Picked up the HD-XA2 tonight
Just to preface I am a big DVD collector that only recently starting getting AV equipment to boost the movie viewing experience. As a result may not know that many technical details but will try to make a few comments
Build: Not the armor plated HD-A1 but quite solid. Still a fairly large unit compared to the other DVD players that I have had. Slimmer then the A-1 with what I would call a typical height and fairly deep. Certainly much cooler looking then the A-1
Remote: Same style as the A-1 but much more responsive. Not exactly what I was expecting but an improvement. Better and more readable labels. Personally I do not really care for this style of directional control but maybe that is because I rarely play video games
SetUp: Screens are simular to the A-1 but with a few more options
StartUp: My times were about 30-35 seconds to the welcome screen and about 45 seconds to begin play of HD DVD[King Kong] from power on
Picture: On my 42 inch 1080p LCD I noticed an upgrade in picture over the A-1 via the HDMI output. More then I was expecting
Detail and depth in King Kong seemed better to my eyes with more robust blacks
Audio: Functions differently over the analog outputs then the A-1. Hard to specify but the default base level is certainly different
Overall I am pretty pleased with this player so far. Note that in addition to the A-1 which I am now retiring I have the PS3 60 -- Ed