Tosh G2 HD-A2 and HD-XA2 information and discussion - Page 6

Originally Posted by TheLion

So 3 big questions remain:

- How is the 1080p output handled? Which modes are supported (24p, 60p)? If 24p how is it achieved (native from disc or with 60i decoding and IVT) and what happens during IME?

- With the vast majority of European releases having lossless DTS HD Master Audio tracks onboard does at least the HD-XA2 support actually decoding it (or just extracting the DTS Core)?

- Have the G2 players been tested with HD45 triple layer discs and will they be supported - or do we have to buy new players when Triple Layer discs arrive mid of next year? (as hinted/"semi-confirmed" by an Toshiba tech)

Originally Posted by TrevorS

G2 can't officially support an unofficial disc specification, so you'll still be stuck with a speculative answer even if you find one.

What that Toshiba drive engineer said carries no weight whatsoever regarding the G1 players -- for all practical puposes, just another speculation. Whether it might apply to G2 depends on whether the drive is Toshiba or NEC.

-- Trevor

Originally Posted by Rob Tomlin

I'm surprised that so many people are apparently surprised by Toshiba's prices for these new players.

Robert and many others have said all along that the first gen models were incredible deals, and we all knew that Toshiba was probably even losing money on them. If that was the case, how could anyone reasonably expect new players to be released that would be priced even less? If they cost Toshiba less to manufacture now, it will finally allow them to make a little profit on the players. They aren't going to continue to lose money, obviously.

The main question is whether these new players will resolve the skipping/freezing issues that so many people have.

Originally Posted by DTV TiVo Dealer

It's all black, a glossy polished piano black. Black is beautiful!

-Robert

Originally Posted by TheLion

But G2 can unofficially support an upcoming disc specification when there actually are HD45 disc samples available by now (which is quite likely)...

Originally Posted by Jeff Lampert

Several good points on this thread. Basically, Toshiba's strategy is to maintain it's fundamental advantage over Blu-ray (as of today) in PQ. Then it upgrades to 1080p processed output and shorter load times to correct for these sound bite advantages of the Samsung. The higher MSRP allows comparable, or even better profit-taking for the dealer as well as flexibility in promoting and discounting. And the large majority of consumers, (who probably are not too concerned with analog 5.1) can get in on HD-DVD with the entry-level player. Unfortunately, the AVSer/videophile/audiophile who is strapped for cash hasn't a good option. Those that are aware will buy the HD-A1 for it's current discounted price. But four months from now, it'll be tougher for them.

Originally Posted by roma_victor

Good post. The a/v-philes here may not like the lack of analog 5.1 on the A2, but I think the A2 will be good for the survival and proliferation of HD DVD among the general public. Specifically, I believe that the G2 players will be an easier sell to non a/v-philes ('J6P' is a little too degatory for my taste) because it neutralizes some purported BR advantages (bad/unwieldy remote, slow boot time, lack of 1080p capability) while maintaining the same entry level price advantage.

HD-XA2 HD DVD content output at 1080p available only as a result of up-conversion...

Originally Posted by TrevorS

Trouble is, until the specification is formally approved by the DVD Forum, the specifications are subject to change. Sure, they probably won't, but there's no guarrantee. Manufacturers don't announce support of specifications that are not yet official -- otherwise, they could get embarassed (and have a big service/warranty problem as a result).

-- Trevor

35th Steering Committee Meeting (Sep. 12, 2006)

