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Tosh HD-A2 HD DVD - First End User Reports! - Page 53

post #1561 of 5303
1/22/07 at 11:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jschilds View Post

i'm running 1080i through a 50 inch 1366x768 panasonic plasma. it makes a difference to me on certain movies and only takes a second to switch back if it's unsatisfactory

Jschilds, could you tell us which movies in particular seemed better to you when you switched the pitcure mode setting to "video" as opposed to "auto". I too have a 42 " pany plasma with the A2 set to output 1080i in the "auto" picture mode. I would like to know if anyone else out there has tried this and get better results on certain movies!

P.S. Let us know if the movie(s) is/are in an HD DVD or SD DVD format.

Thanks

Paul
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post #1562 of 5303
1/22/07 at 12:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaronwt View Post

The A2 is the best bang for the buck. An upconverting player and it also plays HD DVDs which no upconverted DVD can match. If yoe're going to spend a couple hundred on an upconverting player you might as well spend a couple hundred more to get HD DVD playback.

Thanks for chiming in with some input. I was thinking the same thing. To buy an upper end up-converting player such as Denon or Yamaha, I could get a HD DVD player for a hundred dollars more.

Actually I just pulled the trigger and picked up an A2 at Bestbuy. They are having a sale of 10% off on all players and with the 12% coupon it came in at just under $400.00. I am watching a standard DVD of ULtraVoilet and it is breathtaking! This was my main concern, the up-coversion of my library of standard DVDs. The up-conversion is definitely better than the Sony that died.

It seems to me that this format war really isn't about format, but a studio war with certain studios backing a picticular format with maybe one or two studios backing both. To be complete eventual having to own both format of players or until the studios figure someting out.
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post #1563 of 5303
1/22/07 at 12:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by zoro View Post

are they giving u guys 1080p upgrade

that would be nice wouldnt be suprised if the internal. HW of the A20 is exactly the same as the A2, just some software mods to output 1080p. To bad Toshiba probably wants/needs that extra $100.

Noticed recently my TV sometimes has problems syncing the 3:2 pulldown, 1080p would get rid of that.
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post #1564 of 5303
1/22/07 at 1:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KeepItReal View Post

It seems to me that this format war really isn't about format, but a studio war with certain studios backing a picticular format with maybe one or two studios backing both. To be complete eventual having to own both format of players or until the studios figure someting out.

Toshiba seems to be taking the approach of promoting you buy HD-DVD, but providing the means to get very respectable upscales off of SD, whereas BDA is pretty much saying it's BD or nothing.
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post #1565 of 5303
1/22/07 at 1:37pm
Where do you guys find these 12% off coupons for Best Buy?
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post #1566 of 5303
1/22/07 at 2:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorS View Post

Toshiba seems to be taking the approach of promoting you buy HD-DVD, but providing the means to get very respectable upscales off of SD, whereas BDA is pretty much saying it's BD or nothing.

Yeah! That seems to be right-right now. I think the best approach for me is to get the PS3, this way I can get more bang for the buck.


Quote:


cdhender Where do you guys find these 12% off coupons for Best Buy?

Bestbuy seems to be very selective with these coupons. I'm a member of Reward Zone and so is my sister and we both did not recieve one in the mail. My friend, who recently joined Reward Zone did and he wasn't using it, so he gave it to me. He told me he recieved it in the mail on 1/19 for the sale starting on 1/19 and ending today 1/22. This seems very odd as I would think everybody being a Reward Zone member should've gotten one.
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post #1567 of 5303
1/22/07 at 2:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorS View Post

Toshiba seems to be taking the approach of promoting you buy HD-DVD, but providing the means to get very respectable upscales off of SD, whereas BDA is pretty much saying it's BD or nothing.

My Panasonic BD10 upscales SD just as nicely as my HD-A1.
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post #1568 of 5303
1/22/07 at 2:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cdhender View Post

Where do you guys find these 12% off coupons for Best Buy?

