Which model will perform better if the cable company or DVD came in at 720 the 3000 just supports 1080. The 2020 supports 480, 720,& 1080 I am going to purchase the 3000 but I do not want it blurry because the HD is 720.

They both will upconvert a 720p signal to 1080p.

Which model will perform better if the cable company or DVD came in at 720 the 3000 just supports 1080. The 2020 supports 480, 720,& 1080 I am going to purchase the 3000 but I do not want it blurry because the HD is 720.

You need to do some more research when it comes to HD signals and DVD disc. The A3000 is the successor to the A2020(A2000, only difference is color) The A3000 actually comes with the new HDMI 1.3A spec. Deep Color support, 120Hz and the display is 1080P(just like the previous A2020,A2000)

It wouldn't matter if we were talking about a Plasma, DLP or a 15" LCD a 720P signal is not going to look blurry on an HDTV. Period

You need to do some more research when it comes to HD signals and DVD disc. The A3000 is the successor to the A2020(A2000, only difference is color) The A3000 actually comes with the new HDMI 1.3A spec. Deep Color support, 120Hz and the display is 1080P(just like the previous A2020,A2000)

It wouldn't matter if we were talking about a Plasma, DLP or a 15" LCD a 720P signal is not going to look blurry on an HDTV. Period

Has deep color support for A3000 been confirmed?

It has HDMI 1.3A, but not sure if deep color is activated. On XBR5, deep color is referenced.

Has deep color support for A3000 been confirmed?

It has HDMI 1.3A, but not sure if deep color is activated. On XBR5, deep color is referenced.

AHHHH,

Yes I see the reference difference from the Sony Style website. Well if that is the case that leans me all the way towards the XBR5 for sure. I currently have the 60 XBR1 and 70 XBR2.

AHHHH,

Yes I see the reference difference from the Sony Style website. Well if that is the case that leans me all the way towards the XBR5 for sure. I currently have the 60 XBR1 and 70 XBR2.

After some quick googling, deep color is irrelevant.
See here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...p?p=10027178&&

Bottom line:
1) Deep color is not in BD or HD-DVD spec. So non-factor for next-gen movies.
2) Deep color (10-bit up to 16-bit) requires so much extra bandwidth that sattelite/cable/broadcast won't be offering it anytime soon (like 10+ years out)
3) xvYCC (wider color range) is not in BD/HD-DVD specs either. Only relevant feature is that some Sony camcorders allow recording in xvYCC. Otherwise, broader adoption is still years away (but could come more quickly than Deep Color because doesn't have bandwidth hurdle)

Bottom-bottom line:
Since A3000 has 24P True Cinema and xvYCC (and maybe if lucky also Deep Color), XBR5 offers very little advantages (in my opinion).

Good news for me. This tv has all the future-proof features I want right now. Will probably upgrade from 4-year old Panny LCD RPTV in a few months.

After some quick googling, deep color is irrelevant.
See here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...p?p=10027178&&

Bottom line:
1) Deep color is not in BD or HD-DVD spec. So non-factor for next-gen movies.
2) Deep color (10-bit up to 16-bit) requires so much extra bandwidth that sattelite/cable/broadcast won't be offering it anytime soon (like 10+ years out)
3) xvYCC (wider color range) is not in BD/HD-DVD specs either. Only relevant feature is that some Sony camcorders allow recording in xvYCC. Otherwise, broader adoption is still years away (but could come more quickly than Deep Color because doesn't have bandwidth hurdle)

Bottom-bottom line:
Since A3000 has 24P True Cinema and xvYCC (and maybe if lucky also Deep Color), XBR5 offers very little advantages (in my opinion).

Good news for me. This tv has all the future-proof features I want right now. Will probably upgrade from 4-year old Panny LCD RPTV in a few months.

You must have missed this and by the way I never said that it was available today or right now for movies. But it is coming.


WAYNE, NJ - AUGUST 6, 2007
TOSHIBA TO DEBUT THIRD GENERATION HD DVD PLAYERS FOR HIGH DEFINITION ENTHUSIASTS
Toshiba takes the Hi Def movie experience to a whole new level with 24 frames per second support, CE-Link connectivity, High Bit Rate Audio capabilities and unmatched interactivity functionality
Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba"), announced today its third generation of HD DVD players for the U.S. market. Continuing to outpace the competition in sales of dedicated high definition players and responding to increased consumer demand, Toshiba revealed three new sleek and stylish models for an ultimate HD home movie experience. With all three new models priced under $500 (MSRP), Toshiba is delivering a powerful line-up of HD DVD players designed to meet the aggressive growth in demand for high definition TVs.

