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Toshiba surprises with firmware 4.0 HD DVD player update

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 27th 2008 at 7:44PM


Honestly, we were taken aback when Toshiba released version 3.0 firmware for its launch HD DVD players two years after release, but that has been replaced by absolute shock, at a 4.0 software update for the long-dead format. The whole family can join in on this one, either via the player or downloading and burning a copy from the website, with updates available for the whole line: HD-A1, HD-XA1, HD-D1, HD-A35, HD-A2, HD-A2W, HD-A2C, HD-D2, HD-A20, HD-XA2, HD-A3, HD-D3, HD-A30. The only official word is this patch "addresses certain playback issues" -- forum posters report 1080p/24 playback jaggies on MPEG-4 AVC-encoded titles like Transformers is no longer a problem. If everything is working fine (and, of course, you're still using your HD DVD player) it may be best to wait until more reports to avoid any potential compatibility problems.

[Via Slashgear]

Read - AVS Forum
Read - Resource for : Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players:

Toshiba's v2.0 firmware for third-gen HD DVD players causing jaggies?

by Darren Murph posted Mar 14th 2008 at 8:01AM


This most certainly isn't the first time we've heard of a firmware update causing more harm than good, but apparently, the latest version -- which supposedly enables 1080p24 output on the HD-A30 / HD-A35 -- is creating all sorts of headaches. According to a lengthy thread over at AVS Forum, the HD DVD faithful that are hanging tight to their players are growing increasingly frustrated by the addition of jaggies on MPEG4 / AVC discs when played back in 1080p24 -- a problem that was also present in the last HD-XA2 firmware. Worse still, it seems as though Toshiba isn't stepping up to address the issue, and considering that its format has now passed away, many are wondering if a bona fide solution will ever surface. If you've been battling this very quirk, head on down to the read link to check out a few workarounds -- here's to hoping a real fix emerges in the not-too-distant future.

[Thanks, Colin H.]

HD DVD fires back, slashes hardware & software prices

by Richard Lawler posted Jan 14th 2008 at 4:11AM Breaking News

HD DVD's response to being unceremoniously jilted by Warner going into CES was ... nothing. A canceled press conference, downtrodden Toshiba press conference and rumors of further losses left great doubt that red had anything left in 2008, but now HD DVD is firing back. Leveraging its "approximately 50% market share in 2007" -- we're not sure where that number comes from either, we've contacted Toshiba for clarification -- indisputable lead in the notebook market and 100% compatibility with internet-enabled HDi features, Toshiba has announced it is not laying down yet. Effective yesterday, the HD-A3 MSRP has dropped to $149.99, the 1080p-capable HD-A30 to $199.99, and the top of the line HD-A35 to $299.99. Combined with an extended "perfect offer" of 5 free HD DVDs with every purchase, Toshiba's HD DVD Concierge service, and a sudden 50% off sale on Amazon, it seems this format will not go quietly into the dark. Fire sale to clear suddenly obsolete inventory or real chance to hang onto its remaining supporters? This could be the best -- or worst -- time to pick a side in the HD war.

Update: Amazon is also having a 50% off Blu-ray sale, so whatever your format of choice, pick up some discs and let the movie studios know who you rep.

Read - 50% off sale on Amazon (Thanks Jeremy)
Read - Toshiba press release

Toshiba's HD-A30 hits new low: third-generation HD DVD player for $200

by Darren Murph posted Dec 19th 2007 at 2:06PM


How convenient. We whip up our HD-A30 review for you to take a peek at today, and P.C. Richard & Son goes and drops the price of this very unit to an oh-so-tempting $199.97. We'll go on and assume you know good and well what's expected of this third-generation player by now, but just in case you still aren't moved by the price, it should be noted that both 300 and The Bourne Identity come right in the box, and five other titles are included for free after mail-in rebate. Best of all, shipping is thrown in gratis, but it looks as if the unit has slipped out of stock for online purchase. 'Course, there's always the in-store pickup option if you're located near a B&M location, but if you're more the armchair shopper type, just keep refreshing (and checking other sites for similar slashings) and hope for the best.

