Which is the Best overall HD DVD Player?
 

I did a search but started freaking-out when I didn't get instant gratification. :lol:

Can ya break it down for me?

I'd certainly appreciate it. :up:

Thank you.

-Pablo Tres :)

#1 XA2

#2 A35

#3 A20 (I think)

This is correct.

I went with the A35 because I did not want to spend $500.00 on a dead format.

Bingo. The XA1 is great too, as is the A30. But you have a better chance of finding an A30/A35 then the other two Polizei mentioned.

I understand the XA2 and A35 go 1 and 2 because they are top of the line for toshiba, but why the A20?

Keep in mind that the Onkyo HD-DVD player is an XA2 rebadge...although some AVS people say it has been tweaked and is a little better than the XA2.

I believe the A20 does a better job of upconverting than the A2, plus it is 1080p.

I think he was wondering why the A30 wasn't on the list.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Is there much differences? what make the A20 better then the A30

Is there any difference at all besides the look and the general A2/A3 difference?

As for the Onkyo....good luck finding that one.

ebay :up:
or
ebay :(

either way :lol:

Considering the Onkyo was made in very short supply, the price would be high for what is essentially an XA2 with an ugly look and a cheaper looking remote. Unless you an Onkyo receiver you would want to match, I'd pick up an XA2, which has been going for $250-$300 on various places instead. Its a solid machine, I LOVE mine.

I think the A20 would get the edge since it outputs 1.5 mbps DTS through optical where the A30 outputs 640 kbps Dolby Digital. The upscaling chip in the A20 and A30 are the same. It also seems that the A20's drive is better at reading scratched and imperfect discs, while the A30 can be very picky.

Numbers notwithstanding, 1.5 mbps DTS and 640 kbps DD are probably equivalent in performance.

The downside of the A20 and A30 is that the 1080p output is poorly implemented. There have been no reports of firmware fixes that I have seen. If the players can also output 1080p/24, which I believe is the case, that would be the way to go if one has a 1080p/24 capable display, since that output is reportedly ok. Otherwise, 1080i may give a better picture (just let the display de-interlace the picture).


Since I wasn't about to pay more than $300 for an XA2, I recently ordered a refurb A35 from Amazon Warehouse. Hasn't arrived yet so I don't really know what I am getting. I wanted analog outs for audio and don't care about the 1080p bug because my current display is 1080i and my next one, in a couple of years, will be 1080p/24.

I notice the used and refurbs A35s are starting to disappear fast. There is even a rerurb one from Amazon Warehouese for $262.84. I been waiting and waiting for the new ones to drop in price and I don't think Amazon.com is going to drop those prices on the new A35s.

On a side note I finally went over to the purple side and picked up a return open box Panny BD30 for $375. Firmware out the box was 1.2 and I upgraded it to 1.6. I told myself I was not going to get one until they drop to $200 but couldn't wait any longer. I've been busy trying to set up some trades for some blu-ray discs. But it has not been easy.

That $262.84 price is probably a typo and they meant $162.84. I expect that they'll catch it eventually. The refurb prices seem to be dropping by a dollar every couple of days.

I bet this is a typo. I picked up my HD-A35 for $169.00 shipped from Amazon through TigerDirect last week Wednesday.

I also been hearing about a lot of people getting their A35 orders cancelled from TigerDirect in the past few weeks. I hope you get yours. I was going to order one a few weeks ago but was not happy with the $32 shipping charge to Hi. Even though that is still cheaper than what Amazon.com is selling a new one for.

#1 XA2/HD805
#2 A35
#3 A20
#4 A30
#5 A2
#6 A3/SHD7000
#7 XA1
#8 A1
#9 HDV5000

Not included is the 360 Add-on as it is not a stand alone. The Samsung BD-UP5000 and LG BH200 are also not included as they are combo players. I wouldn't even consider the LG BH100 as it does not have full HD DVD functionality.

When can we expect crazy prices for these players? I'd like to pick up a top of the line HD DVD player.

A35 is the only current widely available HD DVD player and its pretty much gone from retail stores.

All the refurb a35's at Amazon.com are now $187.56. That is about a $25 increase since yesterday.

How do the load times on the 3rd generation players compare?

I currently have an A-3. Does the A-35 load faster?

I was able to buy an A35 from Fry's the last week in Febuary for $149 brand new sealed in the box with the 2 movies (Bourne and 300) included. I even sent off for the 5 free movies since it was still in time to qualify. Not sure if they have any more, but it's worth checking. I am very happy with this unit. I just watched The Criterion edition of The Last Emperor (standard DVD) upscaled and it really looked amazing!

My question is:
When is the best time to use the regular 1080p setting and when is it best to use the 1080p 24 frames per second setting? Anyone have any tips for the settings to get the most out of the player?

Prices are rapidlly rising on the A35 ($250+ all of a sudden) and are out of sight on the XA2 ($500+). This is no bargain for what essentially are excellent up-converting standard DVD players now (offering the choice of what, 200 or so high-def titles & no future releases) What a difference a month makes.

Looks like there never will be a firesale on this hardware. Sweet spot is already come and gone, unfortunately.

They were sure snapped up quickly. I guess folks have lots of disposable income, even in the midst of this coming recession...