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$400 difference between HD-A2 and HD-XA2, is it worth it?

post #1 of 35
11/13/07 at 12:19pm
Thread Starter 
I have the Toshiba HD-A2 and for the most part no complaints and I'm pretty happy with it. Is the Toshiba HD-XA2 that much better? Will I notice a big difference? Since joining Netflix we rent only Hi-Def movies (I also own the Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-Ray) and haven't viewed any SD movies in over a month. Does the REON make a big difference in HD also? Am I missing anything with the HD-A2?

Here's what I have:

Sharp LC-52D64U 52" LCD
Onkyo TX-SR705 AVR (decodes all the new codecs)
Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-Ray
Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD
Motorola DCH-3416 Hi-Def DVR

all connected via HDMI

Is it worth the upgrade to the XA2?

Thanks for all replies in advance...
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post #2 of 35
11/13/07 at 12:23pm
The Reon will make a BIG difference is upscaling DVD's...That is the main reason I purchased the XA-2..and have been more than pleased with it's output in both HD and SD...
Of course,I am a PQ nut...that's why I early adopted ..
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post #3 of 35
11/13/07 at 12:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by electronicpakrat View Post

Actually it's only $480 at Amazon. No Tax and Free Shipping.

Does Amazon have any free HD-DVD offers other than the 5 by mail-in rebate?

Last month when it was $499 they let you pick 2 HD-DVDs at time of purchase.

Thanks for the heads up, I'm just trying to decide if the difference in PQ is worth the upgrade. I know the XA2 will now bitstream HBR audio via HDMI and the A2 never will although many claim the sound is the same when decoded internally with the A2 (you just don't get the lights lit on the AVR, TrueHD, DD+, etc.).

Thanks again...
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post #4 of 35
11/13/07 at 12:30pm
Actually it's only $480 at Amazon. No Tax and Free Shipping.

Here's just a few reasons I believe the XA2 is better than A2...

* 1080P Output over HDMI
* Superior SD Upscaling over the A2
* Better audio options
* Backward compatibility with older AVRs

Given the difference in price between the price of A2 vs XA2 on Amazon, I'd say it is worth it for those can afford it.
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post #5 of 35
11/13/07 at 12:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by electronicpakrat View Post

Actually it's only $480 at Amazon. No Tax and Free Shipping.

Here's just a few reasons I believe the XA2 is better than A2...

* 1080P Output over HDMI
* Superior SD Upscaling over the A2
* Better audio options
* Backward compatibility with older AVRs

Given the difference in price between the price of A2 vs XA2 on Amazon, I'd say it is worth it for those can afford it.

electronicpakrat,

You have some valid points as to why the XA2 is superior over the A2 but here is my thinking for what it's worth...

1080P Output over HDMI - my TV has a very good de-interlacer and handles 1080i very well

Superior SD Upscaling over the A2 - very rarely do I rent or watch SD content anymore (don't own any SD or rent it).

Better audio options - all I use is HDMI so really the only options I would have would be Bitstreaming instead of PCM which technically should be the same sound out.

Backward compatibility with older AVRs - I don't have an older AVR so that really doesn't matter right now.

Really good points which is why I'm having trouble deciding if the upgrade would benefit me. Seems like with every reason I can come up with to upgrade it seems like it isn't really a good reason after all!

I really do appreciate the feedback though, it will help me prepare my case when I go before the "Purchase Approval Commitee". Sometimes she can be pretty tough...
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post #6 of 35
11/13/07 at 12:45pm
yes it is much better than the A2

not only with sd dvd but with hd dvd too


yes it is worth spending the $$$ on
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post #7 of 35
11/13/07 at 12:48pm
It has superior DVD upconversion.

$300 difference now.

Analog outs to get 5.1 sound through older AVRs.
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post #8 of 35
11/13/07 at 1:09pm
No it isn't worth it because in a couple months the XA2 will be under $300 - be patient like I am and use an A-2 for now. My PS3 upscales regular DVD's very well to 1080p so I'm in no hurry
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post #9 of 35
11/13/07 at 1:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhioLefty View Post

1080P Output over HDMI - my TV has a very good de-interlacer and handles 1080i very well.

If 1080p isn't something you think you need then just ignore it especially if you're satisfied with the job your TV's de-interlacer is doing.

Quote:
Originally Posted by OhioLefty View Post

Superior SD Upscaling over the A2 - very rarely do I rent or watch SD content anymore (don't own any SD or rent it).

You don't have any DVDs at all ? Shocking. If so, upconversion of SD content probably isn't important to you at all.

Quote:
Originally Posted by OhioLefty View Post

Better audio options - all I use is HDMI so really the only options I would have would be Bitstreaming instead of PCM which technically should be the same sound out.

Since you would appear to have an HDMI enabled receiver, the addtional audio abilities of the XA2 may be moot unless you're an audiophile.

