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Venturer SHD7000 End User Reports and Owner's Thread! - Page 5

post #121 of 417
12/4/07 at 4:16pm
is it a big deal to upgrade my venturer firmware to 1.3?
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post #122 of 417
12/4/07 at 4:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by evolver View Post

Toshiba kicking in a few bucks?!

Venturer is basically riding Toshiba's coattails on this one. Seen any Venturer ads on TV? That's one place the savings is coming from.

Well I haven't seen any Toshiba ads on TV for their HD-DVD player however, as you say, if they're just riding Toshiba's R&D dept I suppose that could be akin to Toshiba kicking in some money in a sense.

Still I would have preferred to see an entirely new unit as opposed to a rebadge. Since it looks like it's an identical unit, to me, this doesn't bode as good for HD DVD as if Venturer had been able to bring a new unit to the market themselves.
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post #123 of 417
12/4/07 at 4:44pm
Other companies will do eventually but at the moment its cheaper to do this plus you are guaranteed the top support from toshiba
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post #124 of 417
12/4/07 at 4:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NakedGord View Post

Hmm...I wonder if this means that Venturer is just taking a smaller profit cut in these machines or if Toshiba is kicking in a few bucks in these units to make it appear that there's a price drop.

No, this just gives us good evidence that Toshiba is not losing money on its sub-$200 (wholesale) players, if you exclude the various freebies and fire sales, since Venturer has no IP in HD DVD.

P.S. The only place I've seen the Venturer pushed in retail (besides in a few flyers), is in this brochure that is available at most Canadian Wal-Marts.



I would bet that it's Toshiba footing the bill for this one, not Venturer, since it reads like a general HD DVD PR pamphlet and not a Venturer PR pamphlet.


Quote:
Originally Posted by NakedGord View Post

Well I haven't seen any Toshiba ads on TV for their HD-DVD player however, as you say, if they're just riding Toshiba's R&D dept I suppose that could be akin to Toshiba kicking in some money in a sense.

Still I would have preferred to see an entirely new unit as opposed to a rebadge. Since it looks like it's an identical unit, to me, this doesn't bode as good for HD DVD as if Venturer had been able to bring a new unit to the market themselves.

Toshiba Canada had some radio spots a while back.
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post #125 of 417
12/4/07 at 5:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silverfire View Post

is it a big deal to upgrade my venturer firmware to 1.3?

Big deal as in hard to do? (No not really especially from a CD)
or
Big deal will it fix/add features(Yes , it should improve disc playability i.e. less sensitive to disc errors...)
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post #126 of 417
12/4/07 at 5:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NakedGord View Post

Well I haven't seen any Toshiba ads on TV for their HD-DVD player

Not even this one?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdu7SqV7oXA

Quote:
Originally Posted by NakedGord View Post

Still I would have preferred to see an entirely new unit as opposed to a rebadge. Since it looks like it's an identical unit, to me, this doesn't bode as good for HD DVD as if Venturer had been able to bring a new unit to the market themselves.

Which would have required more R&D, and then we're back to offering a more expensive player once again.

It also wouldn't bode well for economies of scale. An A3 is a Venturer is an HD DVD China player (with some differences), all probably made in the same factory, which can only help to lower production costs.
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post #127 of 417
12/4/07 at 6:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silverfire View Post

is it a big deal to upgrade my venturer firmware to 1.3?

I would. No issues with it and the 2nd gen updates made the players dramatically better over time.
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post #128 of 417
12/4/07 at 6:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NakedGord View Post

Well I haven't seen any Toshiba ads on TV for their HD-DVD player however, as you say, if they're just riding Toshiba's R&D dept I suppose that could be akin to Toshiba kicking in some money in a sense.

Still I would have preferred to see an entirely new unit as opposed to a rebadge. Since it looks like it's an identical unit, to me, this doesn't bode as good for HD DVD as if Venturer had been able to bring a new unit to the market themselves.

If its based on a common reference design, everybody wins. Better support cheaper costs same performance.
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post #129 of 417
12/4/07 at 6:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NakedGord
Well I haven't seen any Toshiba ads on TV for their HD-DVD player however, as you say, if they're just riding Toshiba's R&D dept I suppose that could be akin to Toshiba kicking in some money in a sense.

