On my 84, I usually have the SBch set to Auto, so they only engage when there is actually an output to the rear surrounds. For the DVE disc using PCM, the 6th channel does not get sent by the A2, so you have to turn the SBch processing to ON for it to simulate the 6th channel since it's not actually being sent from the A2. The 84 is only simulating it. The 6th (or 7th) discrete channel is not present.

Actually if it were working as advertised, you shouldn't have to engage the matrixing to have it work as a 6.1 soundtrack. On my 84, I usually have the SBch set to Auto, so they only engage when there is actually an output to the rear surrounds. For the DVE disc using PCM, the 6th channel does not get sent by the A2, so you have to turn the SBch processing to ON for it to simulate the 6th channel since it's not actually being sent from the A2. The 84 is only simulating it. The 6th (or 7th) discrete channel is not present.


My findings are the same, with A2 connected to Yam RX-V661.

Since the DVE disc works perfectly as advertised (6.1) when using PCM and DPLIIx I'm not convinced that that wasn't how it was designed.

You're applying post-processing to the signal (PLIIx). If you can get 6.1 audio from the disc with PCM and NO post-processing, then the disc works as advertised.

Do we know for sure that they did? Is there a disc out there that has discrete 7.1 on it?
That's what I'd like to find out for sure; I was going off the A2 owner's manual which states that "up to 5.1 ch. PCM" audio output is possible for DD+/TrueHD/DTS-HD audio tracks--IF using HDMI and if "Digital Out HDMI" is set to "PCM". Also, on another page of the manual there is this bullet point under "Compatibility Notes": "Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD (DTS core only) capability limited to 5.1 channels."

Whether or not anyone knows for sure that Toshiba limited MPCM output to 5.1 channels, the manual itself makes pretty clear that output is indeed limited to 5.1.

That's what I'd like to find out for sure; I was going off the A2 owner's manual which states that "up to 5.1 ch. PCM" audio output is possible for DD+/TrueHD/DTS-HD audio tracks--IF using HDMI and if "Digital Out HDMI" is set to "PCM". Also, on another page of the manual there is this bullet point under "Compatibility Notes": "Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD (DTS core only) capability limited to 5.1 channels."

Whether or not anyone knows for sure that Toshiba limited MPCM output to 5.1 channels, the manual itself makes pretty clear that output is indeed limited to 5.1.

Yeah, I saw that too. I don't understand why that is. Why not decode all 7.1 channels? Is it a hardware limitation? Software limitation?

set drc on audio settings to off?

set drc on audio settings to off?

Well, that depends. If ON, it will reduce the dynamic range of the program, so if you keep turning the volume up to hear whispers and then down for loud explosions, it may help. Purists leave it OFF. Your receiver probably has a similar option, so see what works for you.