The Official A2/XA2/A20 impressions thread
 

Since we're going to have a bunch of new users getting these two models...i figured i'd post some info for those who are interested...

Best Buy currently is getting them in stock and many people who pre-ordered from Value Electronics are getting them in the next few days.

http://corporate-hosting.net/screeningroom/A23.jpg

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attac...chmentid=69722

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attac...chmentid=69723

Built in Japan. Faster loading times.

Anyone get theirs yet?

ok, I was going to get the XA2 but then I started thinking, I currently only own the XA1 and around 30 movies. I promised myself that I will not upgrade until I own atleast 250 discs if not more. I figure it will probably take me a year at the least. plus, I just can't bring myself to upgrade something after less than 1 year at this point.

That is a lot more modern looking than the first gen models and should appease the general public more. I have a feeling Toshiba is going in the right direction with this thing.

So will China begin making A2's eventually? Also, I hope we do hear announcements soon from other manufacturers regarding HD DVD players. I like Toshiba products, but variety is a good thing for some people.

I hope Best Buy has these on store shelves next week.
And I still stand by this...being built in Japan doesn't make it immune to defects. My opinion is that the first wave of these units are being built in Japan because of time constraints; Toshiba wanted this to get out ASAP but that's just my guess.

Best Buy already has them on shelves in some locations.

And your opinion is fact. I already posted it in the HD DVD thread.

Btw...BB has a 12% off coupon for this weekend. That means the price on the A2 would be around $439.

Got my shipping notice today from VE. I guess I'll have it sometime next week?

Do a search. It should tell you when you'll receive it.

Too new so far in the Fed Ex database.

Got my shipping notice today. It is listed as "picked up" on fedex.com with no delivery date listed yet. Hopefully, the world will not explode when I hook up the HD A2 to my Sony Bravia.

As long as you don't connect via HDMI, the self-destruct will be bypassed. ;)

Can't wait to hear feedback on the 2nd gen units. I'm just sad that analog audio outs are not included...

Seriously though, should I not use HDMI cables?

If you want to take advantage of TrueHD audio tracks on the A2, you'll need to use HDMI. AFAIK, the XA2 will include analog 5.1, though.

Video-wise, you may get better picture quality over component. Try both and see what looks best to your eye.

I received this in the mail too. However, some over at AVS are being refused at BB because the unit is being categorized under the Magnolia stuff. Still, I think more were able to use this than those who weren't successful.

Definitely looking for opinions on the A2. My A1 seems to have finally gone in the tank. I tried playing Chronos and V for Vendetta tonight and instead of playing the discs it just spins makes noises like its trying to read the disc (but much louder than normal) then spins down and repeats. It will never start playing the disc. I have the warranty at Best Buy so I may try to get them to swap it for the A2. Sucks to lose TrueHD though.

I took the plunge this weekend. BB took my 12% coupon for an A2 with no problem. I'm watching Superman Returns as I type this and it looks spectacular. Set up was a breeze. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner.

Congrats! How is the start-up time?

Does the A2 have the wacky startup like the A1 did?

Start up/load was definitely slower than any standard def player I've used, but I don't think it was that bad. Anticiaption may have made it seem longer. :) Menu response was quick, too. I've never used an A1, so I can't compare to that.

Regular DVD players are a faster start-up/load, but the A2 is definitely faster than the A1 in pretty much every case. Plus, there are no HDMI handshaking problems.

Why wouldn't you use the warranty to get it fixed, instead? Downgrading shouldn't be your goal.

The only "downgrade" is the loss of the analog out. Everything else is said to be an inprovement or, at the very least, same quality.

Can't for the life of me find one at any BB near me. :( Guess I'll have to wait until "release date".

If the A2 turns out to be a better and more reliable player I won't consider it a downgrade. I can just get a HDMI receiver sometime in the future and get TrueHD support back.

I left my A1 unplugged all night and today its again playing discs. So for the time being I will continue to use it until it starts acting up again.