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Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

#1
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http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...4639654&EDATE=

"Toshiba's third generation family starts with the entry level HD-A3
player featuring 1080i output capability.

The other two new models,
Toshiba's HD-A30 and HD-A35, will output 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080p),
the highest HD signal currently available.

Both models are capable of
outputing signals at 1080p/24 frames per second so consumers can enjoy
movies in their native frame rate.

The HD-A30 and HD-A35 models also
feature "CE-Link" (HDMI-CEC), allowing two- way control between the HD DVD
player and a TV through an HDMI connection.

The top-of-the-line HD-A35 also adds support for Deep Color via HDMI
allowing compatible display devices to deliver outstanding video quality -
displaying millions of possible colors to billions of possible colors.

Additionally, the HD-A35 offers 5.1 channel analog output and High Bit
Rate Audio (up to 7.1 channel) via HDMI. With content encoded in 7.1ch,
this advanced surround sound is achieved through the HDMI connection
bypassing the player's internal audio processor and sending the signal to a
7.1 capable A/V receiver. High Bit Rate Audio will allow the consumer to
integrate the HD-A35 with the latest multi-channel A/V receivers and enjoy
a whole new dimension of high definition home entertainment.

Expected Pricing and Expected Availability:
HD-A3 ($299.99, October 2007)
HD-A30 ($399.99, September 2007)
HD-A35 ($499.99, October 2007)"

Rewind - DVDcompare/Site Administrator
*US PS3 (1080p) - Xbox 360 Elite (HDMI) - Nintendo Wii (Euro) - Sony PSP-2000 - Nintendo DSi
*HD DVD Toshiba XE1 (1080p) - Sony Bravia KDL-40W2000 (1080p) - Yamaha RX-V1800 (HDMI 1.3)

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#2
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

The A35 seems like a winner. Actual street/online prices should be reasonable since it's only $500 MSRP.

Wonder when the 3rd generation will be available here in Europe?
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#3
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Marko Berg
Wonder when the 3rd generation will be available here in Europe?

Good question. Now the "1080p"-model in Europe is around 600-700 Euros..

Rewind - DVDcompare/Site Administrator
*US PS3 (1080p) - Xbox 360 Elite (HDMI) - Nintendo Wii (Euro) - Sony PSP-2000 - Nintendo DSi
*HD DVD Toshiba XE1 (1080p) - Sony Bravia KDL-40W2000 (1080p) - Yamaha RX-V1800 (HDMI 1.3)

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#4
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Anyone know when these models will be on "pre-order" etc? HD-A35 ($499.99, October 2007) is probably my choice. These Euro-models are just too expensive (no "1080i" for me).

Rewind - DVDcompare/Site Administrator
*US PS3 (1080p) - Xbox 360 Elite (HDMI) - Nintendo Wii (Euro) - Sony PSP-2000 - Nintendo DSi
*HD DVD Toshiba XE1 (1080p) - Sony Bravia KDL-40W2000 (1080p) - Yamaha RX-V1800 (HDMI 1.3)

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#5
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Robert Zohn posted in the Value Electronics thread (HT Hardware subforum) that he's putting them up for pre-order Friday night. Obviously he can't post specific details before then, but based on prior history, HTF members will be getting a good deal.
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#6
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Based on the info at the moment, am I correct here? Please correct any mistakes.

Toshiba HD-XA2 vs HD-A35 ($499.99, October 2007)
(current and the upcoming "flagship"-model - US)

BOTH:

*HDMI 1.3 (both advertise also "Deep Color", but HD-films doesn´t support that)
*Upscaling to/output 1080p (not 1080i)
*Analog 5.1 out

*"Silicon Optix Reon-VX" chip for upscaling/deinterlacing (probably also in HD-A35, TBC)

____________

New with the upcoming HD-A35:

*24fps option

*"High Bit Rate Audio" (up to 7.1 channel) via HDMI. ! "With content encoded in 7.1ch, this advanced surround sound is achieved through the HDMI connection bypassing the player's internal audio processor and sending the signal to a 7.1 capable A/V receiver".
=> I guess this means that now A35 will pass bitstream over HDMI?
Quote from this article - actually from the AVSForum member Sanjay Durani ( http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/sh..._Necessary/853 )

"Current HDMI allows 8 channels of 96/24 PCM to be transmitted (more than enough resolution for any soundtrack), but not the new codecs in their native form. When HDMI 1.3 arrives, it will allow the new codecs mentioned above to be transmitted in their native bitstream, but only if they were authored in 'Basic' mode (no interactivity). If the soundtrack was authored in Advanced mode, then it cannot be transmitted in undecoded form; decoding in the player is mandatory because of live mixing.
So far, all HD DVD soundtracks have been authored in Advanced mode. Which means nothing will change when new receivers arrive on the market. Despite having HDMI 1.3 transmission and decoders built into the receiver, decoding will still have to take place in the player."

