**Official Toshiba HD-A35 (ONLY) Thread** - Page 12

I may have just gotten lucky, but it seems a few others have had the same luck. If you look at the website, it has this note (on the two off-the-shelf HD-DVD offer):

Note: Models HD-A30 and HD-A3 are available both online and in store; models HD-A20 and HD-A2 are available only in select stores.

The offer states for all Toshiba HD-DVD players, but specifically lists only the HDA3/30/2/20. I figured the 2 free would just be considered the two in box. But it was worth a shot.

I also do realize the price is a bit higher, but I had some gift cards and a bunch of reward zone coupons to use up, so I figured I might as well.

A couple of issues maybe someone can clarify...

First, I tried Batman Begins and Poseidon and finally got to see the True HD light come on my Onkyo 605. However, with Happy Feet the DD+ track worked fine but when I select the True HD track, I lose all sound and the True HD Light and HDMI light are continually blinking off and on. After several minutes I started skipping around chapters and suddenly the True HD track came on. I started the movie from the beginning again and the sound was again gone after selecting the True HD track and the blinking continued. This seems to be a disc related issue since the other two worked fine. Is this a known issue with Happy Feet? Does the firmware upgrde for the A 35 correct this? BTW, this brings me to my second question.

Secondly, I went under maintenance in the A35 setup and it says I have version 1.0 / 1.1. Is this the most recent firmware?

Thanks for any assistance. BTW, add me to the list of people who think the audio sounds much better going through the receiver as opposed to the HD DVD player doing the processing.

I got mine on Monday and it was 1.0

CD

The format for the revision display is confusing. So, if you have 1.0/1.1 you do not have the latest firmware. When you are up to current on your firmware as of today, it will read 1.1/1.1

Regarding the blinking TrueHD to DD+ issue: I would check every disc that you own to see if this is disc related, as you alluded to. I have never heard of this type of behavior. Definitely update to the latest firmeware first. One of the items I heard that was tweaked (drive and laser, I think) could have something to do with your situtation. Just make sure that you don't have a lemon 35. There seems to be a few of them out there. Probably a bad batch...It happens.

I hope this helps...Will

Oh, one more thing. I noticed that when you switch audio formats, the Onkyos and probably others, will go through a little negotiation through HDMI. It seems to take a few moments for the proper audio to begin. I do notice the HDMI and banner display blinking back and forth for a few seconds, though nothing like you described.

I have seen this too (on my Yammy 1800), although it isn't limited to my A35. My Sammy 1400 and my DirecTV HD-DVR both do the same thing. It does this when I change resolutions as well. It's just a matter of the AVR picking up the new signal.

Thanks Will,

I'll try the firmware update and also check my other TRUE HD soundtrack HD DVD's and make sue this was an isolated incident. Running the audio through the receiver made even the DD+ soundtrack on Happy Feet sound awesome.

My HD-DVD A-35 player hook up was very easy to my Toshiba 42HL167 TV. Plugged in the HDMI plugs, TV to Player and then plugged in AC plug. I made sure per the Toshiba support person instructions that TV was on and correct Input was clicked on before I turned on the player. It did fire up and I ran the setup which was easy and put 1st HD-DVD and all appeared good. Since I am using this as a 2nd player and just as a DVD movie player there was not much to do on setup. I am using a Yamaha YSP 800 sound bar and the YSP FSW-100 subwoofer. With an optical sound hookup from TV to Soundbar and all appears to be working fine with a minimum of hookup and setup work. I wanted something with a good picture and a beefier sound than regular TV speakers offered. The A-35 does has a 35 second boot up time more than other players I have used but not a big deal. On 1080p I did watch start of AVP (Predator/Alien Movie,Standard DVD) it looked great. I then watched The Bourne Identity HD Promo disc that came with player. It was clear but not a big jump. King Kong standard DVD was fantastic. I really like the upscaling it appears that my standard DVDs will be great. I am a little confused about the Promo disc though it really was not different than my standard Bourne DVD. Would like to hear more stuff about the DVDs I have not done any firmware updating yet.

Picked mine up Monday and it was not recent firmware

Congratulations Megahurtz83 and wvasko!

Your're going to love your new machine...Will

my new A35 arrived yesterday. i hooked it up last night, but did not have a chance to actually start playing with it.

quick question - is it really worthwhile to upgrade the firmware to 1.1 or can i just wait for the next firmware update (that hopefully addresses the 1080p60 issue)?

