Got one last Friday.. (thanks Ert for updating the FW. Saved me some time and effort). When I got home, I immediately installed my WD 3TB, very easy to do. A couple of screws here and there and it was all set.
One thing I noticed after turning it on, note I used the same HDMI cable I used for my xtreamer PRO, every time I hit the “OK” button as I progress using the setup wizard, my vsx522 and my a400 keep on reengaging with this “HDMI handshake.” Very annoying. But after using the supplied cable, it all went away.
Now, on to the meat of the order: I played a full HD copy of TDKR and it was breathtaking. Although my eyes are not expertly trained to review the video quality, I’d say, coming from an Xtreamer PRO which I rated just for this specific film (5 out of 10), I am giving this an 8.5, even a 9. Not to take anything away from the TV I am using (50VT30), I just did not expect the improvement to be this noticeable.
After that, I played Collateral (1080p) and it did not disappoint. I noticed in this scene where Vince’s (Tom Cruise) first kill of the night fell on the roof of Max’s cab (Foxx), It was much more smoother, clearer, and had very minimal jagged edges. Colors were great, of course.
With 3D, I tested TRON (half SBS), and it was okay. It didn’t really WOW me, given the fact that it was my first player that can play 3D. I don’t have any Full 3DBD copies, so I guess I wouldn’t know what it would look like since I don't have the resource to test the full 3D potential of the a400.
Lastly, I streamed Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon (full HD, Dolby TrueHD) from the living room using my newly replaced Xtreamer Pro through LAN (I don't do wireless, don't find it reliable.. yet!) with no A/V stutter.
NMJ was great even though my iPad doesn't recognize any of the FanArts (probably an app issue).
One of two problems I have, I was wondering if any of the users here can help me out. Every time I plug the a400 to a power source (in my case, turn the extension w/surge protector switch ON), the NMT automatically powers up (White Light). Like I don’t have to turn it ON which kind of messes up my Harmony Activity. I turn it off by holding the Power Button till the red light starts to blink, unplug it after it has completely powered down (No lights). Any tips?
Another would be the subtitle placement which one update was suppose to address. It’s still on top of the picture instead of the black band below.
Other than that, overall, i'd give it an 8.5 out of 10 for it's very young, four FW update career. I can only assume it will continue to get better.
Btw, I think I have a Full BD copy of LOTR, I'll test it out in my next free time. I guess what most are after are the " BD menu(s)" for BD navigation?
Hope in a way, this helps!
@Sir Allan, let me know what weekday you’ll be available, I can lend you the a400 from the 27th to the 28th so you can fully test it. =)