New advertising campaign for Toshiba HD DVD players to start featuring 300 and Transformers clips aimed at sports fans that bought HDTVs encouraging them to watch HD DVD movies after the game.For those keeping score,

that is 5 national broadcast televison advertising campaigns for HD DVD in progress now:


1, This new Sports and Transformers Toshiba Campaign
http://www.dvdtown.com/news/new-hd-d...m-toshiba/4890
http://www.tacp.com/hddvd/ better pop up version of the spot

2. "I love HD DVD -Movie Machine" with Michael Imperioli (Toshiba & HD DVD PRG)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB3KA2GVgis


3. Shrek HD DVD spots (Paramount)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxuJDgxIpR8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAYxYxn3iTA


4. HD DVD Football team with Marty Schottenheimer (Universal HD DVD PRG)
http://www.hddvdnbc.com/


5. Wal-Mart has value - featuring Toshiba HD DVD player as perfect gift for Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcfpJDcmq5M
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post #130 of 417
12/4/07 at 6:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silverfire View Post

is it a big deal to upgrade my venturer firmware to 1.3?

No. I did without a problem. Indicates v. 1.3 after update and plays flawlessly.
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post #131 of 417
12/4/07 at 7:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BuGsArEtAsTy View Post

Here are the HD-A3 innards. The Venturer above is identical.


Nice catch. So Venturer did not stick their neck out and spend any substantial R&D $$$ to come up with a unique design on this player. So this and the Onkyo are really both based on existing designs. So Toshiba is still the only manufacturer spending serious R&D $$$ to design hd-dvd standalone (non-combo) players. Thanks for the pics.
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post #132 of 417
12/4/07 at 8:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blackstar79 View Post

right down to the tape holding down those wires!! and i wonder if there's anything written under that little bar code sticker that probably voids the warranty if removed

You and everyone else here know whats underneath that sticker!
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post #133 of 417
12/4/07 at 8:41pm
Thread Starter 
A local dealer told me that Alco (parent of Venturer) is making the A3 for Toshiba, and part of the deal is being able to put out the player under it's own label as well.
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post #134 of 417
12/4/07 at 9:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kosty View Post

I would. No issues with it and the 2nd gen updates made the players dramatically better over time.

ok thx ill try upgrading tonight
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post #135 of 417
12/5/07 at 9:28am
Upgraded the Venturer to 1.3 with no probems. I am really impressed with this little player - it has played homemade HD DVDs, rental HD DVDs and HD DVDs that gave my A1 problems, flawlessly. Anyone in Canada thinking about buying the A3 ($300 to $350) should take a serious look at the Venturer ($198).

Cheers,

Grant
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post #136 of 417
12/5/07 at 9:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deja Vu View Post

Upgraded the Venturer to 1.3 with no probems. I am really impressed with this little player - it has played homemade HD DVDs, rental HD DVDs and HD DVDs that gave my A1 problems, flawlessly. Anyone in Canada thinking about buying the A3 ($300 to $350) should take a serious look at the Venturer ($198).

Cheers,

Grant


Definately, as they are the same machine, it does not make sense to pay $100 more at FS Vs Walmart.
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post #137 of 417
12/5/07 at 10:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deja Vu View Post

Upgraded the Venturer to 1.3 with no probems. I am really impressed with this little player - it has played homemade HD DVDs, rental HD DVDs and HD DVDs that gave my A1 problems, flawlessly. Anyone in Canada thinking about buying the A3 ($300 to $350) should take a serious look at the Venturer ($198).

Cheers,

Grant


Agree completely. Solid player which does the job it was intended to do. Very pleased.
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post #138 of 417
12/5/07 at 10:37am
If it's not on sale, then it's actually $150 more at Futureshop.

That being said, I've seen some people say "yeah, but you only get 2 free movies if you buy the Venturer.".

If you pay the extra $100-150, then you're effectively "buying" your free movies.


Quote:
Originally Posted by YONEXSP View Post

Definately, as they are the same machine, it does not make sense to pay $100 more at FS Vs Walmart.
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post #139 of 417
12/5/07 at 10:59am
Thread Starter 
Future Shop is now giving away The Complete Matrix Trilogy with every HD-DVD player sold.

So now the $299 A3 includes 300 and Bourne Identity in the box, you get The Complete Matrix Trilogy and qualifies for the 5 free by mail.

