Author Topic: Toshiba HD-DVD player, available na ba locally? (Read 69867 times)

Munskie · « **Reply #120 on:** Oct 06, 2006 at 12:57 PM »

Thanks AV...so Toink, there you have it, you can have a HD A1 now...which I think has more value than the 2nd Gen HD-A2....

Clondalkin · « **Reply #121 on:** Oct 06, 2006 at 02:31 PM »

Just for reference, this was how a Japanese AV reviewer tried to check the difference between HDMI and D4/D5 in HD. He captured some HD video frames and magnified it like XX times...there you would see some difference.

But personally, I tend to be believe in "potential" difference due to specs. Perhaps when the equipment and engine and codecs have been optimized.

I wonder how a 1080p encoded movie will look in a 2160p LCD panel like the prototype shown by Sharp in Tokyo this week?

av_phile1 · « **Reply #122 on:** Oct 06, 2006 at 05:41 PM »

Quote from: Clondalkin on Oct 06, 2006 at 02:31 PM

I wonder how a 1080p encoded movie will look in a 2160p LCD panel like the prototype shown by Sharp in Tokyo this week?

Well, if it has the right upsampling, it should lookd as good as a 480i content upsampled on a 1080i screen.

Moks007 · « **Reply #123 on:** Oct 07, 2006 at 03:22 PM »

hello just have a couple of questions. My cousin was saying that it is available now to buy generic parts pc assemble it and be able to play hddvd or blueray. Is that true? Will it cost the same lang as the hd-a1 player? I did not believe him and I know they will come out with a toshiba laptop that have a hddvd drive. Thats all I know. My second question is anybody have experience buying this player abroad and brought it in here, how much did it cost if ever. Will it be way cheaper than the one they sell locally here at 39000. Thanks

Munskie · « **Reply #124 on:** Oct 07, 2006 at 03:59 PM »

Quote from: Moks007 on Oct 07, 2006 at 03:22 PM

hello just have a couple of questions. My cousin was saying that it is available now to buy generic parts pc assemble it and be able to play hddvd or blueray. Is that true? Will it cost the same lang as the hd-a1 player? I did not believe him and I know they will come out with a toshiba laptop that have a hddvd drive. Thats all I know. My second question is anybody have experience buying this player abroad and brought it in here, how much did it cost if ever. Will it be way cheaper than the one they sell locally here at 39000. Thanks

I have no idea about building a combo hd dvd/blu-ray htpc, but I know Toshiba has already released a laptop Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650 Laptop PC which costs $2999

. I did that route, bought a HD-A1 online and had it ship thru a Philippine Shipper's US address, and then had it shipped here. 30 percent cheaper than that price, but there are risks. Risk of damage or loss and some difficulty of aftersales service if something went wrong with the player (Toshiba Philippines wont be a help coz its not officially launched here, but at least the local vendor might offer some form of after sales help).

Munskie · « **Reply #125 on:** Oct 10, 2006 at 10:01 AM »

HD DVD- DVD comparison pics... Troy (from xradman, avsforum)

Notes about these photos from xradman (avsforum):

The pictures are taken from projected image on my HT. The screen is ~12 feet wide (150" diagonal for this 2.35:1 film) and painted in light grey color. The specifics are as follows:

Projector: Dukane Image Pro 9000D D-ILA (Same as JVC G10) 1365x1024 native resolution
HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-XA1 FW 2.0 connected using component output at 1080i
SD-DVD Player: HTPC running ZoomPlayer and FFDSHOW (2005-11-15) with following parameters connected using VGA (resolution 1360 x 850 via Powerstrip and perfect 1:1 pixel match)
WinDVD Video Filter
VMR9 Renderless
HQ Denoise 3D Chroma 2.0 Time 4.0
Resize 1360x850
Multiply 2.00
Lanczos 2.00
Luma Sharpen 1.20 Chroma Sharpen 0

The projected images were captured with Nikon Coolpix 8800VR at 3264x2448.
The image was then cropped in Photoshop and resized to 50%. The image was then saved in JPG (High Quality

.

