Toshiba's second-gen HD-XA2 reviewed
by Erik Hanson 
posted Feb 7th 2007 at 1:28PM
HD Guru has a review up of Toshiba's second-generation HD DVD player, the HD-XA2, which they gave top ratings. This is the higher-end of the two new HD DVD Toshiba models, and gets high marks for its improvements on the previous model, with faster loading times, 1080p support, a smaller form factor, and a much-improved chipset for upscaling standard-definition DVDs (the HD-A2 lacks 1080p and the improved upscaling chip). It includes the Silicon Optix Reon chip for converting your old library of DVDs into 1080p -- or any other resolution supported with the HDMI 1.3a connector -- and also supports the Deep Color space offered by the new HDMI specification, for improved color reproduction with compatible source material. According to HD Guru's tests, the Toshiba did better than Pioneer's competing first-generation BDP-HD1 Blu-ray player on upconverting SD DVDs, while matching it on quality for high-definition content. Unfortunately, while the prices and feature sets on both next-gen formats are getting better and better, even this second-gen player takes between 45 and 57 seconds to boot and play a movie. Maybe the third generation will treat us right.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GioNYC @ Feb 7th 2007 1:42PM
Are u kidding me? That looks like my VCR from 1984.
MRacca @ Feb 7th 2007 2:45PM
You are right about that!! Looks like a blast from the past.
Kassim Rasoulian @ Feb 7th 2007 1:40PM
Why does it take so long for this player to boot up a movie? My xbox hd-dvd drive takes like 5 seconds to get going...wtfman
pliepl @ Feb 7th 2007 2:10PM
Why does it take so long for this player to boot up a movie? My xbox hd-dvd drive takes like 5 seconds to get going...wtfman
DRM
The more power a machine has, the faster its able to process the information needed for the disc to start up.
The Xbox 360 (or even the PS3) has a lot more power than just about any stand-alone player currently out there.
hd guru @ Feb 7th 2007 10:21PM
The link is wrong for the review website
it should be
www.hdguru.com
Erik Hanson @ Feb 8th 2007 10:11AM
Thanks, the direct link changed since we posted the article. I've modified the read link to reflect the new URL.
Dave @ Feb 8th 2007 6:32AM
Yeah, it looks bad and it smells bad.
What a crap player! Daaaaamn!
horngreen @ Feb 8th 2007 6:24PM
DVD/optical players are always slow. That's why it is always better to play from hard drive whenever possible.
EatingPie @ Feb 8th 2007 7:05PM
"DVD/optical players are always slow. That's why it is always better to play from hard drive whenever possible."
How long does it take to boot Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux in order to get TO that Hard Drive?
My PS3 has a movie playing from Blu-Ray faster than any computer I own, and so do any of my 3 DVD players. And the 360 has already been cited as quick on the HD-DVD uptake.
-Pie
Tauron @ Mar 6th 2007 8:33PM
Looks can be deceiving. I own the HD-XA2 and it's NOT as big and boxy as it looks on this page. Sony's Blu-ray disc player is actually bigger and boxier than this. That's as far as aesthetics are concerned, but the real issue is which looks better on a display? And I have to say it's the XA2 all the way! I've seen a Sony displayed at a local electronics store (on the same display I own:SONY's KDL-52XBR2)The movie they were showing was The Fifth Element. I was not impressed. As fate would have it, they showed The Fifth Element on TNTHD that same night. And I was more impressed with the broadcast than with the BDP. (And I'm a bit of a SONY fanboy.) But, when it comes down to it, I want the best product for my money and HD DVD delivers a better overall picture.