Toshiba HD-A1 HD DVD - First End User Reports!

Ron-P · 04-14-06, 08:30 PM

The local Best Buy got in 3 today. One went up for display (they were hooking it up as I walked in) the other 2 were for sale. Bought their first one. I added the 4 year service plan for $40. Picked up an AR HDMI cable to hook it up. Here's a couple of pics.

More to come as I play around with it this weekend.

madpoet · 04-14-06, 08:31 PM

Well damn... Ron is first. But without the movies

Malcolm_B · 04-14-06, 08:36 PM

Way to go!
They do exist...they do exist!

Vizcaya · 04-14-06, 08:37 PM

What was your cost for the player?

Ron-P · 04-14-06, 08:39 PM

$499 plus tax and a $40 service plan, out the door for $578.73.

nyg · 04-14-06, 08:40 PM

Congrats Ron! New toys are a lot of fun. Hopefully you'll have some movies to enjoy soon. No doubt the service plan was a good idea too.

Jeffroy · 04-14-06, 08:58 PM

^ I am seething with jealousy!

I can imagine popping open the box and putting that beauty into my components rack.....I WANT IT!

rboster · 04-14-06, 09:01 PM

Ron: COngrats and enjoy this weekend. Do you own any non-region 1 dvd's? If so, could you verify that the player is region free on at least SD dvd's?

Thanks
Ron

hdtvhdtv · 04-14-06, 09:04 PM

Is the box really that big? Or is just the camera angle giving the appearance?

In the meantime, can you give us your take on how it performs with upconversion?
I'm sure a lot us are curious.

congrats!!!

Catdaddy67 · 04-14-06, 09:08 PM

The box?

brusteraider · 04-14-06, 09:11 PM

You found a store that was clueless about the april 18th policy COOL !!!

Edsynth · 04-14-06, 09:11 PM

Outstanding! Way to go Ron. I wish you (and the rest of us who will soon get ours) hundreds upon hundreds of hours of HD-DVD enjoyment. Wow, this really does make this whole thing feel real now. Thanks for posting Ron, I feel so much better now.

Please give us an update on how the SD DVD upconversion is if you can. Congrats!

BenDover · 04-14-06, 09:18 PM

Congrats...enjoy...now how about scanning the manual and posting?

j/k...enjoy your player and post when you have a chance

Ron-P · 04-14-06, 09:18 PM

Thanks guys. I'll post as much about it as I can, if, I can get out of the theater once I fire this thing up.

It is big, and heavy, feels very solid, well built.

I do not have any non-region 1 dvds so I cannot give you an answer Ron, sorry.

As soon as it's hooked up and running I'll report back with what SD-DVDs look like. It's being wired to a Sanyo Z3 with an 85" DIY gray screen.

MarcusInMD · 04-14-06, 09:24 PM

What I really want to know is does this player take over a minute to load a HD-DVD.

amirm · 04-14-06, 09:34 PM

The load time is 20-22 seconds for DVD once the machine is powered up. I have not timed how long it takes for it to start but it is similar amount....

Amir

MarcusInMD · 04-14-06, 09:35 PM

DVD or HD-DVD? So we are talking about 1 minute before any video is displayed?

skogan · 04-14-06, 09:37 PM

Congrats!

*Pops cork, throws confetti*

amirm · 04-14-06, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcusInMD

DVD or HD-DVD? So we are talking about 1 minute before any video is displayed?

HD DVD. DVD is a bit faster but not a whole lot more.

Yes, it is a bit long to be sure but it hasn't bothered me much. It is possible they can improve this in the future...

Amir

MacGP · 04-14-06, 09:41 PM

I love the black front panel, looks very nice.

Congratulations.

nataraj · 04-14-06, 09:48 PM

You should start the official HD-DVD A1/XA1 owner's thread.

vinodk · 04-14-06, 09:52 PM

Please post some pictures of back panel so we can finally put the issue of HD-A1 having 5.1 analog outputs to rest.
Thanks.

SurfingMatt27 · 04-14-06, 10:10 PM

Congrats

Seems your my first guinea pig

I expect a full detailed analysis in the morning

efranzen · 04-14-06, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinodk

Please post some pictures of back panel so we can finally put the issue of HD-A1 having 5.1 analog outputs to rest.
Thanks.

