Tosh G2 HD-A2 and HD-XA2 information and discussion - Page 9

Originally Posted by rover2002

Maybe they will announce the new 3gen Tosh today 'R2 D2'

Originally Posted by Neo1965

Trevor,

Lets face it, if your HD-A1 takes half the time to boot and half the time to load a disk, you'll take it without batting an eyelid. In that sense, the A2 is an upgrade of the HD-A1, which now looks like a bad purchase, especially in view of I got the 2nd one less than 2 months ago from Robert at his full price (ok, 2 free movies, free shipping).

Since we all have a good idea of what happens to street pricing of true mass prodution CE devices, the price of the A2 is likely to be quite reasonable for a 2nd or 3rd player. The HD-A2 is an upgrade over the HD-A1 because it is more functional and usable unit and should have some fo the rougher edges smoothed.

XA2 on the other hand, is hard to tell. It has a compelling 1080P feature (if done to match the content), but the MAP is clearly not entry level.

I might still just get the XA2 just to see what it's like.

Toshiba Shows Next-Gen HD DVD Players


By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 9/15/2006 6:10:00 AM
Denver Nearly six months into the launch of HD DVD, Toshiba introduced a pair of next-generation players, including a model that will support 1,080p high-definition video output.

The new models include the new entry HD-A2, shipping in October at a $499 suggested retail, and the new step-up HD-XA2, shipping in December at a $999 suggested retail. Both will offer performance and functionality improvements over the initial HD-A1 and HD-XA2 versions that are now in stores, including improved remote controls.


The flagship HD-XA2 will incorporate the new 1.3 version of the HDMI spec, said Jodi Sally, Toshiba A/V products group marketing VP, and will output high-definition in all major formats including 1,920 by 1,080p. Toshiba will use the capability to support the company's growing assortment of native 1,080p video displays, and to answer competitors planning to launch Blu-ray Disc players with full 1,080p output later in the fall.
The XA2 will also add 12-bit video DACs with 4x over-sampling at 297MHz, bi-directional RS-232, adjustable picture setting function and a more compact brushed aluminum housing than the first generation.

Both players will also include out-of-the-box support for the Dolby TruHD 5.1 audio format a feature that was also recently added to the first-generation players through a firmware update.

The entry HD-A2 model features a slimmer cabinet design, and will output HD content in either the 720p or 1,080i picture formats.

Toshiba also brought to CEDIA its HD DVD Mobile Experience 18-wheel truck, offering demonstrations of HD DVD players and various Toshiba high-definition video displays. In includes various Mark Levinson audio components and Microsoft HD DVD products.

The truck will be taken on a tour of more than 10 major cities across the nation between now and the end of January.

Originally Posted by ctakim

That is what I want to know, is the 1080/24 fully kept in that form from the disc master to the HDTV output? No internal deinterlacing? If so, I wonder what that might do to picture quality. Better HD-DVD than what we have yet seen?? Scary thought!

Originally Posted by Neo1965

Trevor,

Lets face it, if your HD-A1 takes half the time to boot and half the time to load a disk, you'll take it without batting an eyelid. In that sense, the A2 is an upgrade of the HD-A1, which now looks like a bad purchase, especially in view of I got the 2nd one less than 2 months ago from Robert at his full price (ok, 2 free movies, free shipping).

Since we all have a good idea of what happens to street pricing of true mass prodution CE devices, the price of the A2 is likely to be quite reasonable for a 2nd or 3rd player. The HD-A2 is an upgrade over the HD-A1 because it is more functional and usable unit and should have some fo the rougher edges smoothed.

XA2 on the other hand, is hard to tell. It has a compelling 1080P feature (if done to match the content), but the MAP is clearly not entry level.

I might still just get the XA2 just to see what it's like.

Originally Posted by Tolstoi

I don't agree with you on this. Unless you have an HDMI capable receiver or audio processor, the A2 is a significant downgrade compared to the A1. The 3 titles I watched using TrueHD were just amazing. You will not get this with the A2. I have the impression people will run to get an A1 while it is available. The slow boot is nothing compare to loosing TrueHD and who knows DTS-MA down the road.

