EDIT: THIS IS NOW SOLD OUT!

Just thought I would share this HOT deal with this board (it is a VERY hot deal in my opinion as I paid $500 for my first HD-A1, a lesser model, and didn't get ANY movies free):

OneCall.com has the Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD Player today for $399.95 with a rebate by mail for three free HD DVD's and free 3-day FEDEX delivery.

HD DVD high-definition disc player (720p/1080i), video upconversion for DVD via HDMI output (720p/1080i), also plays DVD-Video, DVD-R & DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, CD, audio CD-R & CD-RW, component video output, optical and coaxial digital audio outputs, Ethernet port, motion-sensing illuminated remote control, motorized drop-down door

The Toshiba HD-XA1 (MSRP $800) is the step-up model from the HD-A1. It offers a motorized flip-down front panel which hides the disc tray, an RS-232C port for connection to custom installation setups, and a backlit remote control. Technical specs, features, and performance should otherwise be identical to the $500 entry-level HD-DVD player, the Toshiba HD-A1.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=30937

THANKS TO DIGIFREAKNYC:
Use code AMX0510 for another $15 off. $385!!!

Is that website reliable?

lol...

i had already posted this in the bargains section. I guess no one picked up on it there.

Damn you, people! This is really tempting. I'd like to get a 2nd HD-DVD player to hook up to my 55" Mitsubishi RPTV downstairs and I want the analog outs which I'd be losing if I wait for the 2nd gen player(I don't intend to spend a grand for the one with the analog).

According to epinions, the site is good unless there's a problem with the order, at which point you'll get the worst customer service imagineable.

hmm, I might just have to take the plunge.

Wow, I sure do wish I had the extra cash right now...

That is a reliable site. Just realize that the gen 2 players are coming out later this month. I have an order in for the HD-A2 which should be shipped to distributors next week - and it too comes with the three free HD-DVDs (you have until the end of February to buy an HD-DVD player from Toshiba and get the three free).

The XA2 is also coming out towards the end of December.

I know the XA1 is a good player, and if your receiver can't accept HDMI audio, then it is the way to go since it has the analog outs, but I'm just waiting for the Gen2 players.

HD-A2 - $500
HD-XA2 - $1000 (so yeah, $400 for the XA1 is a nice deal)

I've bought two H/K receivers there... reliable site. Never had a reason to return anything there though, since the two H/K's I've bought never gave me issues.

That is a sweet deal on the Toshiba though..

one call is great. they even give you a follow up call to make sure you're happy!

Use code AMX0510 for another $15 off. $385!!!

Ok, dfnyc. STOP IT!!! You're gonna make me take the (second)plunge.

me too! i could use one for the bedroom.

i edited the original post to contain the $15 discount. thanks dfnyc!

Man...$385. I could get this and then sell the A1...I don't know if it's worth it, though. Same basic product.

I thought the same thing. If this were the A2...it'd be a no brainer.

Well, yeah. I think in the end, the hassle of selling the A1 would make this purchase pointless...unless somebody here wants to buy my A1 off me at a decent price.

I know they are essentially identical machines, but for what it's worth, I've had an XA1 since May, have used it extensively and haven't experienced a *single* glitch common to the Toshibas (no drop outs, freezes, stutterings, lock-ups, etc.)

The only exception was a sound sync lapse during END OF DAYS using the TrueHD track, but the trick about setting the digital output to PCM I read about here fixed that and it has never happened again.

Really, my A1 has been solid as a rock, too. The only times I had trouble was with End of Days and Superman Returns. End of Days was because of the TrueHD, and Superman was a glitchy disc.

Sold out.

Site reads 'in stock'.

someone on avs said they called and they said they were sold out.

fwiw.

I second that emotion.

(I just called.)

SOLD OUT.

But a round of applause and a big THANKS should go to dfnyc & Andy, because if anyone got in on that one, they got a MIGHTY FINE, Brand New XA1 at the best price yet.

-Paul

I just got an email saying my order has shipped so it looks like I got in in time. Guess I'll find out in a few days.

Thanks Andy and digitalfreak for the heads up!

I'm enjoying my XA1 I got as the "consolation" prize from Value Electronics and I love it.