I was wondering the same thing. But then I noticed in the picture of the player sitting on the box, the tag on top of the player seems to indicate that it does have 5.1 analog outputs.

Robert D · 04-14-06, 10:32 PM

Rats, I would sell my cat to get my hands on a player.

MrBigglesworth · 04-14-06, 10:36 PM

Im sorry but what is an AR HDMI cable? Does it not come with its own HDMI cable or is this a special cable for your setup?

When I get mine I will have to use my HDMI to DVI cable that I currently use from my HDTivo.

Eddie Wan · 04-14-06, 10:41 PM

Dear Ron,

I am a guy from Hong Kong.

Could you, at your convenience, verify one thing for me: -

Does the player allow 720p/1080i video from its component output? This feature is just too important for the millions of people who have a older HDTV.

I only have a Japanese version CRT HD TV (Sony KV-36DZ950) which does not have a HDMI input. AV fans in Hong Kong is now considering getting HD-XA1 from Japan which has D3/D4 analog video output.

Robert D · 04-14-06, 10:51 PM

How about a comment on the fan noise level? You lucky dog you.

kanefsky · 04-14-06, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddie Wan

Dear Ron,

I am a guy from Hong Kong.

Could you, at your convenience, verify one thing for me: -

Does the player allow 720p/1080i video from its component output? This feature is just too important for the millions of people who have a older HDTV.

I only have a Japanese version CRT HD TV (Sony KV-36DZ950) which does not have a HDMI input. AV fans in Hong Kong is now considering getting HD-XA1 from Japan which has D3/D4 analog video output.

The player is required to obey what the disc says. All the initial HD-DVD discs will allow 720p/1080i output over component, but future discs may not. Copyrighted SD DVD discs cannot be upscaled to 720p/1080i over component, but non-copyrighted ones can.

--
Steve

dorokusai · 04-14-06, 11:01 PM

Ron - I'm with you...this format is exciting to me and while I haven't taken the plunge yet, HD-DVD or Blu-Ray is on my short list.

I'm looking forward to your comments upon actual viewing of some HD media.

04-14-06, 08:30 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
Ron-P AVS Special Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 1,046 Classified Rating: 100% (1)	Toshiba HD-A1 HD DVD - First End User Reports! The local Best Buy got in 3 today. One went up for display (they were hooking it up as I walked in) the other 2 were for sale. Bought their first one. I added the 4 year service plan for $40. Picked up an AR HDMI cable to hook it up. Here's a couple of pics. More to come as I play around with it this weekend.

04-14-06, 08:31 PM	#2 \| Link
madpoet AVS Special Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Connecticut Posts: 13,320	Well damn... Ron is first. But without the movies __________________ Someday maybe I'll actually WATCH my projector...

04-14-06, 08:39 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Ron-P AVS Special Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 1,046 Classified Rating: 100% (1)	$499 plus tax and a $40 service plan, out the door for $578.73.

04-14-06, 09:04 PM	#9 \| Link
hdtvhdtv Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 241	the box Is the box really that big? Or is just the camera angle giving the appearance? In the meantime, can you give us your take on how it performs with upconversion? I'm sure a lot us are curious. congrats!!!

04-14-06, 09:08 PM	#10 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Catdaddy67 AVS Special Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3,209	The box? __________________ My setup, still in progress: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=873911

04-14-06, 08:36 PM	#3 \| Link
Malcolm_B Forever Upgrading Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: CLASSIFIED Posts: 2,407	Way to go! They do exist...they do exist!

04-14-06, 08:37 PM	#4 \| Link
Vizcaya Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 107	What was your cost for the player?

04-14-06, 08:40 PM	#6 \| Link
nyg AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 6,687 Classified Rating: 100% (2)	Congrats Ron! New toys are a lot of fun. Hopefully you'll have some movies to enjoy soon. No doubt the service plan was a good idea too.

04-14-06, 08:58 PM	#7 \| Link
Jeffroy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada Posts: 346	^ I am seething with jealousy! I can imagine popping open the box and putting that beauty into my components rack.....I WANT IT!

04-14-06, 09:01 PM	#8 \| Link
rboster AVS Moderator AVS GOLD CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 12,437 Classified Rating: 100% (10)	Ron: COngrats and enjoy this weekend. Do you own any non-region 1 dvd's? If so, could you verify that the player is region free on at least SD dvd's? Thanks Ron

04-14-06, 09:11 PM	#11 \| Link
brusteraider Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 148	You found a store that was clueless about the april 18th policy COOL !!!

