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A2 or XA2?

post #1 of 14
7/26/07 at 8:00am
Thread Starter 
What is everyone choosing...A2 or XA2 for $299? Is the XA2 worth the extra $299?
For people that already have an A2 or A1, what are you choosing and why?

I have an A2 now and my display only does 1080i, not 1080p. But I might get a 1080p display in the future.

I just can't seem to decide. Need help.
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post #2 of 14
7/26/07 at 8:09am

Re: A2 or XA2?

I have the entry level first generation HD-A1. I paid $459 on Amazon in August 2006. I'm planning on selling it on either Craig's List, eBay or to a friend. I'll be upgrading to the XA2. As the prices come down on HD displays, you might be upgrading to 1080P sooner than you think.

I wonder if purchasing the XA2 will qualify us for the 5 free HD DVDs rebate offer? Anyone have a clue on this?
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post #3 of 14
7/26/07 at 9:39am

Re: A2 or XA2?

This is how I justified going with the XA2:

I had budgeted a chunk of change for gambling in Vegas, and with the activity-packed days, I never got the chance to do some meaningful gambling, so I had money left over from the trip, so for me, the $299 for the added technological features was not a deal-breaker considering how generous the HD DVD camp was being to us in the first place.

I'm going to take out my old Panasonic RP-91 (which had the 5.1 analog output hooked up to my Outlaw pre-pro for DVD-A), and slip in the XA2 and connect its 5.1 analog output to my pre-pro) and get that lossless audio going in my setup. Plus the better upconverting of DVDs is a nice bonus with the XA2's Reon chip. Though my plasma is a 720p model, it's supposed to also accept 1080p (and refit it for the 768x1366 display), so maybe I can derive a little benefit from the 1080p output from the XA2.
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post #4 of 14
7/26/07 at 11:25am
Thread Starter 

Re: A2 or XA2?

Does anyone know if the XA2 can send over a DTS-HD MA bitstream to one of the new receivers that can decode it? I see it has HDMI 1.3 so I am wondering if it can currently or if not, is it possible in the near future?
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post #5 of 14
7/26/07 at 4:44pm

Re: A2 or XA2?

I've decided to go for the XA2. I have a 1080p display, so that and the improved upscaling of standard-def DVDs made it a relatively easy decision for me.

Before we actually got to Vegas I was pretty excited about being able to get the A2 for $99. Looked at from that perspective, the upgrade to the XA2 is only costing $200.

I seem to recall that I paid about $500 for my very first DVD player way back when!
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post #6 of 14
7/26/07 at 7:06pm

Re: A2 or XA2?

XA2 for me as well.

Reason being is that this fall I am finally going to start on our dedicated home theater room with a 1080P front projector. Plus the better up-scaler for standard def DVD's makes this a must have for me.
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post #7 of 14
7/26/07 at 7:34pm

Re: A2 or XA2?

I also went with the XA2. I have a 1080P TV and need the analog output for my receiver so I didn’t think twice about the $299 upgrade price.
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post #8 of 14
7/26/07 at 8:04pm

Re: A2 or XA2?

XA2 here as well. I need the analog outs, and a 1080P set is in my near future.
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post #9 of 14
7/26/07 at 8:40pm

Re: A2 or XA2?

Wait, did we have to choose already? Did I miss that while on travel? I'm planning on the Xa2.
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post #10 of 14
7/26/07 at 8:48pm

Re: A2 or XA2?

There was Ron's email from yesterday on the topic of emailing him back to let him know if you want the XA2:

Quote:
If you are interested in upgrading to the XA2 for $299 please do the
following...

1. Send me a new email (repstein@hometheaterforum.com)
2. SUBJECT: XA2 UPGRADE
3. Include your full name

This is important -- be certain I send you a reply within 12 hours saying I received your email. I have a strong spam filter and my reply to you assures
that your request was received. If you don't get a confirm in 12 hours, keep trying to email me.

You have until the end of Friday 7/27 to get this information to me.
After that date it will be too late.
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post #11 of 14
7/27/07 at 6:29am

Re: A2 or XA2?

Sam,

If you want the upgrade send me an email today.

BTW, since all of this is being posted openly on the Internet
(which it really should not be), let me make it clear that these
promotions are STRICTLY for Home Theater Forum/Bits/TSOD
members that attended EMA and registered with us at the show.

These offers are not open to the general public nor general
EMA attendees/Press.
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post #12 of 14
7/27/07 at 8:54am
Thread Starter 

Re: A2 or XA2?

Sorry Ron.
I saw other posts that alluded to the free A2 so I didn't think it would be an issue to get others' input on this offer.
I apologize for causing any problems.
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post #13 of 14
7/27/07 at 10:27am

Re: A2 or XA2?

Jason,

You caused no problems.

We tend to forget this forum area isn't private and I expected
that this would happen. Not your fault.

It's just that I have received emails from people not associated
with HTF who have attended the show, read these posts, and have
emailed me expecting a player upgrade.
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post #14 of 14
7/27/07 at 11:44am

Re: A2 or XA2?

Ah, those emails were going to my work address which I couldnt get to from the road, due to some kind of technical issue. Will email ron from Gmail now.

Thanks!

Sam
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