Can you clarify? With which player do you see the 96Khz message?

On the A1, all audio is sent at 24/96. When there is nothing to mix in, null data (i.e. zeros) is added. If you aren't seeing that 96Khz message with the A2, it may pass the signal unmodified when there is not interactive audio to mix in.

Can you try an IME title and see if you get a different message during the director commentary?

Nothing changes on the receivers display during commentary. I guess the A2 only outputs 48Khz pcm over HDMI.

I am new to HD players but have had a oppo 971 for some time and have been very happy with it.

I wanted to jump into HD for a reasonable cost and the Toshiba was right up my alley. My intention was to replace the Oppo entirely and use the Toshiba for all of my SD DVD's but I am now concerned.

I have the Silicon Optix HQV test disk (evaluates video processing) that I used on the Toshiba, set to output 720p via HDMI into my panasonic 58" 600u plasma and it failed every test while the Oppo via DVI passes with flying colors.

I did not expect this, as everybody has always regarded the Toshiba HD-DVD players as excellent SD players.

Am I missing something?
Do I need a dedicated SD player? or Do I need a stand alone Video processor.

Will setting the output from the toshiba for SD discs to 480i/p help?

any advice will be greatly appreciated.

HD looks amazing, watching Superman returns as we speak!!

Well, with the HD-A1 it outperformed the Oppo 971 using the Silicon Optix HQV test disc on everything except the scrolling text over a film source. By my benchmarks, everything else was equal or better.

When he stands in front of it in bare feet he doesn't bang his head or stub his toes?

lol, thanks. that's what i was thinking. :)

smartarse. :p

7. I have also tried the Get Grey calibration disk and the player will pass Blacker than Black.

with what connections? any dvi in your chain? what display?

Thanks to all those who called BB's in the Michigan, Ohio, Illinois area for me. I went to my local store at lunch and nobody had them. Went to another after work and they sent me to a close store after calling and holding one for me. Picked it up and will be setting it up tonight.
A2's InStock @ Michigan BB Store's:
Madison Heights.
Farmington Hills.
Flint.

i've read the whole thread and still am not sure if the a2 upconverts sd dvds as well as the a1. from what i read, it does not sound that it does it as well as the a2. can other owners post their opinions. i'm thinking of cancelling my order.


Not sure where you see that. All the comments have been as good or better than the A1.

Several posters have stated that the new Toshiba build is not as solid as the original HD1. I am not surprised. The first unit was actually a computer with a HD drive in it. The new one is much more like a regular DVD player. I think that this is good since it will be possible to lower the price and push the unit into the marketplace faster. It seems to work better than the original unit. Sometimes building the unit like a tank may not be the best solution.
A tank can't move very fast and has many limitations as does the HD1. I still have the first CD player made by Phillips which was also built like a tank. The Toshiba HD1 may also become part of my Museum.

Excellent points! I've noticed comments like that over the years (built like a tank) on many different pieces of electronics, but often the unit in question simply doesn't perform as well as a more cheaply built unit. So give me the 'cheaper built' unit that performs better and let the next guy take the unit 'built like a tank'! ;)

I certainly don't want to get into any heated debates with my fellow HD DVDer's. I would just comment about the matter of being "built like a tank" that there are many audiophiles (and probably some videophiles) that are of the opinion that a more solidly built unit will tend to control vibration and resonances better, and at least some audiophiles can hear the difference on CD playback for example. I am sure that most people would rather have a faster, more reliable machine, but we are on the same side here and I think we can promote the HD-A2 without criticizing the HD-A1 for being "built like a tank". Please keep in mind that for a G1 unit, it was considered by almost everyone a fantastic piece of machinery and an incredible HD DVD, SD DVD, and CD player, and as responsbile as much as anything else for the strength of HD DVD in the marketplace. Thanks and here's hoping for a banner launch for the G2 players.

I have the HD-A1 but I really want the HD-A2 I got at best and still have the warranty. Do anybody think I can find a way to exchange it for the A2?

I certainly don't want to get into any heated debates with my fellow HD DVDer's. I would just comment about the matter of being "built like a tank" that there are many audiophiles (and probably some videophiles) that are of the opinion that a more solidly built unit will tend to control vibration and resonances better, and at least some audiophiles can hear the difference on CD playback for example. I am sure that most people would rather have a faster, more reliable machine, but we are on the same side here and I think we can promote the HD-A2 without criticizing the HD-A1 for being "built like a tank". Please keep in mind that for a G1 unit, it was considered by almost everyone a fantastic piece of machinery and an incredible HD DVD, SD DVD, and CD player, and as responsbile as much as anything else for the strength of HD DVD in the marketplace. Thanks and here's hoping for a banner launch for the G2 players.

Well said.

Mine just shipped yesterday from VE, but delivery date isn't until the 14th. :( Is it possible FedEx estimates are conservative and I might get it in less than a week? I can't wait any longer!!!!! :)

So does the fact that the A2 is more of a player and less of a computer mean that it will run quite a bit cooler?

I think it depends on your definition of build quality.

The A1/XA1 certainly has nicer external "build quality" with its heavier chassis. However, the A2 offers superior internal "build quality." The A2 has newer / updated components that are faster and more reliable. Take off the case cover and the A2 looks far more like a consumer electronics device than it does a HTPC.

Nothing changes on the receivers display during commentary. I guess the A2 only outputs 48Khz pcm over HDMI.

Do you have any titles with both Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD to test? Can you hear a difference using HDMI? I would really like to get some info on the audio specs of this player - does it downsample 24/96 to 16/48 ? I was really interested in this player until I saw your post.

I certainly don't want to get into any heated debates with my fellow HD DVDer's. I would just comment about the matter of being "built like a tank" that there are many audiophiles (and probably some videophiles) that are of the opinion that a more solidly built unit will tend to control vibration and resonances better, and at least some audiophiles can hear the difference on CD playback for example. I am sure that most people would rather have a faster, more reliable machine, but we are on the same side here and I think we can promote the HD-A2 without criticizing the HD-A1 for being "built like a tank". Please keep in mind that for a G1 unit, it was considered by almost everyone a fantastic piece of machinery and an incredible HD DVD, SD DVD, and CD player, and as responsbile as much as anything else for the strength of HD DVD in the marketplace. Thanks and here's hoping for a banner launch for the G2 players.

Just add some of these to your A2: http://www.musicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=AFINCERABASESET4

In fact, just skip the A2 and get one of those $30 Wal-mart players with some of those and they will control resonances so well that it will look and sound better than the A1 or the A2.

--
Steve

1. From memory I couldn't pick one from the other.
2. Via optical again I couldn't tell one from the other.
3. None so far.
4. I don't play DVDs but AVIA looked about the same.
5. Overall simply quicker. Not a speed demon but much better.
6. I'm using HDMI-DVI fine. I'm not getting BTB but it might be my projector as the DVI input is PC based not Video. My Contrast and Brightness settings ended up the same as for the A1.

My considered opinion is the A2 is better but outside of the being hiccup free (which hasn't been established yet) there isn't a night and day difference. Just a new improved model.

Sounds good and as expected. Stable but faster.

I'm actually glad that A2 is built more like a regular DVD player. The sneering complaint that the A1 was "just a modified laptop" from some BD fanboys was really getting irritating.

Picked the A2 up in C-bus, OH today around 4pm at the BB on Stringtown Rd. They were sitting on the counter, not even put out on display yet! I bought 1 of the 3. Ashley (hot blonde by the way) helped me. She asked another guy if she could sell them yet. He said something like yeah, its just the new slim version...still only plays 1080i. I just ignored him. The other guy was very interested how much I liked my RCA and how I was going to use this one. Looks great on my Sammy 50" DLP TV. Watching "Accepted" right now.

Just FYI, took my RCA back b/c wanted the A2. Waiting for Denon to use in my home theater.

i've read the whole thread and still am not sure if the a2 upconverts sd dvds as well as the a1. from what i read, it does not sound that it does it as well as the a2. can other owners post their opinions. i'm thinking of cancelling my order.
The A1 upconverts MOVIES (films) DVD very well. It has some problems only with true 480i materials like sports and Tv programs under conditions such as vertical pans as it can be fooled into picking some wrong pixels while deinterlacing.

If you only watch movie DVDs and not made for TV stuff, you're not likely to see a problem.

-------------------------

Does anyone have pictures of the A2 PCB?

I certainly don't want to get into any heated debates with my fellow HD DVDer's. I would just comment about the matter of being "built like a tank" that there are many audiophiles (and probably some videophiles) that are of the opinion that a more solidly built unit will tend to control vibration and resonances better, and at least some audiophiles can hear the difference on CD playback for example.

There are also audiophiles that think they can hear differences between optical cables, but they are delusional. I do like my Gen 1 player though and I don't feel the need to upgrade until there is a player that can do Divx/sacd/dvd-a.

Do you have any titles with both Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD to test? Can you hear a difference using HDMI? I would really like to get some info on the audio specs of this player - does it downsample 24/96 to 16/48 ? I was really interested in this player until I saw your post.

Yes you can hear a difference between TrueHD and DD+. I listened to several titles with TrueHD.
I would think it probably outputs at 24/48 while the A1 did 24/96. I need to look at my receiver manual, I don't rememeber how to take a look. My Denon 3806 always shows the 96Khz message automatically but not for anything less than that.

^ I am envious of those who can really hear a difference.

Are you sure it's not a loudness difference? Once I compensate for volumes to match, I could not hear a difference between 5.1 DTS and 5.1 DD a few years ago.

Ashley (hot blonde by the way) helped me.


Pics, PLEASE!!

so what's the final verdict on the A2's ability to upconvert sd-dvd's

a) is it as good as the A1
b)is it better than the A1
c)is it worse than the A1

considreting that the A1 passed all the HQV tests and the A2 didn't.

I'm working on the courage to ask the girl out here. I think asking for pics this early might be detrimental to our relationship :)

I've seen her there before, super friendly. She knew exactly what I wanted and where it was when I said "I'm looking for the new HD-DVD player" She said, oh, the A2, its over here on the counter!

Love at first site :) Beauty and Brains!

Rule of thumb with pretty girls Foolin: assume they're already taken. Don't you think every other loser working at that BB has already asked her out by now? :(

I forgot to include my setup when I used the Get Grey calibration disk. A2, Monoprice Switcher HDMI to Panasonic AE900.

In a previous post I stated that the HD1 was "built like a tank" but that the A2 might be better in many ways. I was not blasting the A1. It is a great unit that I will want to keep. It is one of the best upscaling players I have ever used.
It is amazing for the price and it has worked very well for me. I just think it has too many quirks for the average user. I am happy that Toshiba addressed many of them and I think that if the A2 takes off it could really get things moving for HD. The prices could come down even more and it might spell the end for Blu-Ray. I will be doing more testing over the weekend and I look forward to the results of others. I have not tried the HQ disk yet but others have reported that the HD1 is better at upscailing. This is not as important to me as being able to play HD disks without skipping. I will keep my Oppo hooked up for use with regular DVD's it is not built like a tank by it has preformed flawlessly Has anyone tried Finding Nemo in their unit. It will not play in mine.

Well it's definitely 48Khz from the A2. I had to use the on screen display on my Denon, which I never use. It shows 96Khz from the A1 and 48Khz from the A2. Although it doesn't show whtether it is 16bit or 24bit. I have to do some critical listening to see how much of a difference there is. At the same receiver volume level the A1 sounds louder so I need to pull out the DB meter to see how much I need to adjust the voulme to make them level. Still though aside from the audio it is a nice player. Although I might upgrade to the XA2 next year once the 1.3 HDMI receivers come out.

Since this is pretty close to the same machine guts-wise as the soon to be released european players, can someone check if it can play a region free PAL sd disc? If it actually can, (since the european Tosh's will play both PAL and NTSC sd discs since R2 has both...) then perhaps it could be made region free...?

Thanks! Enjoy all you new owners!

:)

No PAL on the A2. Checked that right away.

I wonder if a future firmware will fix this 48khz problem.

I would imagine none of the TrueHD tracks are higher than 48khz/16 bit, since that's how most movie soundtracks are recorded. The A1 was probably upconverting the TrueHD to 96/24 I imagine, the A2 is just decoding it and sending it as is.

If the soundtrack were really 96khz/24 bit then the A2 would send that I'm sure.

