[gsearles]

I've been waiting for a while before deciding about buying a high-def DVD source. I just built a really nice dedicated theater with a Panasonic AE900 and 106' screen. Figuring I'd be buying a Blu-Ray player this year (no flames please, read the rest of the post...) year, I went cheap with the DVD player. I got a $99 Panasonic model, rather than buying a more expensive player, figuring I'd be replacing this player soon anyhow.


Given what seems to be poor quality BD releases so far, and no clear imminent forwat war victory for either side, I'm now in no hurry to spend $1000 on the Samsung BD player, and the others just keep getting delayed and much more expensive. $450 for the Toshiba HD-DVD player might be more palatable. I'm not 100% happy with the PQ from my cheap DVD player, and am hearing the Thosbhiba A1 plays SD DVD's really well. How well? Is it as good WITH SD DVD's as similar priced SD DVD players like the Denon 2910 or Yamaha S1500? Will I notice a big difference from my Panasonic S52 on regular DVD's? If so, it might be worth the plunge no matter how HD-DVD does in the long run. I'd certainly appreciate reports from those who have switched from these or similar players...


Thanks!


Greg

 

[RobertR1]

Do a search and you'll see people dumping their 2910's and other hi end SD player because of the Toshiba's upconverting ability.

 

[mobgre]

I own the Panny s52 and the Tosh. Trust me, The HD-A1 blows it away.

 

[MartyMac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobgre I own the Panny s52 and the Tosh. Trust me, The HD-A1 blow it away.

My Fuji 42" plasma does not have HDMI. Will the upconvert still look as good on component inputs?


Thanks

 

[Big J]

Simply put, yes. I too may eventually jump on the Blu-ray band wagon (or I may not), so even if Toshiba looses the "Format War" eventually, I've got a really killer DVD player. The trueth is, it's not like I'm going to watch the same 12 HD DVDs over and over and over, the vast majority of my viewing is still DVDs. I've found that I'm enjoying my movie collection, along with new movies, like never before. So, even if you never buy a single HD DVD, you will still benefit from using the HD-A1 as an upscaling DVD player. Note: It only upscales through HDMI, not component.

HTH,

J

 

[Big J]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyMac My Fuji 42" plasma does not have HDMI. Will the upconvert still look as good on component inputs? Thanks

It does not upsacle through component.

J

 

[bembol]

This IS one of Toshiba's Advantages over Blur-ray...!!!

 

[zglass2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyMac My Fuji 42" plasma does not have HDMI. Will the upconvert still look as good on component inputs? Thanks

NO - but you will get slow load AND fan noise!

 

[MartyMac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big J It does not upsacle through component. J

So then my only other option is to take the HDMI output from the A! and use a HDMI to DVI converter? Has anyone tried this?

 

[DaveinTucson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big J It does not upsacle through component. J

Thought I'd clarify that NO DVD player will upconvert except through a HDCP compliant digital output - DVI or HDMI.


And yes, it oustanding as a DVD player. I put my Denon upconverting player on eBay after I bought my XA1.

 

[Kid Red]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zglass2 NO - but you will get slow load AND fan noise!

I never heard the fan on my unit for the few days I had one. And the Sammy is a whole 30 seconds faster to get to the poorer PQ? Huh?

 

[Big J]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyMac So then my only other option is to take the HDMI output from the A! and use a HDMI to DVI converter? Has anyone tried this?

You can buy an adapter, or an HDMI->DVI cable.

J

 

[cappra]

The DVD "worlds fastest Indian" will upconvert thru component, as well as "backup copies"

 

[ViDeOaUdIo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zglass2 NO - but you will get slow load AND fan noise!

Do you listen and enjoy the glory of Dolby suround sound from 5.1 speakers or just fan noise ?

 

[Ktulu_1]

I'd say it's at least a $200 SD DVD player. It's certainly better than my $200 Panny. So for a $299 extra you get HD-DVD as well. HD-DVD wins again!

 

[Likvid]

I had the Denon 3910 and sold it because the Toshiba is actually better with SD DVDs.


I can't really see anyone in their right mind that would buy a highend DVD player today when the Toshiba does it better.

 

[ViDeOaUdIo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Likvid I can't really see anyone in their right mind that would buy a highend DVD player today when the Toshiba does it better.

The Blue-Rayer does

 

[sdlehman]

I had a very respectible DVD player in the Pioneer Elite DV-47a. I think the HD-A1 does a beautiful job of upconversion. I see detail and color that I don't remember seeing.


Stace

 

[Ron-P]

The $500 I spent for the A1 is worth the upscaling alone, the nice bonus is the HD.

 

[Eddie Horton]

My Zenith DVB-318 has been put out to pasture since I got the HD-D1. No more macroblocking on SD-DVD's!!!