The caveats with this method are as follows:

1. Projector is unable to fully resolve HD-DVD resolution
2. The 1080i image is somewhat cropped (overscan) compared to HTPC image (no overscan)
3. The colors have not been correctly calibrated
4. The image is a photo that has been resampled and reduced in size
5. Unclear whether paused image on HD-DVD is at full resolution or half since it's 1080i
6. Finally, it's very difficult to find an image that is not in motion; the moving image looks much better than the still image

av_phile1 · « **Reply #126 on:** Oct 10, 2006 at 10:44 AM »

Quote from: Munskie on Oct 10, 2006 at 10:01 AM

1. Projector is unable to fully resolve HD-DVD resolution
2. The 1080i image is somewhat cropped (overscan) compared to HTPC image (no overscan)
3. The colors have not been correctly calibrated
4. The image is a photo that has been resampled and reduced in size
5. Unclear whether paused image on HD-DVD is at full resolution or half since it's 1080i
6. Finally, it's very difficult to find an image that is not in motion; the moving image looks much better than the still image

Inspite of these, those comparative pics are quite telling about HD's superirority. I suppose an LCD screen is still best for more riveting detail.

Just confirms what every HD early adopters have said: high def is so detailed it shows skin imperfections very clearly. And some hollywood stars don't lonk good in it. Makes me guess it won't be good on porn.

Moks007 · « **Reply #127 on:** Oct 10, 2006 at 10:52 AM »

thanks sir Munskie, ya want to get my hands on one of these. Im thinking ordering maybe from amazon, if they have it. wonder how the shipping will be safe from damage, and also meron return policy ata kung na damage. Another route is pabili from my parents in Houston and have them ship it thru FRS. They have branch in Houston and here in timog ave. Send as balikbayan box but yun lang ulit im scared masira thru this kind of shipping. Its such hassle to return etc. etc. Better talaga to just buy it here but unfortunately layo ng price niya dito

Munskie · « **Reply #128 on:** Oct 13, 2006 at 11:46 PM »

if you want to get a HD-A1, better decide fast coz the 2nd gen units will be released soon, especially the HD-A2. The HD-A1 is perceived(especially in avsforum) to be of better value than the HD-A2 for the simple fact that the 2nd Gen model has no analog 5.1 outputs...which is essential if you dont have a hdmi switching AVR. With the analog 5.1, you can have access to Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD plus any other new surround formats that could be introduced. Plus HD-A1 can be had at $399 now thats a full $100 off from its msrp. The higher 2nd gen model, HD-XA2 which has the 5.1 analogs, will now be priced at $1000....

Munskie · « **Reply #129 on:** Oct 16, 2006 at 10:44 PM »

to release this october 31:

Munskie · « **Reply #130 on:** Oct 18, 2006 at 12:30 AM »

A good samaritan from avsforum sent me his official Toshiba Firmware 2.0 disc update and just received the CD today. This will enable the HD-A1/HD-XA1 to have Dolby TrueHD 5.1 support, and improvements in 720p resolution. Ive already updated my unit and it took me just 8-10 minutes to update from 1.4 to 2.0. If someone is interested, you can pm me. thanks.

Thanks a lot Dr. David Susilo....

MAtZTER · « **Reply #131 on:** Oct 23, 2006 at 05:03 PM »

Saw the Toshiba HD DVD player awhile ago with a 42" plasma at Spectra.

Cool! very detailed PQ. But still I (and my pocket

) can & will wait for the format war to settle down first.

av_phile1 · « **Reply #132 on:** Oct 24, 2006 at 06:56 PM »

I was there last night and saw SAHARA playing on their Tosh A1. Price tag is 39T. I didn't ask about the connection, it was impressive alright but I could have sworn there was some jaggedness in a diangonal line in one scene. Maybe the setting was not optimized for HD. Or maybe it was the plasma. It wasn't as impressive as a Bravia LCD.

MAtZTER · « **Reply #133 on:** Oct 25, 2006 at 09:59 AM »

I saw those jaggies too! specially on the dark scenes of the first part of Sahara.

The first part with lots of dark scenes wasnt impressive too. Not much difference from SD. But when the intro started and showed the details of the office...W

W

Munskie · « **Reply #134 on:** Oct 25, 2006 at 11:05 AM »

hmmm.....buti diko kinonsider ang Sahara.....but heres the review from highdefdigest for reference:

" Indeed, just about every aspect of this presentation is quite excellent. The source material is pristine, with not a speckle of dirt or other blemishes noticeable, and the kind of smooth, grain-free look that looks more like a digital photo than film. Color reproduction is also impressive -- hues are rich, vivid and free of chroma noise and smearing. Fleshtones are also a realistic shade of orange, which gives the film a warm glow that is very appealing. Blacks and contrast are also excellent, with even the film's few dark scenes (indeed, the vast majority of 'Sahara' takes place in sunshine-soaked daytime exteriors) boasting above-average shadow delineation. At times the level of detail and depth to the image closes in on the best HD DVD transfers I've seen, with the kind of three-dimensional appearance that really shows off the high-resolution capabilities of the format.