The CUE bug is a mpeg decoder problem and it is only present (on the A1/A2 players) with 1080i material. Since most of the HD movies are encoded with mpg4 or VC1 there should be no CUE issues. That is why no one s noticing any problems :)

So it is only a problem on 1080i encoded material? Not on 1080p/24fps encoded video outputted at 1080i?

TIA

BTW: Build-Quality (as in heavier is better) is total JUNK!!!

Compare a 5-year old TANK DVD player to a current $50 job you can get at any BB. I would almost guarantee that the new, cheap, light, plastic player outperforms it. Let those that think that wieght = quality purchase the new $2,500 (non-HD) Denon players!

Peter, did you find one?

Anyone check to see if you get simultaneous composite video output when HDMI is used for the main display?

Well it's definitely 48Khz from the A2. I had to use the on screen display on my Denon, which I never use. It shows 96Khz from the A1 and 48Khz from the A2. Although it doesn't show whtether it is 16bit or 24bit. I have to do some critical listening to see how much of a difference there is. At the same receiver volume level the A1 sounds louder so I need to pull out the DB meter to see how much I need to adjust the voulme to make them level. Still though aside from the audio it is a nice player. Although I might upgrade to the XA2 next year once the 1.3 HDMI receivers come out. Has anybody tried the XA2? I wonder if it's another "differentiation" for your dollar.

larry

Has anybody tried the XA2? I wonder if it's another "differentiation" for your dollar.

larry
I didn't think they were being released until late Dec or early Jan. :confused:

Here is an important question. Does the A2 come up with HDMI error when switching display unit (i.e. Optoma HD70) to another output? This I felt was the most annoying issue with the A1.

Also, does it have resume feature?No HDMI error for me, even turned off HDMI switcher and back on and no HDMI error! Also switching to another input no problem!

My first hiccup with the A2 is with Eagles FTM HD disc. If anyone else could check out their disc and give feedback would be great! I never played this all the way to the end on the A1 but A1 would skip all the time. With the A2 the very end of chapter 17 and starting on chapter 18 get a pause like when there is a layer change. I tend to think it is this particular disc and not authored with seamless layer or defective disc, this is my question? I just hope it's not the A2, and for evaluation so far this is first disc with any playback issue at all for me.

Rule of thumb with pretty girls Foolin: assume they're already taken. Don't you think every other loser working at that BB has already asked her out by now? :(

Don't listen to him, FoolintheRain. Go for it! The biggest thing you have working for you is that you are NOT one of the BB geeks. lol.

Congrats to everyone on the new players. From the first reports it looks like a winner.

-bruce

I would imagine none of the TrueHD tracks are higher than 48khz/16 bit, since that's how most movie soundtracks are recorded. The A1 was probably upconverting the TrueHD to 96/24 I imagine, the A2 is just decoding it and sending it as is.

If the soundtrack were really 96khz/24 bit then the A2 would send that I'm sure.

Are there any HD DVDs with a 96Khz track so I can check that out?

Are there any HD DVDs with a 96Khz track so I can check that out?
Not that I know of, so far all TrueHD have been 48/16.

Does the A2 play DVD-A?

Pics, PLEASE!!

With a handle like your. The response was obvious. :p

No, No DVD-A or SACD on the A2 :(

The A2 is like the A1 concerning BTB/WTW when connected via HDMI>DVI, there is no BTB or WTW. I tested this connected to my h-79. Also, the component outputs work when using HDMI for audio in @ 1080i (except for protected DVDs, then you can only use 480p max res.).

How much does this hurt the PQ? Does this apply to all HDMI->DVI connections, or is it just a subset of displays with DVI? I have a Hitachi 51S500 RP-CRT with DVI. I'm hoping it's not inherent in every single DVI based input.

I tried a DTS 24/96 disc in the A2. When set to HDMI auto it passes the DTS stream and my receiver reports a 96Khz signal. When I set the A2 to PCM output the player doesn't sned any audio. I wish I had a 96Khz HD DVD to test it out. Oh well. Now I need to sell my A1. I just need to find my BB receipt with the 4 year warranty on it.

I picked up the A2 last nighyt from BB. I only had the A1 for 3 days the first week it came out so my comparissions are from memory.

1) A2 is much light, slimmer looking
2) Load time is vastly improved
3) menus look better
4) no HDMI screen flashes, no issues at all with monoprice 5x1 switcher that the A1 had.
5) Sound, whoa, sound is wicked
6) I watched Mr/Mrs SMith SD DVD and it looked alright, I'll have to see more to judge SD DVD PQ
7) Bought V for Vendetta, was not really impressed with PQ, floored by SQ
8) BTB seems to be true, as black detail was very nice. No MB, banding or green blacks, etc. very clean image

Time to fill out my 3 free movie coupon! I just gotta find a spot for my PS3 in my rack since the A2 took it's spot.

I wish I had a 96Khz HD DVD to test it out.

Buy Chronos.

Is the HD-A2 stackable or does it have vents on the top?

No vents on top. There is a fan on the back.

Did anyone compare the upscailing ability of the HD2 to the 1 and the Oppo.?

Did anyone else have a problem with the disk Finding Nemo? It will not play on my machine.

The Eagles disc chapter 17 and starting on chapter 18 is the layer change. It is a shame they did not author it with a seamless layer change.

Did anyone compare the upscailing ability of the HD2 to the 1 and the Oppo.?

Did anyone else have a problem with the disk Finding Nemo? It will not play on my machine.

The widescreen version of "Finding Nemo" will not play on my A2 either. However, the full screen disc does.
I must admit that I thought it was a Disney conspiracy at first, but I also tried " Monsters Inc" widescreen and that disc plays fine

The widescreen version of "Finding Nemo" will not play on my A2 either. However, the full screen disc does.
I must admit that I thought it was a Disney conspiracy at first but I also tried " Monsters Inc" widescreen and that work disc plays fine

Is there some aspect of the disc (on the label) that is different from the others that work? I'm wonder how many other titles will have this problem.

The A2 is like the A1 concerning BTB/WTW when connected via HDMI>DVI, there is no BTB or WTW. I tested this connected to my h-79. Also, the component outputs work when using HDMI for audio in @ 1080i (except for protected DVDs, then you can only use 480p max res.).

this totally sucks. i guess i'll take it off my santa list. :(

i really tought they would have fixed this prior to release.

Watching Finding Nemo 2-Disc Collector's Edition(Disk 1) widescreen as I type. Just to give some more feedback on this.

Buy Chronos.
I have Chronos. It has a DTS-HD 24/96 track. The A2 can't decode DTS-HD. It can only decode the DTS core and it is outputting 48Khz. Will the XA2 be able to decode DTS-HD or will it only decode the core DTS like the A2?

The Eagles disc chapter 17 and starting on chapter 18 is the layer change. It is a shame they did not author it with a seamless layer change.
I though the HD DVD players were supposed to have a large buffer which should prevent seeing the layer change? I'll have to check it out tomorrow night and compare the A1 to the A2 at that layer change.

i really tought they would have fixed this prior to release.

You would think they would fix it, but I suppose they have to half-ass it somewhere to get them out before the holidays. I don't think it is a smart move since there is a significant base of HDTV's that still use DVI.

Can't find Nemo on my A2 either. November build.

suthrn, look on the back of your player. Is it also a November build?

Re: A2 BTB and WTW issues with DVI displays.

No surprise given they are using the same decoding/transmission hardware as the A1. Any bets a firmware upgrade with fix it?? :)

larry

Re: A2 BTB and WTW issues with DVI displays.

No surprise given they are using the same decoding/transmission hardware as the A1. Any bets a firmware upgrade with fix it?? :)

larry

Oh, I am sure a firmware upgrade COULD fix it since the problem arose from a firmware upgrade. The real question is whether Toshiba cares to fix it and if so when.

Hmmm, 11 pages already and only 1 user has tried the HQV disc (with unsatisfactory results)? I would think that performance on SD discs would be important to you guys!?

I posted some internal pics of the A2:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9122307#post9122307

The A2 is like the A1 concerning BTB/WTW when connected via HDMI>DVI, there is no BTB or WTW. I tested this connected to my h-79. Also, the component outputs work when using HDMI for audio in @ 1080i (except for protected DVDs, then you can only use 480p max res.).

If I'm understanding correctly then, I can use HDMI out of the A2, into an HDMI receiever (for audio), but can now use component out of the A2 to compnent input in the receiver (for video)? My understanding with the A1 was that HDMI had to be a complete daisychain all the way to the monitor for audio or video to work. The A2 still wouldn't let me use HDMI for both audio AND video to the receiver, and component out to the monitor, would it? I really love my professionally calibrated 65" widescreen Mitsubishi, but it's non-HDMI or DVI input.

My hope would be that now I could get Dolby TruHd audio from the receiver without using the multi-channel analog outputs of the player. I have my Marantz universal player currently occupying the multichannel inputs of my receiver for music, and don't want to use a switcher.

It appears also that your post says that upscaling of SD DVD's would still be out of the question with HDMI out of the A2 into a receiver's HDMI input, and component out to the monitor, right?

Maybe the "problems" playing DVD's are due to the ghastly abomination to the DVD specification the studios have resorted to in their CRUSADE to fight piracy? For gods sake, they constantly mess with the disc structure and 2-3 days later the ripper programs have overcome the "RipGuard, ArchOS" or whatever they are calling it now.

I wonder if any of these measures in fact violate the DVD specification for a proper DVD VIDEO and should not have the dvd logo on them?

Best Buy Aurora, IL said that they have 4 HD-A2 in stock but they can't sell them until the 14th. The “sales Rep” supposedly even called the Toshiba rep to make sure.(Sure he did)
I also was told the typical BS about HD-DVD not being 1080P. I was also told that I needed HDMI 1.3 to get full 1080P. So then I asked him if the Panasonic 65in Plasma was 1080p. He said oh yes. Then I asked him if the blu-ray player was showing 1080p he said oh yes. Then I asked him how this was possible since they weren't even using an HDMI cable. Well this got him flustered...Then this idiot began to tell me that this is his career and he works with high tech gear every day. I told him that if this was his level of knowledge was this bad he should get a different job

I own the HD-1, and I want to buy this unit, but only optical out? I do not know of a a dvd player, even the ones that cost $40.00, not having a coaxial output. I really hope is a great performer, because it seems as if this player has been trimmed down big time. :(

My Panasonic XP-30, a well regarded player three or four years ago does not have a coax output. If you have a receiver with no free optical inputs, perhaps that would be a good reason to upgrade to a receiver with HDMI inputs.

I also was told the typical BS about HD-DVD not being 1080P. I was also told that I needed HDMI 1.3 to get full 1080P...
Just to clarify...

HD DVD discs are 1080p (says so on the sleeve). However, the Toshiba HD-A2 outputs 1080i max. and it happans to be HDMI vers. 1.2a.

The even newer Toshiba HD-XA2 will output 1080p for the full resolution of HD DVD and it happens to be HDMI 1.3...

No PAL on the A2. Checked that right away.


damn. Thanks for checking Robert. I really thought it would at least play region free PAL discs as I thought this machine and the european one was essentially the same.

:(

Here's a question I haven't seen asked yet: is CD playback as good as the A1? I kinda doubt it but it would be nice!

I though the HD DVD players were supposed to have a large buffer which should prevent seeing the layer change? I'll have to check it out tomorrow night and compare the A1 to the A2 at that layer change.

There is no layer change on a HD-DVD disc.

However there is a layer change when playing a SD disc on the Toshibas, as there is no buffer for SD playback. (Main reason I'm hanging onto my Denon just for SD playback)

Superbit titles are mastered for no layer change. (just an FYI)

with all these good reviews I'm thinking about returning my xbox add-on and buying an a2 instead.

Can't find Nemo on my A2 either. November build.

suthrn, look on the back of your player. Is it also a November build?

Nemo played fine for me. I had a disc error with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire... I removed the disc, found it to be spotless, placed it back in the player, and it played fine. I don't know why, it simply didn't play the first time I put it in.

I received mine a couple hours ago from VE and this player is just what HD DVD needed to convince people to go HD DVD! Beautful with the gloss finish and a very solid feeling build. Not as heavy as the A1, but still a nice build quality to it. Not flimsy feeling at all, Very sturdy.

I have the A2 along with the A1 and the addon running thru my Elite 84TXSi ouput to my ISF calibrated Samnsung 5687 DLP thru HDMI.

