Toshiba's second-gen HD-XA2 reviewed
By Erik Hanson 
posted Feb 7th 2007 1:28PM
posted Feb 7th 2007 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.
If they got rid of that complicated , CPU-intensive DRM it would boot almost instantly. DRM only hurts the paying customers. It needs to go.
The startup delay is due to the HDCP key exchange. The spec sucks and because of it startup is always going to be slow on these next gen discs.
Uh, HDCP Key Exchange doesn't take anywhere near that long. My digital cable box uses HDCP over DVI and it takes about 1 or 2 seconds to exchange keys and show a picture.
These might be worth some excitement when the get the price significantly below $1000. I know a lot of hard core geeks working as programmers and engineers, but not one would pay $1000 for a next gen DVD player.
http://www.abesofmaine.com/viewproduct.asp?id=tshdxa2&l=Pricegrabber
It's currently 820 USD on your doorstep.
I agree though. Wake me when something with specs like this is 200 bucks.
When you are sitting down to watch a 2hr movie, I don't know why many people fret about the initial minute for the player to bootup. Are people really getting this impatient?
The next-gen disc isn't the problem as the HD DVD drive for the 360 and the PS3 both boot far faster than the standalones. It's the slow cpus that power the standalones that are time intensive. Of course I'm not asking that all machines have videogame quality cpu's and hardware to assist in playback but I think that's the area where they're really skimping on. In the end though does it really matter? Seriously, is it really that much to ask to wait a minute for a movie to start? We do it at the theater all the time so I don't see what the problem is. If you're impatient, go grab a drink or some food while the disc loads. Find some way to pass the time and you won't notice it.
This player 1080p quality on a 60 inch plasma is AMAZING. I saw one on my local Bestbuy (which is funny cuz they only promote bluray stuff) and everybody was asking questions about it.
The link in the article is wrong.
Thanks, the article direct link changed after we posted. I've modified the read link to reflect the new address.