[Thanks, Chris W.]

Toshiba HD-A30 review

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Dec 19th 2007 at 12:00PM Featured Story


It's only been about six months since we reviewed the second-generation HD-A20, but nevertheless, here we are on to the third-generation. Some things have changed while others remained the same, but one thing is for sure: Toshiba keeps finding ways to improve its next-generation HD format.

Continue reading Toshiba HD-A30 review

UltimateAVmag makes "Best of the Year" picks

by Darren Murph posted Dec 18th 2007 at 12:08AM


Considering the subjective nature of any "best of" list, it's always enjoyable to toss out results and watch onlookers pick apart the decisions. That being said, we're thrilled to have yet another list of winners at our disposal, this one crafted by the folks over at UltimateAVmag .com. The highlights include JVC's DLA-HD1 as projector of the year, Sony's 70-inch KDS-70XBR2 as RPTV of the year, Revel's $35K Ultima2 Studio2 System as speaker setup of the year and Onkyo's TX-SR875 as AV receiver of the year. In an interesting move, Sony's PlayStation 3 was chosen as disc player of the year due to its "speed and reliability," and Toshiba's HD-A30 took home budget product of the year honors. The standout victor in all of this was Pioneer's PDP-6010 KURO plasma, which isn't at all surprising considering the reviews. Granted, this isn't the first time a Pioneer PDP has grabbed the gold in similar competition, but this particular model snagged flat-panel of the year and product of the year medals on its way down the red carpet. For the complete rundown, be sure and tag the read link, and don't hesitate to throw in your two pennies below.

Hands-on with Toshiba's third-generation HD DVD player lineup

by Darren Murph posted Sep 6th 2007 at 8:44PM


As you're well aware by now, Toshiba came out today and got (really) official about its third-generation HD DVD lineup, which includes the HD-A3, HD-A30 and the HD-A35. The company was most certainly pushin' HD DVD at its booth today, so it made sense that these three units were the first most people saw when entering through. Each device looked fairly similar to its siblings, but we went ahead and grabbed photos of 'em one by one just to be safe.

Gallery: Hands-on with Toshiba's third-generation HD DVD player lineup

Toshiba's HD-A3x third generation HD DVD players get official

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Aug 6th 2007 at 11:13AM Breaking News

Third generation HD DVD players
Looks like we won't have to wait 'til CEDIA to learn more about Toshiba's next generation HD DVD players. Amazon had the model numbers and prices right, which are in-line with the last generation of players, with the exception of the top of the line HD-A35 it has an MSRP of $499 compared to the HD-XA2's $799. The entry level HD-A3 has pretty much the same features set as the last time around, but its bigger brothers include a few extras including 24p support, (HD-A20 and HD-XA2 are expected to get an firmware update in September to enable 24p) and CE-Link. Both of these features are a must-have if your TV supports them and should help Toshiba move a few more units this time around -- though those new looks won't hurt either.

Expected Pricing and Expected Availability:
HD-A3 ($299.99, October 2007)
HD-A30 ($399.99, September 2007)
HD-A35 ($499.99, October 2007)

Third generation HD DVD players on October 1st?

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Aug 2nd 2007 at 12:20PM Breaking News

HD DVDThere's no doubt that the HD Format war is in full swing, and just when the Blu-ray camp thinks they're going to catch up with HD DVD's full featured players, HD DVD raises the bar. We'll probably have to wait 'till CEDIA to get the official word from Toshiba, but for now Amazon has a few details about the new lineup, which will be available on October 1st and include three models: the HD-A3 ($299), HD-A30($399), and the HD-A35($499). One thing is for sure, this is going to be a completely different war by the time the holiday buying season rolls around.

Read -- HD-A3
Read -- HD-A30
Read -- HD-A35

[Via FormatWarCentral]




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