Toshiba releases firmware 2.7-3.0 for A2/A3/A20/A30/A35/XA2 (1 Viewer)

[Patrick Sun]

Link to Toshiba Firmware 2.7 page.

Direct downloads that are available (if you want to burn an ISO image to CD):

Firmware 2.7 for XA2 in zip format

Firmware 2.7 for A20 in zip format

Firmware 2.7 for A2/D2 in zip format.

According to the FAQ on the page, the firmware provides for the following:

A20 and XA2 (A2 doesn't do 1080p, so no 1080p24Hz):
This firmware update adds support for 1080p/24Hz output and for more on-screen language display options. In addition, this firmware update improves network connectivity for supporting the download of web- enabled network content associated with certain HD DVD discs, and also addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related issues identified by Toshiba.

XA2:
In addition, this firmware update provides High Bit Rate Audio functionality for the HD-XA2 player. When integrated through the HDMI connection to a 7.1 capable multi-channel A/V receiver, High Bit Rate Audio has the potential to offer the latest in high definition surround sound.

 

[Rich Allen]

There are several people on AVS forum reporting lockups and issues when applying the new updates, especially on the A2. Might want to hold on on that if you aren't having any issues to make sure.

It was also repoted from Toshiba that you always go in to the management settings and reinitialize after applying an update.

 

[Patrick Sun]

I was going to take a wait-n-see approach for such a recently released update, but want to let folks know that the new update was out there. I'm at 2.5 for the time being.

 

[Averry]

I can never burn a cd that actually works.



I extract the file, and then burn it.


I donno, any tips anyone? Please?

 

[Shane Martin]

Download ISO burner and use a CD.

I haven't made a coaster yet.

 

[PatWahlquist]

With 2.7, my Denon 3808CI is showing DTS-MA in its display, but is this signal the core DTS signal or the full bitrate DTS-MA signal?

 

[CRyan]

The receiver SHOULD see the core as high bitrate DTS only. Of course, these are all NEW receivers at this and you should research your particular model I would guess to make sure it is getting it right.

 

[Dave H]

I should be receiving my XA2 tomorrow. After I update it to 2.7, which audio settings in the player do I need to set to get bitstream. My receiver is a Pioneer Elite 91 which does advanced audio decoding. Thanks.

 

[ppltd]

It will be fun (to) finally watch the TrueHD of DTS-HDMA lights turn on on my reciever. Good bye analog cables.

 

[Paul.S]

Did Tosh skip 2.6 or did I just miss it?

 

[PaulDA]

My player is at 1.3 (I just tested it before reboxing it for Xmas). I've never updated firmware for any CE device so should I do this automatically or should I hold off until/if I encounter a problem? I played one HD DVD disc with no issues (I have March 2007 build HD-A2C) to test the player.

 

[Rich Allen]

I would hold off. It can't accidentally get messed up if you don't do the upgrade.

Then again, be prepared to do it soon. As I understand it, the firmware also provides updates to play some newer discs.

 

[Paul.S]

Your last two sentences are precisely why I have to disagree with your first two. Although we can probably find anecdotal evidence to support both "sides," it seems to me that the reason my HD-D1 got hosed is because I tried to play Bourne Identity without updating the firmware first.

The player was fine with older HD DVDs with no advanced content (Apollo 13, Casino). But it wouldn't play Bourne Identity (the first movie, but the second and more advanced HD DVD to be released; it has U-Control). When I tried to upgrade the fw after attempting Jason Bourne, the player repeatdly shut down during the aborted process. I had to return it (and now have the XA2).

Again, I know it's only anecdotal. But what tips the scales for me is that, in recent times, Toshiba has added an admonition to their upgrade instructions page encouraging us to keep our players up-to-date in order to be able to play advanced content discs. I may be overreading the text, but to me that intimates that they might be less facile about accepting the return of a player for service if you encounter a problem, contact them for remedy and you have to 'fess up to not keeping your player up-to-date.

The "compromise" position I'm in now is to wait a few weeks after the upgrade is released, see if anyone online is reporting an issue and then certainly do the upgrade before playing any of the newest, cutting edge releases.

Based upon my experience and Toshiba's instructions, I tend to disagree with the notion that the player can't get messed up from not doing the upgrades (if you're keeping up with/watching the more recent HD DVD releases).

 

[Paul.S]

Andrew:

Search for Adam Barratt's posts in HD DVD firmware threads. He's posted some wicked helpful information about burning: recommendations of burning software, settings, making sure disc is spotless, trying new media if you have continued difficulty, etc.

 

[PaulDA]

It was Serenity--I believe one of the earliest HD DVD releases (I rented it to compare to my SD copy of it--sync'd both players to make on the spot comparisons).

Is there a preferred method to do an upgrade of the firmware? I can do any of the three--ask Toshiba for the disc, make one myself or connect to the internet (presuming I can simply connect the player to my router). The last option will require a bit of work running the cable to the HT room, but it is feasible.

 

[Paul.S]

Depends on who you ask. Personally I think it takes Tosh too damn long to send out the discs and I personally experienced waaaaayyy too much tedium configuring the Ethernet port (and shortly after getting everything connecting okay with DHCP and DNS off, Paramount's little instruction sheet inside Transformers says turn them on!).

There was tedium with the .ISO image issue in burning discs, but less so. That's my current preferred method.

 

[Jack Gilvey]

I use "burnatonce" to make .iso discs and have never had a single issue with updating my A2 or Oppo players. I find that method easiest. Toshiba does send me the discs, but they're usually a few weeks behind the release.

 

[Allan^L]

I have an A2 and haven't had any problems with the 2.7 update. The Last Samurai is a bit louder now. I can watch it at -25db now instead of -18db before the update.

 

[Jari K]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=937992

For HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2/D2

"VERSION 2.7 FAQ

[1] Is there a Forced 1080p/24 mode? NO.

[2] Is 1080p/24 fixed (23.97)? YES.

[3] Is High Bitrate Audio (HBR) supported? YES - XA2 ONLY (SETUP - AUDIO-->DIGITAL DIRECT AUDIO MODE).
To Enable HBR, Set DIGITAL DIRECT AUDIO MODE to ON and DIGITAL OUT HDMI to Auto.
[4] Does it fix the A20s 1080p/60 issue? Waiting for more reports! (allargon Reports it's Not Fixed - See Post #253!)

[5] Does it fix the XA2 1080p shutdown bug (on some XA2's)? Waiting for more reports (arbitrage000 Reports it's Not Fixed on his XA2).

[6] Does this update provide Region Free Playing? NO

[7] After the update, does the A2's Display properly show 'Multi' instead of '2ch' for 5.1 sources? YES

[8] turbe, are you interested in taking over Ownership of the AVS Forum (avsforum.com)? YES, ABSOLUTELY!


NOTE: 1080p modes Not Available on the A2!
Please PM Me with any new reports or if you want me to add to the FAQ."

**

Also to Euro-models (HD-E1, HD-XE1, HD-EP10):
http://www.toshibahddvd.co.uk/support.cfm

"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 the applicable models of Toshiba HD DVD Player. This firmware update covers the following items.

- High Bit Rate Audio functionality ( for HD-XE1)
- Improves support for 1080p/24Hz OUTPUT (for HD-XE1 and HD-EP10)
- Additional OSD languages, improved network connectivity supporting the download of web-enabled network content associated with certain HD DVD discs
- Addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related issues identified by Toshiba."

 

[Paul.S]

Received two 2.8 discs today for the XA2.

If someone would like me to send them one, PM me.