However, I will say that there are the occasional moments that are lacking in sharpness, or when colors look overpumped. Still, these are fairly minor quibbles. I can't imagine anyone failing to be impressed in gneeral by this transfer, and with 'Sahara' Paramount has certainly announced itself as being more than capable of delivering high-quality pre-recorded HD content."

The reviews for Mission: Impossible III for Blu-Ray and HD DVD are already up too.....the result? acddg to the reviewer...its a dead heat as far as PQ is concerned (MPEG2 vs VC1)....its just in the exclusive HD bonus content that HD DVD outshines Blu-Ray.....there was no PIP interactive commentary for Blu-Ray.

Mission: Impossible III (Blu-Ray)

Mission: Impossible III (HD DVD)

av_phile1 · « **Reply #135 on:** Oct 26, 2006 at 01:01 PM »

It is only now that BD is coming out with excellent PQ for its releases. Thanks to a higher bitrate and large file sizes than can be put into a dual layered BD50. But it is not representative of the entire BD releases todate. The inconsistent PQ in the BD releases doesn't speak nicely about the BD format in the face of a more consistent PQ in HD DVD. The culprit is Sony's insistent use of the old mpeg2 codec which has been shown to be inferior to VC-1. When all the other studios are using VC-1 and/or AVC, Sony's use of the mpeg2 handicaps the format from being a NEXT GEN format. From a technological point, using mepg2 can only bring at par with hd dvd's vc1 codes, but never exceed it in quality. And how can it be considered NExt Gen when it is using a decades old compression codec designed for standard DVD. Untoil Sony start using VC-1, which is rumored to be happen soon, BD will continue to be handicapped with inconsitent PQ with the need for large storage capacity. VC-1 is a more efficient codec requring only half the bitrates and file sizes to achieve the same PQ. So it would be in the interest of SOny to adopt it.

Munskie · « **Reply #136 on:** Oct 26, 2006 at 02:01 PM »

Here's Highdefdigest's interview with a Sony Executive. It was later described in forums that Sony Execs were arrogant and being defensive about its initial releases (blaming the mediocre PQ of its initial releases as a result of consumer's uncalibrated screens and the film's masters)...even branding the VC-1 as a major propaganda push by Microsoft. Here's the full interview:

Into the Blu: A Visit with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

av_phile1 · « **Reply #137 on:** Oct 26, 2006 at 02:11 PM »

Yes, this interview with Don Eklund has been ridiculed and laughed at by pundits in the AV forums I've visited.

Moks007 · « **Reply #138 on:** Oct 26, 2006 at 02:12 PM »

Quote from: MAtZTER on Oct 23, 2006 at 05:03 PM

Saw the Toshiba HD DVD player awhile ago with a 42" plasma at Spectra.

Cool! very detailed PQ. But still I (and my pocket ) can & will wait for the format war to settle down first.

m also drooling on this player...but to me there are some plus and minuses waiting for the war to settle down or purchase it now
pluses: enjoy real HD now, reasonable prices on hddvd disc
minus: 1. if we wait for the war to settle, we will still be buying standard disc which we can already buy the hddvd version, which I think buying standard disc now will just go to waste if we are heading toward hddvd or bd..unless we buy those dual sided (I think hddvd and standard) but more expensive.
2. What if hddvd loses out..but to me there is still a solution (for hddvd) because already enjoyed the hidef and can continue viewing hddvd disc one owns..Just have to buy BD player which I will think will already be down to a reasonable price when the war settles, just have to buy BD disc again.. If hddvd wins (which I preferably want to settle this war faster) no problemo for hddvd owners..

av_phile1 · « **Reply #139 on:** Oct 26, 2006 at 02:26 PM »

Couldn't agree more, plus the fact that the Tosh A1 is an excellent upsampling player for your SD DVDs. Now if only I had to moolah to get a 42" Bravia, a $399 player from amazon shouldn't be a problem.

