My mini review - Toshiba HD-XA2

Ron Z · 01-08-2007, 03:11 PM

Got the XA2 installed Sat morning. Ended up connecting with HDMI via the Pioneer Elite VSX80-TXV receiver to the Pioneer PDP-5050HD 50" plasma. The receiver is my HDMI switcher for the D* HR20 and the XA2. Audio was connected via the XA2's 5.1 analog outs (for TrueHD and other lossless audio formats) into the receiver, as well as the coaxial digital ouput.

First off, I have no previous experience with HD DVD, Blu-ray or upscaling DVD players other that what I saw in Best Buy, Circuit City or the like. My Amazon order of HD DVDs also happened to arrive late Sat morning. First movie I watched was the King Kong HD DVD - wow! Detail, clarity and 3D'ish look to the film that's the best I've ever seen! I can honestly say that I've never seen a movie look this good before. And obviously any HD DVD movie quality will depend on the transfer, and from what I've read King Kong is among the top 10 in that regard. But still, I was blown away by what I was seeing with that film.

Next movie was the SD version of "Ice Age 2: The Meltdown". I thought I was playing another HD DVD looking at this DVD through the XA2. Apparantly the Silicon Optix ReonVX video chip in the XA2 is responsible for this, and I can now see why the XA2 costs what it does. I'm thinking that as long as the studios keep putting out outstanding SD DVD versions, there won't be as much incentive for me to look into some kind of Blu-ray player.

And I just got through watching The Hulk HD DVD. Another superb transfer, and another reference disk for HD DVD. As far as the sound, these two HD DVDs offered DD+ and I can say it's impressive. I still have to listen to the TrueHD soundtrack of Batman Begins to see what that's like though. All in all, I was initially a bit concerned spending the amount I did on the XA2, but no longer. Now I just hope that more movies start coming out in HD DVD.

Wet1 · 01-08-2007, 03:25 PM

I didn't think the A2 had analog audio out (that's what I was told by a kid at BB). Is this not the case? I was going to pick one up, but since I have an old receiver I didn't bother thinking I couldn't pull an audio track...

Ron Z · 01-08-2007, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wet1

I didn't think the A2 had analog audio out (that's what I was told by a kid at BB). Is this not the case? I was going to pick one up, but since I have an old receiver I didn't bother thinking I couldn't pull an audio track...

You're correct - the A2 does not have analog audio outputs, just HDMI and optical digital. The XA2 does have the analog outs though.

Wet1 · 01-08-2007, 04:22 PM

Sorry Ron, I misread your initial post thinking you were reviewing the A2.

Sounds like you're pleased with the XA2.

I just can't get myself to spend $800+ on a player until this war is settled.

ppltd · 01-08-2007, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Z

And I just got through watching The Hulk HD DVD. Another superb transfer, and another reference disk for HD DVD. As far as the sound, these two HD DVDs offered DD+ and I can say it's impressive. I still have to listen to the TrueHD soundtrack of Batman Begins to see what that's like though. All in all, I was initially a bit concerned spending the amount I did on the XA2, but no longer. Now I just hope that more movies start coming out in HD DVD.

Ron, thanks for the info. My XA2 should arrive tomorrow and I am looking forward to seeing how it compares to my replaced XA1. I will post when I get it installed with my opinions.

**HTF Ads**

Ron Z · 01-08-2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppltd

Ron, thanks for the info. My XA2 should arrive tomorrow and I am looking forward to seeing how it compares to my replaced XA1. I will post when I get it installed with my opinions.

Congrats! Look forward to hearing what you think about it.

Cees Alons · 01-08-2007, 06:17 PM

You guys are having all the fun!

Cees

Tim Glover · 01-09-2007, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cees Alons

You guys are having all the fun!

Cees

No kidding!

Ron Z · 01-09-2007, 01:33 PM

I think I may have noticed a "black crush" issue on the XA2, same as what the A2 has seen. I noticed this on The Hulk HD DVD, the night scene where the mutant dogs are attacking the Hulk. The picture during that scene is overly dark and very hard to see.

Ron Z · 01-11-2007, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Z

I think I may have noticed a "black crush" issue on the XA2, same as what the A2 has seen. I noticed this on The Hulk HD DVD, the night scene where the mutant dogs are attacking the Hulk. The picture during that scene is overly dark and very hard to see.

Well, a simple calibration fixed this issue - so no compaints now!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppltd

My XA2 should arrive tomorrow and I am looking forward to seeing how it compares to my replaced XA1. I will post when I get it installed with my opinions.

You got this puppy installed yet? What do you think?