From what you've told me, I can't think of any other reasons to push to spend the money on the XA2 since it seems like the A2 is capable of doing everything you need right now. The money might be better spent on something else you want ( HD-DVDs ?) and something nice for the Wife.
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post #10 of 35
11/13/07 at 1:41pm
no
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post #11 of 35
11/13/07 at 1:51pm
Yes. It sends out a beautiful 1080p/60 image and now 1080p/24. I was happy to see there was a noticeable deinterlacing difference between when I had my A1 sending out 1080i with my 1080p set and then moving to the XA2 sending out a 1080p image. XA2 has been rated very highly on this.

The Reon chip is quite simply a fantastic addition to a player. My wife from time to time on our movie night will choose a sd title and I'm very thankful for what the Reon can do with sd material.

The audio options are better not only because of the analogs but because it's also future proofed re: the bitstream addition.
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post #12 of 35
11/13/07 at 2:15pm
To answer the original question:

It depends on how money you have :-) I've had both and for me it was worth it. Mainly because i have alot of SD DVD's and the XA2 does an amazing upscaling job. Of course you will also get better HD DVD picture but it depends on your equipment how much better it will be.
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post #13 of 35
11/13/07 at 2:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kosty View Post

It has superior DVD upconversion.

$300 difference now.

Analog outs to get 5.1 sound through older AVRs.

If you have an older AVR you're better off putting the $300-$400 toward a new receiver.
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post #14 of 35
11/13/07 at 2:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by OBSSSD View Post

No it isn't worth it because in a couple months the XA2 will be under $300 - be patient like I am and use an A-2 for now. My PS3 upscales regular DVD's very well to 1080p so I'm in no hurry


I read professional reviews where they said the ps3 was

HORRID at upscaling sd dvd

in fact they said it was near the worst they have ever tested

on the other hand they said the XA2 was one of the best ever
in the class with units costing thousands

read this link and decide who to trust when you read posts on this forum
and bear in mind the firmware fix that came out yesterday to take care
of any audio studdering problems. then read his review of the ps3 as a sd player.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...07-part-2.html
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post #15 of 35
11/13/07 at 2:39pm
however good the XA2 was at SD playback a couple of days ago, the new firmware upgrade kicked it up a notch or two at least. I am very pleased
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post #16 of 35
11/13/07 at 2:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by snakeman View Post

I read professional reviews where they said the ps3 was

HORRID at upscaling sd dvd

in fact they said it was near the worst they have ever tested.

Crickey! Links? My PS3 throws as good a DVD pic as my OPPO. Neither are be all end all, and the Toshiba is the better upconverter, but it's nowhere near as dire as this claim.

Perhaps what you read happened BEFORE this?

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9722853-1.html
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post #17 of 35
11/13/07 at 3:16pm
HERE IS THE LINK ON THE PS3 SD DVD PLAYBACK


QUOTED FROM THE BELOW WEB PAGE:

"The fact that it does this for nearly half the price of the other BD players out there is almost embarrassing, and rather disappointing when you think about it. As a standard DVD player, however, the PS3 may represent one of the worst progressive scan players I have ever tested. Surprising, considering its BD performance."


http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-b...37;203%20(HDMI)
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post #18 of 35
11/13/07 at 3:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by al-bundy View Post

To answer the original question:

It depends on how money you have :-) I've had both and for me it was worth it. Mainly because i have alot of SD DVD's and the XA2 does an amazing upscaling job. Of course you will also get better HD DVD picture but it depends on your equipment how much better it will be.

why do you think you are going to get a "better" hd dvd picture?
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post #19 of 35
11/13/07 at 3:25pm
i dont have a 1080p tv but plan to upgrade for now does th xa2 do a good job at 1080 i
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post #20 of 35
11/13/07 at 5:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhioLefty View Post

electronicpakrat,

You have some valid points as to why the XA2 is superior over the A2 but here is my thinking for what it's worth...

1080P Output over HDMI - my TV has a very good de-interlacer and handles 1080i very well

Superior SD Upscaling over the A2 - very rarely do I rent or watch SD content anymore (don't own any SD or rent it).

Better audio options - all I use is HDMI so really the only options I would have would be Bitstreaming instead of PCM which technically should be the same sound out.

Backward compatibility with older AVRs - I don't have an older AVR so that really doesn't matter right now.

Really good points which is why I'm having trouble deciding if the upgrade would benefit me. Seems like with every reason I can come up with to upgrade it seems like it isn't really a good reason after all!

I really do appreciate the feedback though, it will help me prepare my case when I go before the "Purchase Approval Commitee". Sometimes she can be pretty tough...

I think you've pretty much got it nailed already. A lot of the XA2 benefits for other people (better SD DVD upscaling, analog outs for lossless audio, 1080p) aren't issues for you.

So I would save the negotiation with the Purchase Approval Committee for something that will really make a difference for your situation. The other suggestion to wait until it goes down in price is also a good one. I have an XA1 and part of me wants the XA2, but it's a $400 decision I have a hard time justifying. In my case, the justification would be improved SD DVD upscaling and faster, more glitch-free operation, but that doesn't seem worth $400 to me, personally, whether I can afford it or not.
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post #21 of 35
11/14/07 at 1:16am
The one part I'm not clear on as far as the scaling ability of the XA2 is in regards to hddvd content.

