In time for the Holiday's, the HD-XA2

[JimPullan]

Though I am a die-hard Blu-ray supporter, I was totally impressed with the new Toshiba HD-XA2, second generation player, to be available during the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holiday's at a retail of $ 999.99 .

This new player offers output up to 1080p and has in it the HDMI 1.3 chip. Adding to that is mpeg-4 AVC, VC-1, and mpeg-2 codecs, 36 bit color depth, and will upconvert all lower resolutions to 1080p.

Now, if Sony does not equal or outdue this player (HD-XA2) they will be in deep trouble, regardless of the boasted library of titles. That's my opinion!!!

Jim

[JTK]

No sale.

Jim, it's the same poor man's HTPC that Toshiba has been trying to push with the a1 and Xa1. All it has going for it is some ABT circuitry for DVDS, a little faster load time, and yes, 1080p and HDMI 1.3.

For a grand.

I wouldn't touch it myself. If I saw a product around that price from a first tier CE company I'd consider it, but a grand for a Toshiba player is nuts.

Don't fall for the hype.

[JimPullan]

Originally Posted by JTK

Don't fall for the hype.

You bet !!!
I was simply sharing with others here on the forum the spec's of the HD-XA2 that need to be in the Blu-Ray Player. Isn't that what everyone here has been complaining about ??? So, just how long will you wait for that 'nirvana' Player ? Personally, I will wait on the second generation Player from Sony in the first or second quarter 2007 having these spec's and in the interim I'll buy the HD-XA2 as a Christmas gift for myself. So what if I have two Players of differing formats, I can afford anything my heart desires, without having to justify my expenditures to a significant other. See, being single and wealthy has its benefits !!!!

Jim

[JTK]

Originally Posted by JimPullan

You bet !!!
I was simply sharing with others here on the forum the spec's of the HD-XA2 that need to be in the Blu-Ray Player. Isn't that what everyone here has been complaining about ???

Aren't these specs in the BD players, including the Sony player?

What are the finalized specs on the Sony player anyways?

So, just how long will you wait for that 'nirvana' Player ? Personally, I will wait on the second generation Player from Sony in the first or second quarter 2007 having these spec's and in the interim I'll buy the HD-XA2 as a Christmas gift for myself.

Second or third gen and maybe not even Sony.


Why is it you're suddenly singling out Sony in this thread for everything and just their player?

What about the Elite? What about the Panasonic? What about the Sharp?

Even for first gen, I see more people buying a Sony player near a grand vs. a Toshiba player any day of the week.

I'd bank on it. Easily.

And the well informed customers aren't going to pay MSRP on any of these things anyways.

So what if I have two Players of differing formats, I can afford anything my heart desires, without having to justify my expenditures to a significant other. See, being single and wealthy has its benefits !!!!

Jim

I'm glad you have the money to blow with seeming abandon. That's about the only way any of this makes sense.

The A2 and the Xa2 will probably be the last hardware gasps for HD-DVD anyways, at least from a hardware and CE standpoint.

If you're lucky, maybe these Toshiba players will be collector's items on Ebay in a few years.


Good luck to you.



EDIT for SPECS:

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...oductSKU=BDPS1

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-oNtn9tu...50&I=158BLURAY

Details:
» plays Blu-ray high-definition discs (selectable output resolution: 1080p signals available through HDMI output only; 720p/1080i signals available through HDMI or component video)
» plays DVD-Video and DVD-R & DVD-RW
» does not play any type of audio CD
» selectable 720p/1080i/1080p video upconversion for DVD
(upconverted video available through HDMI output only)
» built-in audio decoding for Dolby Digital and DTS, plus multichannnel uncompressed PCM
» BD-Java interactive capability
» HDMI digital output (combines video and multichannel audio with HDCP copy protection)
» 1 set of A/V outputs (composite video, S-video, and component video)
» stereo and 5.1-channel audio outputs
» coaxial and optical digital audio outputs
» remote control (multibrand for TVs)
» multichannel 192kHz/24-bit audio D/A converters
» 17"W x 4-1/8"H x 14-1/4"D
» warranty: 1 year
» Want more peace of mind? Extended Service Plans Available
» viewing high-definition Blu-ray content requires an HDTV or HD-ready TV
» DVD movie playback is restricted to "Region 1" coded discs

I'd easily pay a grand for this player because I know it isn't going to be some buggy poor man's HTPC.

Those specs look pretty good to me.

90 percent studio support also doesn't hurt things.



https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=2636
^^
How's that look for a grand?

[JimPullan]

I'll be receiving here at my store the Pioneer Elite Blu-Ray Player around the first of the month and will certainly check it out in detail. As a consultant to my customers before their purchase I am compelled to share and enlighten them to all the present offerings from both camps, the hardware, the specifications, the software, service and support and allow them to make a well informed purchasing decision.

As far as I can tell, even the Pioneer Elite falls short of what everyone here on the forum has been complaining about, regarding the spec's of the Blu-Ray Players, and at a higher premium price for the same or less features as the other Blu-Ray Players here now or 'coming soon'.

