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

#91
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9/2/06 at 1:02pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark_TB
Does this update improve any of the unit's other operations, like the start-up or response times? Does it correct the HDMI handshake issues? Anything besides the upgraded audio?

Mark

It fixes the 720P picture quality issue. Some say it fixed the hdmi problem with the Samsung HLS series displays and some report they now get BTB on their displays. My startup time went from 70 seconds from on to an open tray to 45 seconds (25 seconds to the welcome screen and 20 seconds to open the tray).
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#92
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9/2/06 at 3:22pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

It's good to hear that the start-up time is decreasing. Forgive my ignorance, but what does "BTB" stand for?

I had picked up a HD-A1 a few weeks ago, but ended up taking it back. I was becoming frustrated with the start-up time, the HDMI handshake problem (whenever I changed the input on my Sony 34XBR960, the player read it as an HDMI disconnect and the disc would restart anew), and the lack of currently available titles. (The final straw was watching VAN HELSING. I was forcing myself to keep watching it, even though I couldn't stand it, just because it was in HD.) Obviously, this last complaint will be rectified over time.

Maybe I'm just not cut out to be an early adopter. But a local store now has the HD-A1 on sale for $431.00 with a 30-month, no-interest special that has me reconsidering. If my first two complaints have been addressed, I just might give it another try.

Mark
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#93
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9/2/06 at 3:34pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

BTB = Blacker than Black.

- Steve
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#94
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9/2/06 at 3:58pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark_TB
It's good to hear that the start-up time is decreasing. Forgive my ignorance, but what does "BTB" stand for?

I had picked up a HD-A1 a few weeks ago, but ended up taking it back. I was becoming frustrated with the start-up time, the HDMI handshake problem (whenever I changed the input on my Sony 34XBR960, the player read it as an HDMI disconnect and the disc would restart anew), and the lack of currently available titles. (The final straw was watching VAN HELSING. I was forcing myself to keep watching it, even though I couldn't stand it, just because it was in HD.) Obviously, this last complaint will be rectified over time.

Maybe I'm just not cut out to be an early adopter. But a local store now has the HD-A1 on sale for $431.00 with a 30-month, no-interest special that has me reconsidering. If my first two complaints have been addressed, I just might give it another try.

Mark

I don't think the problem you had with losing hdmi when you switched inputs is going to be fixed with any firmware update. The Toshiba looks for an active hdmi input to do a handshake with so when you switch inputs on the display it just sees an inactive input. Some have got around this issue by either going to a hdmi equipped receiver or using a hdmi switch before the display. I don't have the problem as I feed the Toshiba to a Panasonic hdmi receiver first then onto my display.
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#95
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9/2/06 at 4:09pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Exactly, Robert. I think that HDMI "handshake" issue vis-a-vis the player generating an error when you switch inputs is a function of the new HDCP landscape, not a player fault--at least unless and until an HDMI receiver is in the path.
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#96
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9/2/06 at 4:35pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

I am using strictly an HDMI output into my HD monitor. If the display on the machine says 1080 and I put in a SD DVD the display still says 1080. At what resolution is the SD DVD actually playing?

Ken

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#97
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9/2/06 at 4:49pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Hey Key I own a Sony HDTV and I get the same thing. The TV displays what ever it is recieving. My tv says 480p via component and 1080i via hdmi input. So I believe that the HD-A1 is upconverting it to 1080i. I am working on updating my firmware as I just brought my player home yesterday. So far I am very impressed with the video quality especially when I put in the SD-DVD and it never looked so good. The HD-DVD's look great so I cant wait for better titles to come out.

Anyway I hope that answered your question, if I was incorect please let me know.

1080p High Definition SupporterLossless Audio Supporter Current Library: 221 DVD's / 70 HD-DVD's / 181 Blu-ray's (251 HD Titles)

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#98
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9/2/06 at 5:30pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

That is amazing if it is upconverting to 1080! I have found however a few SD dvds that look a bit blurry.
Criterion discs look awesome!!!!

Ken

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#99
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9/2/06 at 9:59pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

OK.... I caved. Just got my HD-A1 player yesterday, and watched my first HD-DVD today: U-571. First impression... WOW! I do not have the update yet (waiting for the disc; no way to connect player to the internet for download). I am really hoping that the 2.0 update completely does away with the freezing/audio problem. About 3/4 through U-571, the player froze for about 5 seconds before resuming without any sound. It then froze/restarted a couple of times more, then finally restarted with sound. I know many people had playback problems similar to this with the original firmware, but I thought that was completely solved with the 1st firmware upgrade (v1.2?). Anyway, I am hoping it is a problem that will be solved with 2.0. My player was made August 2006, and has firmware version 1.4.