With A35, it now doesn´t encode the audio (I guess this is optional?) in the PLAYER, but is rather sending the signal to a A/V receiver (which then handles it). Am I correct?

(*"CE-Link"-connectivity - allowing two-way control between the HD DVD
player and a TV through an HDMI connection)
(*new cosmetic design)

__________

I´m just trying to figure the "gains" with the upcoming model, since if it´s around $499.99, it´s actually cheaper than the 2rd generation HD-XA2..

Joshua Zyber (with his great review - http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/hreview_hdxa2030207.html ) did found a few minor "issues" from XA2, so perhaps these are now also fixed.

Thanks!

Rewind - DVDcompare/Site Administrator
*US PS3 (1080p) - Xbox 360 Elite (HDMI) - Nintendo Wii (Euro) - Sony PSP-2000 - Nintendo DSi
*HD DVD Toshiba XE1 (1080p) - Sony Bravia KDL-40W2000 (1080p) - Yamaha RX-V1800 (HDMI 1.3)

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#7
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
*HDMI 1.3 (both advertise also "Deep Color", but HD-films doesn´t support that)
Don't you just love that?

SVS Customer Service
http://www.svsound.com
sales@svsound.com
techsupport@svsound.com

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#8
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Gilvey
Don't you just love that?

Yes, this "Deep color" is simply a marketing gimmick. But I guess you need HDMI 1.3 to support all the new HD audio-formats.

Rewind - DVDcompare/Site Administrator
*US PS3 (1080p) - Xbox 360 Elite (HDMI) - Nintendo Wii (Euro) - Sony PSP-2000 - Nintendo DSi
*HD DVD Toshiba XE1 (1080p) - Sony Bravia KDL-40W2000 (1080p) - Yamaha RX-V1800 (HDMI 1.3)

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#9
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Found this from the AVSforum:

"In the last issue of Audiovision http://www.audiovision.de was a interview with Frank Escholz (Product Manager DVD/HD-DVD Toshiba) the statements are:

1. When will the 24p Update arrive and for which Players?
= the Update will come for E10 and XE1 (europe models), it will be shown on IFA and will be released he expect in September.
2. why it lasted so long ?
= there where several problems, because the 24p output wasn't defined in the first HD-DVD spec. also there was the Problem with the additional content . The 24p output will not function with the bonus content like "Picture in Picture" (Troja, Constantine, Batman Begins etc.)
3. will the update also bring the Output capability for 25p & 50i?
= No not in the 24p Update, maybee in the next after that.
4. will the players be able to decode DTS-HD ?
= until now our players could only output DTS-Core, the Bitstream output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD will not be possible via Firmware Update, this will be subject of the next generation (A3x)
5. How see you the situation for HD-DVD ?
= really good, alle numbers are increasing."

At least nr. 4 is kinda interesting.

Rewind - DVDcompare/Site Administrator
*US PS3 (1080p) - Xbox 360 Elite (HDMI) - Nintendo Wii (Euro) - Sony PSP-2000 - Nintendo DSi
*HD DVD Toshiba XE1 (1080p) - Sony Bravia KDL-40W2000 (1080p) - Yamaha RX-V1800 (HDMI 1.3)

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#10
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jari K
Based on the info at the moment, am I correct here? Please correct any mistakes.

*"Silicon Optix Reon-VX" chip for upscaling/deinterlacing (probably also in HD-A35, TBC)

Anyone here; hear what scaler the A35 will have?
Thanks.

Movies are: "The Greatest Artform".
HD should be for EVERYONE!

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#11
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed St. Clair
Anyone here; hear what scaler the A35 will have?
Thanks.

I have been trying to find out, but no answer yet. Now there are rumors that XA2 (Euro model: XE1) will stay as the "flagship"-model and A35 doesn´t include the Reon-chip. I guess this is speculation at this point. Since XA2 was 1t$ when it was released and A35 will be around 500$, this would make sense.. Then again the prices are generally lower now with these Toshiba-models.

XA2/XE1 will also get 24fps via firmware, so..

One thread here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=886387

I hope we´ll get more info in CEDIA..

