ProductWiki

Toshiba HD-A3

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:46:28 -0400

The Toshiba HD-A3 (MSRP $300) is the entry-level model of Toshiba's third-generation of HD DVD players. It is very similar to its predecessor, the Toshiba HD-A2, and does not offer any significant improvements to this player other the improved form factor of the player. There are two noticeable changes: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA(core) are still passed over HDMI, but they are now downrezzed to Dolby Digital 5.1 (640Mbs) instead of the HD-A2's DTS 5.1 (1.5Mbs). This supports non-HDMI non-DTS AV receivers, but users with DTS support may want the HD-A2. Also, the HD-A2's S-video port has been removed. It support 1080i output over HDMI and component, but does not support the newer 1080p/24fps video format. See the Toshiba HD-A30 and HD-A35 for this feature.

Toshiba HD-A30

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:27:41 -0400

The Toshiba HD-A30 (MSRP $400) is one of three models released as part of Toshiba's third generation of HD-DVD players announced September 8th, 2007. Most notably it now supports full HD video at 1080p running at 24 fps (1080p/24fps) meeting the highest video standards. It offers SD upconversion up to 1080p as well using its built-in video processor. All 3rd gen models feature the same form factor: a high gloss, black acrylic face plate, and are 1/2 the height 2.34" (59.5 mm) of 1st gen models.

Features

1080p/24fps video output
SD upconversion (480p/720p/1080i/1080p)
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD Dolby, DTS and DTS-HD audio
HDMI-CEC "CE-Link" to control other devices
HDMI, component, composite, optical audio, analog audio (stereo) outputs
Ethernet 10/100 mbps port for web enabled DVDs
Slim chassis, half as thick as predecessors - 2.34" (59.5 mm)
Dimensions: 16.9 x 2.3 x 12.9" (429 x 58.4 x 327mm)
Weight: 7.26 lbs (3.3 kg)

HDMI-CEC

The HD-A30 upgrades its HDMI output to HDMI-CEC supporting "CE-Link": a standard that sends controls signals over the HDMI capable allowing the DVD player to control other downstream devices. For example, you could start watching a DVD with a single button press on the remote.

The Toshiba HD-A30 was released in September 2007 and is now available. Onkyo has a new HD-DVD player, the Onkyo DV-HD805 ($900) that competes with the Toshiba line.

Toshiba HD-XA2

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:01:13 -0400

The Toshiba HD-XA2 is the flagship HD-DVD player which boasts the highest quality playback and features of any device that supports the HD-DVD format. Part of the second generation of HD-DVD players, Toshiba addressed many of the complaints critics and consumers levied against the predecessor, the HD-XA1.

HDMI 1.3 is one of the biggest additions that Toshiba has introduced with the XA2, which allows the output of a full 1080p picture. However, the XA2 can output 1080p at only 60Hz where HD-DVD content is stored at 24Hz, this requires a conversion process that may introduce playback artifacts. The 1.3 specification allows for deeper color output known as TrueColor, which the XA2 supports. Toshiba included advanced audio playback capabilities such as TrueHD decoding, which is a lossless format.

One of the features that Toshiba is advertising is the inclusion of Silicon Optix's Reon VX video processor, which is based on a professional grade hardware, that performs picture enhancement and cleanup on DVD discs. This enhancement runs alongside the XA2's upconversion capabilities (through HDMI only) up to 1080p resolution.

Connectivity ports

Ethernet port for updating firmware (as of April 9th, 2007 firmware version is 1.3) and accessing special movie content.
Two USB ports for expansion storage.
An RS-232 connector for total home control systems.

Video output: component, S-Video, composite, HDMI

Audio output: bitstream digital audio (both optical and coax), and 5.1-channel analog audio

Toshiba HD-A2

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 17:03:49 -0400

The Toshiba HD-A2 is a value priced HD-DVD player released in late 2006 as a successor to the Toshiba HD-A1. This revised version of Toshiba's lower end HD-DVD player sports all the same features as the HD-A1, and has subsequently been replaced by the third generation model, the Toshiba HD-A3. Improvements over the previous model come in the form of faster loading and response times, and an improved controller with a more logical button layout. It has a maximum output resolution of 1080i/60, and does not support the newer 1080p or 24p standards. It includes an HDMI output with support for audio over HDMI. The HD-A2 does a good job of upconverting the old DVD format.