I had problems playing a few discs before the upgrade, haven't had any after. There's no reason not to upgrade the FW if you ask me.

Well I've had two movies in a row screw up with my new A35 (upgraded to 1.1/1.1).I've only been able to watch one through successfully. I guess I'll have to return the player tomorrow. Th first movie was the combo disc The Good Shepard and tonights screw up was Harsh Times. Harsh Times kept stuttering on the video then would loose audio sync badly. Sad thing is we've had two BD players for five months and have never had a problem. What are my chances of getting a replacement player that will be problem free ? I read somewhere on this forum that a lot of A35s are being returned as defective. Now I am sorry that I returned my XA2....
Any advice ???

Try another A35? I've had a PS3 for 8 months and haven't had a single problem with BR movies. I wanted to go neutral so I got the A35, but these HD DVD problems makes it hard.

I had an A30 that had problems on all the movies I threw at it. I returned it and got the A35 which had it's fair share of problems. FW 1.1 seems to have fixed it. More than feeling relieved I feel lucky, like I got one of the few good players out there.

I guess I'm just saying I feel your pain.

Thanks...it helps.

I'm in no way trying to start any kind of argument, but IMHO HDDVD players are nowhere near the standard of BD players..possibly the XA2 could be an exception, but overall thats my impression right now. Too bad.

Oh I already do

I just ordered a Denon 3808Ci HDMI Receiver. I am now Seriously considering Getting one of these units come December to replace my A1.

Jorge

I am in no way willing to be party to an argument concerning BD vrs HD-DVD. In my experience (not opinion), my BD-P1400 will be returned today due to random stoppages on SD DVDs, and locking up completely on some Blu-ray HD discs (e.g., Spiderman 2). MY HD-A2 was trouble-free, as is my HD-A35.

Yes, it does indeed seem that "one man's meat is another man's poison". Are you going to replace your BD-P1400 with another unit or try something different ? I know its god awful expensive, but the Pioneer BDP95 is a very trustworthy unit and if it is like the past Pioneer Elite players, there will be very very few defective units. That is really my main complaint about the HDDVD players; are there any models that have a very reliable track record and are capable of 1080p/24 and HBR ? I'd rather spend a little more to get a player that I know I wont have problems with.

The 1.1 update not only preps the device for a few new and upcoming disks, it also addresses: (From Toshiba's website)

This firmware update improves network connectivity for supporting the download of web-enabled network content associated with certain HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, and also addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related issues identified by Toshiba.

As far as the 1080p/60 issue, I have been told again that the fix is in the works. Don't shoot the messenger! Personally, Toshiba could be spinning this since a couple of people have said it cannot be done. I am crossing my fingers, though. The issue is not that bad while watching program material. Sure, it shows up when there is a lot of fast action or when there are frames that have a ton of detail. As far as I'm concerned, and I am referring to the A-35 only, if they fix only this issue, the machine will be perfect to me.

I am watching U-571 as I type this. It's on the 'depth charge' scene. It looks and sounds wonderful.

Back to the 1080p/60 problem. I don't care how long it takes. Well, I don't expect to wait months! I just want definitive proof that it can be done. One of the persons that I spoke to, I respect and trust very much and this person has never steered me wrong. DO NOT TAKE THIS AS GOSPEL! We could be all trading in our 35s for XA2s, as long as we don't have a 24fps capable display.

Let's keep the faith...Will

Sorry about the tardiness of my response... I am replacing the 1400 with another. Should be here tomorrow and that gives me another month to see if Samsung can get the job done.
I am absolutely not willing to "invest" in a player that costs more than either my 805 or my soon-to-be new sub. It's just a software input device, after all. In fact, I'm sorely tempted to get out and pick up a $99 HD-A2

Hi Will. Hope you don't mind but I "borrowed" your signature idea

Not at all!

I 'borrowed' it from someone else!

Hey all, I recieved my shiny new A35 today. Can't wait to set It up!

Has anyone been able to get "TrueHD" from the "300" disc included with the A35? I have only been able to get DD+ running through a Pioneer VSX-92TXH. The A35 is set to "auto" for HDMI out.

thanks,

CD

Toggle the audio track?

You have to manually select TrueHD in the language/audio menu of the disc.

Thanks, I'll try that!

Yes on my Denon 3808.

fafner

i'm not having any issues make sure you set the output on the a35 properly and it shouldnt be an issue. i have the same setup and i remembered to make sure the digital output was set correctly on the a35 and viola dd truehd on the display