The loading is much faster and smoother. No more flashes from the HDMI sinking to the display. Big plus!

When I switch between inputs the A2 no longer loses the sink and stops. Major improvement.

I have played parts of Batman Returns with IME and there are no audio sink problems that I can find. I tried several TRUEHD films and no problems at all. The sound quality is just what we expect. AMAZING!

Navigation is much smoother moving around in a disk.

The picture is every bit as good as the A1. I have two copies of KK and I can't see any difference between the A1 and A2. Which is what I was hoping for! It is stunning! And so far glitch free. I played parts of End of Days that the A1 is having problems with using TrueHD and the A2 plays it without any problems. WooHoo! That was the only disk I had a problem with on the A1.

I also have the sd of KK and played that and the upconversion looks to be the same as the A1 to my eyes. Another big plus to me.

I need to do more extensive testing later, but right now I'm just going to watch a few films and enjoy this puppy!

I am very pleased with this player. This is going to make a real difference in the publics eye since it works very much like the dvd players they are so accustomed too. This is truly a second generation player!

Great job Toshiba and thanks to Robert for getting it to me so quickly!

Radio shack used to sell a device that converts coaxial to optical or vice-versa. I have one and it works. I believe it sells for $15, give or take a few bucks.

here it is at monoprice. http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042302&p_id=2948&seq=1&format=2&style=

For those who already have the A2, does resume (stop, then play, not starting from the beginning) now work on the A2? I never got it to work on the A1.

With a handle like your. The response was obvious. :p

Everyone always wants pics of this and pics of that. I don't know why. They usually don't reveal much of the PQ. Pics of equipment are all over the place. I just wanted to join the crowd and see a pic since he was discussing lust (or love) in the HD DVD forum. :D

thanks Trgraphics for your thoughts on the A2.This has been exactly what I have been waiting for--now just have to wait till their available in australia.I can see these now moving in huge numbers---excellent news for hddvd.

So we're starting to see people getting their A2's from VE already? Mine says it shipped 12/7, but delivery on 12/14. How are others getting theirs today? Maybe the estimated delivery is wrong?

So we're starting to see people getting their A2's from VE already? Mine says it shipped 12/7, but delivery on 12/14. How are others getting theirs today? Maybe the estimated delivery is wrong?

Overnight shipping. I just couldn't wait to get it!

The A1 needed a complete chain to use HDMI but the A2 does not. I had the A2 connected via HDMI to my Denon and the components straight to my PJ and it worked fine @1080i with HD-DVDs! You can only upscale non-protected DVDs, such as ripped ones, or DVDs with no copy protection. Otherwise, you would have to use 480i/p - the A2 will output a black screen at a higher resolution.

Well, that's pretty cool. I was reading the A2 and the XA2 specs, and while the A2 says "HDMI audio support for PCM only", the XA2 says "HDMI 1.3 features require compatible HDMI 1.3 capable HD display and/or audio device". I'm pretty much reading that as the XA2 NOT being able to put out HDMI audio and component video seperately, as the A2 does.

If that's the case, daisychaining HDMI all the way to the monitor might be required with the XA2, unlike the A2.

Thoughts, anyone?

Watched "Accepted" and "Land of the Dead" last night with the A2 in 720p. Looked great. Pretty indistinguishable from my cable and OTA HD broadcasts on the same TV. No hiccups or anything during playback. When I first loaded the very first disc I think I hit too many buttons, had to unplug the player and start over, but other than that has worked flawlessly since. Anybody looked for a FW upgrade yet:)

I use a Samsung HLN507W 50" 720p DLP display in my bedroom. Perfect for my uses. Its hooked up via HDMI to DVI port. I'll test for BTB and WTW later with my DVE. Can't wait to rent a couple other movies tonite! Anyone know where else beside North Campus Video and their sister store down in German Village may rent HD DVD? I'm in C-bus OHIO if there is anyone else out there. These places both have about 55 HD DVD and 55 BD titles apiece.

I'm holding out for a Denon for my HT room (when they decide to announce it at CES...fingers crossed). I still use my 3910 in the HT room along with my 3805 receiver. I figure I'll wait so I can get a player with 7 analog outs so I don't have to update my receiver. I had previously returned the RCA b/c I was worryng about the format war. Since it seems HD DVD is winning or at least holding their own, I felt confident in getting the A2. And it is exactly what I thought it would be...a great player for the masses...possibly the nail in BD's coffin if they mass produce it and sell it everywhere. Can't beat that $500 price point!

I am sure that most people would rather have a faster, more reliable machine, but we are on the same side here and I think we can promote the HD-A2 without criticizing the HD-A1 for being "built like a tank". Please keep in mind that for a G1 unit, it was considered by almost everyone a fantastic piece of machinery and an incredible HD DVD, SD DVD, and CD player, and as responsbile as much as anything else for the strength of HD DVD in the marketplace. Thanks and here's hoping for a banner launch for the G2 players.

I still have a Sony DVP-S7000 which was a G1 DVD player which was also built like a tank. However, unlike the A1 or any of the Blue-Ray G1 players, it also performed flawlessly unlike its sucessor the S7700 (which did have DTS though).

The A2 seems to be at about the same performance level (and price) as the G1 DVD players from Toshiba which is definitely progress. Does anyone know if it has discrete IR codes for power on and power off though?

By the sounds of it; I think alot people need to upgrade and looks to improve on all the B.S problems that we had with the a1.

For those who already have the A2, does resume (stop, then play, not starting from the beginning) now work on the A2? I never got it to work on the A1.


It isn't player function, it needs to be authored on the disc... resume works on the A1 just fine... there is just little software that supports it.

Can't find Nemo on my A2 either. November build.

suthrn, look on the back of your player. Is it also a November build?


Mine is a November build also. I didn't watch the whole movie, just popped it in and it went to the menu, I pushed start, and I watched the first 5 or 10 minutes of the movie and shut her down.

I received mine a couple hours ago from VE and this player is just what HD DVD needed to convince people to go HD DVD! Beautful with the gloss finish and a very solid feeling build. Not as heavy as the A1, but still a nice build quality to it. Not flimsy feeling at all, Very sturdy.

I have the A2 along with the A1 and the addon running thru my Elite 84TXSi ouput to my ISF calibrated Samnsung 5687 DLP thru HDMI.

The loading is much faster and smoother. No more flashes from the HDMI sinking to the display. Big plus!

When I switch between inputs the A2 no longer loses the sink and stops. Major improvement.

I have played parts of Batman Returns with IME and there are no audio sink problems that I can find. I tried several TRUEHD films and no problems at all. The sound quality is just what we expect. AMAZING!

Navigation is much smoother moving around in a disk.

The picture is every bit as good as the A1. I have two copies of KK and I can't see any difference between the A1 and A2. Which is what I was hoping for! It is stunning! And so far glitch free. I played parts of End of Days that the A1 is having problems with using TrueHD and the A2 plays it without any problems. WooHoo! That was the only disk I had a problem with on the A1.

I also have the sd of KK and played that and the upconversion looks to be the same as the A1 to my eyes. Another big plus to me.

I need to do more extensive testing later, but right now I'm just going to watch a few films and enjoy this puppy!

I am very pleased with this player. This is going to make a real difference in the publics eye since it works very much like the dvd players they are so accustomed too. This is truly a second generation player!

Great job Toshiba and thanks to Robert for getting it to me so quickly!

Excellent review. Thanks for that.

Just saw the a-2 in my local best buy..they had it on display..very nice looking..but the lack of analog out puts and the removal of the coaxil output makes me wonder why it costs so much since there are obvious cutbacks and it is basically the same machine electronics as in the A1......it stinks enough that you cannot get the best sound as well as the best picture out of these players as well as the A1 and XA1 unless you have an hdmi input or analog inputs on your receiver...and I am not likely to trade in my lexicon pre amp for a newer version with hdmi that costs 8 grand just to hear what should be available through the digital output..but the a2 really compromises that possibility by forcing you to have an hdmi capable reciever as the only way to get the sound quality that matches picture quality....don't get me wrong..the down converted DTS is very good....but it isn't what is on the disc..and that's what we should be getting..and not a reason now to spend more money on another receiver just to hear it as it is suppossed to be heard....so what we still have is way to see the best picture ...but you need to shell out if you want to hear it properly too

Just saw the a-2 in my local best buy..they had it on display..very nice looking..but the lack of analog out puts and the removal of the coaxil output makes me wonder why it costs so much since there are obvious cutbacks and it is basically the same machine electronics as in the A1......it stinks enough that you cannot get the best sound as well as the best picture out of these players as well as the A1 and XA1 unless you have an hdmi input or analog inputs on your receiver...and I am not likely to trade in my lexicon pre amp for a newer version with hdmi that costs 8 grand just to hear what should be available through the digital output..but the a2 really compromises that possibility by forcing you to have an hdmi capable reciever as the only way to get the sound quality that matches picture quality....don't get me wrong..the down converted DTS is very good....but it isn't what is on the disc..and that's what we should be getting..and not a reason now to spend more money on another receiver just to hear it as it is suppossed to be heard....so what we still have is way to see the best picture ...but you need to shell out if you want to hear it properly too
the XA2 in 3-4 weeks will fit your bill :)

Just saw the a-2 in my local best buy..they had it on display..very nice looking..but the lack of analog out puts and the removal of the coaxil output makes me wonder why it costs so much since there are obvious cutbacks and it is basically the same machine electronics as in the A1......

Clearly To improve profitability. Weren't there pundits who claimed that based on the cost of the raw components Toshiba was losing a pretty penny on each unit manufactured? It seems like a logical move to me. I'm sure the innards are much more integrated (read: cheaper and easier to manufacture) than the A1 model as well.

If you want all the doodads and connectivity and latest tech, get the step up model (price increased to improve profitability)

Eric

For the G1 the drives were the most expensive component. By sharing the same drive between the xbox and the standalone players, the standalone get early economies of scale and hence lower price. Brilliant move. Wonder if Sony is doing the same?

Best Buy Aurora, IL said that they have 4 HD-A2 in stock but they can't sell them until the 14th. The “sales Rep” supposedly even called the Toshiba rep to make sure.(Sure he did)
I also was told the typical BS about HD-DVD not being 1080P. I was also told that I needed HDMI 1.3 to get full 1080P. So then I asked him if the Panasonic 65in Plasma was 1080p. He said oh yes. Then I asked him if the blu-ray player was showing 1080p he said oh yes. Then I asked him how this was possible since they weren't even using an HDMI cable. Well this got him flustered...Then this idiot began to tell me that this is his career and he works with high tech gear every day. I told him that if this was his level of knowledge was this bad he should get a different jobI just bought one from BB in Joliet...I got it for $439 with 12% BB coupon...they are up 12-15 feet on a shelf...they are not being displayed...which is BS.

Just got my A2 off the front porch, it wasnt supposed to come until tuesday according to fedex tracking...
So far it is awsome, no sound from the fan. Im not sure if the first gen did this, but you can display the video and audio codecs on screen, but havent found bitrate... The thing I am going to play with next is the "persistant storage management" menu. I will try to figure out what this is for, so far when you highlight it, only the internal memory is in the list and it is not able to be selected. Seems like a promising feature. It has a little blue led in the power switch, which turns red in some situations (not exactly sure when yet.) As far as the build quality, I respect plazman's opinion, but this thing is as well built as any electronics I have ever owned (I never had an A1.) It has a menu selection for enhanced black levels (0.0 or 7.5 ire). Anyway, if anyone has questions ask away, I'm going to go stick things in the "expansion ports" on the front and see what happens...

My A2 doesn't play Finding Nemo either...my wife's favorite flick. Funny my A1 does. :confused:

I have a Yamaha 1600 HDMI...I set mine up as follows...maybe someone with more experience could check this to see if this is the best setup for audio. Thanks :)

Digital out ...... PCM
Digital out HDMI set.....Auto
Dynamic Range control.....Auto
Dialog Enhancement.....Off

I just picked up an A2 at BB, but I haven't opened the box yet. I wanted to get one before they sold out and then decide if I should sell my A1 and keep the A2 or not. I have had minimal problems with my A1, so I feel it was kind of compulsive that I ran out and got an A2 without more knowledge of it, but I also didn't want to be kicking myself for not getting one and not being able to find one anywhere later on.