I frequently mention Sony only because they are at the 'core' of the BDA, and they are the number one manufacturer on this planet of video products, carrying alot of weight and influence here in the US and worldwide. Every other manufacturer falls in behind Sony, with Samsung being in the number two slot.

So now we (forum members) simply wait and see 'who' will introduce that 'nirvana' machine. Any guesses who ? and when ?

Jim

[JTK]

Originally Posted by JimPullan

I'll be receiving here at my store the Pioneer Elite Blu-Ray Player around the first of the month and will certainly check it out in detail. As a consultant to my customers before their purchase I am compelled to share and enlighten them to all the present offerings from both camps, the hardware, the specifications, the software, service and support and allow them to make a well informed purchasing decision.

Fair enough, although I think I made some pretty good points in my previous post about where a grand MSRP can take you on both sides.

As far as I can tell, even the Pioneer Elite falls short of what everyone here on the forum has been complaining about, regarding the spec's of the Blu-Ray Players, and at a higher premium price for the same or less features as the other Blu-Ray Players here now or 'coming soon'.

Maybe I missed it, but can you give me a Cliff's Notes highlight of these complaints you're referring to?

We all know first gen of any new CE endeavor means: The whole enchilada isn't going to be there.

That being said, at least far as the Panny and the Elite go, I was under the impression that firmware updates in the future would go a long ways.

I've actually been pleasantly amazed at what I've read.

I frequently mention Sony only because they are at the 'core' of the BDA, and they are the number one manufacturer on this planet of video products, carrying alot of weight and influence here in the US and worldwide. Every other manufacturer falls in behind Sony, with Samsung being in the number two slot.

That's true, but I'm sure you also know that Blu-Ray is not all about Sony and is not solely their baby, even. Panasonic and JVC's parent company arguably has as much, if not more to do with BD than even Sony does.

Got to take that microscope off of Sony a little bit.

So now we (forum members) simply wait and see 'who' will introduce that 'nirvana' machine. Any guesses who ? and when ?

Jim

A format war environment throws the usual "cycle" into chaos.

Typically, third gen if you want to be conservative.

That's when I bought my first standalone DVD player, but thanks to the Internet and what firmware can give us, maybe it'll be second gen.

Hell, even first gen is better off now than first gens of the past thanks to firmware updates.



If promises get delivered upon starting in the 4th quarter of this year, and it looks like they will be... a year from now, HD-DVD could very well be wiped out and at that point, without a format war environment, I think that's when you can start talking about REALLY safe and solid purchases from any of the leading companies of your choice.

[Longshot]

If Toshiba can only manage to sell 25,000 (this has been reported, not confirmed) of their first geneartion $499 players how are they going to sell this clunker in volume?

[zombie]

Originally Posted by Longshot

If Toshiba can only manage to sell 25,000 (this has been reported, not confirmed) of their first geneartion $499 players how are they going to sell this clunker in volume?

Good question.

[JTK]

Originally Posted by Longshot

If Toshiba can only manage to sell 25,000 (this has been reported, not confirmed) of their first geneartion $499 players how are they going to sell this clunker in volume?

Two words:

Never happen.

[Jim L]

Originally Posted by JimPullan

So, just how long will you wait for that 'nirvana' Player ? Personally, I will wait on the second generation Player from Sony in the first or second quarter 2007 having these spec's and in the interim I'll buy the HD-XA2 as a Christmas gift for myself.

Sony can definitely build a good player if they set their minds to it. But being a bit skittish though, I may wait to hear what the general reports on it are.

I wonder how many of us would jump sooner than second or third generation if Denon were to unveil a new kickass BD player?

By the way, last I heard Denon was still on the sidelines and uncommitted. Does anyone have any other information about them?

[AV_Integrated]

According to Toshiba at the demo, they are looking for this to come out sometime in December. If, for some reason they were to beat November 17th, then they would be the first company to come to market with a HDMI 1.3 product at all - and own that claim to fame.

It seems like a very solid upgrade to their existing product - and people should stop knocking HD-DVD itself as it does look excellent. But, it is still JUST Toshiba doing things alone with no other CE players coming to market or being announced whatsoever.

SPECS:

[JTK]

Originally Posted by AV_Integrated

According to Toshiba at the demo, they are looking for this to come out sometime in December. If, for some reason they were to beat November 17th, then they would be the first company to come to market with a HDMI 1.3 product at all - and own that claim to fame.

Won't happen.

So much for HD-DVD's price advantage when these "second gen" players roll out, huh?

It seems like a very solid upgrade to their existing product -

Not really. It seems like more of the same. A poor man's HTPC and glorified laptop parts masquerading as a home theater product.

... and people should stop knocking HD-DVD itself as it does look excellent.

No one has done that here.

Format is great. Players not.

Capisce?

But, it is still JUST Toshiba doing things alone with no other CE players coming to market or being announced whatsoever.

And if Toshiba is already rushing out "second gen" and no one else is there with them, what does that tell you?

[Rob Tomlin]

Originally Posted by JimPullan

I'll be receiving here at my store the Pioneer Elite Blu-Ray Player around the first of the month and will certainly check it out in detail. As a consultant to my customers before their purchase I am compelled to share and enlighten them to all the present offerings from both camps, the hardware, the specifications, the software, service and support and allow them to make a well informed purchasing decision.