No. Voting Subject Result
1 Approval of "DVD Specifications for Recordable Disc for Dual Layer (DVD-R for DL) File System Specifications, Version 3.0" approved
2 Approval of "Inclusion of 44.1kHz audio family into HD DVD-Video as mandatory" approved
3 Approval of "Grace period of 18 months for inclusion of 44.1kHz audio family with the following strong recommendation:
-Upgrade should be made as soon as possible (far less than 18 months)" approved
4 Approval of "DVD Specifications for Re-recordable Disc for Dual Layer (DVD-RW for DL) Physical Specifications, Version 2.0" approved
5 Approval of "Version-up Information for the following Specifications:
-DVD Specifications for High Density Rewritable Disc (HD DVD-RAM) Physical Specifications (Version 1.0 to 1.1)
-DVD Specifications for High Density Recordable Disc (HD DVD-R) Physical Specifications (Version 1.0 to 1.1)
-DVD Specifications for High Density Recordable Disc for Dual Layer (HD DVD-R for DL) Physical Specifications (Version 2.0 to 2.1)
-DVD Specifications for High Density Re-recordable Disc (HD DVD-RW) Physical Specifications (Version 1.0 to 1.1)
-DVD Specifications for High Density Re-recordable Disc for Dual Layer (HD DVD-RW for DL) Physical Specifications (Version 2.0 to 2.1) " approved
6 Approval of "The following conceptual proposals:
-HD DVD application format (HD DVD-Video/Video Recording) recording on red laser DVD recordable media
-Red laser recording function: Type 1 & 2 (provisional approval and details including physical specifications will be decided for Type 2 later)
-Creation of format specifications by related WGs (WG-1, 3, 5, 6 and 9)" approved
7 Approval of "CSC to engage legal counsel to draft a memorandum of understanding between the DVD Forum and appropriate China parties to be identified by DVD Forum counsel:
-Ability to keep in China only
-Strong DVD forum participation in governance / verification
-Scope of use of technology
-Content protection
-Confidentiality
-Time line
-Expectations from China of DVD Forum
( spec updates, Logo, other) etc." approved
8 Approval of "DVD Specifications for High Density Read-Only Disc (HD DVD-ROM) Physical Specifications, Version 9.9 (for China Only)" approved
9 Approval of "Logo/Mark for an empty RAM case" approved
10 Approval of "The letter to be sent to DVD CCA from DVD Forum regarding multi region players currently available in the market place" approved

Originally Posted by Big J

From the Article:
"On October 10 Warner Home Video will release the 2005 blockbuster "Batman Begins," which includes brand new content in the In Movie Experience (IME), allowing consumers to enjoy this movie in a brand new way. On the same day, the popular animated holiday feature film "Polar Express," starring Tom Hanks, will make its debut in the HD DVD format."

Hmmm. Can we get a confirmation of this (especially for Batman)?
J

Originally Posted by oshodi

What specs are you reffering to? I just found this list of approved specs in the HD DVD Promotion Group's website, don't know if it might help;

http://www.dvdforum.org/35scmtg-resolution.htm

Originally Posted by Forceflow

Its been confirmed. Batman Begins and Polar Express are Oct. 10th. Discussion ongoing in software.

Originally Posted by TrevorS

My main question is whether or not they will sell like "hotcakes" (of course, if they have issues it's likely to effect that). I'm just hoping the A2 will fly -- boosted by a hard hitting marketing campaign. Also hoping for some more CE/Studio announcements during CEDIA.

-- Trevor

Originally Posted by ckelly33

Any word on whether the G2's will have a 'Resume Play' feature. This is one feature that was a killer for me.

Originally Posted by ckelly33

Any word on whether the G2's will have a 'Resume Play' feature. This is one feature that was a killer for me.

Originally Posted by Forceflow

Players have this function. The software needs to support the feature. The bookmark is the feature that HD DVD seems to rely upon for a "resume."

Originally Posted by DTV TiVo Dealer

I updated my technical specs on the dedicated G2 page and fixed the shopping cart. I have a few more fixes and updates coming along with the pdf data sheets, which I will have completed no later than tomorrow.

-Robert

Originally Posted by moodyman

So in a nutshell....

To get 'Dolby TrueHD' or 'DTS-HD' out of the HD-A2 you will need an HDMI input on your receiver.

Do I have this right??

Originally Posted by Rob Tomlin

That's my understanding as well. It doesn't have anything to do with the player.

Originally Posted by Bill C.

Thank you for spreading the word, Robert. But what's MAP (as opposed to MSRP)?