To A1 owners... Do you feel the upgrade to the A2 was worth replacing the A1? I don't care about the analog outs, I'm gonna use the optical out until I upgrade my receiver to a newer HDMI receiver. I'm connecting to a Sony SXRD. It sounds like most people seem happy with the A2, but do you feel it was really worth upgrading so soon from the A1?

Ack! I know I probably won't be able to keep myself from opening that box soon, but just wanted some feedback anyways :p

Thanks

Will the XA2 be able to decode DTS-HD or will it only decode the core DTS like the A2?Both will decode DTS-HD, but not until the firmware update slated for early next year.

Toshiba intends the A2/XA2 to be the first players available for either format with DTS-HD decoding.

My A2 doesn't play Finding Nemo either...my wife's favorite flick. Funny my A1 does. :confused:
I just read your post so I put Nemo in my A2 and it is playing ok.

I just read your post so I put Nemo in my A2 and it is playing ok.Weird...it plays in the A1 and the Oppo...it is very slow loading though. :confused:

Well, I bought the A1 several weeks ago and today went to BB to exchange it for the A2. Thus far, I am disappointed with the A2 (November build). First, as others have said, the build quality is nowhere near the A1. The DVD tray sounds like it's grinding on something and the overall feel of the unit does not inspire confidence. It is faster than the A1, although the A1 really didn't bother me in regards to speed. The major issue I am having is camera panning is not smooth at all. It's noticably jaggey and annoying to watch. It happens more on SD DVD, but is also there to a degree on HD DVD's. The quality of the video is the same as the A1 as far as I can tell. Another thing that I liked about the A1 was the dedicated button on the remote for resolution. You have to go into the setup menu to change it on the A2. Overall I think I am going to exchange this for the AX2 when that becomes available. My reasoning to move from the A1 to the A2 was fear that Toshiba would stop FW upgrades on the A1 and concentrate on the newer models. So far, I wish I kept the A1 as I had zero issues with it. Hopefully someone will discover how to overcome the jaggy motion issue. (BTW, my display is a Pio Elite 1140 that is professionally calibrated)

The A2 is like the A1 concerning BTB/WTW when connected via HDMI>DVI, there is no BTB or WTW. I tested this connected to my h-79.

Dissapointing. Looks like I will not get getting this player and will keep my A1 with the issue.

the XA2 in 3-4 weeks will fit your bill :)
the xa2 still requires an hdmi receiver or one with analog inputs for all speakers...it wil not pass dd+, dts hd, or dolby true through the digtal outputs......so for 1,000 bucks ..you still need a new receiver with an HDMI or an older one with analog inputs.....

which brings up another point..why would you want to pass the video through your receiver..to get the best video..you should always go directly from player to tv

I received my A2 today.... looks as good as my XA1. Havent try SD's yet... Honestly, I believe the AQ is BETTER than the XA1! Maybe I am dreaming but sure sounds better, IMHO. I dont know if there is a technical explaination for better AQ or not?

I did have a King Kong glitch... put Kong in and got to the menu (set-up, etc) and the menu would NOT respond to my remote (Harmony 890 programmed with XA1 codes) NOR would it respond to the A2 remote.... I then pressed the power button for several seconds until it went off, powered back up.. and it then (KK Menu) worked fine! Has anyone else experienced this? Sounds like a firmware glitch or something?

The other discs I tried (Eagles, Batman Begins, James Taylor, Superman Returns), the menus responded as normal.... scratching my head.. anyone care to ponder?

Otherwise, LOVE THIS UNIT!

the xa2 still requires an hdmi receiver or one with analog inputs for all speakers...it wil not pass dd+, dts hd, or dolby true through the digtal outputs......so for 1,000 bucks ..you still need a new receiver with an HDMI or an older one with analog inputs.....

which brings up another point..why would you want to pass the video through your receiver..to get the best video..you should always go directly from player to tv
hmmm, my bad. From your original post (complaining A2 has no 5.1 analog out) I (incorrectly) thought your Lexicon pre did have 5.1 Analog in.

I could be wrong, but there is no HD or BD player that can (or ever will) pass "straight through" the above digitally other than through the HDMI. It just isn't in the S/PDIF capabilities/ specs am afraid.....

Both will decode DTS-HD, but not until the firmware update slated for early next year.

Toshiba intends the A2/XA2 to be the first players available for either format with DTS-HD decoding.


I wonder if it'll be like the PS3's DTS-HD decoding or if it will be the rumored MA upgrade that the PS3 may wind up getting...

I received my A2 today.... looks as good as my XA1. Havent try SD's yet... Honestly, I believe the AQ is BETTER than the XA1! Maybe I am dreaming but sure sounds better, IMHO. I dont know if there is a technical explaination for better AQ or not?

I noticed that also...it does seem to sound a little better than my A1...somewhat cleaner sound. ;)

Got my A2 from VE today, too.
Great looking machine, everything works glitch-free, I'm totally happy with it.
My only surprise? As this is my first HD DVD player, I had been expecting (from earlier posts from so many people) that the PQ would totally blow away any broadcast PQ. However, on my Sammy HLS-61" 1080p set, which I've been enjoying since May, I found the picture today to be merely as good as the best broadcast-quality images I've seen, via HDMI. Don't get me wrong -- my Hl-S Sammy displays mind-blowing PQ via this A2. It's just that it isn't 10x better than anything I've ever seen before on a good station via TW cable. It's maybe 1.2 times better, a slight imrpovement. I had been expecting to be blown away by PQ improvement. I'm writing this just so prospective buyers in my sitation do not suffer from unrealistically inflated expectations.

Got my A2 from VE today, too.
Great looking machine, everything works glitch-free, I'm totally happy with it.
My only surprise? As this is my first HD DVD player, I had been expecting (from earlier posts from so many people) that the PQ would totally blow away any broadcast PQ. However, on my Sammy HLS-61" 1080p set, which I've been enjoying since May, I found the picture today to be merely as good as the best broadcast-quality images I've seen, via HDMI. Don't get me wrong -- my Hl-S Sammy displays mind-blowing PQ via this A2. It's just that it isn't 10x better than anything I've ever seen before on a good station via TW cable. It's maybe 1.2 times better, a slight imrpovement. I had been expecting to be blown away by PQ improvement. I'm writing this just so prospective buyers in my sitation do not suffer from unrealistically inflated expectations.

The main difference will be during fast-moving scenes, where broadcast tends to break down and pixelate whereas HD-DVD holds up very well. Other than that, I would agree that the quality of the source material and the transfer make a much bigger difference than any inherent difference in HD-DVD versus broadcast HDTV.

--
Steve

which brings up another point..why would you want to pass the video through your receiver..to get the best video..you should always go directly from player to tv

That only applies to analog. With digital the copy can be the same or even better than the original.

But the answer to your question is that it's really the only choice with HDMI, which was designed to pass both audio and video over the same cable. Since players only have a single output, you have to send that to your receiver so it can process the audio and then the receiver has to pass the video along to your display. Unfortunately HDMI is so paranoid about copy protection and there are so many compatibility issues that in many cases you aren't able to do that.

--
Steve

I wonder if it'll be like the PS3's DTS-HD decoding or if it will be the rumored MA upgrade that the PS3 may wind up getting...The PS3 doesn't do any DTS-HD decoding at this time. The PS3 only decodes the DTS "core" -- which is exactly what the Toshiba HD-A2 does now.

Both the A2/XA2 and PS3 will get DTS-HD decoding in early 2007.

The differences you will see with HD sources on a 61" is going to be small compared to the differences you would see on a 110" screen. There is a night and day difference. Some broadcast HD is very, very good but most is not quite as good as it should be due to multiplexing at the local station or if it is one of the satellite vendors. I have a descent plasma but it can't touch my PJ, you can see MB, dithering and a lot more artifacts, unless you sit 3-4 feet from your tv! So there is a difference, just depends on what monitor you have.

You can see just as many differences on a 61" display if you're sitting closer. It's about angle of view, not screen size. There are 30" desktop monitors with twice the resolution of a 1080p front projector driving a 110" screen. There's also no difference in resolution between broadcast HDTV and HD-DVD. The only differences (given the same source material) would come from one of them having more compression artifacts than the other. You can easily see that during fast-moving scenes, but during slow-moving scenes where the bitrate is not an issue, there is very little if any difference in quality.

The big difference comes from watching a bad transfer versus a good one. A bad transfer on HD-DVD looks much worse than a good transfer on broadcast HDTV.

--
Steve

First, as others have said, the build quality is nowhere near the A1.Internally the build quality of the A2 far exceeds the A1. It's these internals that determine performance and reliability, not the external case.

It is faster than the A1, although the A1 really didn't bother me in regards to speed. The major issue I am having is camera panning is not smooth at all. It's noticably jaggey and annoying to watch.
I assume you have the HD-A2 set to 1080i, as everyone should. From what you are describing, it sounds like the video processing in your TV is poor. Or perhaps there is some cinemotion type setting on your display that you must enable/disable?

the xa2 still requires an hdmi receiver or one with analog inputs for all speakers...it wil not pass dd+, dts hd, or dolby true through the digtal outputs
no HDDVD or BD player will

Does the A2 have a auto native resolution option? What about 480i over HDMI?

All I want it to do is just output what is on the disk and let my VP do all of the work.

Yes it does 480i over HDMI
No it does not have a auto resolution option and to make it even harder you now have to go into setup to change the output res, so close :(

Toshiba if you are listening please add a auto max resolution option for each disk type SD, HD etc... :)

Yes it does 480i over HDMI
No it does not have a auto resolution option and to make it even harder you now have to go into setup to change the output res, so close :(

Toshiba if you are listening please add a auto max resolution option for each disk type SD, HD etc... :)

So if you choose 480i for SD-DVD then you also get 480i for HD-DVD until you go into the menu and change it back?

--
Steve

I am new to HD players but have had a oppo 971 for some time and have been very happy with it.

I wanted to jump into HD for a reasonable cost and the Toshiba was right up my alley. My intention was to replace the Oppo entirely and use the Toshiba for all of my SD DVD's but I am now concerned.

I have the Silicon Optix HQV test disk (evaluates video processing) that I used on the Toshiba, set to output 720p via HDMI into my panasonic 58" 600u plasma and it failed every test while the Oppo via DVI passes with flying colors.

I did not expect this, as everybody has always regarded the Toshiba HD-DVD players as excellent SD players.

Am I missing something?
Do I need a dedicated SD player? or Do I need a stand alone Video processor.

Will setting the output from the toshiba for SD discs to 480i/p help?

any advice will be greatly appreciated.

HD looks amazing, watching Superman returns as we speak!!

Benchmarks are just that ,"benchmarks".
Usually just for a specific function that may be very rarely found or noticed in real world use.
Sometimes the product that benchmarks lower is prefered in real world use(sportscar/family car).
What matters is how it looks to you.
Which upconverts best in your opinion and at what res, try all three 1080i, 720P, 480P?
Enjoy! :)

Both the A2/XA2 and PS3 will get DTS-HD decoding in early 2007.

What's your source? How about the A1/XA1?

Anyone try to take out the A2s drive and put it in the A1 yet?

TSB, it can't be done. You need a specia code when you install a drive. I saw this in the service manual.

Does the A2 come with a Toslink cable ?

FWIW, I can't play Nemo either on my A2. It says cant play disc/check disc...

Does the A2 come with a Toslink cable ?

Nope.

Okeedokee, done deal.

XA2 for $899.00 with free 4yr extended warranty plus $14.99 shipping.

I called them and asked if I could pick it up because I lived in the next town over and they said no problem so I saved on the shipping and I receive the product faster, win win if you ask me!

I am so excited especially being Christmas and all! Speaking of which, I want to thank the AVS forum for their early Christmas gift to me which was advising me that VE existed right under my nose (like 15 minutes away) and I had no clue because all I ever did was hit the Bestbuy/Circuit City which are also very close to me.

Excelsior AVS!

I just read your post so I put Nemo in my A2 and it is playing ok.

I just tried Nemo widescreen version, and the menu loads up just fine, and the movie itself played without any problems as well... I only ran about 10 minutes of it, but had no problems with it in the A2.

we need some more sd-dvd upscailling tests, I really want to know if the A2 is as good as A1 or better than the Oppo.

congrats to the owners.

So if you choose 480i for SD-DVD then you also get 480i for HD-DVD until you go into the menu and change it back?