Originally Posted by Maestro J

I'm still unclear on something pertaining to the comparison between A1 and A2....
If A2 is 1.2a HDMI, then what was A1? Is it 1.1 or 1.2? What would be the differences if any in PQ?

Originally Posted by trueimage

Engadget has some photos and info.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/14/t...ion-to-the-us/

Originally Posted by Fettastic

Weird that the XA2 still supports S-video and particularly composite video.

I haven't read the whole thread yet, but it seems to me that the biggest question is, do the new players have region coding?

...until ddthd decoding was added to the g1 players, i had been using the s/pdif output and was loving it, even for dd+ audio...and to be honest, i'm not sure i hear the difference using the analogs and playing the full ddthd tracks as opposed to dd+

Originally Posted by jrusnak

How can the A2 "support" Dolby TruHD without analog outputs?

Originally Posted by GoldenBoy

Here's an article from iTWire about the new Toshibas, I don't know if it adds much information, but here it is anyway :

"Both players will also include out-of-the-box support for the Dolby TruHD 5.1 audio format a feature that was also recently added to the first-generation players through a firmware update."QUOTE]

How can the A2 "support" Dolby TruHD without analog outputs?

Originally Posted by Jason Pancake

CRT projectors that are capable of 1080p don't have internal de-interlacing capabilities. The XA2 may be of some benefit to those of us that have them.

Originally Posted by jrusnak


Via HDMI, if the owner has an a/v with HDMI inputs/output. See page 59 of the HD-A1 User Manual... no change for HDMI.

Originally Posted by vancouver

I have to admit I am very surprised by all of this.

So basically if I want to be able to listen to TrueHD I have to buy an A1 or wair until Dec/Jan to get an XA2?

The A2 is not fully a next gen player if it does not allow you to play TrueHD. For that reason the A2 is a serious leap back. Anyone who buys that unit is ill informed, and setting themself up or an almost garaunteed future upgrade.

I was waiting on te G2 players before I purchase, but now I guess ill get the A1. By the time the XA2 comes who needs Component out? recievers with 1.3 will be only a few months away at that point.

Is it me or is the smarted thing to do if you want to experience the full next gen inculding video and audio is to get the A1 and then wait until 1.3 is available in both DVD players and processsors?

Originally Posted by FroDaddy

I don't want you to mislead someone since most of your post was accurate, but I felt I needed to post this to comment on your opinion on DD+ and DDTHD.



My testing proved otherwise. There was a night and day difference between the DD+ and TrueHD tracks (using Training Day to test). Midrange was drastically improved, highs were better, and bass was tightened. Dialog was the most obvious, but the surrounds are more clear and thus the soundtrack has more direction.

I have The Perfect Storm and Troy in my Netflix que and personally I can't wait to hear the TrueHD soundtracks on those movies!

Originally Posted by jmpage2

The A2 will let you play TrueHD no problem, you just have to have a receiver that can get the signal via HDMI.

Originally Posted by vancouver

Anyone heard of a reciever like this? I havent even heard of one being launched until the new year.

Also my mistake. i was under the impresion the HDMI 1.1 or 1.2 could not transwer both 1080i/p and 5.1 TrueHD,

Originally Posted by Neo1965

I like good audio, but existing DTS and AC3 processing on my receiver are already above the required bar for me. Try as I might, I have not been able to audibly tell the difference between movies in DTS or AC3, or for that matter between LPCM stereo and 384kbps DD stereo for concert DVDs. In fact, when I listen to the eagles hell freezes over, I always picked the DTS over the LPCM.

This TrueHD thing is kind of an alien concept to me meaning I don't find it useful. It was hard enough to setup the wiring behind the wall on my two movie rooms for 5.1 speakers, all the AV switching (except the HDMI and DVI connections ) are done by the receivers. Meaning, I'm not going to put another two speakers in there for this TrueHD thing (or whatever it needs) because the AC3 and DTS are performing more than adequately for me.

Of course, this is just my opinion and you probably have better ears than I do.

Originally Posted by jmpage2

The A2 will let you play TrueHD no problem, you just have to have a receiver that can get the signal via HDMI.