Got mine in the mail today (a little late since it ends today).
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post #1569 of 5303
1/22/07 at 5:17pm
If I understand correctly, the HD-A2 outputs audio as a DTS bitstream through its optical output. When I was watching Superman Returns, I tried selecting the Dolby True HD from the DVD menu, not thinking that it would be much different from the Dolby 5.1 option. Wow, was I wrong! The True HD soundtrack was MUCH better than the 5.1. It was brighter, fuller with much greater channel separation and better surround effects. Has anyone else noticed this? I guess a lossless audio track sounds better than a compressed one..even if it is not being passed through HDMI.
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post #1570 of 5303
1/22/07 at 5:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vsorgi View Post

If I understand correctly, the HD-A2 outputs audio as a DTS bitstream through its optical output. When I was watching Superman Returns, I tried selecting the Dolby True HD from the DVD menu, not thinking that it would be much different from the Dolby 5.1 option. Wow, was I wrong! The True HD soundtrack was MUCH better than the 5.1. It was brighter, fuller with much greater channel separation and better surround effects. Has anyone else noticed this? I guess a lossless audio track sounds better than a compressed one..even if it is not being passed through HDMI.

both are lossy compression just the DTS has less compression. Assuming standard dolby digital it is 640kpbs which is compared to for the lossless audio the A2 converts it to DTS running at 1.5mbps. So less compression should hopefully sound better. Very nice feature, PS3 does not have this option.
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post #1571 of 5303
1/22/07 at 5:41pm
where did you find this option? to switch that is.


Quote:
Originally Posted by vsorgi View Post

If I understand correctly, the HD-A2 outputs audio as a DTS bitstream through its optical output. When I was watching Superman Returns, I tried selecting the Dolby True HD from the DVD menu, not thinking that it would be much different from the Dolby 5.1 option. Wow, was I wrong! The True HD soundtrack was MUCH better than the 5.1. It was brighter, fuller with much greater channel separation and better surround effects. Has anyone else noticed this? I guess a lossless audio track sounds better than a compressed one..even if it is not being passed through HDMI.
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post #1572 of 5303
1/22/07 at 6:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ktulu_1 View Post

The A2 has the fastest 3:2 detection I've seen. It locks on and passes the "film detail" test almost instantly.

This is most interesting. I have the E1, presumably the cousin of A2, and it failed this test at 1080i..... (I had a XA1 before, and it passed)

maybe it's just my setting problem...
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post #1573 of 5303
1/22/07 at 7:05pm
Has anyone tried using the HQV Benchmark DVD (by Silicon Optix) to test the HD-A2 video processing capability?

For me, basically my HD-A2 passes all the tough video processing tests set by HQV Benchmark except the Jaggie test which is horrible but when I used my other cheaper SONY DVD player, it passes all the Jaggie test.

But so far watching HD movies in my 720p 42" dosplay, I haven't seen any obvious ugly jaggies yet.
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post #1574 of 5303
1/22/07 at 7:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Julian Lalor View Post

My Panasonic BD10 upscales SD just as nicely as my HD-A1.

Cool, just depends on the box then . THanks for pointing that out!
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post #1575 of 5303
1/22/07 at 7:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vsorgi View Post

If I understand correctly, the HD-A2 outputs audio as a DTS bitstream through its optical output. When I was watching Superman Returns, I tried selecting the Dolby True HD from the DVD menu, not thinking that it would be much different from the Dolby 5.1 option. Wow, was I wrong! The True HD soundtrack was MUCH better than the 5.1. It was brighter, fuller with much greater channel separation and better surround effects. Has anyone else noticed this? I guess a lossless audio track sounds better than a compressed one..even if it is not being passed through HDMI.