--
Steve

Yes, which is a PITA because we don't have res button anymore. I did try my remote from the A1 and see if the res button worked, no go :mad: . So for now you have to go into setup menu change the res to/from 480i and 1080i for those that want to have outboard scaling. It is nice to have 480i over HDMI.

From what you are describing, it sounds like the video processing in your TV is poor. Or perhaps there is some cinemotion type setting on your display that you must enable/disable?

I don't think it's the panel......I didn't have this issue with the A1 and the Pioneer Elites have about the best on-board processing on the market (plasma wise). I have the panel in "pure" mode.

The very maximum bitrate for OTA HD is 19.2 mb/s and that is mpeg2. It is rarely above 17mb/s (video) and usually 12-14mb/s for OTA. HD-DVD is at least 2-3 times more efficent than mpeg (VC-1) and is usually between 12-16 mb/s so it is considerably more dense and as far less artifacts than broadcast HD.
So what if you had a format with 1Gbps? Would it be "considerably more dense and far less artifacts" than HD-DVD? The answer is no, because once you achieve transparency it doesn't matter what bitrate you use beyond that. For most slow-moving scenes, 19.2Mbps mpeg2 is plenty and you won't notice the difference between broadcast and HD-DVD. It's only when there is fast motion that you really need the extra bandwidth or more efficient codec.

Yes there are 30" monitors that are higher resolution than a 1080p PJ (they too only can display 1080p at best) but you would need to sit inchs away in comparsion. A 110" screen has over 3 times more area than your 61" tv and would be 13 times more area than the 30"" monitor used in this discussion and these are screen widths I am talking about.
I sit about 2 feet from my 30" monitor which is the equivalent of sitting about 7.5 feet from a 110" screen. So anyone sitting more than 7.5 feet from their 110" screen is less likely to notice artifacts than I am on my 30" monitor.

The monitor is 1600p so it can display upscaled 1080p content and it can display my digital still images which are 2900p :)

--
Steve

Just a FYI - I contacted Robert about the CUE issue and he indicated that the problem can and WILL be fixed in a firmware update.

Chris

Just tried to play two superbit titles, black hawk down & the patriot, and neither of them will play..... The A2 gives me an error. I wonder if this is with all "superbit" titles. I have about 12 of them.

TSB, it can't be done. You need a specia code when you install a drive. I saw this in the service manual.

I've read that as well, but without trying we won't know for sure. Perhaps a generic code will be leaked that will work for all players/drives as well. Having the best chance for mods/hacks/AACS bypassing is a big reason I got the A1 and will never get rid of it even after I replace it.

Wonder what the hell they changed that's causing all these SD DVD problems.

I'd bet it's easily fixable through firmware though.

Just tried to play two superbit titles, black hawk down & the patriot, and neither of them will play..... The A2 gives me an error. I wonder if this is with all "superbit" titles. I have about 12 of them.

Wierd...... After powering down I tried these titles again and now they work.....

Originally Posted by MichaelZ
The A2 is like the A1 concerning BTB/WTW when connected via HDMI>DVI, there is no BTB or WTW.

Is this just a problem with DVI displays, i.e. a newer HDMI display will show BTB/WTW?

Thanks

Originally Posted by MichaelZ
The A2 is like the A1 concerning BTB/WTW when connected via HDMI>DVI, there is no BTB or WTW.

Is this just a problem with DVI displays, i.e. a newer HDMI display will show BTB/WTW?

Thanks

Yes, it is on DVI displays only, on HDMI displays everything works perfectly.

Won't play Finding Nemo...watched 2 other sd disc and there was a huge layer change...I never seen this with my A1. :confused:

Yes, it is on DVI displays only, on HDMI displays everything works perfectly.

Technically I think it's an issue when the video is sent using 4:4:4 RGB instead of 4:2:2 YCbCr component. That usually happens when you use DVI instead of HDMI, but there are cases (like the Lumagen scalers) where you can send component over DVI and other cases where an HDMI display will negotiate RGB with the player. So it's possible to get BTB with DVI or not to get BTB with HDMI in some cases.

But the important thing to remember is that BTB is just a test signal for calibration, and has nothing to do with "black crush" or any difference in video quality.

--
Steve

Won't play Finding Nemo...watched 2 other sd disc and there was a huge layer change...I never seen this with my A1. :confused:

Try a cold re-boot by unplugging the A/C power cord and restart the player and try Finding Nemo. Also let us know what the exact error message is and I'll speak with my technical contact at TACP.

-Robert

Try a cold re-boot by unplugging the A/C power cord and restart the player and try Finding Nemo. Also let us know what the exact error message is and I'll speak with my technical contact at TACP.

-RobertI beleive it was error message 6..Thanks Robert. :)

^^ Thanks Joe. I'll report this to Toshiba and get an answer on Monday.

-Robert

So here are my impressions (I have had the A1 for the last month or so and now just got the A2)

It loads much quicker and the menus react faster as well. Everything just runs a bit smoother and easier all around. The HD PQ is as good if maybe not slightly better than the A1 the sound is at least as good too. From the few SD DVD's i have put in the upconvert quality seems good but slightly less quality than the A1 it just seemed like the A1 provided a bit smoother more film like Picture. Maybe i need to recalibrate the TV with this new device but so far the SD quality just isn't as good (but not bad by any means). I will have to do more tests to tell for sure though. No HDMI errors or wierd glitches on the A2 which is great as I had them occasionally on the A1.

Hey Robert I ordered an A2 four days ago and was wondering when you would be shipping the newest orders?

^^ Robert, we will be 100% caught up on all orders by 12/14 or sooner.

We are getting large shipments in every day since 12/07/06 (not counting Saturday or Sunday) and most orders will be fulfilled by 12/12.

-Robert

So... my experiences with an evening's worth of my A2:

- Startup times about half the A1

- Load-to-play times about a third of the A1's

- Picture every bit as good as A1's for HD DVD

- Audio via HDMI every bit as good as A1's (TrueHD track on BB rawks the house!)

- Remote codes from A1 in my Harmony remote worked without a hitch on the A2

So... my experiences with an evening's worth of my A2:

- Startup times about half the A1

- Load-to-play times about a third of the A1's

- Picture every bit as good as A1's for HD DVD

- Audio via HDMI every bit as good as A1's (TrueHD track on BB rawks the house!)

- Remote codes from A1 in my Harmony remote worked without a hitch on the A2

can it resume the movie where you have stopped?

Well, it's been a journey of about a month to HD DVD.

It started with a Sharp LC37d90u, which made me realize I needed HDMI and a high definition dvd player (I live in a log cabin in rural Vermont, have no cable, no dish, no broadband).

Once I got the tv, I ordered a Denon 2307CI and an HD-A2. All three were selected with the advice of these fora. Plus a Harmony 659 universal remote. Oh, and cables from Monoprice (a really great retailer). Speakers are Heinz 57 (old Acoustimass 2, plus Carvers, and a Polk).

FedEx, UPS and USPS have continued to amaze. Things get here so fast!

The last piece (the HD-A2) arrived today. Thank you Value Electronics for great prices, great service and authentic enthusiasm.

Everything seems to be working fine. I need one of the new calibration discs, and I still need to make my Panasonic SD DVD drive work properly with the Denon and the HD-A2. I plan to keep both drives so I can taker advantage of their respective strengths.

So far, I've looked at Superman Returns and Serenity. Tomorrow will be Grand Prix and Guitarscape Planet. The PQ and AQ have made me really happy. I'm not as technical as most of the folks here, and I have less to compare things to, but I'm very happy with my purchases, and I thank everyone for the information and generally good humor they've shared. :)

Regards,
Gene Levine

so I guess the A2 scailling sd-dvd is sub-par to the A1....right?

the resume question has been asked (and answered) multiple times in this thread already. It is up to the title, not the player.

My HD-A2 arrived Friday last week; thanks Robert! This is my first HD-player so I have nothing to compare it against for an apple-to-apple comparison. Connected it to Sanyo Z5 via HDMI (1080i), and watched Phantom of the Opera HD-DVD. Fabulous image quality, and the brighter/colorful scenes look as if popping out (a bit like 3-D) of the wall (where currently I am projecting the image until the screen is bought). Disc menu browsing, startup and response to remote control commands (say, play/pause) were fast enough - not annyoing, at par with most SD-DVD players. Due to prepro's limitation, I can't have advanced HD sound formats, but DD and DTS were superb. Overall, very pleased with the image; and now need to spare time atleast twice a week to watch HD.

I am not sure why people think SD upconversion isn't as good as the A1. My experience is PQ performance is the same as my XA1. I've seen no degradation at all. I'm outputting 1080i.

I had a couple of issues with Superbit on my XA1. Where it won't read the disk. Haven't tried it on the A2. Ah. I also recall the longer layer change on a couple of Superbit titles with the XA1 as well.

If you have them both perhaps you could post some A/B comparison shots. It's not a big deal to me since I'll stick with the A1 and wait for HTPC or dual format players, but I'm sure many would be interested.

Does the A2 only show half res on pause like the A1?

my player will not arrive until monday-but my quick question is-what are the appropiate settings for this player when watching HD or SD? So if I am going t watch an HD movie I go into the menu and select 720P-and when I watch a SD movie I have to go into the menu again and select 480p? This will be my first HD player and i just want ot make sure I am doing this correctly. I will be hooking up player directly to 50" Panny via HDMI. thanks
thetman

I was using a Panny plasma as well. I set and left the player at 1080i for all content. Even on a 720p plasma, I found 1080i from the Tosh looks the best.

SD, HD all look best at 1080i. So once you set it, you never need to switch it.

I had a couple of issues with Superbit on my XA1. Where it won't read the disk. Haven't tried it on the A2. Ah. I also recall the longer layer change on a couple of Superbit titles with the XA1 as well.

Superbit titles should have no layer change visible (or audible) on any player. They were specifically mastered to eliminate the layer change (no player buffer needed).

The layer change (visible and audible) on the A1 (and A2) is the main reason I still use my SD player (Denon) for playing SD titles.

Superbit titles should have no layer change visible (or audible) on any player. They were specifically mastered to eliminate the layer change (no player buffer needed).

The layer change (visible and audible) on the A1 (and A2) is the main reason I still use my SD player (Denon) for playing SD titles.

I wonder why this is... ? I mean, the buffers on these two machines has to be greater than that on a $50 DVD player.

Chris

has anyone tried upconverting over the component outputs?..

I know my A1 can do it with unprotected material such as my home made double layer and single discs

My first hiccup with the A2 is with Eagles FTM HD disc. If anyone else could check out their disc and give feedback would be great! I never played this all the way to the end on the A1 but A1 would skip all the time. With the A2 the very end of chapter 17 and starting on chapter 18 get a pause like when there is a layer change. I tend to think it is this particular disc and not authored with seamless layer or defective disc, this is my question? I just hope it's not the A2, and for evaluation so far this is first disc with any playback issue at all for me.
Hi Bill---Is there only 1 pause in the eagles dvd? That would be a major improvement over the A1.

Just to clarify...

HD DVD discs are 1080p (says so on the sleeve). However, the Toshiba HD-A2 outputs 1080i max. and it happans to be HDMI vers. 1.2a.

The even newer Toshiba HD-XA2 will output 1080p for the full resolution of HD DVD and it happens to be HDMI 1.3...

True, true and true. But remember the HD-XA2 1080p output is not direct from the disc, it is 1080p/24fps to 1080i to 1080p/60fps out to the TV, same as all the BD players except for the Sony. With a good deinterlacing TV there is not benefit in PQ for 1080p output generated in this manner over the A2 1080i.

I received mine a couple hours ago from VE and this player is just what HD DVD needed to convince people to go HD DVD! Beautful with the gloss finish and a very solid feeling build. Not as heavy as the A1, but still a nice build quality to it. Not flimsy feeling at all, Very sturdy.

I have the A2 along with the A1 and the addon running thru my Elite 84TXSi ouput to my ISF calibrated Samnsung 5687 DLP thru HDMI.

The loading is much faster and smoother. No more flashes from the HDMI sinking to the display. Big plus!

When I switch between inputs the A2 no longer loses the sink and stops. Major improvement.

I have played parts of Batman Returns with IME and there are no audio sink problems that I can find. I tried several TRUEHD films and no problems at all. The sound quality is just what we expect. AMAZING!

Navigation is much smoother moving around in a disk.

