I need help!!! Which Toshiba HD-DVD player is perfect for my 50''HDTV/LCD?And also it is 1080i resolution?

Question

Hi I am going to buy a Toshiba HD-DVD player tomorrow at Bestbuy. But what it holds me back is which one? I was checking the Toshiba HD-A3 but, it would not support 5.1,6.1 or 7.1? Please let me know & thank you for your help. : )

Answer 1

The HD-A3 is arguably your best choice since it gives you all major advantages of HD DVD at lowest cost.

Audio support is the same as the HD-A30 (which does not provide any advantage to you since you can't use 1080p/24fps).

Audio with advanced codecs and 6.1/7.1 sound is a VERY complex topic and usually require external receiver support. See the article at the link.

The HD-A35 supports bitstream output to a receiver that can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master audio so IF this is important to you AND you have a receiver that can take advantage of it, the A35 might be a worthwhile choice.

But in my view the only player that provides a real improvement is the HD-XA2 (due to the HQV video processor), but given you don't have a 1080p HDTV and the price is significantly higher it isn't a cost effective choice.

Given the continued uncertainty about the outcome of the format war I personally feel the HD-A3 (or HD-A2 if you can find one) is the best choice at this time. If you consider it as an upconverting DVD player that will also play HD DVDs it is a good choice. Later, when the war is settled and either one format wins, or a truce gives us dual format players at lower price than today, you could consider upgrading and you haven't wasted money now on a more expensive player.

BTW, I noticed there are HD-A2s and HD-A3s for sale on Amazon.com for about $125....

Hope this helps you decide.