right here right now, which would you buy: BLU-RAY or HD-DVD player?

[mtrycrafts]

What makes the A20 $150 better?

It outputs the native 1080p of the DVD. No up-converting or anything if you have a TV/projector that accepts 1080p, less chance of artifacts.

 

[mike c]

The HD-XA2

Also the HD-XE1

They are essentially the same player using HDMI v1.3(deep color support*), HQV Reon-VX chip, 1080p output(with an update coming for 1080p/24 output), and 5.1 analogue outputs.

cheers

so what's the difference between these two? what do these two have that the A20 doesn't?

are they really 799 bucks? or is it cheaper in the market?

maybe I should rephrase my question to: what's the latest and greatest Toshiba I can buy for 600 bucks ? (A20?)

 

[MACCA350]

so what's the difference between these two? what do these two have that the A20 doesn't?

are they really 799 bucks? or is it cheaper in the market?

maybe I should rephrase my question to: what's the latest and greatest Toshiba I can buy for 600 bucks ? (A20?)

The difference is HDMI v1.3(deep color support*), HQV Reon-VX chip, 5.1 analogue outputs, and probably something else I've forgot....oh the A20 may not be able to do 1080p/24(not sure)

But you're in luck, Amazon have a special on the XA2:

Price: $593.70 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
Plus
Free HD DVD Rebate offer: Get 5 Free HD DVDs after Mail-in rebate

Don't say I don't do anything for ya

cheers

 

[MACCA350]

You still there Mike?

cheers

 

[mike c]

free shipping applies to the US ... blast, I don't have anyone in the US right now.

noticed you decided on an HD format already ... why did you choose HD DVD?

 

[MACCA350]

free shipping applies to the US ... blast, I don't have anyone in the US right now.

noticed you decided on an HD format already ... why did you choose HD DVD?

Because HD DVD is a complete format, Blu-ray is not ready for the market yet...they jumped the gun and still haven't finalized the player specs.

Also most movies are either equal in quality or better on HD DVD, they also have the advanced features already in use(and ALL players can do it!)

There are a heap of movies coming to HD DVD this year along with a number of players(cheap Chinese: Liteon, Jiankui, Alco, Shinco, also Meridian, Onkyo and Alpine) and I think the next 12 months will see a swing towards HD DVD

There are a ton of other reasons but the short of it is I'm more comfortable with putting my money into HD DVD

cheers

 

[mr-ben]

Because HD DVD is a complete format, Blu-ray is not ready for the market yet...they jumped the gun and still haven't finalized the player specs.

That's the reason I like the PS3 as a player (in theory at least, since I don't own one) - the firmware of the PS3 allows it to be updated to whatever revisions are made to Blu-ray as time goes on, since it's basically a software-based player.

 

[djoxygen]

Only one reason why: Content. I'd rather live without Universal than without Sony, Columbia, MGM, Disney and Pixar.

 

[j_garcia]

In all seriousness Blu-ray shouldn't even be on the market yet, its just not ready.

The format was rushed to the market because HD DVD was ready and on the market. They've been playing catchup ever since, but their advertising people to the teeth about all the great things Blu-ray can do except that they still can't do it yet(they don't advertise that do they)

The only reason they are on the market now is because if they waited till they were ready it would be too late and HD DVD would have so much lead that Blu-ray would've lost before they got to market. So they rushed half**** product's to the marked and pushed them like only they know how and hoped people didn't read the fine print until it was too late, so they'd have enough time to finish the development.

And guess what soon they'll turn around and say they've got this flash new player that does all sorts of spectacular things(fineprint: not all player can do it!)........but guess what.......HD DVD had that since day 1.......on EVERY F***** PLAYER!!!

And you call Blu-ray the format of choice not much of a choice if you keep bashing them over the head with it, see with the right advertising you can sell anything.

HD DVD is a format, Blu-ray is a mess and 'not ready for sale!'