Peace... Derek

One sub to rumble them all. One sub to shake them. One sub to humble them all. And in the darkness break them.

Louvre attendant: Sacre bleu! ze frame on ze Mona Lisa broke and ze only one left iz too small. Andre, bring me ze scissors!

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#100
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9/3/06 at 12:50pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

I posted the following over at AVS but wanted to do the same here. Just wandering if anyone has experienced this or heard about this problem here. Any help would be greatly appreciated:

I need some help with a problem I maybe having. While watching Sahara today I notice a weird sound coming from the center channel that I do not remember hearing before the 2.0 update. It happens right as the guy falls and hits the mirror after being pushed off the solar tower by Dirk near the end of the movie. It's the sound that accompanies the guy crashing into the mirror. It also happens a few seconds later just as the fire starts up in the solar plant. It sounds like the center channel is being over driven (kinda crackling or garbled noise) but, it happens at very low and high volumes. Sorry but, thats the best way I can think to describe it. It's not my speaker b/c I switched speakers and the sound is still there. It happens on both the SPDIF and analog connections (DD+ and/or DTS as well). I'm hoping it is just the film mix but, I don't remember hearing it before the 2.0 update. Just wandering if some who also owns Sahara could check and see if the hear a similar sound. Has anyone else heard of any center channel problems with 2.0?
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#101
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9/3/06 at 2:58pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Will
I need some help with a problem I maybe having. While watching Sahara today I notice a weird sound coming from the center channel that I do not remember hearing before the 2.0 update. It happens right as the guy falls and hits the mirror after being pushed off the solar tower by Dirk near the end of the movie. It's the sound that accompanies the guy crashing into the mirror. It also happens a few seconds later just as the fire starts up in the solar plant. It sounds like the center channel is being over driven (kinda crackling or garbled noise) but, it happens at very low and high volumes.

I have a player with firmware v1.2. I listened to the sequence you are referring to. The crackle is in the mix. Like you said, it occurs just after Pitt boots the guy over the edge and stops just before he hits the mirror. It also occurs again as the incinerator fires. It is not related to the firmware update that you made.

When you have to shoot...shoot. Don't talk!

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#102
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9/3/06 at 4:38pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Hey Vader,

Quote:
(waiting for the disc; no way to connect player to the internet for download)

I just updated my player to 2.0 without waiting for the disc and without hooking up the ethernet cable. If you download the update from the internet you can use Nero to burn it to a cd and the player will update straight from the CD. If the player locks up on the startup screen after updating. Just shut the player off then power back up, do not shut off the player while the machine is updating.

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. But I recomend that if you do not have Nero just download a trial copy of there server and use it to burn it to CD. I did that and the update of the CD went smothly and without a problem.

1080p High Definition SupporterLossless Audio Supporter Current Library: 221 DVD's / 70 HD-DVD's / 181 Blu-ray's (251 HD Titles)

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#103
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9/3/06 at 4:53pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Quote:
Originally Posted by Edwin-S
I have a player with firmware v1.2. I listened to the sequence you are referring to. The crackle is in the mix. Like you said, it occurs just after Pitt boots the guy over the edge and stops just before he hits the mirror. It also occurs again as the incinerator fires. It is not related to the firmware update that you made.
Thank you for checking Edwin, I really appreciate it. I also confirmed that as well because I went and rent the SD-DVD and played it on 2 different DVD player (one just using built in TV speakers) and the A1. Heard the crackle all three times and came to that conclusion as well. I don't know why I don't remember hearing that sound before updating to 2.0, guess i just freaked out. I teel you what though, that is an odd sound effect to use at that spot IMO. Thanks again for taking the time to check your copy.
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#104
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9/3/06 at 5:03pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

The only weird thing that happened to me after the 2.0 update was while watching Training Day in Dolby True HD. The sound stoped and then became unsycronized with the video. I did not try it again because I only wanted to see if the Dolby True HD actually worked after the update. Has anyone had any problems with Dolby True HD tracks becoming unsycronized?