The picture is every bit as good as the A1. I have two copies of KK and I can't see any difference between the A1 and A2. Which is what I was hoping for! It is stunning! And so far glitch free. I played parts of End of Days that the A1 is having problems with using TrueHD and the A2 plays it without any problems. WooHoo! That was the only disk I had a problem with on the A1.

I also have the sd of KK and played that and the upconversion looks to be the same as the A1 to my eyes. Another big plus to me.

I need to do more extensive testing later, but right now I'm just going to watch a few films and enjoy this puppy!

I am very pleased with this player. This is going to make a real difference in the publics eye since it works very much like the dvd players they are so accustomed too. This is truly a second generation player!

Great job Toshiba and thanks to Robert for getting it to me so quickly!

Thanks for the comparison, that is what all of us were hoping. This is great news for HD DVD!

I was using a Panny plasma as well. I set and left the player at 1080i for all content. Even on a 720p plasma, I found 1080i from the Tosh looks the best.

SD, HD all look best at 1080i. So once you set it, you never need to switch it.
I do the same thing with my panny plasmas. D* and my A2 is set for 1080i and I never change it. I have three panny plasmas sence 01 and over the years I have found that 1080i just looks better. BTW, I love my A2.

Just tried to play two superbit titles, black hawk down & the patriot, and neither of them will play..... The A2 gives me an error. I wonder if this is with all "superbit" titles. I have about 12 of them.


The first DVD I popped in was Superbit 5th Element and it played fine.

Hi Bill---Is there only 1 pause in the eagles dvd? That would be a major improvement over the A1.
Yes, only the one pause for entire disc and always can be repeated in same place after cleaning or power on off reset so I think the A2 is fine and must be a bad authored HD_disc or defective disc. Hope some other folks can test this out on their A2.

True, true and true. But remember the HD-XA2 1080p output is not direct from the disc, it is 1080p/24fps to 1080i to 1080p/60fps out to the TV, same as all the BD players except for the Sony. With a good deinterlacing TV there is not benefit in PQ for 1080p output generated in this manner over the A2 1080i.

Far as I know - we haven't gotten definite confirmation on this. It's my understanding the XA2 may have 1080p24 direct output (as does the Sony BDPS1). Thought (hoping) the extra wait time was for Toshiba to implement this feature. Toshiba knows how important this is. Hopefully Robert can fill us in about this soon.

Yes, only the one pause for entire disc and always can be repeated in same place after cleaning or power on off reset so I think the A2 is fine and must be a bad authored HD_disc or defective disc. Hope some other folks can test this out on their A2.
Have you tried the Cream Albert Hall disc on the A2? It also plays with numerous audio dropouts on the A1.

Anyone know if the XA2 will have 6-channel analog out? I'm not ready to drop $700-$900 on an HDMI receiver but would pay the extra for the XA2 if it has the analog outputs

Anyone know if the XA2 will have 6-channel analog out? I'm not ready to drop $700-$900 on an HDMI receiver but would pay the extra for the XA2 if it has the analog outputs
Try searching next time, this has been said over and over again. YES the XA2 has analog outs.

So what if you had a format with 1Gbps? Would it be "considerably more dense and far less artifacts" than HD-DVD? The answer is no, because once you achieve transparency it doesn't matter what bitrate you use beyond that. For most slow-moving scenes, 19.2Mbps mpeg2 is plenty and you won't notice the difference between broadcast and HD-DVD. It's only when there is fast motion that you really need the extra bandwidth or more efficient codec.


I sit about 2 feet from my 30" monitor which is the equivalent of sitting about 7.5 feet from a 110" screen. So anyone sitting more than 7.5 feet from their 110" screen is less likely to notice artifacts than I am on my 30" monitor.

The monitor is 1600p so it can display upscaled 1080p content and it can display my digital still images which are 2900p :)

--
Steve

Can you explain transparency to me again? Are the quant_scale set to 1.0? If not, how can they be transparent?

I beleive it was error message 6..Thanks Robert. :)

I tried the cold boot and to no avail. Nemo gives me error message 6 as well, I tried the Incredibles and Cars and they play just fine....

Where is he doing no shipping on his offer? I must have missed that.

When you day Robert's deal is better ........... where might I find that??

Thanks,

When I first tried the unit NEMO would not play. I have turned the unit on and off and it now seems to work. This seems very strange. Robert is from Value Electronics. He support and knowledge is great. I would also hope that members considering a new Toshiba buy it from his company. I would also recommend getting disks from him. Value Electronics has one of the best selections anywhere at great prices.

http://www.*********************/

Have there been any more tests on the A2?

1. How does upscailing compare to the A1? One user said it is not as good.
2. What settings are recommended. 720P or is 1080i better even with the cue error?
3. What other issues have been noticed?

When I first tried the unit NEMO would not play. I have turned the unit on and off and it now seems to work. This seems very strange. Robert is from Value Electronics. He support and knowledge is great. I would also hope that members considering a new Toshiba buy it from his company. I would also recommend getting disks from him. Value Electronics has one of the best selections anywhere at great prices.

http://www.*********************/

Really weird... I tried the cold boot and my Nemo still doesnt play. I unplugged it for 2-3 mins then plugged it back in... should have I done something else?..maybe left it unplugged longer?

Superbit titles should have no layer change visible (or audible) on any player. They were specifically mastered to eliminate the layer change (no player buffer needed).

The layer change (visible and audible) on the A1 (and A2) is the main reason I still use my SD player (Denon) for playing SD titles.

How can a DVD be mastered to eliminate a visible layer change? Particularly on a high bitrate title?

can it resume the movie where you have stopped?

It's been discussed that this is a feature that requires specific disc authoring... so while I didn't test specifically, I expect it to be no different from the A1 (or any other HD DVD player), in that it will be disc-dependant, not player dependant.

- Remote codes from A1 in my Harmony remote worked without a hitch on the A2

Does anyone know if Toshiba fixed the problem with discrete IR codes for power off. That was one of the issues that prevented me from buying an A1.

Quick Question from a Newbie:

I'm about to go out to BB & get my hands on a HD-A2, but wonder if I should wait for the HD-XA2 instead? :)

I just purchased a Panny TH-42PX60U Plasma and wonder If I would benefit from the extras that the XA2 has to offer.....

Would it be worth the extra $400 & would I realize it on my Panny?

Thank you in advance!!

Apologize if it has been posted and I missed it, what is the exact firmware version installed in the A2?

Quick Question from a Newbie:

I'm about to go out to BB & get my hands on a HD-A2, but wonder if I should wait for the HD-XA2 instead? :)

I just purchased a Panny TH-42PX60U Plasma and wonder If I would benefit from the extras that the XA2 has to offer.....

Would it be worth the extra $400 & would I realize it on my Panny?

Thank you in advance!!

Nice TV! Unless you need the 5.1 analog outputs on the XA2, the A2 is probably adequate. Your plasma has 768 lines of horizontal resolution so the question of whether a 1080i source (A2) or a deinterlaced 1080p source (XA2) would result in any difference in picture quality is a question that others may be able to answer. For folks with a 1080p television, these two sources are virtually equivalent and their is no PQ benefit for 1080p/60fps (XA2) output.

Quick Question from a Newbie:

I'm about to go out to BB & get my hands on a HD-A2, but wonder if I should wait for the HD-XA2 instead? :)

I just purchased a Panny TH-42PX60U Plasma and wonder If I would benefit from the extras that the XA2 has to offer.....

Would it be worth the extra $400 & would I realize it on my Panny?

Thank you in advance!!


Nice display but since it's native resolution is 1,024x768 pixels, I would stay with the A2 and save 400 clams plus. How could you benefit from 1080p or 1080i? So unless you're future proofing (that's an idea) the A2 is just fine.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9109168&&#post9109168

"
These first A2s are made by Toshiba in Japan.

They were built in December 2006 as Toshiba produced a new run to replace the first production rather than fixing them. I applaud Toshiba USA and Japan for working so hard and doing things so very well.

-Robert "

Are you sure about the A2 being made in Japan? Then why does it says Made in China on the label from some pictures posted here.

Nice display but since it's native resolution is 1,024x768 pixels, I would stay with the A2 and save 400 clams plus. How could you benefit from 1080p or 1080i? So unless you're future proofing (that's an idea) the A2 is just fine.

I agree that the XA2 would be a waste of money on a 42in 1,024x768 plasma but I also think the XA2 is a waste of money period. Expecting any kind of future proofing this early in a format war is unrealistic IMHO. Buying the cheapest player that meets minimum requirements seems the wisest course to me.

The major advantage that the XA2 has over the A2 is the multi-channel analog outs. But if you use those, you will also lose all your receivers bass management and room equalization features. My receiver doesn't have HDMI inputs but (assuming the A2 meets my other requirements) I will live with the DTS re-encode until I upgrade my receiver.

Are you sure about the A2 being made in Japan? Then why does it says Made in China on on the label?

Mine says made in Japan on the box and on the player.

I agree that the XA2 would be a waste of money on a 42in 1,024x768 plasma but I also think the XA2 is a waste of money period.

Waste of money period are strong words. I can see and I hope you can too, that some folks might decide differently and choose to purchase the XA2 when it is available. :)

Are you sure about the A2 being made in Japan? Then why does it says Made in China on on the label?Mine saids Dec build...made in Japan.

Nice TV! Unless you need the 5.1 analog outputs on the XA2, the A2 is probably adequate. Your plasma has 768 lines of horizontal resolution so the question of whether a 1080i source (A2) or a deinterlaced 1080p source (XA2) would result in any difference in picture quality is a question that others may be able to answer. For folks with a 1080p television, these two sources are virtually equivalent and their is no PQ benefit for 1080p/60fps (XA2) output.


WoW!! :D

Thanks everybody for your quick replies.... I'm off to Best Buy to try and score an A2 before the general public hears about them!!!

If I strike out I will probably orded one from Value Electronics, they seem to have a good following on this board. :) :)

I was using a Panny plasma as well. I set and left the player at 1080i for all content. Even on a 720p plasma, I found 1080i from the Tosh looks the best.

SD, HD all look best at 1080i. So once you set it, you never need to switch it.

But are people using 720p instead thus far on the A2, since I read the CUE issue was on 1080i, or is that just when upconverting SD DVD's?

Just curious, I am going to get this player at the same time as my Pioneer Plasma. I heard the Pioneer have very good scalers, etc. Just thinking I might want the SD's out of the A2 at 480i over HDMI, let the Pioneer upscale, just trying to figure out what to set HD DVD to. If chroma is only on 720p OR 1080i, I just want to choose the one without issue. Appreciate any advice, especially any Pioneer plasma owners.

Thanks

True, true and true. But remember the HD-XA2 1080p output is not direct from the disc, it is 1080p/24fps to 1080i to 1080p/60fps out to the TV, same as all the BD players except for the Sony. With a good deinterlacing TV there is not benefit in PQ for 1080p output generated in this manner over the A2 1080i.

I believe we will have 1080p 24/60 from the XA2.

-Robert

I agree that the XA2 would be a waste of money on a 42in 1,024x768 plasma but I also think the XA2 is a waste of money period. Expecting any kind of future proofing this early in a format war is unrealistic IMHO. Buying the cheapest player that meets minimum requirements seems the wisest course to me.

The major advantage that the XA2 has over the A2 is the multi-channel analog outs. But if you use those, you will also lose all your receivers bass management and room equalization features. My receiver doesn't have HDMI inputs but (assuming the A2 meets my other requirements) I will live with the DTS re-encode until I upgrade my receiver.

If you use the analogs you wont lose bass management, speaker size control, etc. It can be done from the Tosh control panel or better yet from your receiver's multi ch input. My Yamaha receiver has separate controls for analogs - speaker size, db level, cross-over, etc. which don't effect the digital side.

The XA2 is definitely not a waste of money in the sense that (not that it makes a hill of beans) 1080p is the purported panacea for display. The Sony blu ray currently does 1080p/24 and the delay in Tosh's release of the XA2 may be due to the implementation of this. Having said that I just read a review of the PQ of the 1080p/24 and the reviewer who states the PQ is every bit as good as Tosh's A1 at 1080i lol!:

But one thing I am fairly certain of is that the BDP-S1's picture, as viewed on the Pearl projector, looks its sharpest at 24p. For the first time, I felt that Warner's VC-1 encoded BDs looked every bit as sharp and detailed as the HD DVD VC-1 encodes out of the Toshiba player at 1080i. Blazing Saddles and Phantom of the Opera both looked so amazing on either format that trying to pick nits between them made me feel silly. Whatever difference that may or may not be between them, the image looked so good in either case that it's not even worth noting let alone complaining about. But even with the PS3 I felt more strongly that the HD DVD versions looked a bit better. Not here.

