Tosh HD-A2 HD DVD - First End User Reports! - Page 175

As I mentioned earlier, I have rev 2.7, which is the first one I tried that got the picture right (using HDMI -- correct color decoding, picture processing, etc.) The only disc I've had a problem with since is Gothika HD DVD and that wouldn't play on my RCA either (again,the only one) so I'm satisfied the disc was defective.

Given the way the player functionality varied somewhat with every release (color and picture processing as well as HDMI/DVI and disc compatibility), I chose to stay with what I knew worked well for me (very difficult to back up). So, 4.0 is the latest, but I wouldn't presume it to be the greatest. My suggestion is not to go beyond 2.7 unless you've a specific problem you're satisfied it will correct.

If you have no compatibility problems I suggest staying with your present firmware. You have nothing to gain and the possiblity of creating more problems for yourself.

Excellent advice!

But even so, it wouldn't hurt to download a copy of what's currently available on Toshiba support to your PC hard drive (also the burn and install instructions). Hopefully, there'll never be a need to use it, but nothing wrong with having it on hand .

I use 4.0 from the CD sent to me by Toshiba
No problems playing any of my 36 HDDVD's

I also use multiavchd to recode Tivo files as explained here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=3693

These than play on the D2 (AKA A2)

But your advise is generally sound. If it works leave it alone

But as an addict, my approach is:
If it is not broken, fix it till it is.

Just kidding, Ha Ha

I have the 4.0 firmware, i'm sure there is no playback issues but the date and the clock can nolonger be changed. Its stuck on 2006 and does not let me change it.

I have 4.0 firmware also. Just make sure you are using the number pad for setting the year and date and not the "arrows".

I'm still running 2.0 firmware on mine. It plays all my HD DVDs and DVDs so why bother updating?

I've been having issues with the picture going out when connected via HDMI on my Panasonic 42" plasma. To make matters worse, I can't even get an HDMI connection on my Sony Bravia, just component...weird. I was running firmware 4.0 btw.

Anyway, I rolled back to 2.7 with the "special roll back firmware" and it seems to work just fine on the Panasonic when I connect directly to the tv. It works better, or longer, with my splitter, but does eventually go out. Still no luck on the Sony though.

Has anyone else had this problem or seen it around?

have you tried a different hdmi cable?

Yes. I've tried 3 different ones.

What's the consenus on Black Level Enhancement, "On" or "Off"?

And Dialog Enhancement, "On" or "Off"?

Thanks.

Since audio is so subjective, the Dialog Enhancement feature is a personal call. Just listen with it off and with it on and see which you like better.

Black Enhancement is something that should be left off, but it could be beneficial in helping to a get a properly calibrated picture.
Before you even mess with the player, your display should be properly calibrated to the correct specifications for best PQ.
After that, you could use a test disc in the A2 and see how it looks with a PLUGE pattern to measure brightness.
You could try the Black Enhancement and see how it looks. If it crushes the blacks, then that is not a good thing and it should be left off.
On the flip side, if you do not care about a properly calibrated picture, then just use what looks best to you.

It does nothing, at least on my unit. I've tried several firmwares including the lastest and it appears this setting does not work.

Consensus has nothing to do with it. Use the settings that give you the best results with your equipment and listening preferences. For me, that means full range black level (not bottom cut off) and no dialog normalization. Both my monitors support StudioRGB and so correctly process and calibrate full depth black level.

Trevor, how do you control dialog norm?
TIA

It only affects DD but it's "Dialog Enhancement" in the A2/D2 "audio" menu and you probably have a setting at your receiver/processor as well.

Hmmm, I've never seen any setting on my AVR for that.
Only when I first turn on the AVR, on the AVR's display it flashes "Dialog Norm +4" very quickly, and that's the only time I ever see it.
Just wondering what it is and how it effects the sound.
Looks like I will have to do more research.
Thanks.

My understanding is that the "Dialog Normalization" numeric value is specified by the program content provider and is intended to allow program to program stability of the "dialog" level. As I said, this only applies to Dolby Digital programming. The choice for the consumer is to either use the value to "normalize" the "dialog" level, or to ignore it.

thanks Trevor

I want to make sure I have my settings right on my A2 and HDMI receiver. I went to play a HD-DVD tonight, and I got video but no sound. Digital Out SPDIF is set to bitstream. Digital Out HDMI is set to Auto. Are these settings correct? I'm only using HDMI with my Insignia 5.1 receiver. This receiver decodes all the HD codecs. If these settings are correct, something must be wrong with the receiver. Thanks.

Never mind, it was a handshake issue.

It's been a while since I've checked in on this forum. We recently ugraded from our Toshiba DLP to a Samsung plasma and had to disconnect all my stuff to change A/V stands in the process.

I see there's a 4.0 FW available and was just wondering what the skinny is on this version? I'm still running 2.8 on my A2 and 1.3 on my A35. Leave well enough alone, or am I missing out on something grand?

I would leave well enough alone. I have an A2 and 2 ea. XA2s. I am at 2.7 on the A2 and one XA2, The other XA2 is 3.0 I believe, with no issues that are firmware related. Unless you need an update to remedy a chronic problem, I would just download and archive the FW updates on CD for possible future use if needed.

i just had the same problem which is why i'm on this thread... i had to disconnect the HDMI cable out of my A2 recently, and when i reconnected with a new cable, it didn't work anymore. the player still outputs in the composite video cable, as well as optical audio, but not HDMI video. i've switched with known working HDMI cables and still no-go. i had to unpack my 360 add-on

Suggest a factory reset

thanks, i tried it but it doesn't seem to have worked. is there a way for me to see what firmware version i currently have?

As I recall it is on page 58 of the manual.
Press setup and select maintenance. Follow the instructions on screen.

Sorry, haven't checked this thread in a while. Were you able to resolve your HDMI handshake issue? I reverted to firmward 2.7 and seemed to work better...but I still have issues every now and then. I think it's just a hardware problem and there's probably nothing we can do about it.

I can't seem to find a clear answer on this. Does anyone know?

Tiga

First post in this thread.

I have had an A2 for almost 3 years. I had it running to a non HDMI receiver via optical digital and only got DTS. I recently hooked it up to an HDMI receiver (Marantz SR6003) which decodes all the latest hi-def codecs. The A2 SPDIF is set on bitstream, HDMI to Auto. I'm only running HDMI to the AVR and it is not getting the Dolby TrueHD signal or Dolby Digital Plus. It gets a PCM stereo signal. I have tried all the different settings I could think of to no avail. I hooked up a Panasonic Bluray player in it's place and it received a DTS-HD Master Audio signal with no problem, so it's not the receiver causing it. I'm at a loss. Any suggestions or should I forget about it?

P.S. I played a regular DVD and got a DTS signal via HDMI.