Digital Bits reports that Toshiba has new firmware coming for Universal combo's

the latest firmware released 2 weeks ago already fixed this issue. I don't know what The Digital Bits is talking about. But thanks for the headsup anyway.



Quote:
Originally Posted by David Susilo /forum/post/0


the latest firmware released 2 weeks ago already fixed this issue. I don't know what The Digital Bits is talking about. But thanks for the headsup anyway.

Click to expand...

If you're referring to v1.5, it has not resolved those issues for me on my A-2. I'm hoping this is a newer version.



Quote:
Originally Posted by David Susilo /forum/post/0


the latest firmware released 2 weeks ago already fixed this issue. I don't know what The Digital Bits is talking about. But thanks for the headsup anyway.

Click to expand...

Weren't those updates for the 1G players? It has been more than 2 weeks since 1.5 (hasn't it?) I swear the older I get I am having more of these "senior citizen" moments. Regardless, if true bring them on. I know a lot of folks have had no problems with the recent Uni combos, unfortunately, I am not one of them.


Will this fix the bug that crops up when the "Universal" screen saver comes up? If I leave my player on pause for more than 5 minutes screen goes black and have hit stop, eject movie and begin from the beginning.

I guess I don't understand how a firmware update can fix a problem that is disc replication based. I had no problem playing CoM with v1.3 and v1.5 and Smoking Aces played flawlessly with v1.5 (including the U Control features on both titles). Same for Happy Feet.


This isn't like the Relentless Enemies problem where NO player could play them. I would hazard to say that the majority of machines could play the discs in questions. To me, this points to an issue in disc replication, not hardware, so unless the new firmware boosts laser strength or loosens up some tolerances, I don't see how firmware can help.

"unless the new firmware boosts laser strength or loosens up some tolerances, I don't see how firmware can help"


Why couldn't that be done through firmware?

If that can be done through firmware then there is a good change the TL51 disc playability can be adressed by a firmware upgrade too.

The only way I'd send my CoM disc back to U, would be if they in return sent an HD-DVD only disc with disc art.


I hate combo discs and this was the first I ever bought.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Derks /forum/post/0


"unless the new firmware boosts laser strength or loosens up some tolerances, I don't see how firmware can help"


Why could that be done through firmware?

If that can be done through firmware then there is a good change the TL51 disc playability can be adressed by a firmware upgrade too.

Click to expand...

two differnt issues:

one is playback - need to replace discs

the other is resolution problem - addressed by firmware

This firmware provides "virtual boiling".

1.5 didn't help the issue for me on my A20. Would love to see this fixed by firmware so I could finally unload my A1 (which plays the discs fine).

Like my post about my replacment discs from Universal. Updating to 1.5 didn't fix my Combo disc playability issues, in fact, it made it worse. After updating to 1.5, I was pretty much unable to get CoM to even start playing.


Again, I emailed Universal, they sent a prepaid shipping label, I sent them my funked up copy of Hollywoodland and CoM. Two or so weeks later, they FedEx'ed me unsealed (new?) copies of each title, both with a removable sticker on the case stating they had been tested/certified. Both titles loaded up on the first insert and played through the chapters that previously would cause it to error out with the 408bc.... err code.


I now need to do the same thing with my bad copy of Smokin' Aces.


-Rick



Quote:
Originally Posted by David Susilo /forum/post/0


the latest firmware released 2 weeks ago already fixed this issue. I don't know what The Digital Bits is talking about. But thanks for the headsup anyway.

Click to expand...

I do not know what you are talking about but 1.5 firmware has not fixed it on my XA2. It actually made it worse in some cases.

Do they manage to sneak in some anti-HD DVD attack in that article?


"But it doesn't matter if the HD DVD is having a firmware update since HD DVD is a piece of crap"



Quote:
Originally Posted by jpeter1093 /forum/post/0


This is the 30th time the question has been answered

but it's right on the Toshiba website: customer support/updates:

Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2


Firmware Update Version: 1.5


Applicable Models: HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2.


Overview:

As part of our commitment to provide world-class service to our customers, Toshiba is supplying this firmware update for use by purchasers of Toshiba HD DVD Player models HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2. This firmware update addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.


How to obtain and install the firmware update:


If you have broadband internet service, you may obtain the firmware update over the internet using the Ethernet port on the back of your HD DVD Player. Instructions for configuring the Ethernet port and downloading the firmware update can be found in the owner's manual for your HD DVD Player. Here is an overview of the process:


BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.

Please configure the Ethernet port. You may need to turn on DHCP and DNS.

After you have configured the Ethernet port, follow the directions in the owner's manual to check for a firmware update.

If a firmware update is available for your player, it will take about 20 minutes to download and install. Once the firmware update download process has finished, the player's power will automatically switch off. You must wait until this process has finished.

DO NOT UNPLUG, TURN OFF, OR USE ANY OTHER FEATURE OF YOUR PLAYER DURING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS. Doing so will cause the writing of the firmware update to the player to be halted and the player may no longer operate properly. If the player stops working, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

If no firmware update is available, the player will quickly exit the update process.

Please refer to the owner's manual for additional details.

If you do not have an Ethernet-based broadband connection for your player or prefer not to use one, you may contact Toshiba Customer Solutions and request that a firmware update disc be sent by mail.


You can update the firmware using this update disc by following the instructions provided with the disc.

DO NOT UNPLUG, TURN OFF, OR USE ANY OTHER FEATURE OF YOUR PLAYER DURING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS. Doing so will cause the writing of the firmware update to the player to be halted and the player may no longer operate properly. If the player stops working, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

Please note that if you sent Toshiba the Firmware Update Request card included with your player, you will receive an update disc by mail from Toshiba as soon as it becomes available.


Frequently Asked Questions:


Q1. What does this update do?


A1. This update addresses some problems Toshiba has identified with HDMI/DVI connectivity and disc playback.


Q2. When I connect my HD DVD Player to my HDTV or HD Monitor using a HDMI to DVI adaptor cable or a HDMI to DVI adaptor, the output resolution of the player remains fixed at 480i. Does the new firmware address this issue?


A2. This firmware update addresses the issue. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.


Q3. The HDMI output does not work or works intermittently with the HDMI or DVI input on my HDTV or monitor. Does the new firmware address that problem?


A3. The firmware update addresses and improves HDMI and DVI connectivity. If you still experience problems, try disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable. Make sure your display input is set to HDMI (or DVI). If your display has more than one HDMI/DVI input, make sure that all connected HDMI/DVI source devices are powered on (even if not in use). If none of these solve the problem, please turn off the TV and the HD DVD player. Check all connections. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable. Turn on the TV first and then turn on the HD DVD player. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.


Q4. During HD DVD playback I sometimes experience pixelization, block noise or audio dropouts. Sometimes playback freezes or stops. Sometimes, playback is not smooth. Does the new firmware address these issues?


A4. This firmware update addresses various playability issues. You should also check to be sure that the disc is clean and, if the disc will not operate at all, that you are inserting the disc with the right side up. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.


Q5. Do I need to install prior firmware updates before installing the current firmware update?


A5. No. The current firmware update includes all of the prior firmware updates.

Click to expand...

I haven't seen the "30" other responses, actually.


Thank you.

A1, A3, A4 and A5 are pretty much boilerplate answers at this point, and they don't tell us very much.