[Schils]

Welp, I finally pulled the trigger on the A2, and at BB of all places. =) The salesman knows me, I've been in many times looking at both rigs they have set up (BD-HD) - he asked "well, is it finally time? Which way you leaning this week?" I said "hd, I just like the way it looks, can't make it any simpler" - he dropped his head, sorta bit his lower lip while shaking his head in disappointment! It was a *bad move, man* kinda gesture, but I told myself *he's doing that cause he knows it's another lost potential BD (for now) customer.* We talked a bit, he did try and convince me that its software thats going to win the war for BD, nothing else, I told him I was happy with the selection already on the shelf for hd and repeated that it looks slightly better too me - he, and now his backup (a 2nd salesman

) said "I disagree, they look basically the same!" I replied "Well, even if they do TO YOU - THERE YOU GO! It looks the same, at a better price! C'mon man!"

Anyway, he said, "well, if it's the A2, we have an open boxed A2 (they also had 4 each of new A2/BDP's on the shelf), never left the store, brand new, somebody probably opened it trying to swipe a remote or cord, etc..I can give it to you for the new price, but along with a $70 gift card which can be used right now." DONE!

So, in addition to the 2 free movies BB gives you, I also had 3 more from the card! Walked out with: New A2, Kong, Fearless, Blazing Saddles, Goodfellas and Unforgiven, and I still have my 3 freebies to look forward to from Toshiba (if I'm not mistaken???) - probably would go with Casino, BB and Seabiscuit.


BTW, unit works perfectly, zero issues, and the picture is pretty much stunning, I understand now why people say they refuse to go back to standard def.


Side note, it's a shame those guys in the store are NOT ALLOWED/supposed to touch/adjust the sets, they're all set to maximum burn mode, ugh! The hd and bd's look great in the store, but absolutely killer at home under ideal settings! Suppose I'm just used to it, but in the store, it's just too much IMO, too stark being maxed out like that...I had a hunch it would be perf at home and wasn't disappointed!


Peace,

derek

 

[mystery]

derek,


Congratulations on your purchase! I think you made the right decision. Although both formats show equally as well on some of the better BD transfers, the fact remains that HD DVD seems to have built up a reputation for consistent image quality with few exceptions.


I also have the A2. Unfortunately I have the black crush issue but I don't have the 480p downconversion problem so at least I'm lucky that way. Firmware up coming next week for both of these problems according to Robert at VE.


You've got a good start on movie there. Lots more coming out this year according to CES and I can hardly wait for the Star Trek series!

I agree about the store's TV settings. Way too much blue in the images and maxed out in contrast.

But under all of that bright lighting in the store, I guess they kind of need to go that way in order to compensate and it must impress those who aren't in the know about such things. If TVs didn't sell, I'm sure they wouldn't do it.


Enjoy your new toy! Get King Kong. You won't be sorry.


Wayne

 

[Schils]

Thanks mystery, sorry to hear that about the crush, I'm not experiencing that, going straight out and into my Hit purely via HDMI, everything is great thus far, upconversion, PQ, etc. =)


Got kong, was the first title I picked up! Just skipped around on it, saw things I never saw before, amazing, almost like watching the flick for the first time. Was REALLY happy to see how much better Blazing looks in HD, was a little skeptical that older movies could hold up, but man is it clean and does have moments of 3d, etc. Goodfellas seems to be the weakest of the group I nabbed, but even so, its far better than the sd version I'm used to seeing!


I hear ya on the store sets, they do have to do that I suppose, and I guess/hope potential buyers probably know they will have to actually see the set/player at home and tweak for their best PQ anyway...I was just kinda underwhelmed at the store (by both), but MUCH impressed once home with it.