Features

HD-DVD player (2nd generation)
HDMI output with support for audio over HDMI
Upconverts old DVDs to 1080i
max resolution: 1080i/60
does not support 1080p or 24p
built-in Ethernet jack for firmware updates
dimensions: 16.9" x 13.58" x 2.58"

Availability

The HD-A2 originally retailed for $499, but has seen seen a significant price drop to $200, and is currently available for $100 as a sale at Wal-Mart and Best Buy. The HD-A2 was originally release in October 2006 as a successor to the HD-A1, and has now been succeeded by the HD-A3 third generation model released a year later in October 2007.

Onkyo DV-HD805

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:05:21 -0400

The Onkyo DV-HD805 is a HD DVD player due out in Fall 2007, and marks Onkyo's entry into the High Definition Optical Media forray. It features an HDMI 1.3a output capable of delivering a full HD 1080p picture. It includes a Reon HQV video processor capable of effectively upscaling all source video, including DVD, to 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. It features 24 fps playback, and a LAN connection for web-enabled HD DVDs.

Features

HDMI v1.3a
Supports 24 fps playback - experience the playback of films recorded to HD DVD with an smooth, stable video resolution.
HQV Reon VX video processing chipset for precise video scaling to 720p, 1080i or 1080p
Ethernet port for web-enabled features found on HD DVD discs and for further firmware updates
Analog Devices 297 MHz/12-bit NSV video DAC to support 4x oversampling for output via component video
Wolfson and Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit audio DACs
5.1-channel & 2-channel analog outputs
Bi-Directional RS-232 port
High-bit-rate audio streaming via HDMI version 1.3a

The HD-DV805 has an MSRP of $899 and will become available in Fall 2007. The release of the HD-DV805 coincides with Toshiba's new 3rd generation HD DVD players like the Toshiba HD-A30 ($400) and HD-A35 ($500) offering similar specification for less price.

Toshiba HD-A35

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:41:15 -0400

The Toshiba HD-A35 (MSRP $500) is the flagship model of Toshiba's 3rd generation HD DVD players announced on September 8th, 2007. It offers similar features and specifications as the Toshiba HD-A30 ($400) but adds deep color via HDMI, high bit-rate audio output over HDMI, and 5.1 analog audio outputs.

Features

1080p/24fps video output
SD upconversion (480p/720p/1080i/1080p)
deep color via HDMI
high bit-rate audio output over HDMI (up to 7.1 channels)
5.1 analog audio outputs
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD Dolby, DTS and DTS-HD audio
HDMI-CEC "CE-Link" to control other devices
HDMI, component, composite, optical audio, analog audio (stereo) outputs
Ethernet 10/100 mbps port for web enabled DVDs
Slim chassis, half as thick as predecessors - 2.34" (59.5 mm)

Compare this HD-A35 with Onkyo's entry into the HD DVD player market: the Onkyo DV-HD805 retailing for $900. The HD-A35 is due out in October 2007.

LG BH100

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:48:08 -0500

LG debuted its hybrid Super Blu BH100 Blu-ray/HD DVD player at CES 2007. This player, that hit shelves early February 2007, solves the nextgen DVD format wars by being able to play both. To hedge your bets, you will have to pay, though, as the BH100 is expected to retail for $1,199. The player is able to display 1080p resolutions via its HDMI connector. Future-proof consumers should be aware that the HDMI connector meets only the 1.2 standard and not the newer 1.3.

It does not fully support HD DVD since it cannot display any of its menus or interactive content. The second generation LG BH200 solves this problem and makes other small improvements, but still retails for $999.

Toshiba HD-A1

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 11:26:53 -0400

Get ready for outstanding resolution, stunning colors and dynamic sound with this high-definition DVD player from Toshiba. Backwards compatibility with standard DVDs means you can enjoy all the titles in your current collection. Video upconversion via the HDMI interface scales standard DVD video output to 720p or 1080i, delivering true high-definition picture quality. The heart of the unit is the new blue laser, which allows more information to be stored on the disc. The advanced disc drive boasts a data transfer rate that is more than 3 times greater than standard DVD players, maintaining a consistent brilliant video signal with clean color separation. The time has come for a home-theater experience that truly exceeds your expectations.