I figured a thread to help people see the differences between models is worthwhile.

Generation 1 HD-DVD players

• Toshiba HD-A1 $399.00 from Amazon
  Has the same innards as the HD-XA1 but does not have an RC-232C port as the other G1 models.
• Toshiba HD-XA1 $566.88 from Amazon
  Comestically different.
  Has a more sturdy construction compared to the HD-A1.
  Comes with a backlit remote.
• RCA HDV5000 $468.73 from Amazon
  Supposely has the same innards as Toshiba and is just cosmetically different.

Generation 2 HD-DVD players

• Toshiba HD-A2 MSRP $499, expected availability in October.
  Compared to the first generation HD-A1, this model drops the analog 5.1 output. High fidelity sound can still be passed through HDMI.
  Compared to the first generation, generation 2 has faster startup.
• Toshiba HD-XA2 MSRP $999, expected availability in December.
  It is the only HD-DVD player that outputs 1080p via HDMI 1.3. Note other HD-DVD players output 1080i and is then converted to 1080p by the TV/projector.
  Compared to the first generation, generation 2 has faster startup.
  Comes with a backlit remote.

Thanks everyone for contributing.

The XA1's remote has backlit keys, and it has an RS-232C port for custom setups.

The XA1 also has a motorized door (I think the whole front bottom half of the player drops down when the tray ejects).

And the RCA also features the RS-232C port.

Thanks for the contributions, I'll try to keep things up-to-date.

Also, from what I read, the HD-A2 is going to drop the 5.1 outputs, but the XA2 will keep them (and potentially could upgrade them to 7.1, the amount of outputs weren't specified).

Cool, I'll wait until tomorrow to update that (Toshiba should be releasing the info at Cedia in the morning).

Yeah, probably a good idea.

I certainly hope so.

It would be a nice addition, but I think only one announced BD player has 7.1, so it may become more standard after G2.

Will HDMI still carry 7.1 when available?

For what I've read, the G2 (A2) is not really an improvement over G1. In fact, the loss of some functionality made me decide to order a G1. The XA2 however, looks really nice (but expensive!)

That's the way I see it as well. Unless I see a ridiculously good deal for the XA2 (doubtful), I'll be picking up the A1.

Any companies other than Toshiba and RCA planning to come out with HD DVD players of their own?

Looks like the other announced players are home media centers that let you download content and burn it to an HD DVD.

I think you'll definitely be hearing about those in the coming months.

I hope so. I know the Tosh players have plenty of praise and the RCA is good too (although the update delays on that one are worrysome) but more variety in players couldn't hurt.

So far we have heard probably HP and Lite-on players. I wouldn;t be surprised to see Sanyo release one either.

I wouldn't be surprised to see some others.

From AVS:

FYI...this supposedly won't affect those using HDMI.

This won't affect HDMI because HDMI was already sending all of those shades of grey and other colors?

(1) Will Toshiba keep making G1 players when the G2 players come out?
(2) How much do you think the A1 will be on Black Friday? I'm hoping $299.

Don't forget the Xbox360 HD-DVD add-on coming in November, now with 1080p support. Priced at $200.

Link

I'm pretty sure once the G2 players are out, they will stop producing G1 units. I wouldn't be surprised to see a cheap price for the HD-A1 around that time, just to make room for G2 players.

The A1 has already stopped production.

After they're sold out, they're gone.

I doubt the A1 will be around for Black Friday deals. If anything, it would be on the A2 since it will be out by then.

Anyone who owns the A1 going to pick up a G2 player? I'd like to get the XA2, but again, I think the price tag is too high. I don't see anything the A2 has that would get me to buy it.

I hope no one "upgrades" from the A1 to the A2. That would actually be a downgrade for more money. The XA2 is the best player they've made yet, but the price will put some off.