Toshiba HD-A3 - $299 with 10 movies
Venturer SHD7000 - $199 with 2 movies.

So I guess it boils down to if you like/want the extra 8 movies included with the HD-A3, and if they are worth $100 to you
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post #140 of 417
12/5/07 at 11:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Damed View Post

Future Shop is now giving away The Complete Matrix Trilogy with every HD-DVD player sold.

So now the $299 A3 includes 300 and Bourne Identity in the box, you get The Complete Matrix Trilogy and qualifies for the 5 free by mail.

Toshiba HD-A3 - $299 with 10 movies
Venturer SHD7000 - $199 with 2 movies.

So I guess it boils down to if you like/want the extra 8 movies included with the HD-A3, and if they are worth $100 to you

I have the Venturer, but may take it back and get an A3... $30/movie * 8 = $240 - $100 price difference = $140 Savings getting the A3. hmmm... thoughtprovoking.
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post #141 of 417
12/5/07 at 1:13pm
Didn't someone send a PM to get this thread stickied? What happened? Did they say "no"?
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post #142 of 417
12/5/07 at 1:32pm
I may take a chance and send in the 5-free HD DVD form with the upc from my Venturer. All they can say is no, right?!
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post #143 of 417
12/5/07 at 3:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

I may take a chance and send in the 5-free HD DVD form with the upc from my Venturer. All they can say is no, right?!

Yeah, but in Canada you have to send in a cheque for 10 bucks as well.
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post #144 of 417
12/5/07 at 4:41pm
Quote:


Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post
I may take a chance and send in the 5-free HD DVD form with the upc from my Venturer. All they can say is no, right?!
Yeah, but in Canada you have to send in a cheque for 10 bucks as well.

i've been thinking of doing this as well if..or when i get one for xmas...if they won't redeem for the 5 free movies i would think they wouldn't cash the $10 check.
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post #145 of 417
12/5/07 at 8:14pm
I've got some initial reactions from the player. This is my first HD DVD player. I have HD cable and when it was first installed, understood the hype about HD. However, hooking this player up and popping in an HD movie was less awe inspiring. I've got a Denon up-converting unit for that 'near HD experience'. Now, I have not calibrated the player, and I've only watched The Italian Job on HD DVD, so take this with a huge grain of salt... or a bag of salt, your choice.

Overall impression of HD DVD... so-so. Definitely a better picture. Much better? not really.

Upconverting - not so hot. My Denon does a way better job. Threw in Spongebob for my daughter and noticed lots of artifacts. Also, it's in standard screen format and I could not get it all stretched out to fit my screen. Swapped back and forth between the Denon and was much more impressed with the Denon's picture (full screen) and PQ.
Next, I threw in Basic. Everything was very dark, and the sound was anorexic.

So, I'll probably do some calibration which should clear up the darkness, but not sure about the screen-width dilema or artifacting when up-converting. The sound was clear, but just lacked punch and I had to crank the AVR up another 12dB or so to equal the Denon. I'll play a bit more for the rest of the week, but so far I'm not totally impressed with HD DVD. It may go back to the store by the weekend.
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post #146 of 417
12/5/07 at 8:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

I've got some initial reactions from the player. This is my first HD DVD player. I have HD cable and when it was first installed, understood the hype about HD. However, hooking this player up and popping in an HD movie was less awe inspiring. I've got a Denon up-converting unit for that 'near HD experience'. Now, I have not calibrated the player, and I've only watched The Italian Job on HD DVD, so take this with a huge grain of salt... or a bag of salt, your choice.

Overall impression of HD DVD... so-so. Definitely a better picture. Much better? not really.

Upconverting - not so hot. My Denon does a way better job. Threw in Spongebob for my daughter and noticed lots of artifacts. Also, it's in standard screen format and I could not get it all stretched out to fit my screen. Swapped back and forth between the Denon and was much more impressed with the Denon's picture (full screen) and PQ.
Next, I threw in Basic. Everything was very dark, and the sound was anorexic.

So, I'll probably do some calibration which should clear up the darkness, but not sure about the screen-width dilema or artifacting when up-converting. The sound was clear, but just lacked punch and I had to crank the AVR up another 12dB or so to equal the Denon. I'll play a bit more for the rest of the week, but so far I'm not totally impressed with HD DVD. It may go back to the store by the weekend.