"With a majority market share in unit sales of next generation DVD players, consumers are speaking loud and clear, and they are adopting HD DVD as their HD movie format of choice," said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "Because of the proven manufacturing efficiencies of the HD DVD format, Toshiba can bring this level of innovation in technology to a new generation of players with cutting-edge functionality at affordable prices."

Building on the success of its first and second generation players, new leading enhancements in select models in the third generation line include an improvement in video performance with 1080p/24 frames per second (24p) support. Movie films are traditionally captured at 24 frames per second and select Toshiba third generation HD DVD players will be able to maintain this frame rate allowing consumers to enjoy movies in their native frame rate.

Also added to the line is "CE-Link" (HDMI™ CEC) connectivity which offers the capability to communicate with and control another CE device in a whole new way. For instance, using "CE-Link" with "One Touch Play" consumers will be able to turn on a CEC capable HDTV and a Toshiba HD DVD player, and start playing a movie, with a single touch of a button on the player remote.

Toshiba Third Generation HD DVD Models

Toshiba's third generation family starts with the entry level HD-A3 player featuring 1080i output capability. The other two new models, Toshiba's HD-A30 and HD-A35, will output 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080p), the highest HD signal currently available. Both models are capable of outputing signals at 1080p/24 frames per second so consumers can enjoy movies in their native frame rate. The HD-A30 and HD-A35 models also feature "CE-Link" (HDMI CEC), allowing two-way control between the HD DVD player and a TV through an HDMI connection.

The top-of-the-line HD-A35 also adds support for Deep Color via HDMI allowing compatible display devices to deliver outstanding video quality — displaying millions of possible colors to billions of possible colors.

Additionally, the HD-A35 offers 5.1 channel analog output and High Bit Rate Audio (up to 7.1 channel) via HDMI. With content encoded in 7.1ch, this advanced surround sound is achieved through the HDMI connection bypassing the player's internal audio processor and sending the signal to a 7.1 capable A/V receiver. High Bit Rate Audio will allow the consumer to integrate the HD-A35 with the latest multi-channel A/V receivers and enjoy a whole new dimension of high definition home entertainment.

All of Toshiba's third generation HD DVD players are refined with new cosmetic designs. Rounded edges, slim chassis (only 59.5 mm — nearly half as tall as first generation players) and high gloss, black acrylic face plates create very sleek devices — a perfect complement to Toshiba's award winning REGZA® HD LCD televisions.

Beyond the Hi Def Movie Experience

Starting with 1st generation players, all of Toshiba's HD DVD players support the enhanced features of the HD DVD format mandated by the DVD Forum including picture-in-picture video, audio commentary and the ability to allow web-enabled network capabilities. Using the Ethernet ports found on all Toshiba HD DVD players, once connected to the network, users can access bonus features, as available, from a movie studio's server. This data is then saved in the player's persistent storage and can be accessed by the user. In addition to accessing new bonus features, some HD DVD discs may include locked prerecorded content which can be unlocked with a downloadable key from the studio's online server. Web-enabled capability is now opening the door to a new entertainment experience beyond hi def video and audio.

"Consumers will always have a consistent experience with HD DVD as we have an established platform to keep the players updated to ensure the ultimate HD movie experience," said Yoshi Uchiyama, Group Vice President, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "A mandatory Ethernet port in all HD DVD players ensures that consumers can receive updates to their units to support the latest offerings from the studios and maximizing their investment in the format."

All of Toshiba's HD DVD models are backward compatible allowing users to enjoy their libraries of current DVD and CD software while enhancing the look of regular DVDs by upconverting them to near high definition quality.

For more information on HD DVD, please visit www.toshibahddvd.com.

Expected Pricing and Expected Availability:
HD-A3 ($299.99, October 2007)
HD-A30 ($399.99, September 2007)
HD-A35 ($499.99, October 2007)


http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/news/newsarticle.asp?newsid=173


But thanks for pointing the difference between the A3000 and XBR5

Are HD-DVD discs being encoded with that many colors? If not, then has there been any word of when they will be?

Are HD-DVD discs being encoded with that many colors? If not, then has there been any word of when they will be?


