Actually I'm not aware of the tweaks yet. I haven't had a chance to go read the full user's thread at AVS - would I find the info there?

Yes, but here's the gist. If you press the 'Picture' button on the XA2 remote, it brings up 3 picture modes that can each be set. If you 'edit' any of the modes, it brings up a bunch of options. Basically, assuming you have your display set up ok, you don't need to touch contrast, brightness, etc. Of course you could if you want.

But the modes particular to the XA2 are the Edge Enhancement and noise reduction modes. The noise reduction only affects SD. Most people use the mosquito and random noise reduction, and leave block off. The Edge Enhancement is not the bad EE that people complain about. It basically sharpens things up on both SD and HD DVD. You can see the effect as you run through 0, 1 or 2. For both SD and HD DVD, I generally use 1 or 2. It really does work well, but you can try things out and see if you like the effect.

He/She doesn't have the receipt (or a copy).

You said to buy another one and return it without the receipt. My point was he could do that and return it with receipt after making a copy. No hassle return.

Touche!

Don't the receipts usually have the model and serial number of the unit purchased? It seems like they do when it comes to dvd players and such.

CRAP! Sold out online, and NOTHING, not shit available in WA state. Dumb. I would do $150 too. Shit.

If they have less then 3 in stock they will not show up as being "AVAILABLE" online. Most stores carry 1-2 A35s. Just go in.

You'd think that, right? Nope. Just listed the model (A3/A2 whatever), UPC number and price. Thats it. No serial number listed. Anyone could easily swap out their broken player for a new one.

Good to know. I know my PS3 receipts had the model and serial numbers on them but I didn't check my A-30 receipt to see if it did or not.

Video game consoles usually print out the serial #'s when scanned for the very reason I posted above (returning broken systems), for some reason HD DVD players, Blu-ray, DVD do not...odd.

Ok that sounds good I will check it out

Works for me. Thanks for the information!!!

Went to the Best Buy by the Dayton OH Mall. No A35s.

I am legend is scheduled for 4/8? do they get them in that early?

True. But personally, I'd rather hold on to the original receipt just in case there were future problems with the rebate. But either way works. The store you buy it at may be able to print you multiple copies of the receipt as you buy it as well.

And returning w/o receipt is no hassle at Target or Best Buy at least. They just swipe your credit card and all your receipts pop up.

Thanks a bunch!

Just hit Movie Gallery and the 14.99 movies are now ringing up as 2 for twenty. Got:

Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Stardust
40 Year Old Virgin
The Heartbreak Kid
Zodiac Director's Cut
We Are Marshall

The girl who sold them to me said that she'd worked there for over a year, and no one had ever checked out an hd-dvd. I opened them up when I got home, and they're all pristine.

They had Blade Runner, all the Harry Potter and Matrix movies as well for 2 for 20 (but I already have those in red AND blue). Good luck, and happy hunting!

is this a typo, or is movie gallery clearancing as well?

Movie Gallery IS Hollywood Video.

Really? b/c the small town where i work has both MG and HV, and I never knew they were affiliated...now i have to call all the mgs around...

I saw mostly open-box A3 and A30 players at several Houston area BB stores.

No A35s at any of the Connecticut BB either.

Come on Amazon, drop that $230 price point!

Went back to my HV and exchanged Fast and the Furious 3 (too scratched up) for King of California and then hit up another HV across town and bought American Gangster, The Brave One, The Invasion and T3.

My thanks to the OP on the Costco deal. I really didn't want to sink in too much more money into HD-land. $80 for an 1080i HD player, HDMI cord and 2 excellent Bourne movies is pretty cheap. If the price does go down, does Costco refund the difference?