Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

The final version of firmware 2.0 is now available from Toshiba via the box's firmware update feature.

The new firmware adds support for full 5.1 TrueHD output, significantly improves quality when the 720p mode is selected, improves interactive menu responsiveness, pause is now full-frame, among other improvements.

You can find more information about the firmware update (with instructions) at Toshiba's HD-DVD website. Click on "Support" and then "Firmware Update V2.0."

The differences between Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD 5.1 vary by the film. On some films, the improvement in quality is significant and very obvious; on other films, the improvement with TrueHD 5.1 is more subtle. For those who want to compare Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD, I would suggest Constantine and Training Day. I would suggest turning "Dialog Enhancement" OFF on the HD-DVD player when using TrueHD.

To experience TrueHD 5.1 lossless audio, you need a receiver/processor with HDMI 1.1 or a receiver/processor with 5.1 analog inputs. You do not need a receiver with HDMI 1.3. You cannot experience TrueHD lossless audio over traditional spdif/optical connections, because they are limited in implementation to 1.5Mbps, whereas TrueHD delivers audio at [up to] 14Mbps.

There is really no reason to wait for a CD from Toshiba when you can start experiencing TrueHD 5.1 sound today. Firmware 2.0 disks are not being mailed out by Toshiba for another 2-3 weeks. Toshiba recommends that customers update via the built-in firmware update feature; a network connection will also be required to download additional interactive content on some upcoming HD-DVD titles. When updating using the built-in firmware update feature, be sure to remove all disks from the drive before doing so.

If for some reason you can't spend a few bucks on an ethernet cable to run from your internet router (or cable modem) to the HD-DVD player, you can download the firmware as a Nero CD image right here. Burn it to a CD with Nero using the "burn image to disk" (not data disk) option, or if you don't have Nero, you can download the trial version of ISOMagic.

Current titles with TrueHD 5.1
Constantine (recommended by me)
The Perfect Storm
The Phantom of the Opera
Training Day

Upcoming titles with TrueHD 5.1
12 Monkeys
2 Fast 2 Furious
Batman Begins
End of Days
Fast and the Furious
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Harry Potter 4: The Goblet of Fire
The Matrix
Out of Sight
Superman Returns
The Thing
Troy
V for Vendetta

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Again, according to posts on AVS Forum, the BIG part of this pre-release update IMO is that the 720p scaling issue has apparently been addressed. A couple posters who have tried the update say their player's 720p output now looks great.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Downloading this now...


So far this has been my only complaint regarding the Toshiba firmware updates, where can you get yourself a comprehensive set of release notes regarding them?

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

http://www.tacp.com/tacpassets-image...vdfirmware.asp

2.0 has not officially been released yet.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Correct. Apparently the firmware that everyone is rushing to install is a leaked Beta.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

James St,

Thanks. If that's as good as the release notes gets that'll have to do I guess. Though I would prefer something more specific. Even if it were just a comprehensive listing of all the fixes included.

Regarding this not being the official firmware version 2.0, I think I will wait until there is an official one available.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Latest post on AVS from Amir--who has taken on the role of Microsoft's HD DVD spokesperson--is that the official release is only a few days away.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Downloaded and updated my unit this afternoon. Works like a charm. I jumped on the HD bandwagon when it first came out, why not jump on the beta bandwagon as well.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Same thing here. Just finished listening to Training Day and POTO in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 over HDMI 1.1 today.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Ditto.
Constantine and POTO was sampled this afternoon. Both sounded better. This machine is an amazing piece of equipment! Bring on those new TrueHD releases!

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

So this means that you can get Dolby TrueHD over HDMI?

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Well it would work over HDMI 1.1 but it would be re-encoded into a DTS bitstream. You would still need Analog 5.1 to receive proper TrueHD. HDMI 1.3 is needed for digital.

PS. Paul knows more about that subject than me

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

This beta firmware confirms that TrueHD is going to work on the HD A1, so I put my order in today using the frequent flyer deal. Yahoo.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

A-FRIGGIN-MAZE-N!
The A1 has to be A/V Product of the Year.
Unless a "Trojan Horse" can break in & steal it's thunder! ;-)

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

So TrueHD over analog would be better than normal DD/DTS over digital and better than the re-encoded bitstream you mention above in digital?

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Yes. TrueHD over analog is decoded in the A1 and passed through to the receiver in its lossless format. Over digital-Coax,Optical,HDMI 1.1, it is re-encoded in DTS at a certain bit rate, 3mbs, could be wrong. So yes, to take full advantage of TrueHD you need to continue using analog untill HDMI 1.3 is out and your receiver has that built in.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

I don't have HDMI so I can't confirm this but many users are saying that when Dolby TrueHD 5.1 is decoded by the player it can be passed via current HDMI. So for the HD-A1 it should work with the analog outs as well as HDMI so long as the player is handling the decoding.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

This is incorrect.

The Toshiba HD-DVD players only re-encode the new advanced codecs into DTS for output over legacy outputs like optical / toslink.

With HDMI 1.1, you get the full TrueHD 5.1 audio. Using HDMI gets you the best sound quality possible.

Here's what happens on a HD-DVD with TrueHD 5.1.

1. TrueHD 5.1 is decoded by the HD-DVD player's advanced signal processor into 5.1 LPCM at up to 14Mbps.
   
   
2. The 5.1 LPCM digital stream is output directly over HDMI 1.1.
   
   The 5.1 LPCM digital stream is run through 24/196 digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and output over 5.1 analog.
   
   
3. The 5.1 LPCM digital stream is run through a PCM->DTS converter for output as lower-fidelity 1.5Mbps DTS over legacy optical / coax.

Why are you able to experience these advanced formats with HDMI 1.1 instead of HDMI 1.3? Because the Toshiba integrated the signal processor to do the Dolby TrueHD decoding. This is not possible on the Samsung (and most upcoming) Blu-ray players because they decided to cut costs by not including a TrueHD decoder in the box.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

I downloaded and burned to DVD-R. What is the procedure to install the update in the Toshiba XA1?

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Use a CD-R. DVD-R won't work.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Thanks for advice.....I will burn to CD-R. Then, what is the procedure to install?

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Insert the disc into the player, play it, and follow the instructions on-screen (if I recall correctly from the last update).

- Steve

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Yeah this blows my mind. They keep coming out with fixes that dont just fix things, but improve the current offering. Now my only real complaint anymore is to get those software releases ROLLING!

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

*drool* I'm stoked that I will be able to get HD audio using my current receiver, yay! Go analog!

Of course, this is only if i go with HD-DVD by the sounds of it. PS3.. hmm,,,

So is there a nice simple comparison anywhere between DD/DTS/DD+/TrueHD etc ?

Cheers

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

i haven't done any of the firmware upgrades i believe my unit was manuf. in june.. i am a bit nervous to upgrade..can you revert back if you have any problems??

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

According to a few, once you go 2.0 you can't go back. But I upgraded the firmware and the TrueHD makes it all worth it, to me.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

I am not going to install a pirated beta copy of the firmware, guys.

Toshiba will release the final, supported version soon enough.

- Steve

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Agreed.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Toshiba said I'll be getting mine in 3-5 business days.

Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

I'm also waiting for the disc from Toshiba. I mailed in my firmware card, should I still give them a call?