Not the current ones which is has been stated for both BR and HD-DVD

You need to do some more research when it comes to HD signals and DVD disc. The A3000 is the successor to the A2020(A2000, only difference is color) The A3000 actually comes with the new HDMI 1.3A spec. Deep Color support, 120Hz and the display is 1080P(just like the previous A2020,A2000)

It wouldn't matter if we were talking about a Plasma, DLP or a 15" LCD a 720P signal is not going to look blurry on an HDTV. Period

Incorrect and disagree completely. Here is what I see.

I have a 50 inch Sony GW3, which is an LCD RPTV from 2004. It's native resolution is 788p. 720p and 1080i both looked good on this set with slight edge to 1080i. There was NEVER artifacting that I could see with 720p programming.

I have the 60 A3000 and when I watch 720p programming like ESPN, or ABC, there is some artifacting/mosquito noise although it is very minor and nothing like when HD sets upconvert 480i to standard def signals adding in all that bogus info.

You must have missed this and by the way I never said that it was available today or right now for movies. But it is coming.


WAYNE, NJ - AUGUST 6, 2007

The top-of-the-line HD-A35 also adds support for Deep Color via HDMI allowing compatible display devices to deliver outstanding video quality — displaying millions of possible colors to billions of possible colors.


This is misleading. The players have support for deep color just by nature of having HDMI 1.3. But the problem is the content (BD or HD-DVD discs) don't contain deep color information, nor does specification even allow for deep color.
So practical implication is deep color is not relevant and will not be coming any time soon.

I'm no expert; just interpreting the info I have seen in other places.
Hopefully, this will make people realize there is no point in waiting until next year's model for deep color because there is no content to take advantage of it.

Speaking as an owner of both an A3000 and and A2000, the A2000 can't produce the image that the A3000 does when given a 1080p/24 source, this is an obvious statement and it is why I bought the TV sight unseen. I've have watched a few Blu-rays since I got my TV on friday and I am very amazed at the PQ. It's almost like you're part of the movie or you're the cameraman. I'm not kidding. I've never been so impressed with film before in my life. I'm watching We Were Soldiers and this movie looks so good I had to stop it and post how happy I am with it. People in other threads are currently talking about the A3000's faults and not talking about the reasons to buy one of these in the first place. Most people want it for HD movies and that is where this TV shines. I don't regret selling my A2000 and buying the A3000 at all and I even have visitation rights with the A2000 because it now belongs to my mom. If you view these TVs in a BB or CC, don't expect much compared to other TVs on the showroom floor. However, ask the saleman to feed it a 1080p/24 source and you will definitely feel differently about this TV.

the only time HD-DVD or Blu-Ray would support xvYCC or Deep Color is if they put out specially marked discs that only played in supporting players.

Kind of like Superbit. That would be a long way off, though. Probably 5+ years if ever.

Hey, mboojigga, what do you think of that 70XBR2? I am thinking of getting that set to replace my Hitachi 70VS810. Now that I am reading about the new A3000, I am throwing that on my list too. Which would you guys say is the better TV? As far as I can tell the biggest I can get the A3000 in is a 60, is that correct? I haven't ruled ANY set out as yet, from any manufactorer, so any input is greatly appreciated.

stevens69, I agree completely. Blu Ray movies on this set at 1080p@24fps is amazing. Watch moving water like a river and it is like you are there. In fact HDnet's logo is "it's like being there", and with BD 1080p24fps it is like that often on the 60A3000. VERY 3D.

Somewhere I read, maybe in the Sony manual, that some broadcast stations do 24p.

stevens69, I agree completely. Blu Ray movies on this set at 1080p@24fps is amazing. Watch moving water like a river and it is like you are there. In fact HDnet's logo is "it's like being there", and with BD 1080p24fps it is like that often on the 60A3000. VERY 3D.

Somewhere I read, maybe in the Sony manual, that some broadcast stations do 24p.

Virtually all Broadcast Masters and film are done in 24fps so that when it's fed to a native panel and via a BD that does 24p you get HD heaven. It's (1080P/24)folded within the broadcast.:)

Because a p24 signal can be perfectly "folded" into an i60 carrier2.