1080p High Definition SupporterLossless Audio Supporter Current Library: 221 DVD's / 70 HD-DVD's / 181 Blu-ray's (251 HD Titles)

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#105
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9/3/06 at 7:50pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Dave, I already did download the image, but I'm somewhat cautious about using an "unofficial" (ie. not from Toshiba) firmware upgrade, especially since I can't re-install former versions (to my understanding). As Steve pointed out, Toshiba is under no obligation to support a firmware upgrade obtained from a third party. And as you mentioned, several people have reported lock-ups at the startup screen with the downloaded image (or, is that with downloads from Toshiba as well?). Has anybody confirmed that the image is indeed identical to that from Toshiba (I mean, aside from version number), like the MD5 signature? I was extremely surprised to see the AV "hiccup" with fw v1.4, as I had thought that problem was solved completely in fw v1.1 (1.2?), and now I'm getting nervous. At least as many people as those who reported problems have had none whatsoever. All I know is that the U-571 disc is pristine (not so much as a scratch, or speck of dust), so I don't think it's the disc itself. It was largely the testimonies of those who reported that the Tosh has proven itself to be a fantastic piece of engineering after the last few fw updates that pushed me over the edge. It was quite the rush to see the "1080i Standard" flash on my Mitsu for the first time....

Edit: If anybody here has the Tosh 2.0 upgrade disc, could you take an MD5 sig and post it here or PM me with it? Thanx!

Edit (again): I just burned the image to a CDR and tried to take an MD5, and Windows could not read it - said that it could be corrupted...? Or that it was in a format alien to Windows (more likely?) So much for my bright idea of comparing MD5 sigs.......

Peace... Derek

One sub to rumble them all. One sub to shake them. One sub to humble them all. And in the darkness break them.

Louvre attendant: Sacre bleu! ze frame on ze Mona Lisa broke and ze only one left iz too small. Andre, bring me ze scissors!

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#106
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9/4/06 at 12:00pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

It's not a format windows can read. Others on that other forum have stated that the downloaded version is idential to the one direct from Toshiba.. I installed it on the second day it came out with no ill effects and plenty of positive ones.

Ted
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#107
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9/4/06 at 2:38pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

*The sound stoped and then became unsycronized with the video. I did not try it again because I only wanted to see if the Dolby True HD actually worked after the update.*

I havent done the latest upgrade but I've been having that same problem watching several discs thus far. I have the latest firmware just before 2.0. I was hoping 2.0 was going to correct this. I have to pause it then the audio goes back in sync to correct it.
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#108
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9/4/06 at 3:10pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan M
*The sound stoped and then became unsycronized with the video. I did not try it again because I only wanted to see if the Dolby True HD actually worked after the update.*

I havent done the latest upgrade but I've been having that same problem watching several discs thus far. I have the latest firmware just before 2.0. I was hoping 2.0 was going to correct this. I have to pause it then the audio goes back in sync to correct it.

I think HD DVD and BD discs are just not as forgiving as SD DVD if there is any small amount of dust on a disc. Anyway I find that if I wipe a HD DVD disc with a dry facial tissues prior to play I never have the skip or audio sync problems.
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#109
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9/4/06 at 6:32pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertDW
I think HD DVD and BD discs are just not as forgiving as SD DVD if there is any small amount of dust on a disc. Anyway I find that if I wipe a HD DVD disc with a dry facial tissues prior to play I never have the skip or audio sync problems.
Facial tissues are NOT good for wiping CDs, DVDs, HD-DVDs, or optics. They contain quite a bit of particulate silica and WILL cause scratching. A clean microfiber cloth is much better.

Careful man! There's a beverage here!

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#110
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9/4/06 at 7:17pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertDW
Anyway I find that if I wipe a HD DVD disc with a dry facial tissues prior to play I never have the skip or audio sync problems.
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#111
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9/6/06 at 6:27pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Quote:
Others on that other forum have stated that the downloaded version is idential to the one direct from Toshiba

Ted, not to dispute you, but on what criteria did they base this assumption? If it is solely on the version number, that says nothing about the contents of the software itself. Someone who knows what they are doing can easily modify the instructions within the code and leave the version number intact (or am I just being paranoid?)

Peace... Derek

One sub to rumble them all. One sub to shake them. One sub to humble them all. And in the darkness break them.

Louvre attendant: Sacre bleu! ze frame on ze Mona Lisa broke and ze only one left iz too small. Andre, bring me ze scissors!

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#112
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9/6/06 at 10:49pm
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vader
(or am I just being paranoid?)

I find your lack of faith... refreshing.