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/hddiscplayers/1206sonybdps1/

Wonder why some A2's are made in Japan and some in China? Double the production speed maybe? I personally would prefer the Japanese made player.

Waste of money period are strong words. I can see and I hope you can too, that some folks might decide differently and choose to purchase the XA2 when it is available. :)

I can of course see that others would decide differently hence the phrase "I also think". That said, unless the XA2 player puts out 1080p/24 straight from the disk and your TV take take that input and take advantage of it (e.g. a 1080 Pioneer plasma) or you have a receiver/pre-pro that supports analog bass management, I really don't see the point in spending twice as much for the XA2.

Given the format war, any of these HD players has to be regarded as a disposable item. We all have different levels of disposable income, but for me $500 is about the limit of what I am prepared to spend provided the player in question can completely replace my current DVD player (a Panasonic XP-30).

OTOH I was happy to spend $1000 for the first Sony DVD player in 1997 (the S7000), because there was no real format war and the player was solidly built and performed flawlessly.

The XA2 is definitely not a waste of money in the sense that (not that it makes a hill of beans) 1080p is the purported panacea for display. The Sony blu ray currently does 1080p/24 and the delay in Tosh's release of the XA2 may be due to the implementation of this.


1080p at 24fps straight from the disk is the purported panacea assuming your display can take full advantage (i.e. has a 1024p input and a refresh rate on the panel which is a multiple of that).

I am dubious that the XA2 will have a native 24fps output but if it does then of course anyone with such a display might find it worthwhile to buy one.

Here are the differences between the HD-A2 and the HD-XA2
which were taken from the 2 models PDF spec sheets.

The HD-XA2 will feature HDMI ver1.3 which will support Deep Color and 1080p which are 2 very important must haves for HD.

The HD-A2 will not support Deep Color or 1080p.

Other features that the HD-XA2 have over the HD-A2 are:
*12-bit/297mhz Video (HD-A2 features 11bit/216mhz Video)
*4 times over Sampling
*1080p output and upconversion
*Multi-channel Signal Management
*HDMI Output ver1.3 with Deep Color support
*RS 232C Controller Port
*Coaxial Out
*5.1 Channel Analog Audio Output
*All Gold Plated connections

Anyways,,I will be adding the HD-XA2 into my system as soon as I can get it.
Hopefully it's available before Christmas.
__________________

Wonder why some A2's are made in Japan and some in China? Double the production speed maybe? I personally would prefer the Japanese made player.

correct me if i am wrong. the Toshiba HD DVD drives used in the A2 player are made in China. The player itself is made in Japan. No?

You are correct. The Players are made in Japan the drives in China.

haven't you guys been reading up on that there is no difference between 1080p and 1080i.....HOMETHEATREMAGAZINE.COM has a great in lab report on how they are one and the same...several other sites have articles reporting similar facts about this 1080p scam going on..that the diference is non-existent........

I believe we will have 1080p 24/60 from the XA2.

-Robert

Robert,
That is great news if true. When will we know for sure? I will order one that day, as I am already looking forward to the bi-directional RS-232. Do we have any word yet on discrete on/off for the A2 and/or XA2?

Here are the differences between the HD-A2 and the HD-XA2
which were taken from the 2 models PDF spec sheets.

The HD-XA2 will feature HDMI ver1.3 which will support Deep Color and 1080p which are 2 very important must haves for HD.

The HD-A2 will not support Deep Color or 1080p.

Other features that the HD-XA2 have over the HD-A2 are:
*12-bit/297mhz Video (HD-A2 features 11bit/216mhz Video)
*4 times over Sampling
*1080p output and upconversion
*Multi-channel Signal Management
*HDMI Output ver1.3 with Deep Color support
*RS 232C Controller Port
*Coaxial Out
*5.1 Channel Analog Audio Output
*All Gold Plated connections

Anyways,,I will be adding the HD-XA2 into my system as soon as I can get it.
Hopefully it's available before Christmas.
__________________


A1. What are these sources of "Deep Color" that I can use once I purchase a XA2?
A2. *12-bit/297mhz Video (HD-A2 features 11bit/216mhz Video) - It is my understanding this is the spec for DAC? This is of no value when connected via HDMI.
A3. *1080p output and upconversion - Perhaps I would rather my HDTV do the 1080i/1080p rather than the XA2! Rather meaningless as we have been telling the blue boys for months.
A4. *5.1 Channel Analog Audio Output - Once again if I have a AVR with HDMI rather meaninless.
A5. *HDMI Output ver1.3 - Of course to take advantage of v1.3 all other equipment items must also be v1.3 or greater.

Here are some of my first observations:

1. Start up and loads time much improved. They are just barely acceptable now. ;)

2. Build quality is average- no complaints.

3. Loading mechanism is not very smooth and a little louder than I'd like. There was some definite cost savings here.

4. Remote is better than the A1 but still lacking. For those using a different remote it's a non issue. I don't see a resolution button on the remote of the A2 which I think there was one on the A1.

5. With an HS-51 it had trouble locking in on the signal a couple times( I was switching inputs on pj and switching HDMI ports with monoprice switcher. I can't get it to replicate the problem again so it may be nothing or you need to have the pj on before the player.

6. PQ is darn good with SD and HD. I still need to calibrate and run it through HQV, DVE and Avia but wanted to enjoy a flick first.

7. There is too long (unacceptable 1 to 2 seconds) a delay when you ff and skip tracking for the audio to resume. Hopefully a firmware update will fix this.

8. Unit seems to have slower processing speeds compared to the A1 when you are watching a movie and pull up the menu. I went to the scene selection menu and scrolled around while a movie was in progress and the unit responds sluggishly.

9. Player is a little too loud still but no where near as loud as the A1.

10. I am only using optical now but DTS sounds good. A new prepro is on the horizon.

11. No skips, Audio sync problems, or drop outs - yet!!! Very promising :)

Overall a good unit so far but I think it will take G3 players before it really is up to snuff with my standards. I will keep it until something better comes out. Bye Bye 360 drive.

Will this Philips (Cineos) 42PF9531/98 plasma be a good match for the A2?

Fetures:

HD Plasma panel, 1024 x 1080i (why is it "i"? does this mean that the panel is 1080 res (horizontal))

Picture/Display
Aspect ratio : 16:9
Brightness : 1200 cd/m²
Contrast ratio (typical) : 10000:1
Diagonal screen size (inch) : 42 inch
Diagonal screen size (metric) : 107 cm
Display screen type : HD Plasma panel
Picture enhancement : Digital Crystal Clear, Progressive Scan, 3D Combfilter, Active Control + Light sensor, Digital Natural Motion, Jagged Line Suppression, Widescreen Plus, Pixel Plus 2 HD
Screen enhancement : Anti ageing circuit, Anti-Reflection coated screen
Viewing angle : 160º (H) / 160º (V)
Panel resolution : 1024 x 1080i

Ambilight
Ambilight Features : Auto adaptive to video content, Full operation in Stand-by, Ambilight 2 Channel, Efficient low energy lamp

Supported Display Resolution
Computer formats : 640 x 480, 60Hz, 800 x 600, 60Hz, 1024 x 768, 60Hz
Video Formats : 640 x 480i - 1Fh, 640 x 480p - 2Fh, 720 x 576i - 1Fh, 720 x 576p - 2Fh, 1280 x 720p - 3Fh, 1920 x 1080i - 2Fh


http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/catalog/tree/TV_GR_MY_CONSUMER/FLAT_TV_CA_MY_CONSUMER/product/42PF9531_98_MY_CONSUMER/catalog.jsp?language=en&country=MY&catalogType=CONSUMER&proxybuster=CD1T04FNGK1FPJ0RMRCSHP3HKFSESI5P

The price is the same compared to some of the 46 inch Sony LCD 1080i (KLV-46V200A )panel

^^ Looks like a Hitachi rebadge.

Check the display forums for better info on dispalys.

I personally wouldn't recommend any set smaller than 50" to truly take advantage of HD discs. DVDs look fine on 42" sets to most.

Tried to register my A2 online with Toshiba but A2 not listed yet from drop down model numbers. E-mailed them and reply was to send in the hard copy to register. I hate filling out those cards so hope they get the A2 listed in a few days. I e-mailed the CS and WebMaster both.

Yes, only the one pause for entire disc and always can be repeated in same place after cleaning or power on off reset so I think the A2 is fine and must be a bad authored HD_disc or defective disc. Hope some other folks can test this out on their A2.

I noticed this a couple of weeks ago on my xa1 and thought (and still think) it was just a bad edit.

Ive read though a lot of these pages, people ask it... but is there any defenitive answer for us.... does the A2 look better picture quality wise with HD DVDs than the A1??? Iam really happy with my A1, and I have no one to sell it to really.... I dont want to jump to a A2 just yet if there is no real difference in over all picture quality. I can live with the quirks of the player (like load times and other things), but as long as the over all picture quality is about the same then im happy with my A1 for a while longer.


Also, not that im too interested at the moment but when does the X2 come out?

^^ Looks like a Hitachi rebadge.

Check the display forums for better info on dispalys.

I personally wouldn't recommend any set smaller than 50" to truly take advantage of HD discs. DVDs look fine on 42" sets to most.

I wouldn't recommend a Philips period. They sell cheap for a reason. :eek:

I wouldn't recommend a Philips period. They sell cheap for a reason. :eek:

hmmm please enlighten us on the reasons :p

^^ Looks like a Hitachi rebadge.

Check the display forums for better info on dispalys.

I personally wouldn't recommend any set smaller than 50" to truly take advantage of HD discs. DVDs look fine on 42" sets to most.

I and alot of others like myself would disagree with this, although it may be true for some displays.

I can definately tell the difference between SD-DVD-OTA/Cable HD Broadcast and HD-HDDVD on my 34" Direct view and have heard some with as small as 26" displays and HDDVD 17 notebooks user enjoying it also.

Size does indeed matter in seeing the difference between HD and SD, but it is only one of many factors.
In general the larger the display the bigger the PQ difference between the two.
However if you have an HDTV it is meant for HD, and it should look better with the best HD available or why have the TV.
Of course it definately depends on your display, check the forum for your display model and hddvd to see how others are doing.
I currently have the xbox360 addon and will probably upgradedto an A2 for it's upconversion performance in a few months.
While my Standard def King Kong looks great for a standard def dvd, at 480P and even better at 960i (doubled) and 1080i upconverted, It just dosent get any better than HDDVD at 1080i on my display, simply "Beautiful" and full of detail at 6-8 feet away in the daytime, and even better at night with no lights. :D

Here are the differences between the HD-A2 and the HD-XA2
which were taken from the 2 models PDF spec sheets.

The HD-XA2 will feature HDMI ver1.3 which will support Deep Color and 1080p which are 2 very important must haves for HD.

The HD-A2 will not support Deep Color or 1080p.



How can deep color be a must have for HD when there are no displays that support it or any material encoded with it.

How can 1080p be a must have when few HD displays support 1080p inputs and even fewer support and can take advantage of 1090p at 24 fps.



Other features that the HD-XA2 have over the HD-A2 are:
*12-bit/297mhz Video (HD-A2 features 11bit/216mhz Video)
*4 times over Sampling
*1080p output and upconversion
*Multi-channel Signal Management
*HDMI Output ver1.3 with Deep Color support
*RS 232C Controller Port
*Coaxial Out
*5.1 Channel Analog Audio Output
*All Gold Plated connections

Anyways,,I will be adding the HD-XA2 into my system as soon as I can get it.
Hopefully it's available before Christmas.
__________________

I assume the first feature refers to the video DACs which would not even be used for HDMI output.

About the only feature of any significance is the analog audio outputs.

I wouldn't recommend a Philips period. They sell cheap for a reason. :eek:

Actually Philips tv's are quite good... to good!!!
My dads 21 year old 27 inch Philips cabinet tv just won't die and my dad wont upgrade till it does. Sadly, this thing seems like it will go on forever.