Most of the HDTV material you could tune into tonight falls into one of two categories: either the material was shot with a digital camera at 1080p24, or it was shot on 35mm film and transferred to this very same 1080p24 digital format. With the exception of some sports and some other "live" shows, everything from sitcoms to dramas, and of course all movies, fall into this 1080p24 realm.

anyone have tosh a2 hd dvd and see how 24p movies look on a3000? do they give the same pq as the blu ray owners are raving about?

anyone have tosh a2 hd dvd and see how 24p movies look on a3000? do they give the same pq as the blu ray owners are raving about?

to date, none of the hd-dvd players output 24p yet, although the toshiba xa2 will have a firmware update in september (i think). i'm looking to upgrade my A2000 to an A3000. it should go great with my XA2! :D

to date, none of the hd-dvd players output 24p yet, although the toshiba xa2 will have a firmware update in september (i think). i'm looking to upgrade my A2000 to an A3000. it should go great with my XA2! :D

HD-A35 ($500, October 2007): In addition to the same features as the HD-A30, the top-end model in the fall 2007 lineup adds 5.1-channel analog audio outs, support for Deep Color video and HDMI passthrough audio


http://reviews.cnet.com/video-players-and-recorders/toshiba-hd-a35/4505-6463_7-32563582.html

Hey, mboojigga, what do you think of that 70XBR2? I am thinking of getting that set to replace my Hitachi 70VS810. Now that I am reading about the new A3000, I am throwing that on my list too. Which would you guys say is the better TV? As far as I can tell the biggest I can get the A3000 in is a 60, is that correct? I haven't ruled ANY set out as yet, from any manufactorer, so any input is greatly appreciated.

Great display for me It is in my main room as the 60 " XBR1 was before it. Honestly if you had to make a choice between the two I think it will come down to cosmetic design of the displays. The speakers are removable for the XBR2 which is a good thing really no point with the surround. Pretty confident the new models will have a great pic to them also. Might want to hurry up and see how much longer you have to get an XBR2 as far as Circuit City we have no more in the warehouse for our area.

Well thats, just it, my CC said they couldnt get me a 70XBR2. Which I thought was total bull since they carry Sony products. I think they just want me to pick from something in-store, but they didnt have anything bigger than a 55 inch at the time. So needless to say, a trade didn't happen. This is a warranty exchange so I dont want ot get less TV than I have right now. If you have seen the A3000 in person, can you tell me which you would choose between it and the 70XBR2. Is 60'' the largest the A3000 comes in? I am currently seated about 15 feet away from my TV in the condo I live in now. Also does anyone know if the A3000 has any of the green blob issues, or were they pretty much taken care of since the A2020? Thanks!

Well thats, just it, my CC said they couldnt get me a 70XBR2. Which I thought was total bull since they carry Sony products. I think they just want me to pick from something in-store, but they didnt have anything bigger than a 55 inch at the time. So needless to say, a trade didn't happen. This is a warranty exchange so I dont want ot get less TV than I have right now. If you have seen the A3000 in person, can you tell me which you would choose between it and the 70XBR2. Is 60'' the largest the A3000 comes in? I am currently seated about 15 feet away from my TV in the condo I live in now. Also does anyone know if the A3000 has any of the green blob issues, or were they pretty much taken care of since the A2020? Thanks!

No, not Bull. None of the big box stores carry anything but what they carry.....regardless of brand.

The 60" is as big as the A3000 gets. No blob issues reported yet, but it's still very early.

I was going to order the 55A3000 from Sony but got frustrated with the lack of help on financing. Long story short, they approved most of it, but then wouldn't let me pay the difference on a credit card! So I either put the whole thing on my cc, or move on!

With that said, I've come back to looking at the 55A2020. I can get it for a good deal cheaper right now, and get it pretty quickly. With that said, what is the biggest difference between the 2020 and the 3000, and is it something I should definitely go for at this point? I do love my bd movies and also have hd-dvd. Please help me with some input. Thanks.

Best Buy has 2 years financing... its where I bought mine.

You can have them price match techdepot.com, which sells the set for $1965.95. If they give you a hard time, mention that techdepot is officedepot (which is a real established company).

http://www.techdepot.com/pro/product.asp?productid=5616358

You can split the financing there.

Best Buy has 2 years financing... its where I bought mine.

You can have them price match techdepot.com, which sells the set for $1965.95. If they give you a hard time, mention that techdepot is officedepot (which is a real established company).

http://www.techdepot.com/pro/product.asp?productid=5616358

You can split the financing there.

Tried this at my local and new BB last night and the manager emphatically refused saying TD is not a local B&M store. Oh well.

Sony told me I could use their gift cards to pay the balance (using my cc to buy the gift cards) and that's a great idea. Only problem is that they mail the gift cards! I don't know why they don't offer the ability to have the gift card number emailed so that I (or anyone receiving one) could use it online right away.

What are the main differences between the A3000 and the A2020?

Tried this at my local and new BB last night and the manager emphatically refused saying TD is not a local B&M store. Oh well.