If it does not come from Toshiba channels, it is not an official distribution. All bets are off. As we've discussed before, if the machine gets hosed in the pirate firmware update process, Toshiba is not on the hook to help you. That, tied to the fact that some people have had troubles running the update (although off Ethernet) worries this SCM guy to no end.

That is why I installed off the broadband connection!

- Steve
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#113
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9/7/06 at 5:09am
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Much as it pains me (an ethernet connection is not possible right now.... unless I use a 250' cat5 cable), I'm gonna wait for the Toshiba disc... I just can't bring myself to trust the download....

Peace... Derek

One sub to rumble them all. One sub to shake them. One sub to humble them all. And in the darkness break them.

Louvre attendant: Sacre bleu! ze frame on ze Mona Lisa broke and ze only one left iz too small. Andre, bring me ze scissors!

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#114
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9/7/06 at 6:11am
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

The download worked just fine for me.

Ken

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#115
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9/7/06 at 6:35am
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

The "unofficial" firmware that's available for download is from Toshiba. How could it possibly come from another source? The questions come from speculation that the code in the leaked v2.0 is beta and not the final release. Some think that the version numbers in the leaked firmware "prove" that it's the final version, but I don't necessarily think that's the case. The numbers displayed by the player have nothing to do with whatever source code control system Toshiba's software engineers are using internally to manage their revisions. I've also seen some arguments state that the size of the leaked disc image file is identical to the "official" version, but since no one has received a CD from Toshiba with the offical release I don't know how that comparison could be made.

Careful man! There's a beverage here!

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#116
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9/7/06 at 8:29am
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Dear Valued Toshiba Customer:

Our records show that you returned the Firmware Update Request card that
was included with your HD DVD player, and asked that we notify you when
firmware updates become available.

A new Firmware Update Disc is now available and, if you have not already
received it, you will receive it by mail soon. This firmware update adds
support for certain anticipated network delivered content in future HD DVD
discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, as well as
addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by
Toshiba. To update the firmware in your HD DVD player, please follow the
instructions provided with the Firmware Update Disc. After completing the
firmware update process your HD DVD player should show the current firmware
version as 2.0. You may use this Firmware Update Disc to update your
player from any prior version of firmware. It is not necessary to perform
interim firmware updates.

If your HD DVD player is connected to a broadband internet service through
its Ethernet port, you may be able to complete the firmware update on-line.
Please visit www.tacp.toshiba.com for additional details.
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#117
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9/7/06 at 8:38am
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Who-ho! Guess it's time to go get my analog cables, huh?....

Peace... Derek

One sub to rumble them all. One sub to shake them. One sub to humble them all. And in the darkness break them.

Louvre attendant: Sacre bleu! ze frame on ze Mona Lisa broke and ze only one left iz too small. Andre, bring me ze scissors!

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#118
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9/7/06 at 8:56am
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Doug P.: Just want to clarify: in all your surfing/reading, you have yet to come across anyone who has already received a 2.0 CD? A guy I've PMd with on AVS has.

Trippy: while typing the above, I received essentially the same e-mail as Tony posted. Only additional is this text at the end:

"Should you experience any issues with updating the firmware in your HD DVD player, or if you have any questions regarding your HD DVD player, please contact Toshiba's Customer Solutions Department at 1-800-319-6684.

Thank you for your business.
Toshiba Customer Solutions Department
National Service Division
Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.
1420 B Toshiba Drive
Lebanon, TN 37087 USA

*If you did not indicate on the Firmware Update Request card that you
would like to receive emails from Toshiba about future firmware updates,
and you would like to receive such emails in the future, please reply to
this email with the word "ADD" in the subject line.

**If you would prefer not to receive emails from Toshiba in the future,
please reply to this email with the word "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject line.

***If you would prefer to receive emails from Toshiba at a different email
address, please reply to this email with the word "CHANGE" in the subject
line, and with your name and new email address in the body of the email."
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#119
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9/7/06 at 9:20am
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

I got the email today, too. Looking forward to TrueHD.
My Movies
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#120
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9/7/06 at 9:25am
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Re: Firmware v2.0 now available -- adds TrueHD 5.1, fixes 720p output

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul.S
Doug P.: Just want to clarify: in all your surfing/reading, you have yet to come across anyone who has already received a 2.0 CD? A guy I've PMd with on AVS has.
I haven't come across anyone who has, no. In fact when I called Toshiba on 9/1 I was informed that the 2.0 CDs had not started shipping yet because they were still waiting to receive them from their replicator.

Careful man! There's a beverage here!

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