It's possible the DD+ track was 640Kbps, which would be far more compressed than the lossless DTHD. That would be a situation where the DTS transcoded S/PDIF output would give much better results with the higher bitrate track.
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post #1576 of 5303
1/23/07 at 8:02am
Toshiba has release the Firmware 1.2 for the HD-A2.
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post #1577 of 5303
1/23/07 at 1:04pm
This is a great thread. I am considering buying a HD-A2, but I have a couple of newbie questions for which I haven't found answers here yet. I have two HDTVs, one legacy 1080i RPTV that accepts only component (no DVI or HDMI) and the other a 1080p LCD that accepts HDMI and/or component. My A/V receivers do not accept HDMI, but have 5.1 analog or digital audio in. My questions:

1) Is most HD-DVD software flagged so that I won't be able to get 1080i over component to my older TV?

2) Can I use component out and HDMI simiultaneously on the HD-A2?

3) Can I use HDMI for video to my new TV and optical out for audio to my A/V set at the same time?

4) What's the advantage of 5.1 analog out vs. optical out for receivers w/o HDMI? The HD-A2 doesn't have 5.1 out, correct?

Thanks.
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post #1578 of 5303
1/23/07 at 1:13pm
I will take a stab

1. I think it is the opposite, currently most titles if not all are not flagged. Someone correct if I am wrong

2. not sure

3. yes, I think most people are running this way , I am. Need to have a prettty new AVR to support audio via HDMI

4. Analog 5.1 would support the uncompressed audio formats that are available HD-DVD. For optical the A2 transcodes/downconverts the the uncompressed audio to DTS which is compressed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kenny1 View Post

This is a great thread. I am considering buying a HD-A2, but I have a couple of newbie questions for which I haven't found answers here yet. I have two HDTVs, one legacy 1080i RPTV that accepts only component (no DVI or HDMI) and the other a 1080p LCD that accepts HDMI and/or component. My A/V receivers do not accept HDMI, but have 5.1 analog or digital audio in. My questions:

1) Is most HD-DVD software flagged so that I won't be able to get 1080i over component to my older TV?

2) Can I use component out and HDMI simiultaneously on the HD-A2?

3) Can I use HDMI for video to my new TV and optical out for audio to my A/V set at the same time?

4) What's the advantage of 5.1 analog out vs. optical out for receivers w/o HDMI? The HD-A2 doesn't have 5.1 out, correct?

Thanks.
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post #1579 of 5303
1/23/07 at 1:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff_DML View Post

I will take a stab

1. I think it is the opposite, currently most titles if not all are not flagged. Someone correct if I am wrong

2. not sure

3. yes, I think most people are running this way , I am. Need to have a prettty new AVR to support audio via HDMI

4. Analog 5.1 would support the uncompressed audio formats that are available HD-DVD. For optical the A2 transcodes/downconverts the the uncompressed audio to DTS which is compressed.

1. To clarify, there is not a single title with the ICT on it.
2. The player WILL output component and HDMI at the same time
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post #1580 of 5303
1/23/07 at 1:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 333 View Post

where did you find this option? to switch that is.

From the DVD Menu...gives you the option of choosing DD 5.1 or True HD from the "Languages" submenu
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post #1581 of 5303
1/23/07 at 1:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gosawx View Post

2. The player WILL output component and HDMI at the same time

Not mine. It defaults to HMDI.
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post #1582 of 5303
1/23/07 at 2:07pm
Thanks to all of you for these really helpful answers. It settles me on most counts that the HD-A2 will fit the bill. One additional question:

Does the upconversion from SD DVDs to 1080i get output on both component and HDMI or is it prevented by software flag on component.

What is the downside, then, of sending component to displays instead of HDMI?

Thanks again.
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post #1583 of 5303
1/23/07 at 2:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kenny1 View Post

Thanks to all of you for these really helpful answers. It settles me on most counts that the HD-A2 will fit the bill. One additional question:

Does the upconversion from SD DVDs to 1080i get output on both component and HDMI or is it prevented by software flag on component.

What is the downside, then, of sending component to displays instead of HDMI?