Rant over, back to regular programing

cheers

HD-DVD playres have just as many if not MORE problems than BluRay players; all of them need updates to play the latest movies, so I don't see what you're getting at... The HUGE benefit for the PS3 is that if you have it connected to your network, it tells you when updates are available. PS3 already has 1080p/24.

Also, the A20 is $499, but starting this week I believe it will become available for the $100 discount making it just $399.

 

[mike c]

MACCA, do you have a tier list of the HD-DVD movies like you have of the Blu-Ray ones?

because right after you posted that list, I think I'm ready to go BR

 

[MACCA350]

The Tier System for HD DVD PQ

(THD) refers to TrueHD. This is a lossless audio codec which provides crystal clear sound.

(MA) refers to DTS HD Master Audio. Right now it offers a core DTS signal providing 1.5 mbps. Later on when recievers become available (and if we get a firmware update to support it) they will provide an additional 1.5 mbps.

(U-C) refers to U-Control. This is an interactive overlay utilized on some Universal discs. Firmware 2.0 is required to access it.

(IME) refers to In-Movie-Experience. This is an overlay feature much like U-Control, only with fewer interactive options. All firmware supports IME.

(CMB) refers to combos, which are HD DVD/DVD hybrids. These are typically a bit pricier. Combos do not seem to affect PQ in any way. Early combos were only 15 GB on the HD side which may have precluded THD on some titles.

(bobbed) is an upconverting from 1080i process some masters at WB underwent. It reduces resolution and introduces "jaggies" (stair-stepping).

TIER 0 -PLATINUM-
These are simply stunning transfers from beginning to end. Completely Flawless. No artifacts whatsoever, no matter how small.

Corpse Bride
A Scanner Darkly


TIER 1 -GOLD-
Little if any visible compression. Sharp image with many examples of 3D.

King Kong (U-C)Requires latest firmware
Hulk
The Ant Bully (CMB)(THD)
Happy Feet (THD)(CMB)
One Six Right
The Matrix Reloaded (THD)(IME)
The Matrix Revolutions (THD)(IME)


TIER 2 -SILVER-
Not as many 3D effects, but a sharp image that feels real.

The Chronicles of Riddick
The Scorpion King
Seabiscuit
Children of Men (U-C)(CMB)
Nine Inch Nails: Beside You In Time (THD)
The Matrix (THD)(IME)
Aeon Flux
Underworld Evolution (Spanish Import)
Sahara
Ray
Mission: Impossible III (crushed blacks)(IME)
Letters from Iwo Jima (THD)
Flags of Our Fathers
Smokin' Aces (U-C)
Running Scared (German import)
Reign of Fire (Japanese Import)
Equilibrium (Japanese Import)
The Brothers Grimm (Japanese Import)
Training Day (THD)
The Fast & The Furious
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (European import)(THD)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (THD)(IME)
2 Fast 2 Furious
Wolf Creek (MA)
The Departed (THD)
The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift (U-C)(CMB)
ATL (CMB)
The Lost City
The Architect
Grand Prix
Batman Begins (THD)(IME)
Serenity
The Matador (MA)Requires latest firmware
The Pianist (European Import)(MA)
Good Night and Good Luck (CMB)
The Manchurian Candidate
Jet Li's Fearless (CMB)
Phantom of the Opera (THD)
La Haine (European Import)(MA)
Out of Sight
The Mummy Returns
The Mummy
Scary Movie 4 (MA)Requires latest firmware
The Wicker Man (THD)
Dreamgirls
Total Recall (European Import)(MA)HIGH-PITCHED AUDIO
Rambo: First Blood Part II (European Import)(MA)HIGH-PITCHED AUDIO
Swordfish
Payback
Casino
Lucky # Slevin
The World's Fastest Indian
Scooby Doo
Discovery Atlas: Australia
Derailed (MA)Requires latest firmware
Pitch Black
World Trade Center
Planet Earth
The Hitcher (CMB)(U-C)
The Good Shepherd (CMB)
Babel
The Polar Express
Cream Reunion
Chicago Earth Wind and Fire
Alice Cooper: Live at Montreux
Eagles farewell
Heart: Alive in Seattle (THD)

TIER 3 -BRONZE-
Few 3D effects, some digital noise/artifacting.