04-14-06, 09:11 PM	#12 \| Link
Edsynth Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: PA Posts: 51	Outstanding! Way to go Ron. I wish you (and the rest of us who will soon get ours) hundreds upon hundreds of hours of HD-DVD enjoyment. Wow, this really does make this whole thing feel real now. Thanks for posting Ron, I feel so much better now. Please give us an update on how the SD DVD upconversion is if you can. Congrats!

04-14-06, 09:18 PM	#13 \| Link
BenDover AVS Special Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NY Posts: 5,240	Congrats...enjoy...now how about scanning the manual and posting? j/k...enjoy your player and post when you have a chance

04-14-06, 09:18 PM	#14 \| Link
Ron-P AVS Special Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 1,046 Classified Rating: 100% (1)	Thanks guys. I'll post as much about it as I can, if, I can get out of the theater once I fire this thing up. It is big, and heavy, feels very solid, well built. I do not have any non-region 1 dvds so I cannot give you an answer Ron, sorry. As soon as it's hooked up and running I'll report back with what SD-DVDs look like. It's being wired to a Sanyo Z3 with an 85" DIY gray screen.

04-14-06, 09:24 PM	#15 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
MarcusInMD Really bored... Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Manchester, MD Posts: 1,248	What I really want to know is does this player take over a minute to load a HD-DVD. __________________ Our Home Theater Eastern United States Weather Forums

04-14-06, 09:34 PM	#16 \| Link
amirm AVS Addicted Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Washington State Posts: 11,207	The load time is 20-22 seconds for DVD once the machine is powered up. I have not timed how long it takes for it to start but it is similar amount.... Amir

04-14-06, 09:35 PM	#17 \| Link
MarcusInMD Really bored... Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Manchester, MD Posts: 1,248	DVD or HD-DVD? So we are talking about 1 minute before any video is displayed? __________________ Our Home Theater Eastern United States Weather Forums

04-14-06, 09:37 PM	#18 \| Link
skogan AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Koror, Palau Posts: 4,415	Congrats! Pops cork, throws confetti

04-14-06, 09:41 PM	#20 \| Link
MacGP New Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 13	I love the black front panel, looks very nice. Congratulations.

04-14-06, 09:48 PM	#21 \| Link
nataraj AVS Special Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: WA Posts: 8,020	You should start the official HD-DVD A1/XA1 owner's thread.

04-14-06, 09:52 PM	#22 \| Link
vinodk AVS Special Member AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Camarillo, California Posts: 1,762	Please post some pictures of back panel so we can finally put the issue of HD-A1 having 5.1 analog outputs to rest. Thanks. __________________ Vinod

04-14-06, 10:10 PM	#23 \| Link
SurfingMatt27 A/V Enthusiast/Gamer Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,721	Congrats Seems your my first guinea pig I expect a full detailed analysis in the morning

04-14-06, 10:32 PM	#25 \| Link
Robert D AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,084	Rats, I would sell my cat to get my hands on a player.

04-14-06, 10:36 PM	#26 \| Link
MrBigglesworth High Def Whore Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 476	Im sorry but what is an AR HDMI cable? Does it not come with its own HDMI cable or is this a special cable for your setup? When I get mine I will have to use my HDMI to DVI cable that I currently use from my HDTivo. __________________ I took the purple pill, format neutral! http://mrbiggles.blogspot.com

04-14-06, 10:41 PM	#27 \| Link
Eddie Wan New from Hong Kong Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 33	Dear Ron, I am a guy from Hong Kong. Could you, at your convenience, verify one thing for me: - Does the player allow 720p/1080i video from its component output? This feature is just too important for the millions of people who have a older HDTV. I only have a Japanese version CRT HD TV (Sony KV-36DZ950) which does not have a HDMI input. AV fans in Hong Kong is now considering getting HD-XA1 from Japan which has D3/D4 analog video output.

04-14-06, 10:51 PM	#28 \| Link
Robert D AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,084	How about a comment on the fan noise level? You lucky dog you.

04-14-06, 11:01 PM	#30 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
dorokusai Polk Audio CS Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Damascus, MD Posts: 34	Ron - I'm with you...this format is exciting to me and while I haven't taken the plunge yet, HD-DVD or Blu-Ray is on my short list. I'm looking forward to your comments upon actual viewing of some HD media.