Rewind - DVDcompare/Site Administrator
*US PS3 (1080p) - Xbox 360 Elite (HDMI) - Nintendo Wii (Euro) - Sony PSP-2000 - Nintendo DSi
*HD DVD Toshiba XE1 (1080p) - Sony Bravia KDL-40W2000 (1080p) - Yamaha RX-V1800 (HDMI 1.3)

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#12
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jari K
Now there are rumors that XA2 (Euro model: XE1) will stay as the "flagship"-model and A35 doesn´t include the Reon-chip. I guess this is speculation at this point. XA2/XE1 will also get 24fps via firmware, so..


I hope we´ll get more info in CEDIA..

Robert Zohn, who would know as much as anyone, posted in the VE thread in that XA2 would remain the flagship model and that it will remain the sole Toshiba with the Reon chip.

Absolutely agree that I hope CEDIA brings more information. Hopefully news on a price drop in the XA2. A $549 or $599 MSRP would make sense given the A35 is $499. The XA2 is still quite expensive and if HD-DVD wants to take advantage of their recent momentum cutting prices ahead of the Christmas season would make a lot of sense.
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#13
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O
Robert Zohn, who would know as much as anyone, posted in the VE thread in that XA2 would remain the flagship model and that it will remain the sole Toshiba with the Reon chip.

Yes, I read about this and I have no reason not to believe him. Just want to have 100% confirmation.

It would make sense that XA2 (XE1 in Europe) would stay as the "flagship"-model and then these upcoming models would replace pretty much all the 1080i-models.

As Toshiba Europe stated in IFA 2007, "Toshiba Europe won't be making 1080i players any more after October: 1080p only":
http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=65757
http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=65784

Since older models will also get 24fps via firmware, this "bitstream output of the High Definition audio formats via the HDMI jack" would be the only real "gain" with these new models? (of course they might have quicker loading times and more "slick" appearance).

New models advertise this "Deep Colour" via HDMI 1.3, but "neither of the HD disc formats were designed with Deep Colour in mind" like e.g. DVDtimes says, so I´m not sure why this "Deep Colour" would change anything in real life..

Rewind - DVDcompare/Site Administrator
*US PS3 (1080p) - Xbox 360 Elite (HDMI) - Nintendo Wii (Euro) - Sony PSP-2000 - Nintendo DSi
*HD DVD Toshiba XE1 (1080p) - Sony Bravia KDL-40W2000 (1080p) - Yamaha RX-V1800 (HDMI 1.3)

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#14
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jari K
Yes, this "Deep color" is simply a marketing gimmick. But I guess you need HDMI 1.3 to support all the new HD audio-formats.
1.1 is all you need to pass the decoded PCM from players.

SVS Customer Service
http://www.svsound.com
sales@svsound.com
techsupport@svsound.com

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#15
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Gilvey
1.1 is all you need to pass the decoded PCM from players.

My new receiver will be HDMI 1.3 when I upgrade. And also the player(s). PS3 already is and most of the Toshiba-models. Further more, no 1080i for me. And no component. You see the point?

Any proper reviews of these new Toshiba-models yet?

Rewind - DVDcompare/Site Administrator
*US PS3 (1080p) - Xbox 360 Elite (HDMI) - Nintendo Wii (Euro) - Sony PSP-2000 - Nintendo DSi
*HD DVD Toshiba XE1 (1080p) - Sony Bravia KDL-40W2000 (1080p) - Yamaha RX-V1800 (HDMI 1.3)

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#16
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
My new receiver will be HDMI 1.3 when I upgrade. And also the player(s). PS3 already is and most of the Toshiba-models. Further more, no 1080i for me. And no component. You see the point?
Just clarifying that you don't need 1.3 for the new audio formats.

SVS Customer Service
http://www.svsound.com
sales@svsound.com
techsupport@svsound.com

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#17
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

You know with all the talk of the higher end models.... what about the lowly HD-A3 and how it compares to the HD-A2? Me being an HD-A2 owner I'm very curious as to what is new and/or different between the two.

Brian The Demolition Man Little
Boycotting TDB Ever Since June 2nd 2007

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#18
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

What I need to know is whether the A3 will give me 1080i via component? The Toshiba site is pretty vague regarding what the component outs will do.
DVD Reviewer, digitallyOBSESSED.com | Othyrworld
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#19
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Gilvey
Just clarifying that you don't need 1.3 for the new audio formats.

?? really? so going HDMI out of the HD player to any receiver w/ HDMI input will give me TrueHD??

~Jason

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#20
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JayDerek
?? really? so going HDMI out of the HD player to any receiver w/ HDMI input will give me TrueHD??

