Is Toshiba HD A35 the player for me

[gus6464]

Either way, it has been determined that the dts-hd or true-hd audio from the HD-DVD player can be sent to the receiver one way or another. What hasn't been determined, is if the audio can be decoded by the player in question. It is questionable.
It has also been determined that the receiver in use can't decode dts-hd or true-hd.

The A35 can decode TrueHD, DD+, and DTS-HD internally. It is their current flagship player. So who cares if the receiver can't decode it, the player can. I think you are the one who should research on the product before posting about it.

http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/hddvd_products/product.asp?model=hd-a35

And he stated he will be sitting 13ft from the TV. Why spend more on a 1080p tv when at that distance he won't be able to distinguish it with 720p. And he is buying a pioneer plasma whose 1080p TV models cost a lot more. If he went with an LCD instead like the one you mentioned it would actually be a step down as that Toshiba cannot compete with the Pioneer in PQ.

 

[NapaDRB]

Gus6464,

Thank you for jumping in, I completely agree with you concerning the video.

About the audio, as far as I know the A35 will decode the new formats internally and output them through it's 5.1 outputs which I can connect to my Rotel recievers 5.1 inputs, correct?

If the above is true my original question stands, is the Toshiba A35 the HD player for me, remembering that I must have 5.1 outputs?

 

[mfabien]

NapaDRB,

The HD-A35 will decode lossless audio, like all other HD DVD players. The A35 has multichannel analogs outputs for 5.1.

The player can also deliver lossless audio via HDMI:

If HDMI audio is set to PCM, the player decodes and transmits to a receiver which needs to be set to passthrough.

If HDMI is set to Bitstream, a receiver capable of decoding lossless audio will process and deliver accordingly.

Notes: 1. HDMI can deliver 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1
2. With HDMI set at Bitstream, only lossless audio can be transmitted... no commentaries or command button sounds.

 

[zumbo]

The A35 can decode TrueHD, DD+, and DTS-HD internally. It is their current flagship player. So who cares if the receiver can't decode it, the player can. I think you are the one who should research on the product before posting about it.

I have read every bit of information on the Toshiba site about the player in question. It never states that it decodes dts-hd or true-hd. That is why I told the OP to be sure it does. As far as the receiver, the OP cares that it doesn't decode dts-hd and true-hd. The player has to be able to do the decoding. An easy resolution would be to email Toshiba.

And he stated he will be sitting 13ft from the TV. Why spend more on a 1080p tv when at that distance he won't be able to distinguish it with 720p.

Will he be sitting 13ft from the TV for the life of the TV? Also, why pay for a HD-DVD 1080p player when a 720p/1080i from the same company for $65 will do.

And he is buying a pioneer plasma whose 1080p TV models cost a lot more. If he went with an LCD instead like the one you mentioned it would actually be a step down as that Toshiba cannot compete with the Pioneer in PQ.

I understand this. The Pioneers do have a great picture. So again, why buy a $399 player for this TV when a $65 will do?

 

[mfabien]

I have read every bit of information on the Toshiba site about the player in question. It never states that it decodes dts-hd or true-hd. That is why I told the OP to be sure it does. As far as the receiver, the OP cares that it doesn't decode dts-hd and true-hd. The player has to be able to do the decoding. An easy resolution would be to email Toshiba.

All HD DVD players decode DD TrueHD, DD Plus and DTS-HD (core).

Will he be sitting 13ft from the TV for the life of the TV? Also, why pay for a HD-DVD 1080p player when a 720p/1080i from the same company for $65 will do.

Don't mix an upconverting player with an HD player. It appears you are not familiar with this topic.

I understand this. The Pioneers do have a great picture. So again, why buy a $399 player for this TV when a $65 will do?

A Pioneer Flat Panel Plasma deserves to have the real thing, an HD DVD (or BD) player to maximize its true PQ.

 

[zumbo]

All HD DVD players decode DD TrueHD, DD Plus and DTS-HD (core).

If you are certain, then that's good enough for me. I just know I have an upconverting player with HDMI, DD, and DTS that doesn't decode the audio. My player has to be conected to a receiver or pre that is capable of decoding the audio.

Don't mix an upconverting player with an HD player. It appears you are not familiar with this topic.

Well, it seems to me that the TV is only going to display 720p.
Why pay more for the player to output 1080p?
Why pay more for HD DVD's, when a regular dvd will do?

A Pioneer Flat Panel Plasma deserves to have the real thing, an HD DVD (or BD) player to maximize its true PQ.

It's true 720p picture quality.

 

[zumbo]

Also, regular dvd's will look no better on a HD player than they will on a player that upconverts to the TV's NR, to my knowledge. HD-DVD's are not readily available at my rental store. And, as I mentioned, HD-DVD's cost more. Titles are limited.

What is the OP gonna do, buy two or three HD-DVD's and watch them over-and-over?

 

[zumbo]

I can't find the term decode on Toshiba's site. However, it does seem to make sense that if the player has the six analog outputs for audio, it will decode it.

 

[gus6464]

Also, regular dvd's will look no better on a HD player than they will on a player that upconverts to the TV's NR, to my knowledge. HD-DVD's are not readily available at my rental store. And, as I mentioned, HD-DVD's cost more. Titles are limited.

