[Jeff Cooper]

I have not had the chance to verify this for myself yet, but reports over at AVS say that both of these players will update to 1.3 now over the internet connection. No reports yet of what exactly it fixes.

[ppltd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Cooper

I have not had the chance to verify this for myself yet, but reports over at AVS say that both of these players will update to 1.3 now over the internet connection. No reports yet of what exactly it fixes.

I can verify this. As I am writting this, my XA2 is currently updating over the internet connection. When it is completed, I will post any changes I notice.

[Brian L]

Amazing since my 1.2 disc just arrived in the mail this past Saturday!

Seems bizzare that a 1.3 version would go about as they were just now disseminating 1.2 discs. I don't have a convienient network hook up, nor do I have any issues of any kind with my A2, so I will have to wait it out.

Brian

[ppltd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian L

Amazing since my 1.2 disc just arrived in the mail this past Saturday!

Seems bizzare that a 1.3 version would go about as they were just now disseminating 1.2 discs. I don't have a convienient network hook up, nor do I have any issues of any kind with my A2, so I will have to wait it out.

Brian

Here is the info from the Toshiba site:

Quote:

Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA2, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2

Firmware Update Version: 1.3
Applicable Models: HD-XA2, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2.
Overview:
As part of our commitment to provide world-class service to our customers, Toshiba is supplying this firmware update for use by purchasers of Toshiba HD DVD Player models HD-XA2, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2. This firmware update addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.
How to obtain and install the firmware update:
If you have broadband internet service, you may obtain the firmware update over the internet using the Ethernet port on the back of your HD DVD Player. Instructions for configuring the Ethernet port and downloading the firmware update can be found in the owner's manual for your HD DVD Player. Here is an overview of the process:

• BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.
• Please configure the Ethernet port. You may need to turn on DHCP and DNS.
• After you have configured the Ethernet port, follow the directions in the owner's manual to check for a firmware update.
• If a firmware update is available for your player, it will take about 20 minutes to download and install. Once the firmware update download process has finished, the player's power will automatically switch off. You must wait until this process has finished.
• DO NOT UNPLUG, TURN OFF, OR USE ANY OTHER FEATURE OF YOUR PLAYER DURING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS. Doing so will cause the writing of the firmware update to the player to be halted and the player may no longer operate properly. If the player stops working, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.
• If no firmware update is available, the player will quickly exit the update process.
• Please refer to the owner's manual for additional details.

If you do not have an Ethernet-based broadband connection for your player or prefer not to use one, you may contact Toshiba Customer Solutions and request that a firmware update disc be sent by mail.

• You can update the firmware using this update disc by following the instructions provided with the disc.
• DO NOT UNPLUG, TURN OFF, OR USE ANY OTHER FEATURE OF YOUR PLAYER DURING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS. Doing so will cause the writing of the firmware update to the player to be halted and the player may no longer operate properly. If the player stops working, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

Please note that if you sent Toshiba the Firmware Update Request card included with your player, you will receive an update disc by mail from Toshiba as soon as it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. What does this update do?
A1. This update addresses some problems Toshiba has identified with HDMI/DVI connectivity and disc playback.
Q2. When I connect my HD DVD Player to my HDTV or HD Monitor using a HDMI to DVI adaptor cable or a HDMI to DVI adaptor, the output resolution of the player remains fixed at 480i. Does the new firmware address this issue?
A2. This firmware update addresses the issue. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.
Q3. The HDMI output does not work or works intermittently with the HDMI or DVI input on my HDTV or monitor. Does the new firmware address that problem?
A3. The firmware update addresses and improves HDMI and DVI connectivity. If you still experience problems, try disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable. Make sure your display input is set to HDMI (or DVI). If your display has more than one HDMI/DVI input, make sure that all connected HDMI/DVI source devices are powered on (even if not in use). If none of these solve the problem, please turn off the TV and the HD DVD player. Check all connections. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable. Turn on the TV first and then turn on the HD DVD player. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.
Q4. During HD DVD playback I sometimes experience pixelization, block noise or audio dropouts. Sometimes playback freezes or stops. Sometimes, playback is not smooth. Does the new firmware address these issues?
A4. This firmware update addresses various playability issues. You should also check to be sure that the disc is clean and, if the disc will not operate at all, that you are inserting the disc with the right side up. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.
Q5. Do I need to install prior firmware updates before installing the current firmware update?
A5. No. The current firmware update includes all of the prior firmware updates.

[Jeff Cooper]

OK, yes, I just finished updating my A2. It works fine, but I didn't have any problems to begin with, so I have no idea what was fixed. I'm just one of those type of guys who has to have the latest thing

[ppltd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Cooper

OK, yes, I just finished updating my A2. It works fine, but I didn't have any problems to begin with, so I have no idea what was fixed. I'm just one of those type of guys who has to have the latest thing

Same here. It took about 15 min. to upgrade, went flawlessly, but I see no changes. It probably fixed something that wasn't broke on my unit.

[Racer57]

This is quite interesting. I just today posted in the 1.2 update section, that I had received my disk last Friday, the 23rd. And now 1.3??????? The list of "isues/fixes" appear to be exactly the ones that 1.2 listed.

I'm wondering, if indeed 1.3 is the same patch at 1.2 but one that you can actually make work this time through the internet. We all know, that you basically couldn't make the internet update work for the 1.2 patch and that's why we had to wait for the diskette.

Roger

Ps. Guess what, I just went on the TACP website and under customer support firmware 1.2 is gone. This makes be believe even more so that 1.2 and 1.3 are actually one in the same but that 1.3 actually can be downloaded.

[Robert_Zohn]

1.3 has a more than 1.2. Here's what a in-the-know Toshiba software engineering exec. told me today.

1. Occasional video stutter fixed.

2. Occasional audio lip sync. and stutter fixed.

3. Occasional audio screeching in some systems is fixed.

4. Low audio volume, Occasional garbled center channel audio fixed.

5. Better HDMI compatibility with other devices.

6. Tray opening is faster.

7. General overall operation is more robust.

-Robert

[ppltd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Zohn

1.3 has a more than 1.2. Here's what a in-the-know Toshiba software engineering exec. told me today.

1. Occasional video stutter fixed.

2. Occasional audio lip sync. and stutter fixed.

3. Occasional audio screeching in some systems is fixed.

4. Low audio volume, Occasional garbled center channel audio fixed.

5. Better HDMI compatibility with other devices.

6. Tray opening is faster.

7. General overall operation is more robust.

-Robert

I have had both the screaching soundtracks and lip sync issues with my XA2. If this update corrects them, then it is certainly well worth the upgrade. Thanks for the info.