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Toshiba surprises with firmware 4.0 HD DVD player update
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aback when Toshiba released version 3.0 firmware for its launch HD DVD players two years after release, but that has been replaced by absolute shock, at a 4.0 software update for the long-dead format.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 ForumRead - Resource for : Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players:
HD DVD holding its value in Dominican Republic
Although Best Buy was purging its stores of HD DVD titles months ago, it seems the dream is still alive in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to snapshots taken by a tipster who recently vacationed there, we get a real good look at what kind of premium the Toshiba HD-A3 (11,999 Dominican pesos, or around $353) is still pulling in. Even weirder? The only Blu-ray player in attendance was a PlayStation 3 (going for around $550). Either we've just hit the twilight zone, or folks move really slow in paradise.[Thanks, Dennis] %Gallery-21933%
Hey, Office Depot: the format war is over
Yeah, we've seen some retail mix-ups before, but this one really leaves us scratching our heads. We know -- it can take some time before word trickles down and stores start slashing prices once a major high-definition movie format kicks the bucket, but a full month after we sadly let HD DVD go, this particular Office Depot -- located in Houston, Texas -- still hasn't come to terms with reality. And yes, this was snapped within the last 24 hours.[Thanks, Thomas]
Toshiba's v2.0 firmware for third-gen HD DVD players causing jaggies?
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.]
So it begins: Toshiba's HD-A3 falls to $99 at Circuit City, comes with 7 free HD DVDs
It's not like there has been any shortage of deals on HD DVD hardware over the past few months or anything, but now that Toshiba (and almost everyone else on the planet) has officially yanked support for the format, prices are beginning to plummet en masse. First on the docket is the HD-A3 at Circuit City, which now sits at just $99.99 and comes with seven free titles, two of which are 300 and Bourne Identity. So yeah, if you've been waiting for this moment to snap up the failed format for cheap, hop on in -- but if we were betting souls, we'd say holding out just a wee bit longer would actually be in your wallet's best interest.[Thanks, Dustin]
Yahoo! recommends Toshiba's HD-A3 as husband's Valentine's Day gift
For whatever reason, the author(s) of Yahoo!'s Valentine's Day gift guide for the husband saw fit to recommend Toshiba's HD-A3 HD DVD player, but didn't give any Blu-ray player as much as a noteworthy mention. You heard right -- rather than suggesting a combo player of some sort to make sure his favorite studio was covered no matter what, a single-format unit was listed and the Blu camp was effectively snubbed. 'Course, if you're trying to get across a slightly different message than the traditional one this Thursday, maybe the HD-A3 isn't such a bad choice after all (we jest, we jest).[Thanks, Anthony B.]
Amazon: $129 Toshiba HD-A3 with 7 HD DVDs and free shipping
Guess what? It's yet another rock bottom sale day for Toshiba's HD-A3 HD DVD player. This time it's Amazon serving up the HD-A3 with 7 HD DVD titles and free shipping for just $129. The deal combines the extended 5 HD DVD "perfect offer" with Warner Bros' 300 and Universal's The Bourne Identity HD DVD titles thrown in for kicks. That's two extra discs and $21 less than the official $150 dealio. Crazy, we know.[Thanks, Andrew]
HD DVD fires back, slashes hardware & software prices
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 HD-A3 with 12 free movies available at Wal-Mart "secret" sale
There's certainly been no shortage of HD-DVD deals lately (or Blu-ray ones, for that matter), but it seem like those looking to get the biggest movie collection right out of the gate won't be able to do much better than Wal-Mart's upcoming "secret" sale, which includes a Toshiba HD-A3 player with twelve free HD-DVDs for $298. That, of course, includes the usual two movies in the box and five more by mail, plus an additional five that you'll get "instantly" when you buy the player (no word on what you'll have to choose from). You'll have to get up early if you want to walk away with that stash, however, as the sale gets underway tomorrow at 8 am sharp, when you'll also be able to snag a 50-inch Vizio plasma TV for $998 or a 40GB PS3 with a free $50 gift card for $399, among other slightly less notable deals.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Best Buy fills backordered HD-A2s with HD-A3s
With the plummeting prices seen over the past week for Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD players, the real winner is consumers. At these prices, it's worth picking one up just for any HD DVD exclusives you're interested in. It's true that supplies were limited and the HD-A2 is a closeout, but it's a great deal still. In the virtual world, shoppers who clicked a little too late at Best Buy's website were issued backorder notices, and rightfully expected Best Buy to fulfill their orders. The discontinued status on the HD-A2 looks like it will result in a double-bonus, though. Customers who got in on the deal late were sent an email from Best Buy informing them that they would be receiving HD-A3s instead of the HD-A2. For those keeping score, this nice bit of customer service nets a $200 discount from MSRP!
How to buy a Toshiba HD-A3 for $87
The only thing better than buying last year's entry level HD DVD player for $99, is buying the latest for $87. While this might not be the most honest hack, we're pretty sure it's not illegal. Our friend Tyler from Format War Central decided to pick up an HD-A2 from Best Buy yesterday -- why not at $99? -- and noticed that in addition to getting two free movies, the receipt said he bought an HD-A3. So he figured he'd take Circuit City up on their "Low Price Guarantee" and upon displaying his Best Buy receipt they happily sold him a $300 HD-A3 for $87 (out the door) -- which also had two free HD DVDs in the box to boot.
Best Buy offers the Toshiba HD-A2 for $100, too, and other HD DVD deals
Wal-Mart may have been the first to tempt HD-fence-sitters with a $100 HD-A2 player (however limited), but it looks like it's not the only one, with Best Buy now also listing the very same player for the impulse buy-inducing price of $99.99. Of course, it's sold out online, so you may be better off trying your luck at your local store. Not surprisingly, the HD DVD PR folk are keen to talk up this recent spat of price reductions, including the still decent $197 price for the A2 at Circuit City and Amazon, and Sears's Black Friday price of $169 for the newer HD-A3 model, which also comes with two movies bundled in the box (not to mention the five free mail-in movies available with the purchase of any of the players).[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Hands-on with Toshiba's third-generation HD DVD player lineup
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-7031%
Toshiba's HD-A3x third generation HD DVD players get official
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?
There'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-A3Read -- HD-A30Read -- HD-A35[Via FormatWarCentral]