Not any receiver with HDMI. Some receivers do not support HDMI audio, they are only switchers/passthru for HDMI video. You have to get a receiver that has at least HDMI 1.1 and processes HDMI audio. With this, you will be able to receive the LPCM (Multichannel PCM) that you get over HDMI after the BD/HD DVD player decodes the DD+/TrueHD/DTS-HD formats.
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#21
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Thanks Jeff! that helps answer a lot...all this time i was thinking i needed HDMI 1.3 to pass the next gen audio formats through (other than the analog outs).

I'm looking to upgrade receivers and am sick of all the wire clutter so I wanted to get rid of the analog out connections (w/ also upgrading to a 3rd Gen HD-DVD player)

~Jason

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#22
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Hey guys-

Thought I'd jump in here and see what's the latest news on the 3rd Gen Toshiba models. I'm starting to look seriously now for my first HD player, thought I'd get the newest model.

Thanks, Nelson
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#23
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

2 of my local vendors are now carrying the A30 & A35. Strangley, no A3 yet. But they do look nice. I will say that I kind of like the look of the A2 better on the panel. Just me....I like less buttons and employ the less is more approach. Still, they look sleek and glossy and the demos that were used looked stellar. They were even set up correctly. Imagine that! lol.
Club Timobi Wan-Episode II
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#24
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Picked up a Sony DA-5300ES Receiver and the Toshiba HD-A35 HD DVD Player (I previously had the Toshiba HD-A1) last week.

All I can say is... WOW! I sampled some discs with DD TrueHD and DD+ and there is a huge difference over standard 5.1.

As far as the A35 goes, it's a MUCH better player. Sleeker, faster boot up and I am quite pleased with it. The picture quality through HDMI is pretty stunning. I believe the only difference between the A30 and A35 is the "Deep Color" compatibility and, since the 5300 receiver HAS that ability, I paid the extra 100 bucks and got the A35.

I picked up some high-graded/high-bandwidth HDMI cables from Monoprice.com and I am more than happy with my setup. The A35 is a solid player and I've watched 4 titles on it with absolutely no issues. Standard def DVD upconversion is just as stunning on it as the sturdy ol' A1.

Kindest Regards,

Don May, Jr.
President, Synapse Films
http://www.synapse-films.comSynapse Blog: http://www.synapsefilms.blogspot.comMyspace: http://www.myspace.com/synapsefilms

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#25
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Thanks for the review Don. I had read several postings on the AVS Forums. Those guys can get pretty anal!

They reported some error messages and problems playing dual format discs, the SD/HD discs. I worry about that since they reported that several times, only because I plan to pick-up Star Trek Remastered.

I am glad you're finding the play back on the upconvert side is as good as the A1. They reported concerns at AVS about that too, something about using a different chip in the A3 and A30 then the A2.
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#26
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

I watched the combo-disc of 300 and sampled both sides. I watched the first 60 or so minutes of the HD side of 300 with no issues.

As far SD as upconversion goes, I watched RISE: BLOOD HUNTER, SPECIES: THE AWAKENING (a bad movie double-feature this afternoon) and I sampled a bit of the SD remaster of POLTERGEIST and I saw no issues at all. Everything looked, to my eye anyways, just as good as the picture quality of the A1.

I'm still keeping my A1, though... going to put it on the Sony 34XBR800 I still have in my bedrioom.

Kindest Regards,

Don May, Jr.
President, Synapse Films
http://www.synapse-films.comSynapse Blog: http://www.synapsefilms.blogspot.comMyspace: http://www.myspace.com/synapsefilms

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#27
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Good review Don.
Club Timobi Wan-Episode II
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#28
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Thanks Don, glad to hear your experience so far is positive and no issues!
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#29
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

After watching many, many standard def and HD DVDs on my A35, last night, I finally had a problem disc... KNOCKED UP!

As soon as the Universal logo started as the disc booted up, the audio was choppy and cut out. Once the menu started, the audio seemed fine, but, as the movie played I again got small "pinpoint" audio dropouts.

I went online and noticed a firmware update for the A35, which I applied, but the audio on KNOCKED UP is still messy. I put in the disc after the firmware update and the audio on the menu clicked like the sound of an old modem! The extras seemed to play fine, but the movie still had small dropouts, just not as many as before.

Hmm... I've played other combo discs (like 300) and had no problems.

Kindest Regards,

Don May, Jr.
President, Synapse Films
http://www.synapse-films.comSynapse Blog: http://www.synapsefilms.blogspot.comMyspace: http://www.myspace.com/synapsefilms

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#30
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Re: Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players (HD-A3/HD-A30/HD-A35)

Sorry you are having trouble with that disc Don. You might need to replace it with a new one to see if that helps.
Club Timobi Wan-Episode II
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