As far as I can tell, even the Pioneer Elite falls short of what everyone here on the forum has been complaining about, regarding the spec's of the Blu-Ray Players, and at a higher premium price for the same or less features as the other Blu-Ray Players here now or 'coming soon'.

I frequently mention Sony only because they are at the 'core' of the BDA, and they are the number one manufacturer on this planet of video products, carrying alot of weight and influence here in the US and worldwide. Every other manufacturer falls in behind Sony, with Samsung being in the number two slot.

So now we (forum members) simply wait and see 'who' will introduce that 'nirvana' machine. Any guesses who ? and when ?

Jim

Jim raises good points.

You guys who think these first gen Blu-ray players are going to be perfect are going to be disappointed (and I am leaving the Samsung out of this discussion).

It has already been confirmed that these players won't even be able to play the uncompressed audio tracks, and this appears to be something that can't be corrected later with a firmware upgrade. This was mentioned in the WSR interview, where it was said that "the chips just aren't available".

I will be much less inclined to shell out $1000-1200 for a BD player that won't play the new audio formats than I would $400 for one that does (after firmware upgrade). That's a hard sell.

Second gen can't get here fast enough.

[hmurchison]

I don't see anything coming in Blu-Ray players that makes me think consumers will go rushing to the stores to drop a grand +

The Pioneer player is nice with the DNLA and all but how many people have the supporting product to take advantage. Apparently the Pioneer and Sony units will ship without CD support. WTF???

I'm personally excited for the second gen Toshiba equipment. The only downer is losing analog multichannel out on the $499 unit. The A2 is quite simply more full featured than ANY Blu-Ray player beyond the Pioneer.

1080p...check
HDMI 1.3...check
Bi-direction RS232...check
Ethernet...check
Improved DACs...check
Great legacy support...check

Both formats are great but I"m not worried about HD DVD dying until you can purchase a BD player for $500 that doesn't have "Playstation" emblazoned on the front. My mother has a Toshiba TV that is still running strong over a decade later. I don't personally share the negative views of the company.

[georgir]

Originally Posted by Rob Tomlin

It has already been confirmed that these players won't even be able to play the uncompressed audio tracks, and this appears to be something that can't be corrected later with a firmware upgrade. This was mentioned in the WSR interview, where it was said that "the chips just aren't available".

WTF are you on about? Did you ment lossless compressed audio when you typed uncompressed? But even that doesn't sound right...

Care to give a link to the interview so your post doesn't seem like a complete BS?

[zombie]

Originally Posted by georgir

WTF are you on about? Did you ment lossless compressed audio when you typed uncompressed? But even that doesn't sound right...

Care to give a link to the interview so your post doesn't seem like a complete BS?

Easy on the attitude. Rob's a good guy. He wouldn't intentionally mislead anyone. Hopefully he can provide a link to more info though.

[zombie]

Originally Posted by hmurchison

Both formats are great...

I've read a few comments like this from you over the last few weeks but I have yet to see any supporting arguments made by you for Blu-ray. If you have made them and I simply missed them please point me in the right direction. Otherwise, I would be grateful if you were to start a separate thread to backup this claim and tell me exactly what you think makes Blu-ray great. The majority of the debating you seem to do here is in defense of HD DVD.

[JTK]

Originally Posted by nyg

I've read a few comments like this from you over the last few weeks but I have yet to see any supporting arguments made by you for Blu-ray. If you have made them and I simply missed them please point me in the right direction. Otherwise, I would be grateful if you were to start a separate thread to backup this claim and tell me exactly what you think makes Blu-ray great. The majority of the debating you seem to do here is in defense of HD DVD.

Nothing new. Anyone who can claim to be excited about anything relating to Toshiba has to be biased.

I know Murch says he likes both formats, but I still find it hard to believe, especially given his post history on AVS or even here.

Sorry murch, but your bias continues to be as plain as day.

At least you've refined your language since about March and we'll all thank you for that.

[Rob Tomlin]

Originally Posted by georgir

WTF are you on about? Did you ment lossless compressed audio when you typed uncompressed? But even that doesn't sound right...

Care to give a link to the interview so your post doesn't seem like a complete BS?

Take it easy Beavis!

Here is WTF I am talking about:

WSR Richelieu: Anybody that buys this first Samsung player or the first Pioneer player…
WSR Reber: ...or the first Sony player...
WSR Richelieu: ...will not have a way of hearing that lossless codec.

Eklund: As far as I know, that’s correct, Danny, but it’s not through any fault of the player manufacturers. The chipsets are simply not available.

This is from the WSR interview that is discussed on this forum here:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=2601

Clear enough for you?

[Sony1]

If you bother to read your own posts you will see how pathetic and arrogant you are when it comes to other peoples opinions. So what if he thinks that the second generation Toshiba is going to be good, how could he possible know this anyway even though the player hasn't even come out yet?

Never the less I think Toshiba has done quite well with there support of there player, (unlike Samsung). So this war is going long term and way beyond most peoples expectations including yours!