Munskie · « **Reply #140 on:** Oct 26, 2006 at 02:38 PM »

Quote from: Moks007 on Oct 26, 2006 at 02:12 PM

m also drooling on this player...but to me there are some plus and minuses waiting for the war to settle down or purchase it now
pluses: enjoy real HD now, reasonable prices on hddvd disc
minus: 1. if we wait for the war to settle, we will still be buying standard disc which we can already buy the hddvd version, which I think buying standard disc now will just go to waste if we are heading toward hddvd or bd..unless we buy those dual sided (I think hddvd and standard) but more expensive.
2. What if hddvd loses out..but to me there is still a solution (for hddvd) because already enjoyed the hidef and can continue viewing hddvd disc one owns..Just have to buy BD player which I will think will already be down to a reasonable price when the war settles, just have to buy BD disc again.. If hddvd wins (which I preferably want to settle this war faster) no problemo for hddvd owners..

thats the risk/gamble one has to take in the pursuit and desire to watch HD. For me, I have taken the HD DVD route for now for the simple fact that it is the most logical and affordable way I could get my hands on pre-recorded HD video. The HD-A1 is half the price of the cheapest stand-alone player available for BD......

Moks has a good point too...I dont have to buy the HD versions of titles I could have bought in SD if I decided to wait.

For now, BD releases are getting better....so the war is just starting to heat up. Maybe in a year or two, worst case scenario for me, If HD DVD loses, I still wont regret it....by that time I should have watched a considerable amount of great titles through it.......and I reckon, by that time, theres already a cheaper, affordable gen2 or gen3 Blu-ray player waiting in the wings...

av_phile1 · « **Reply #141 on:** Oct 26, 2006 at 02:46 PM »

I don't see how BD can exceed the HD-DVD offerings. They were pathetic at the start, inconsitent over the last months and only now getting up to speed. With SOny's lackluster treatment of its markets, I wouldn't get a BD at all. If all the HT market were to snub BD, I think we should have a clear winner by december 2007. Then all the studios will be swinging to Hd Dvd.

Munskie · « **Reply #142 on:** Oct 26, 2006 at 03:15 PM »

Hoping LionsGate and Disney will cross the line and announce HD DVD tiles by January 2007...around the CES in Vegas.....as analyzed by industry insiders

av_phile1 · « **Reply #143 on:** Oct 26, 2006 at 04:33 PM »

I think this is well anticipated by early HD adopters - that these studios will support both formats at least - finally realizing the folly of their earlier decision.

rmpmla · « **Reply #144 on:** Nov 07, 2006 at 07:53 AM »

OK na po ba ang price na P29,450 for the Toshiba HD-A1?

TIA

Munskie · « **Reply #145 on:** Nov 07, 2006 at 08:47 AM »

yes. I think ok na ok na yan....sino na nagbibigay ng ganyang price?

I have firmware CD 2.0 if you are interested.

rmpmla · « **Reply #146 on:** Nov 07, 2006 at 02:39 PM »

Quote from: Munskie on Nov 07, 2006 at 08:47 AM

yes. I think ok na ok na yan....sino na nagbibigay ng ganyang price? I have firmware CD 2.0 if you are interested.

Thanks

. A seller from tipidPC is selling laptops and also offering imports of PC parts fro US - http://www.tipidpc.com/viewitem.php?iid=651070 . tanong ko rin kung paano payment, delivery/time, and warranty. new seller po ito dun sa site kaya wala pa record o feedback on how he transact- sana totoo.

sir, thanks for the offer on the firmaware. pahiram na lang pag natuloy

Munskie · « **Reply #147 on:** Nov 07, 2006 at 02:55 PM »

Quote from: rmpmla on Nov 07, 2006 at 02:39 PM

Thanks . A seller from tipidPC is selling laptops and also offering imports of PC parts fro US - http://www.tipidpc.com/viewitem.php?iid=651070 . tanong ko rin kung paano payment, delivery/time, and warranty. new seller po ito dun sa site kaya wala pa record o feedback on how he transact- sana totoo.

sir, thanks for the offer on the firmaware. pahiram na lang pag natuloy

sir, i have no idea regarding the reliability of tipidpc. I went the amazon--johnny air cargo route, medyo delikado nga lang sa shipping, but saved me a lot.

rmpmla · « **Reply #148 on:** Nov 07, 2006 at 03:12 PM »

Quote from: Munskie on Nov 07, 2006 at 02:55 PM

sir, i have no idea regarding the reliability of tipidpc. I went the amazon--johnny air cargo route, medyo delikado nga lang sa shipping, but saved me a lot.

medyo me risk nga pero pag COD ang arrangement baka order ako

. sir, pa-PM naman nung total cost kung mag amazon-JAC route ako.

TIA

Munskie · « **Reply #149 on:** Nov 07, 2006 at 03:35 PM »

kuha ka na sir.....you got pm...