Craig

How can deep color be a must have for HD when there are no displays that support it or any material encoded with it.

How can 1080p be a must have when few HD displays support 1080p inputs and even fewer support and can take advantage of 1090p at 24 fps.



I assume the first feature refers to the video DACs which would not even be used for HDMI output.

About the only feature of any significance is the analog audio outputs.

word to the above. I was about to comment on that nonsense, but you got to it first.

Deep Color, what bs. When a display comes out to take advantage of it, optical may not even be the greatest A/V tool. It'll be like VHS when component started being used.

1080/24p is becoming useful, but again, its not a killer feature for 99.99% of consumers.

DACs are only useful for folks like me that still run analog and have benign disdain for digital. :)

Frankly I think people would do well with an XA1 if they need 5.1 analogs (or A1). The XA2 may have nicer playback and such, but at 1k, it had better be awesome.

I and alot of others like myself would disagree with this, although it may be true for some displays.

I can definately tell the difference between SD-DVD-OTA/Cable HD Broadcast and HD-HDDVD on my 34" Direct view and have heard some with as small as 26" displays and HDDVD 17 notebooks user enjoying it also.

Size does indeed matter in seeing the difference between HD and SD, but it is only one of many factors.

Size isn't even one of the factors, really. It's about the resolution and viewing angle. I get a larger viewing angle with my portable 9" DVD player than someone sitting 7 feet from a 50" plasma (I can't wait until someone comes out with an HD portable). The 17" Toshiba HD-DVD notebook has a full 1080p display and should benefit from HD much more than any 50" plasma (except the $8000 Pioneer Pro FHD-1).

--
Steve

Actually Philips tv's are quite good... to good!!!
My dads 21 year old 27 inch Philips cabinet tv just won't die and my dad wont upgrade till it does. Sadly, this thing seems like it will go on forever.

It just goes to show how silly brand loyalty is in this day and age. Brands are just marketing devices now and don't tell you anything about who designed, manufactured, or supports the product.

--
Steve

Nice display but since it's native resolution is 1,024x768 pixels, I would stay with the A2 and save 400 clams plus. How could you benefit from 1080p or 1080i? So unless you're future proofing (that's an idea) the A2 is just fine.Wirelessman:
I agree with HPforMe except that I think future proofing an item like this is impossible as it's evolving too fast. The additional $400 you spend now for an XA2 will be wasted until you by a 1080x1920 resolution TV that takes 1080P input (even then the difference between the A2 and the XA2 will be marginal). By the time you replace the TV, chances are excellent that you'll be able to buy a better player than the XA2 for $400 or less.

"Just thinking I might want the SD's out of the A2 at 480i over HDMI"

Does it put out 480i over HDMI, or just component?

Thanks

It would be nice to keep this thread on topic and not digress into displays etc. There is an info thread on the A2 where those types of posts belong. This thread is for end user experiences.

... does the A2 look better picture quality wise with HD DVDs than the A1???

I think the reason you are not getting a definitive answer is because both players are so close and the experience level with the A2 being so new that no one is willing to say the A2 is better. I will say that the A2 is no WORSE than the A1 for image quality. I don't think it is better, or at least, not better enough to justify replacing the A1 based on that alone. The A2 is, obviously, better in other areas, and worse in a few others.

For the record, I consider the A2 a worthwhile upgrade from the A1 using HDMI exclusively.

when will studios/HD tv's implement deep colour?

Ive read though a lot of these pages, people ask it... but is there any defenitive answer for us.... does the A2 look better picture quality wise with HD DVDs than the A1??? Iam really happy with my A1, and I have no one to sell it to really.... I dont want to jump to a A2 just yet if there is no real difference in over all picture quality. I can live with the quirks of the player (like load times and other things), but as long as the over all picture quality is about the same then im happy with my A1 for a while longer.


Both the A1 and the A2 are basically PCs running software, so I would expect the software algorithms for upscaling are pretty much the same for both units. The same goes for HD-DVD playback. The main differences will be in the hardware-based stuff like the new DVD-ROM drive (the same one in the Xbox 360 add-on) which does a better job getting the data off the disc, resulting in fewer freezes with marginal discs. There also seem to be some differences in HDMI resulting in fewer glitches between the player and the display when playback starts and better compatibility with various displays and HDMI switchers.

--
Steve

So picture quality is the same for HD DVD discs for both?

I was using a Panny plasma as well. I set and left the player at 1080i for all content. Even on a 720p plasma, I found 1080i from the Tosh looks the best.
SD, HD all look best at 1080i. So once you set it, you never need to switch it.
Excellent-thanks for the info, much appreciated
thetman

So picture quality is the same for HD DVD discs for both?

I'm betting that they are, but I guarantee that you will read opinions here about how much better the picture quality is with the A2 versus the A1, and other opinions about how much better the picture quality is with the A1 versus the A2 :) People will always claim to see and hear differences even when there aren't any.

--
Steve

So picture quality is the same for HD DVD discs for both?

Yes. PQ and AQ are pretty much the same for both players. The A-1 has analogs and better build. The A-2 has better operability and remote and some would say aesthetics.

They are fundamentally the same in terms of what appears on the screen or goes to the receiver....IMHO.

I just bought an A2 from BB. The only disk I have is Widescreen Nemo from Netflix. The disc will not play. It says cannot play the disk on screen and shows error message MSS 6 on the player. I have a Zenith DVB 318 DVD player and it plays Nemo with no problems. I have unplugged the player, pulled out the disk numerous times no change. AAAAaaaarrrgggghhh!

Yes. PQ and AQ are pretty much the same for both players. The A-1 has analogs and better build. The A-2 has better operability and remote and some would say aesthetics.

They are fundamentally the same in terms of what appears on the screen or goes to the receiver....IMHO.

I agree, they are both of equal capability when it comes to picture and sound. Which is very good indeed!

The only problem I see with the A2 is that most of us here a upgrading to it and that will leave few units in the stores for the average consumer.:) Not a bad problem to have.

How can deep color be a must have for HD when there are no displays that support it or any material encoded with it.


Now now, this is no place for logical questions. :D

I just bought an A2 from BB. The only disk I have is Widescreen Nemo from Netflix. The disc will not play. It says cannot play the disk on screen and shows error message MSS 6 on the player. I have a Zenith DVB 318 DVD player and it plays Nemo with no problems. I have unplugged the player, pulled out the disk numerous times no change. AAAAaaaarrrgggghhh!

Let me get this straight... you just bought an A2 ond the ONLY disk you own is Nemo Widescreen? :rolleyes:

I cant seem to find them in stock anywhere, anyone got a link :D

Let me get this straight... you just bought an A2 ond the ONLY disk you own is Nemo Widescreen? :rolleyes:

Seems like Nemo is the popular A2 test disc today. Wonder what the deal is with it not playing on some machines? Weird.

Try disconnecting your player and reconnecting after powering down and see if it works. If it works one time it'll work thereafter. I had such a problem with Superbit disks. Now they work fine. Give it a try....

Considering the amount of complains when the A1 hit the streets, the A2 has come a long way and make this very tempting. The question now becomes; do we wait until the A3 arrives?

Try disconnecting your player and reconnecting after powering down and see if it works. If it works one time it'll work thereafter. I had such a problem with Superbit disks. Now they work fine. Give it a try....

I pulled the electrical plug from the surge protector, waited 2-3 mins then plugged it back in and still cant play Nemo. Is there something else I should have done?

The trick is to get another disk to play. Play a rental disk if you can get one and then try Nemo again. Hopefully it's not a problem with your drive. I don't have Nemo, but I just put in Shrek and Cars and both started up fine on my A2.

I pulled the electrical plug from the surge protector, waited 2-3 mins then plugged it back in and still cant play Nemo. Is there something else I should have done?

Plazman,

Well, I did (a previous post),, Nemo didnt work, tried Cars and Incredibles and works fine..... I get error message 6 like the others.

I see someone else had a problem with Nemo as well. That's a pity. Hopefully the ones that played looked good. I've set mine to 1080i.

Try calling Toshiba support and see what that error means and if they recommend something.....

Wishing you all the best :)

I see someone else had a problem with Nemo as well. That's a pity. Hopefully the ones that played looked good. I've set mine to 1080i.

Try calling Toshiba support and see what that error means and if they recommend something.....

Wishing you all the best :)

Robert from VE posted he was contacting Toshiba Support Monday, Dec 11 to see what he could find out. Strange issue.

besides Nemo, I have also identified Fifth Element (Superbit) and Knight's Tale (Superbit) won't play.

BTW, I exchanged the player and the second player is doing the same thing.

besides Nemo, I have also identified Fifth Element (Superbit) and Knight's Tale (Superbit) won't play.

BTW, I exchanged the player and the second player is doing the same thing.

hmmm.. sounds like a firmware issue..huh?

I just had it freeze up while in the set up menu for The Two Towers. Unplugged it, tried again, everything worked fine.

Hi,

Can an HD-A2 owner check to see if component 1080i and HDMI are active at the same time?

besides Nemo, I have also identified Fifth Element (Superbit) and Knight's Tale (Superbit) won't play.

BTW, I exchanged the player and the second player is doing the same thing.

Thats not good. I guess my purchase plans are on hold.

Let me get this straight... you just bought an A2 ond the ONLY disk you own is Nemo Widescreen? :rolleyes:


Wrong! I don't own any! Nemo is from Netflix. I am planning on using Netflix or Blockbuster like I always have. My first disks I would own would be the three you get with the A2. 8*)

besides Nemo, I have also identified Fifth Element (Superbit) and Knight's Tale (Superbit) won't play.

BTW, I exchanged the player and the second player is doing the same thing.

Based on the track record of the studios that produced these DVDs, I bet anything it turns out to be an out-of-spec authoring issue, NOT the fault of the Toshiba, although Toshiba would be wise to fix it with firmware if they can. Sony in particular is known for releasing increasingly screwy DVDs these past few years in a totally fruitless attempt to deter ripping.

besides Nemo, I have also identified Fifth Element (Superbit) and Knight's Tale (Superbit) won't play.

BTW, I exchanged the player and the second player is doing the same thing.

I just put in Fifth Element and it plays fine. I don't have Knight's Tale

I just had it freeze up while in the set up menu for The Two Towers. Unplugged it, tried again, everything worked fine.

I reported earlier in this thread that my menu for HD DVD King Kong was very sluggish then froze..I did a cold reboot and it has worked fine since.. but I cant say the same for Nemo...

Tried to register my A2 online with Toshiba but A2 not listed yet from drop down model numbers. E-mailed them and reply was to send in the hard copy to register. I hate filling out those cards so hope the get the A2 listed in a few days. I e-mailed the CS and WebMaster both.

Why does it appear that Toshiba is doing a crappy job with their HD DVD when it come to their website and marketing in general? Who's running the show over at Toshiba? Sony executives? They should hire me over there and in not time I'll make sure the best HD playback format survives. :D

The trick is to get another disk to play. Play a rental disk if you can get one and then try Nemo again. Hopefully it's not a problem with your drive. I don't have Nemo, but I just put in Shrek and Cars and both started up fine on my A2.

Yes, I had issues with 1 commerical SD DVD with the A1 and a couple of my backups. I simply tried a different disc, waited for "DVD" to pop up (and then the menu) and then ejected the disc. Immediately I popped in the "unreadable" disc (disc error) and it would work. After it read it once it never gave an error. Its been 4 months and no error messages whatsoever or any issues at all.

Something must be odd with Nemo to have these issues. My Bram Stoker's Dracular Superbit and Snatch work with my A1, along with TFE. Others posted that Nemo worked for them. :confused:

I reported a couple of posts ago about LOTR freezing up, but Nemo is working just fine.

hmmm.. sounds like a firmware issue..huh?

Hope so. They can fix that.

Based on the track record of the studios that produced these DVDs, I bet anything it turns out to be an out-of-spec authoring issue, NOT the fault of the Toshiba, although Toshiba would be wise to fix it with firmware if they can. Sony in particular is known for releasing increasingly screwy DVDs these past few years in a totally fruitless attempt to deter ripping.

If these DVDs play fine in regular SD DVD players but not in the A2 then it doesn't matter if the DVDs are out of spec, the problem is with the A2. I hope these problems are resolved because I would like to be able to use the A2 as a drop-in replacement for an existing DVD player.

If they play fine in both, then it is not an hd-dvd.