Thanks again.

upconverted DVD will not be output via component, 480p is max

digital versus analog. Analog is more susceptible to noise and distortion compared to digital. But I think most people are pretty happy and dont notice a difference between the two.
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post #1584 of 5303
1/23/07 at 2:59pm
Kenny, just to clarify. The A2 will output 1080i and 720p over component for HD-DVDs, but only over HDMI for SD DVDs. Same for all other HD and BD players (except the PS3, which will not upscale SD DVDs even over HDMI).
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post #1585 of 5303
1/23/07 at 3:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bwclark View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by gosawx
2. The player WILL output component and HDMI at the same time



WHAT???

I was told component audio out and HDMI video out....no problem!


Yes it does. Have you tested it, Aliens? The HDMI light indicates that an HDMI connection is present, whcih differs fromt he 1st gen players...
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post #1586 of 5303
1/23/07 at 4:58pm
Just picked up an A2 yesterday and was wondering if hdmi is better than component for pic quality (1080i) because component looks GOOD!
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post #1587 of 5303
1/23/07 at 5:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ripmaster View Post

Thanks Jacksonian,

I have to agree 100% with you. Last night I indeed verified my output by using the Information selection from within the Sanyo Z4 menu while the HD-DVD was playing. When I had set the A2 to 1080i it confirmed that setting, and when I set the output to 720P on the A2, the Sanyo confirmed that input signal being displayed too.

Maybe it was my mind trying to convince itself, but I guess I did see some improvements over tiny details (like your beads of sweat example) in HD-DVD, but my observation is that this increase in detail is simply not worth a $500.00 premium. Throw in the fact that there just isn't a great HD-DVD selection of movies out there (at around $25.00 +up price)...

Also: Now I would say there is a significant improvement between standard DVD players and upconverting/HD-DVD player image quality, but I think I was already there to begin with.

My only last question is - are some HD-DVD movies higher quality than others? For instance, would someone say that there is a much higher image quality HD-DVD movie than U571 or Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift?

Perhaps (as others are suggesting in here) when $100.00 HD-DVD players hit the market, it might be time to re-evaluate but for me the A2 is going back. I love my Sony DVN-S75H and the image quality I get out of that!

I have the Sony DVP-NC85H and it does a great job upconverting but not quite as good as the HD-A2 does with SD dvd's. Now, pop in an HD DVD and you see a very noticeable difference
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post #1588 of 5303
1/23/07 at 7:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by eimajnacnud View Post

Just picked up an A2 yesterday and was wondering if hdmi is better than component for pic quality (1080i) because component looks GOOD!

I've tried both, but only with my own red laser HD discs.

Using HDMI my 720p HDV showed a lot of aliasing on diagonals.

Using component, there was much less aliasing.

You can read this as inicating that HDMI is passing high-frequency detail -- and so is better. Which it should be.

In my case, I need the HDMI for other reasons, so I'm using component. I don't think I'll miss the detail and the fact I get a less aliasing is a side benefit.

I have a native 1280x720 Sony A10. Amazingly, I think the pix is better via 1080i. I remember that tests showed there was a difference between 720p and 1080i AND the difference depended on whether film or vieo was being displayed. Can anyone explain this?
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post #1589 of 5303
1/24/07 at 9:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by d-v-c View Post

I've tried both, but only with my own red laser HD discs.

Using HDMI my 720p HDV showed a lot of aliasing on diagonals.

What is meant by "my own red laser HD discs"? Do you mean low quality mpeg files downloaded from the internet and burned to a DVD? A friend of mine brought over a Firefly DVD he made that way is see how well it upscaled. He said that is looked munch better than on his 30" CRT HDTV. But to me it looked horrible with lots of aliasing on my 50" 1080p HDTV. The downloaded file was far less than 1GB. This can not be compared to real HD disc with 25- 30GB files.
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post #1590 of 5303
1/24/07 at 1:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gosawx View Post

Have you tested it, Aliens?

Several times. It would start out over component and a second later the screen would flicker and go to HDMI. I called Toshiba and they said it was a problem they were working on. Maybe all A2's don't have the problem and I have one that does - glad to hear it works for others - it gives me hope.
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