What display do you have? What resolution did you input to your display? The Italian Job is not the best choice for PQ or AQ imo.
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post #147 of 417
12/5/07 at 8:27pm
Before you take it back, try one or some of the following: Transformers, Hot Fuzz, King Kong and one of the Matrix movies.
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post #148 of 417
12/5/07 at 10:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

I've got some initial reactions from the player. This is my first HD DVD player. I have HD cable and when it was first installed, understood the hype about HD. However, hooking this player up and popping in an HD movie was less awe inspiring. I've got a Denon up-converting unit for that 'near HD experience'. Now, I have not calibrated the player, and I've only watched The Italian Job on HD DVD, so take this with a huge grain of salt... or a bag of salt, your choice.

Overall impression of HD DVD... so-so. Definitely a better picture. Much better? not really.

Upconverting - not so hot. My Denon does a way better job. Threw in Spongebob for my daughter and noticed lots of artifacts. Also, it's in standard screen format and I could not get it all stretched out to fit my screen. Swapped back and forth between the Denon and was much more impressed with the Denon's picture (full screen) and PQ.
Next, I threw in Basic. Everything was very dark, and the sound was anorexic.

So, I'll probably do some calibration which should clear up the darkness, but not sure about the screen-width dilema or artifacting when up-converting. The sound was clear, but just lacked punch and I had to crank the AVR up another 12dB or so to equal the Denon. I'll play a bit more for the rest of the week, but so far I'm not totally impressed with HD DVD. It may go back to the store by the weekend.

Italian job is one of the lowest rated HD discs for picture quality.
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post #149 of 417
12/6/07 at 4:47am
If you're saying "Much better? not really." then you either picked a really bad disc to demo, or there's something wrong with your unit or the way you set it up.

I've watched Transformers and Matrx Reloaded over the last few days, and they were both amazing looking and sounding. Massive improvement over the SD versions.

I can't speak for how it upconverts compared to your Denon, but the truth is that even the best upconverters don't come anywhere near real HD. You cannot magically find data where it doesn't exist. You can do your best to interpolate, but HD has six times more picture data than SD, so the HD version will be vastly superior to regular DVD (assuming you pick a movie with a good transfer).



Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

I've got some initial reactions from the player. This is my first HD DVD player. I have HD cable and when it was first installed, understood the hype about HD. However, hooking this player up and popping in an HD movie was less awe inspiring. I've got a Denon up-converting unit for that 'near HD experience'. Now, I have not calibrated the player, and I've only watched The Italian Job on HD DVD, so take this with a huge grain of salt... or a bag of salt, your choice.

Overall impression of HD DVD... so-so. Definitely a better picture. Much better? not really.

Upconverting - not so hot. My Denon does a way better job. Threw in Spongebob for my daughter and noticed lots of artifacts. Also, it's in standard screen format and I could not get it all stretched out to fit my screen. Swapped back and forth between the Denon and was much more impressed with the Denon's picture (full screen) and PQ.
Next, I threw in Basic. Everything was very dark, and the sound was anorexic.

So, I'll probably do some calibration which should clear up the darkness, but not sure about the screen-width dilema or artifacting when up-converting. The sound was clear, but just lacked punch and I had to crank the AVR up another 12dB or so to equal the Denon. I'll play a bit more for the rest of the week, but so far I'm not totally impressed with HD DVD. It may go back to the store by the weekend.
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post #150 of 417
12/6/07 at 7:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert D View Post

What display do you have? What resolution did you input to your display? The Italian Job is not the best choice for PQ or AQ imo.

I have a BenQ W500 720p projector firing a 100" picture. I fed the projector both 1080i and 720p.

I'm sure that Itallian Job is a poor choice for a demo, which is why I said to take my comments with a bag of salt. And like I mentioned, I still need to calibrate the player. I've heard that TrueHD sound (which IJ doesn't have) sounds a bit weak, but I tested last night swapping the same disc between my players, and the Denon was definitely louder. Not just louder, but just seemed fuller. I realize not all source output is equal, so I may need to make adjustments to the AVR to compensate for the 'weaker' source.

I plan on borrowing a couple HD movies from a friend, switch around cables etc and calibrate it. The one thing that bothered me most was the artifacts and failure to fill the screen with the cartoon I played. If I could cure that, I'd be happy. Perhaps the firmware upgrade will help.
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