I have a 720p projector. Will the XA2's scaling ability shine when converting the 1080i info of a hdvd disc to 720p? I originally thought the reon only came into play with sdvd's. Will it also do a great job with 1080 to 720 scaling as well?
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post #22 of 35
11/14/07 at 1:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by snakeman View Post

I read professional reviews where they said the ps3 was

HORRID at upscaling sd dvd

in fact they said it was near the worst they have ever tested

on the other hand they said the XA2 was one of the best ever
in the class with units costing thousands

read this link and decide who to trust when you read posts on this forum
and bear in mind the firmware fix that came out yesterday to take care
of any audio studdering problems. then read his review of the ps3 as a sd player.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...07-part-2.html


Obviously that article is old. It says things like the ps3 is half the price a other stand alone bluray players, etc. This article predates the Ps3 firmware update that made sdvd scaling very good. Apparently you do not own a ps3.
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post #23 of 35
11/14/07 at 2:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhioLefty View Post

Does Amazon have any free HD-DVD offers other than the 5 by mail-in rebate?

Last month when it was $499 they let you pick 2 HD-DVDs at time of purchase.

That promo deal is over.
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post #24 of 35
11/14/07 at 5:48am
If your TV deinterlaces well, you don't need analog audio outputs or bitstream HDMI audio and you're satisfied with your current TV or HD-DVD (or Blu-ray) player's upscaling performance, you don't need the XA2.

I only recommend the A20/A30 to people that have displays with poor(er) deinterlacing implementation or that display a whole number cadence of 1080p24.

OP, if you're unhappy with that AVR since it only has 3 HDMI inputs and want to sell it to me on the cheap, PM me.
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post #25 of 35
11/14/07 at 7:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by snakeman View Post

HERE IS THE LINK ON THE PS3 SD DVD PLAYBACK


QUOTED FROM THE BELOW WEB PAGE:

"The fact that it does this for nearly half the price of the other BD players out there is almost embarrassing, and rather disappointing when you think about it. As a standard DVD player, however, the PS3 may represent one of the worst progressive scan players I have ever tested. Surprising, considering its BD performance."


http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-b...37;203%20(HDMI)

Again, the link you posted happened BEFORE the link I posted. (Hence why it says the PS3 doesn't upscale) The PS3 can now be set to auto play discs when they're inserted as well which was another feature mentioned in the review the PS3 did not have at the time. I have not doubt your intentions are good, but it's just not that bad anymore.
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post #26 of 35
11/14/07 at 8:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhioLefty View Post

Here's what I have:

Sharp LC-52D64U 52" LCD
Onkyo TX-SR705 AVR (decodes all the new codecs)
Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-Ray
Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD
Motorola DCH-3416 Hi-Def DVR

Just out of curiosity, since the Panasonic hasn't been released yet and has been delayed to Dec 1, how did you get one? Have you had it long enough to make some deep comparisons?

If you you were buying fresh (A2/A3 vs. XA2), I'd recommend the XA2 for the max $300 difference.

If you are replacing your A2, I'd still consider the upgrade -- especially with a sale price and if you have a willing buyer (or additional use) for the A2.
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post #27 of 35
11/14/07 at 10:02am
I'm still waiting for in-depth review and pricing for Samsung 5000 before committing to XA2 as a replacement for my XA1. Samsung should have everything XA2 has plus ability to be upgraded to BD 2.0 player. Then I can retire the XA1 to my bedroom and give the kids my PS3 for the living room.
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post #28 of 35
11/14/07 at 10:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by PopcornReady View Post

Just out of curiosity, since the Panasonic hasn't been released yet and has been delayed to Dec 1, how did you get one? ...


It's available at retail stores (Circuit City) and online in the US: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=936144
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post #29 of 35
11/14/07 at 10:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhioLefty View Post

electronicpakrat,

You have some valid points as to why the XA2 is superior over the A2 but here is my thinking for what it's worth...

1080P Output over HDMI - my TV has a very good de-interlacer and handles 1080i very well

Superior SD Upscaling over the A2 - very rarely do I rent or watch SD content anymore (don't own any SD or rent it).

Better audio options - all I use is HDMI so really the only options I would have would be Bitstreaming instead of PCM which technically should be the same sound out.

Backward compatibility with older AVRs - I don't have an older AVR so that really doesn't matter right now.

Really good points which is why I'm having trouble deciding if the upgrade would benefit me. Seems like with every reason I can come up with to upgrade it seems like it isn't really a good reason after all!

I really do appreciate the feedback though, it will help me prepare my case when I go before the "Purchase Approval Commitee". Sometimes she can be pretty tough...

I think you've nailed it from the perspective of your needs and setup.
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post #30 of 35
11/14/07 at 10:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by electronicpakrat View Post

If 1080p isn't something you think you need then just ignore it especially if you're satisfied with the job your TV's de-interlacer is doing.

I don't understand the "If 1080p isn't something you think you need then just ignore it" comment. He is ultimately watching a 1080p picture. As he mentioned his TV does a good job deinterlacing. If that's true his end result 1080p isn't any different that a 1080p from an XA2. For SD upconversion it isn't a contest. The XA2 whips the A2. For HD PQ there is absolutely no tangible difference.
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