The Rundown
V for Vendetta (THD)(IME)
We Were Soldiers
Smallville: The Complete Fifth Season (IME)
Slither (CMB)
Alexander (French Import)(MA)
Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (THD)
Dune
Army of Darkness (CMB)
The Frighteners
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (French Import)(MA)
Perfume: Story of a Murder (Spanish Import)
The Nutty Professor
Waterworld
The Road Warrior
Dragonheart
Enemy at the Gates (French Import)(MA)
Alpha Dog
Red Dragon
End of Days (THD)
Poseidon (THD)
Beerfest
Spy Game
Four Brothers
Blazing Saddles
The Searchers
Black Rain
Dog Day Afternoon
Troy (THD)(IME)
Syriana
Space Cowboys
Relentless Enemies
Pulse (THD)
The Last Samurai
U-571
Jarhead
Constantine (THD)(IME)
House of Wax
The 40 Year Old Virgin (U-C)
Lady in the Water (CMB)(THD)
Brokeback Mountain (CMB)
Mission Impossible 2
Mission: Impossible
Happy Gilmore
The Dukes of Hazzard (IME)
Backdraft
Sky Captain (purposefully blurry)
The Bourne Supremacy (IME)
The Thing
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (CMB)
Unleashed (CMB)
Rumor Has It (CMB)
Million Dollar Baby
Van Helsing
Unforgiven
Assault on Precinct 13
Apollo 13
Casablanca
The Adventures of Robin Hood
Hollywoodland (CMB)
Clerks II (THD)
Under Siege
Terminator 3 (IME)
Forbidden Planet
The Break-Up (U-C)(CMB) Requires latest firmware
The Interpreter
Chronos
Mutiny on the Bounty
Finding Neverland (Japanese import)
King Kong (1976) (European Import)(MA)
The Bone Collector
Feast (THD)
Miami Vice (CMB)Requires latest firmware
16 Blocks (CMB)
Superman: The Movie
Failure to Launch
Superman Returns (THD)(CMB)

TIER 4 -COPPER-
Soft or occasionally artifacted. An overall flat but satisfactory image.

The Italian Job
12 Monkeys
The Lake House (CMB)
Doom
Friday Night Lights
Land of the Dead (CMB)
The Fountain (CMB)
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (CMB)
Firewall (CMB)
Enter the Dragon (bobbed)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Lethal Weapon 2 (bobbed)
Cinderella Man
Lethal Weapon (bobbed)
Goodfellas
Smokey & The Bandit
The Gift (Japanese Import)
The Sting
First Blood (European Import)(MA)HIGH-PITCHED AUDIO
The New Orleans Benefit Concert
Oliver Twist (Japanese Import)
Accepted (CMB)
Tomb Raider
The Deer Hunter
The Game
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Meet the Parents
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
A Christmas Story
The Breakfast Club (CMB)
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (CMB)
Waist Deep (CMB)
March of the Penguins
Caddyshack
You, Me and Dupree (CMB)
Nacho Libre
Christmas Vacation
Sleepy Hollow (digital noise)
Excalibur
Reds
Dazed & Confused (CMB)
Animal House (CMB)
The Perfect Storm (bobbed)(THD)

TIER 5 -COAL-
Only slightly better than DVD.Visible artifacting, softness, no 3D effects.

Bullitt
Field of Dreams
An American Werewolf in London (CMB)
The Fog (European Import)(MA)
Spartacus
U2: Rattle and Hum
Traffic
The Dirty Dozen
The Fugitive (bobbed)
Full Metal Jacket (bobbed)

cheers

 

[mike c]

thanks MACCA ... there's some blu-rays I want, and some HD DVD's I want ... hmmm.