Well, if you don't care about the financing... Bestbuy.com matches any online price. You just have to call up the customer service number... Like I said though, you don't get the financing then...

You could also try circuitcity, or some other price matching store..

Sony told me I could use their gift cards to pay the balance (using my cc to buy the gift cards) and that's a great idea. Only problem is that they mail the gift cards! I don't know why they don't offer the ability to have the gift card number emailed so that I (or anyone receiving one) could use it online right away.

What are the main differences between the A3000 and the A2020?

Spec wise, not much. 120hz / 24p motion viewing is the biggest difference really. It also uses the bravia engine instead of the WEGA engine, although the scaling is done by the same DRC chip (found in the xbr 1). Then there is the xv color, and some people have been saying it is even 10 bit color (unconfirmed). The set is also slimmer, with supposedly a slight decrease in viewing angles (I didn't notice it in a side by side comparison).

All of that aside, the internals may be slightly better. To me, the A3000 looked a bit clearer than the A2020, however this isn't by leaps and bounds... could've also been that the A3000 was new out of the box, while the A2020 had been collecting some dust inside for 6 months.

It seems though, that this set really shines at 1080p from what I'm hearing from the owners thread.

I doubt it will look THAT much different from a 480,720 or 1080i source... Of course, they are both roughly the same price, and 1080p is the future..

This is misleading. The players have support for deep color just by nature of having HDMI 1.3. But the problem is the content (BD or HD-DVD discs) don't contain deep color information, nor does specification even allow for deep color.
So practical implication is deep color is not relevant and will not be coming any time soon.

I'm no expert; just interpreting the info I have seen in other places.
Hopefully, this will make people realize there is no point in waiting until next year's model for deep color because there is no content to take advantage of it.

Correct. They have an HDMI 1.3 chip so they claim it can pass deep color. Too bad the HD-DVD spec doesn't include it so none of the HD-DVDs have it. They would have to update the HD-DVD spec and then produce players that could read it before you have any chance of actually seeing deep color. Marketing at it's best.

[QUOTE=Brandonw27858;11443456]Well thats, just it, my CC said they couldnt get me a 70XBR2. Which I thought was total bull since they carry Sony products. I think they just want me to pick from something in-store, but they didnt have anything bigger than a 55 inch at the time. So needless to say, a trade didn't happen. This is a warranty exchange so I dont want ot get less TV than I have right now. If you have seen the A3000 in person, can you tell me which you would choose between it and the 70XBR2. Is 60'' the largest the A3000 comes in? I am currently seated about 15 feet away from my TV in the condo I live in now.

Oh man, if you are sitting at 15' away, then you NEED a 70" something unit. 70" is actually a bit "small" from 15'.

Heh. Wouldn't it be easier (and cheaper) just to move the couch closer to the tv?

Techdepot has a good price on the XBR2 but nothing else...
Now wolvernole,depends on preference where i think most people would think a 60 is way too big from 15' back..
Also brandon...Just cause CC carries Sony doesnt mean they can get every Sony product.Depends on there buyers,strategies and other things..We carry almost every thing Sny but couldnt get a 60XBR2 or 70XBR2 when we had all the XBR1's...

Techdepot has a good price on the XBR2 but nothing else...
Now wolvernole,depends on preference where i think most people would think a 60 is way too big from 15' back..
Also brandon...Just cause CC carries Sony doesnt mean they can get every Sony product.Depends on there buyers,strategies and other things..We carry almost every thing Sny but couldnt get a 60XBR2 or 70XBR2 when we had all the XBR1's...

Is it possible for the A2020 to support 24P with a firmware upgrade?

Is it possible for the A2020 to support 24P with a firmware upgrade?

I doubt if it could why would Sony even bother doing this. They might as well delay the release of the 3000's if thats the case.

Agreed...

Heh. Wouldn't it be easier (and cheaper) just to move the couch closer to the tv?

You would think so, but the way my room is set up, no. The couch is pretty much not gonna be able to be moved anywhere else. So, do you guys think I would be better off to get the 70XBR2 or the smaller and cheaper 60A3000? The price really doesnt matter to me because the amount that I got back covers the price of teh 70XBR2 completely.

Is it possible for the A2020 to support 24P with a firmware upgrade?

No, they would have to modify the electronics to support something other than a 60hz refresh rate, which would be a major change.

Does the A3000 do PIP?

Does the A3000 do PIP?

Sadly, it doesn't. :(