DDD has it for $481 shipped. Can anyone beat that?

So, is this player region free? I know it wont play pal discs, but region free would probably be good enough for me.

This has already been asked several times. NO.

I think $481 is the lowest. Everyplace that did have them that I saw was $499 shipped. Are you getting ready to pull the trigger?

Yep.

Like I said, I'm waiting for a BB coupon because that's where I have all my Gift Cards. Once I get that (AND there's an HD title that I want), it's going to be hard to say no.

Btw...the first title I'd be interested in would be Jarhead. That's coming out in a couple of weeks.

Is there even another player in the works at this point (besides the higher priced Toshiba)? I thought I remembered them saying that another wave of players would be out by the end of the year.

Crutchfield had a $50 off coupon to bring it down to $450 with free shipping, but I'm not sure if that's still valid. (That's how I picked mine up...which I just got a few minutes ago. Yay.)

Yes, in fact Europe will never see the A1 or XA1 players. The Toshiba HD DVD players that will launch here in the autumn (sorry, fall) will be 2nd generation, and real CE products rather than laptops-in-a-VCR-box.

Crutchfield is taking pre-orders again for the $500 unit. I got mine from OneCall.com through Amazon. That's the only online place I know of besides DDD that even has them in stock right now.

Im out then....ill wait.

See...I MIGHT hold out for one of these. I'm not sure yet. Do we have any idea of the pricing? or even what features might be added or fixed?

Id like to see the samsung version when it comes out...If I bought anything right now, it would be on pure impulse....I guess thats what Toshiba is banking on.

Wrong format. They're doing blu-ray.

Wanna try posting something ON-topic in this thread next time?

I think one thing Toshiba has guaranteed is speeding up the start and load times. I'm sure the 2nd gen player will address this.

Pricing: $400 - $500
Features: 1080p output added

All of that totally unconfirmed of course.

LG had a HD-DVD player prototype at the CES earlier this year. Also, I've heard Hitachi will be making a player, but other than that, no idea who else.

But the players NOW have 1080p. I'm confused.

I think the players are 1080i... the software is 1080p.

I'm hoping the 1080p hardware upgrade can be done via firmware.

I knew they were doing BR (which i am more interested in), but I thought they were doing both....

http://www.kahoodle.com/product_info...oducts_id=5806

wasn't aware of that one. couldn't find one on their website. any idea when it's supposed to drop?

why the hell are these things so monstrous?

The rumor is it can be fixed with a firmware upgrade. I did notice a place for 1080p to light up on the LCD screen, but to be fair there is also a place for DVD-A, SACD, VCD and SVCD to light up and it doesn't support any of those.

Yea, I think people have read too much into the LCD display.

If Toshiba wants to provide features for future models such as 1080p, DVD-A, SACD, VCD, or SVCD, it would make sense to have those added to the first batch of LCD screens you produce. That would eliminate manufacturing costs by only having one screen available for multiple models vs. having multiple LCDs for each model.

Instead, some have concluded that it is a firmware upgrade to get 1080p.

The rumor is wrong. The HDMI driver chip mounted on the board is physically incapable of processing 1080p.

You of all people ought not to mind.

The answer is: They are decent build quality. Build quality means thicker walls and heavier. I've been impressed with the build of the Tosh, I expected far lower from previews.

Does anyone on the web have pics of the inside?

I think Digital should just get one that will get it to his apt. the quickest and not to wait. That way, say by this weekend, there can be a movie night and people will be able to watch said HD-DVDs. Dont worry with trivial things like not wanting the current discs out. Last Samurai and Serenity are perfect purchases to try out your new hd-dvd player. Just do it already. And Mrs. FVSD and I will be more than happy to supply the pizza

Not sure....there was a rumor about sammy doing a combo hd/br player....dont know if there is any truth to it though.

Beats the hell out of me.....you would think it would have an 8 track player included.