What is the OP gonna do, buy two or three HD-DVD's and watch them over-and-over?

There is such a thing as Netflix. You can rent HD DVDs and Blu-rays for the same price as regular dvds and they have a huge selection. Pretty much every title released for both formats so far. I only buy certain BD's and HD-DVD's and rent the rest.

 

[zumbo]

There is such a thing as Netflix. You can rent HD DVDs and Blu-rays for the same price as regular dvds and they have a huge selection. Pretty much every title released for both formats so far. I only buy certain BD's and HD-DVD's and rent the rest.

Cool! Thanks for the tip.

 

[gus6464]

Cool! Thanks for the tip.

Hey Zumbo didn't you just buy a new TV? You should definitely go out and at least get like a cheap A2 or something and check out the high def discs. Even at 768p with my plasma there is a huge difference in PQ. Plus the A2 does a pretty good job in upconverting regular dvds as well. I guarantee you that once you watch the high def stuff you will never go back to regular dvd!

 

[zumbo]

Hey Zumbo didn't you just buy a new TV? You should definitely go out and at least get like a cheap A2 or something and check out the high def discs. Even at 768p with my plasma there is a huge difference in PQ. Plus the A2 does a pretty good job in upconverting regular dvds as well. I guarantee you that once you watch the high def stuff you will never go back to regular dvd!

Well, I just happened-up on this player in BB for $49.99. I got it to tide me over until the BR/HD war calms down.

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=451774&CTID=5001800

 

[zumbo]

Just got off the phone with an excellent source, and it seems many were right here.

1) A HD-DVD on a 720p set will be far superior to a dvd up-converted by a 1080i or 1080p up-converting player.

2) There is not much, if any, noticeable difference between a dvd that is sent to a 1080p TV from an entry level dvd player via HDMI verses an up-converting 1080i or 1080p player.

3) HDTV(Direct TV from source) is far superior to any up-converted dvd.

 

[zumbo]

What is uncertain at this point is, if HD-DVD looks better on a 1080p LCD, or on a 720p Plasma. Or, on a 1080p Plasma. Considering all equal money. Different brands will apply.

 

[NapaDRB]

Zumbo,

As I understad it the differece between 1080P versus 720P really depends on your veiwing distance and screen size. I think there are charts around that show once you reach x distance with x size screen your eyes can no longer see the difference between 1080P and 720P

This is what I was talking about in my earlier posts, with my viewing distance of 13' and screen size limitation of 42" I have read that my eyes won't be able to see the improvement of 1080P versus the 720P I am going to buy.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Also, HD is 1080p. Why would someone tell you not to get a 1080p monitor if you want an HD player?

Small screen and long viewing distance from TV to see resolution difference.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Zumbo,

I thought I had this semi figured out but know I'm really confused.

Reply to your questions;

Yes it has optical or digital but neither of those will carry the new audio formats, correct?

You do not consider 720P HD?

Yes HDMI carries audio but my receiver will not accept it.

To receive the new hi def audio tracks on the HD-DVD, either the receiver needs to decode or pass it through the analog audio out on the player in which case you need the analog audio in on the receiver itself for that function.

Your digital in will decode the DD+ format that you may be satisfied with.

Yes, 720 is considered hi def but the HD DVD has 1080p on it so the player would downgrade it to 720p. In your case, with that size TV and distance, that is about the most you will resolve. Yes, the A35 may be overkill in your situation.
If a lower model will do 720p and you save a lot, then that may be the prudent way to go for you.

 

[zumbo]

To receive the new hi def audio tracks on the HD-DVD, either the receiver needs to decode or pass it through the analog audio out on the player in which case you need the analog audio in on the receiver itself for that function.

His Rotel does have the analog inputs, so he is good to go for the audio.

 

[gus6464]

To receive the new hi def audio tracks on the HD-DVD, either the receiver needs to decode or pass it through the analog audio out on the player in which case you need the analog audio in on the receiver itself for that function.

Your digital in will decode the DD+ format that you may be satisfied with.

Yes, 720 is considered hi def but the HD DVD has 1080p on it so the player would downgrade it to 720p. In your case, with that size TV and distance, that is about the most you will resolve. Yes, the A35 may be overkill in your situation.
If a lower model will do 720p and you save a lot, then that may be the prudent way to go for you.

While the A35 is definitely overkill from a video standpoint, it is not for audio. Since his rotel does not have hdmi he has to go through the analog connections to get the better sound formats. If you don't care so much about TrueHD and whatnot he could always just go for the A3 and have standard DTS and DD. But then again if he was planning on buying a new hdmi receiver then it really wouldn't hurt to get the A35.

 

[zumbo]

While the A35 is definitely overkill from a video standpoint, it is not for audio. Since his rotel does not have hdmi he has to go through the analog connections to get the better sound formats. If you don't care so much about TrueHD and whatnot he could always just go for the A3 and have standard DTS and DD. But then again if he was planning on buying a new hdmi receiver then it really wouldn't hurt to get the A35.

My god people. Can you not navigate to the Rotel site.

HIS RECEIVER HAS HDMI. He claims it will not accept the audio.

http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=19&Tab=2&Pic=1