 

[MACCA350]

thanks MACCA ... there's some blu-rays I want, and some HD DVD's I want ... hmmm.

And thats why, since I don't have a Blu-ray player, I don't even look at what is exclusive to Blu-ray.

cheers

 

[MACCA350]

HD-DVD playres have just as many if not MORE problems than BluRay players; all of them need updates to play the latest movies, so I don't see what you're getting at... The HUGE benefit for the PS3 is that if you have it connected to your network, it tells you when updates are available. PS3 already has 1080p/24.

Also, the A20 is $499, but starting this week I believe it will become available for the $100 discount making it just $399.

I was talking about hardware deficiencies, ALL BD players on the market now, bar the PS3, will NEVER be able to do all of the interactive features as stated in the Profile 1.1 and 2.0 spec.

BTW my XE1 is permanently connected to the internet and also downloads firmware updates, in fact ALL HD DVD players must have internet connectivity, it's part of the specs.

cheers

 

[mfabien]

I was talking about hardware deficiencies, ALL BD players on the market now, bar the PS3, will NEVER be able to do all of the interactive features as stated in the Profile 1.1 and 2.0 spec.

BTW my XE1 is permanently connected to the internet and also downloads firmware updates, in fact ALL HD DVD players must have internet connectivity, it's part of the specs.

cheers

Must? No, there is no requirement.

I have a permanent Ethernet connection to my A1 (via Lynksys Powerline Bridge) and the only downloads to date have been firmware updates.

Other downloads, such as new movie trailers announced to be available with "Miami Vice" and "Fast & Furious, Tokyo Drift" were non existent in the HD DVDs that I rented. And forwarding bookmarks to a friend via Universal Studios is of no interest to me (not sure that can be done as of now).

Those who have no Ethernet connection can always update the software by CD from Toshiba.

 

[MACCA350]

Must? No, there is no requirement.

I have a permanent Ethernet connection to my A1 (via Lynksys Powerline Bridge) and the only downloads to date have been firmware updates.

Other downloads, such as new movie trailers announced to be available with "Miami Vice" and "Fast & Furious, Tokyo Drift" were non existent in the HD DVDs that I rented. And forwarding bookmarks to a friend via Universal Studios is of no interest to me (not sure that can be done as of now).

Those who have no Ethernet connection can always update the software by CD from Toshiba.

I said all players must have internet 'connectivity' and yes it is in the mandated specs for a stand alone HD DVD player. eg the ability to be able to be connected to the internet, eg an Ethernet port on the back. I didn't say you need to have it connected to play a HD DVD.

They may not be using the feature now BUT it has been allowed for in the specs and when the content is there EVERY stand alone player on the market is able to take advantage of it.

Like PIP, the ability is mandated in the specs(along with other things) and we now have some movies taking advantage of it, and guess what EVERY HD DVD player on the market can do it, you can't say that for Blu-ray because it wasn't in the player specs and IIRC the only one that may do it is the PS3.

cheers

 

[mike c]

The difference is HDMI v1.3(deep color support*), HQV Reon-VX chip, 5.1 analogue outputs, and probably something else I've forgot....oh the A20 may not be able to do 1080p/24(not sure)

-so, my projector doesn't support deep color (panasonic 1000E)
-if my receiver has an HDMI connection, I don't need the 5.1 output, right?

the only thing that might matter is...
-what's this 1080p/24?

 

[avaserfi]

1080p is the resolution and the 24 stands for Hz (frames per second). And yes you shouldnt need the 5.1 out with hdmi it can handle the signal.

 

[mike c]

avaserfi, so what do I get with this 1080p/24? better picture I assume? so the XA2 has better picture than the A20?

will this be utilized with existing software?

 

[avaserfi]

Both should support 1080p/24, thats the standard for HD as far as I know. I think the big difference between the xa2 and the A20 is the XA2 supports hdmi 1.3 but I am not 100 percent sure. The toshiba site doesn't state too much clearly.