Toshiba releases 24p firmware update

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Sep 13th 2007 at 3:18PM

HD DVD joins the 24p party today as Toshiba releases the latest firmware for their second generation HD movie players. There are a few other updates included as well, but for those who have TVs that support it, they can now enjoy movies with one less conversion than before. Of course the real question is, will you notice a difference? Regardless, you'll find your movie experience more enjoyable just thinking about the fact that you're watching the film at the same frame rate as it was originally captured in. If your player is connected to your network, just check for an update tomorrow and you'll be all set, otherwise follow the read link and download the iso image.

[Via FormatWarCentral]

Filed under: HD DVD, Toshiba

Tags: 24p, A2, A20, firmware, XA2

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

DeadPlasmaCell @ Sep 13th 2007 4:06PM

High Fiiive!

Neutral

L @ Sep 13th 2007 4:43PM

does that include xbox360 hd player?

Neutral

TrentD @ Sep 13th 2007 5:21PM

Microsoft makes the the Xbox 360 player, not Toshiba. That would be a "no".

Neutral

Jeff N. @ Sep 13th 2007 11:13PM

Only the newer HDTV's have ability to play 24P correct?

Highly Ranked

Paul Fernandez @ Sep 13th 2007 6:31PM

@ TrentD

If I'm not mistaken, Toshiba co-developed the add-on with Microsoft. That's why there's been much speculation that they would update it with 24p capability through Xbox Live, presumably as part of their annual "Fall Update." It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Toshiba timed this update to do just that.

I just updated my A20 last night, but I need to rewatch various movie clips and compare them to the add-on to see if there's a difference on my display, which can accept a 24p signal (Toshiba 42HL167).

Neutral

TrentD @ Sep 13th 2007 11:25PM

Okay, let me restate then...

This firmware is specifically for the HD-A2, HD-A20, and HD-XA2, and the derivative discount store and European models. It does not include the XBox 360.

Neutral

Maxx @ Sep 13th 2007 6:51PM

word is that there is some seroius audio sync problems with this release.

Let the firmware upgrader beware.

Neutral

Kevin Murphy @ Sep 13th 2007 11:12PM

@Paul

Considering that the Toshiba boxes (or at least the 1st gen ones) have Linux-based x86 software, it's not all that likely the xbox 360, which is, well, xbox360-based software has the same code base.

Now maybe the Toshiba 2nd gen have xboxes inside them, but I kinda doubt it.

Neutral

Paul Fernandez @ Sep 14th 2007 8:30AM

@ Kevin

I see your point, and I guess it's not really a feature everyone is clamoring for (except, maybe, enthusiasts on the forums). After updating, I'm hard pressed to see a huge difference; I think it will only matter on displays that 1) can accept a 24p signal and 2) have refresh rates that are even multiples of 24 (e.g., 72 and 120 Hz displays). Like most displays, mine runs at 60 Hz, obviously not an even multiple, which means there's still a 2:3 pulldown step happening in the player or the display. I'd like to know just for the sake of curiosity.

@ Jeff N.

Correct, but some displays that provide 120 Hz do not necessarily accept a 24p signal. These two features, working in tandem with 5:5 pulldown (or 3:3 on 72 Hz sets) are supposed to be the trifecta for flawless HD DVD/Blu-ray signal processing and viewing.

Neutral

Jim @ Sep 14th 2007 1:31PM

I tried burning the 2.5 .iso for the A2 with ImgBrun, DVD Decrypter, and Roxio. All report some error with the CD image. I DL'd the image and attempted twice. It extracts fine. I tried DeepBurner (free version) and it did burn it successfully, but my PC cannot read the CD afterwards. Not sure if that is normal or not. I'm not letting this CD anywhere near my player until I know more.

Anyone else having issues with the iso? Thanks!

Neutral

Jim @ Sep 14th 2007 2:11PM

UPDATE:
I also tried burning the A20 firmware, just to see. All the same errors as with the A2 firmware, so I guess that is a good sign, but I'm not sure why DVD Decrypter, ImgBurn and Roxio do not like these iso images. I can try later with Nero. I just read that it's normal not to be able to read the CD's on a PC after burning. (Should have read the WHOLE Toshiba document first). :)

Neutral

wysiwyg @ Sep 14th 2007 4:25PM

@Jim,
Your computer (after you burn the iso image) is NOT supposed to be able to read it (so yes, it's normal). Toshiba's website explained that you have to burn it as ISO to get the original files burned onto a disc and PC doesn't recognize it because it doesn't have the "software/codec" to read such files. Same reason why PCs cannot read a Wii disc.

Neutral

Paul Fernandez @ Sep 16th 2007 11:28AM

In my last post, I forgot to mention that 4:4 for 96 Hz displays is also ideal, though I think only projectors run at this speed. And, it looks like Toshiba's 24p update won't make a difference for those of us with 60 Hz sets. I pulled this from a Blu-ray forum (anonymous author):

"The difference between a 1080P/60 display and a display that also accepts 1080P/24 signals is a non issue if your display only refreshes at 60HZ. To take advantage of 1080P/24 signals one needs to own a display that refreshes at multiplies of the original frame (48HZ, 72HZ, 96HZ, 120HZ, etc). To verify what type of signal ones display is receiving most displays have an info button or similar named button that will say 1920 X 1080 @ 24HZ if you are receiving a 24HZ signal. Then the display will either convert the 24HZ to 60HZ or multiplies of the original frame. 70MM and 35mm film in the theater is at 24fps and are flashed at 48fps or 72fps to reduce judder. 24 FPS material needs to be converted to a higher frame rates to avoid the flicker. No one could stand watching stuff at 24fps."

Essentially, Toshiba claiming their 60 Hz sets can accept a 24p signal is a big "no duh," similar to the way TV manufacturers would advertise their sets "accepting" signals other than their native one.
I guess I should've known this, but I hope it helps anyone else who needs clarification.

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