HD DVD -Not Ready for Plug and Play??

Neither format is at the point you're describing, probably wont be for some time to come.

I would say the amount of updates are directly related to new features that are added to titles nowadays when it comes to the lower line players (A2, A3) so you usually don't have to worry about these too often. In fact I have had buddies with A2's that have never updated their player but of course they don't use any of the web enabled content either (no full time ethernet hookup).

If you don't want to deal with any of those things, I suggest you wait another few years. Or you could just buy one now and deal with it. Registering with Toshiba and getting firmware CDs to put into the player is hardly difficult to deal with.

I would say the hassle is optional. I'm using my HD-A3 as it came out of the box and have not seen it do anything crazy yet.

--- CHAS

you know, I felt the same way as the OP(still do). I was going to sit firmly on the sidelines until the technology matures.

My decision to finally jump in was made easier by the fact that i want to purchase my LAST SD DVD player. One that will present my DVD's in the best possible manner. After looking and reading everything I could get my hands on, I ordered a Tosh XA2(as well as 15 HD DVD titles!)

For me, the HD DVD capability is an added bonus. If I run into compatibility issues between components, HDMI handshaking problems, etc., I'll deal with them, but the primary purpose of this machine is going back through my library of DVD's and watching them over again, but with Reon enhancement this time around, and from what everybody says about the upconversion quality of this machine, I can't wait.

don't know if that rationale could help you or not

I would not wait. I am 50 years old and really its not a hassle. Toshiba will eventually send you a Software revision disk to upgrade your software. You just sign up for it and they will send it in the mail. Their should be paperwork for this in the box. Upgrading via ethernet is simple. You do not have to be a Electronics specialist in HD DVD. I am a Industrials disabled Electronic Technician but you will not have any more problems that most have anyway that has this HD DVD player. I have had 0 issues since my purchase in November 2007 and I have software 2.7. Take the red pill; You will love it. You have a backbone in this forum. These men are the best.

I think that comment is the real key for the original poster and many people out there. Registered users will get any firmware update CDs in the mail from Toshiba within a few weeks of release (for free).

So going with that approach, it's not entirely plug-and-play but it is as simple as inserting a CD, selecting "yes" with your remote control, walking away for about 10 minutes, and hitting the power button to restart. That's not much more complicated than watching a movie.

Those of us that like to get these things immediately can deal with all of that stuff like downloads over ethernet or burning the ISO to CD, but it's mostly about immediate gratification than a requirement for all HD DVD owners.

With all due respect to the OP, is there any way to simply run a network cable from your router to where your HD DVD player would be? Because if you can get past that step, you're pretty much done with the hassle. The rest is all handled automatically by the player.

It's not what you are making it out to be.

My view is that if you are sufficiently technical to find this place and post then you are definitely up to the task of maintaining firmware on your player. You can always call Toshiba and they will send you the latest firmware release on cd. If you can't power up the player and insert a disc then you are beyond help anyway... you got here, you posted, you can update your firmware.

Receiving a CD from Toshiba is iffy,I'm still waiting on mine for v2.3.
I couldn't wait so I downloaded the ISO and burned a CD,couldn't be easier.
OP:As for updating being a hassle I bet you have updated the BIOS,the drivers or Windows on your PC...how hard was that?

Didn't they just go green and say they wouldn't send out fw CDs anymore. I saw a thread on that last night on DHC or here. Wonder if that is for new owners, or all. Downloading and burning ISO is a little challenge, while the networking can be as well (since its not default out of the box to get an IP like it should be).

As most have said, you would only need to update if you run into a new disk where you see issues, but those seem to be mostly behind us this year, and now it is mostly tweaks and extra features. I think the next generations will get more and more like this.

Just today I called to get the 2.7 update for my A-20 which has never been updated by me. The person was pleasant, informative, courteous and helpful. She double-checked my info and will have the update cd out to me via FedEx right away. I felt properly taken care of. It was good to experience professional customer service on the phone again. Thanks to Toshiba for it! (Now let's see how quickly I get that update cd!)

Forums tend to exaggerate problems. Most of the recent issues have been because Toshiba has been working hard to add extra features to these players and with the latest firmware, there aren't a lot of major problems left to fix.

With a second generation player, update it once to firmware 2.7 and you're done. Toshiba will send you the update disc by mail for free. All you have to do is put it in your player and push the OK button and within 15 minutes your player is updated. You don't need a network engineer, you don't need to learn how to burn a disc and you don't even need a computer.

Reading through the forums I constantly come across users that have issues because they haven't bothered to read the manual. They are very well written and tell you exactly how to hook these things up depending on your display and receiver.

If you ever do run into troubles then you have the helpful folks at AVS to cover your butt and answer any questions you have. If you have a HDTV and like movies then you'll be very happy with taking the plunge.

Edit: If Toshiba can't get a disc to you in a reasonable amount of time then send me $2 to cover postage and I'll be happy to send you one.

Updatable firmware is a fact of life for most newer consumer electronics.

That is only going to get more prevelent in the near future.

Many folks find this an irritant and confusing but it's actually a good thing.

At least there is now the opportunity for manufacturers to choose to make improvements when issues arise. There have always been issues with consumer electronics and, until the advent of user upgradable firmware, the buyer was stuck with those issues until they replaced the unit with something else.

While many folks here will disagree, I generally stick with the following philosophy when it comes to firmware updates:

I always immediately update the firmware when I buy a new CE device because it will, invariably, be shipped with a very old version.

But, after that...

I never update until the new firmware has been "vetted" by the early adopters (unless I have a critical issue that must be fixed ASAP)

and, maybe, more importantly...

If it ain't broke, I don't "fix" it.

Same for me. My A2 and A3 came out of the box and into my rack. No updates...play fine.

I've certainly had a plug-n-play experience with my HD-A2. I don't know what age you have to be to feel confident about updating your firmware; I'm 64. I figured if I was confident enough to put a DVD in the tray, I was confident enough to put the firmware disc in the tray. I clicked "Yes" on the screen and waited about 10 minutes. Went perfectly.

My only real trouble is waiting till my Social Security check comes so I can get 4-5 new discs!

NO updates done on my A3 and it's working fine(month after purchase)...except for dealing with scatched discs. Much more sensitive than regular dvd players on that issue!