Customer Reviews for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
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Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Model: HD-A30
SKU: 8494499
UPC: 022265000908
Experience all the thrills of your favorite movies in stunning high-definition with this HD DVD player that's equipped with CE-Link HDMI connectivity for a simple way to navigate home theater.
Average Customer Rating:
4.1
out of 5
(78 Reviews) 78
Rating Snapshot 78 reviews
5 stars
39
4 stars
23
3 stars
6
2 stars
3
1 star
7
82% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
64 out of
78)
Customer Reviews for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Review 1 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Good DVD upconverter
Customer Rating
2.0
The Good:
Fantastic picture and sound quality from HD-DVD's. Upconverts my standard DVD collection to an amazing quality, nearly as good as HD-DVD. It plays CD's as well so we were able to consolidate the number of components in the entertainment center.
The Bad:
Takes a while to startup, about a minute or so after powering on before you can even open the tray. I have had a couple movies out of the dozens that I have watched on this unit that would loose audio sync and I would have to stop-reverse-play to regain audio and video syncronization (note that these were older standard DVD's). HD-DVD format appears to be loosing the batlle with Blueray and seems to be on the way to being phased out.
Summary:
Very good player and upconverter. The slow startup and occasional audio sync problem are inconvenient but not a huge problem. The only reason I would not recommend this player is the combination of these inconveniences and the fact that it will most likely fall to the same fate as the Betamax. If you are looking to get your first HD format video player don't buy this one, it will be obsolete. If you have HD-DVD movies and need a player this is a great option for you.
Fantastic picture and sound quality from HD-DVD's. Upconverts my standard DVD collection to an amazing quality, nearly as good as HD-DVD. It plays CD's as well so we were able to consolidate the number of components in the entertainment center.
The Bad:
Takes a while to startup, about a minute or so after powering on before you can even open the tray. I have had a couple movies out of the dozens that I have watched on this unit that would loose audio sync and I would have to stop-reverse-play to regain audio and video syncronization (note that these were older standard DVD's). HD-DVD format appears to be loosing the batlle with Blueray and seems to be on the way to being phased out.
Summary:
Very good player and upconverter. The slow startup and occasional audio sync problem are inconvenient but not a huge problem. The only reason I would not recommend this player is the combination of these inconveniences and the fact that it will most likely fall to the same fate as the Betamax. If you are looking to get your first HD format video player don't buy this one, it will be obsolete. If you have HD-DVD movies and need a player this is a great option for you.
What's great about it: DVD upconvert, digital audio, plays cd's, HDMI
What's not so great: Slow startup, HD-DVD on it's way out
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 2 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
waste of money
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: moviefanever
from brooklyn
on 02/21/2008
it takes a minute to start, update CD was promised but never came after 2 months, HD-DVDs never came too. I tried to upgrade via Ethernet - never worked after 5 attempts, I tried to download the upgrade from the web-site - first you have to download it, then uncompress, then covert to some interesting format, then burn it to CD, I was not able to convert it to some special format - you are required to buy some software for that - cost like 100$
What's great about it: none
What's not so great: obsolete model
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 3 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Great Player
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Lectric
from Trenton, NJ
on 02/20/2008
Really nice player. Works flawlessly with updates via ethernet. Love the web features. A better format than Blu-ray. Unfortunately I read today that Best Buy and Net flicks decided to support Blu-ray.... Toshiba/HD-DVD has lost the format war - the end of HD-DVD! If HD-DVD wasn't dead, I would highly recommend.
What's great about it: Good player, great features, good price
What's not so great: Read today that HD-DVD is thru!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 4 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Excellent picture!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: cyclonewass
from Surprise, AZ
on 02/17/2008
This unit provides a great picture with both HD and non HD dvds. It is easy to use and a great choice for anyone seeking a HD player. It is slow at start up, like booting a computer, but that is the only con I can find. I had a HD plasma for over a year before finally taking the plunge and deciding to go HD vs Blu-ray. This is a 1080p unit so even if you only have 720p tv like I do it is over kill but I am planning to move the tv to the bedroom and put a 1080p in its place. The question over which format will prevail is still up in the air. If you have a HD tv and don't have either a HD player or Blu-ray player make the plunge! You won't be dissappointed, it will really wake up your tv!
What's great about it: Excellent picture
What's not so great: slow start up
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 5 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
All you need
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Electronicadict
from Bloomington, IN
on 02/15/2008
This Hd Dvd player has been excellent. The picture and sound are far above and beyond that of standard dvd. I also own a blu ray player and can see and hear no difference in the visual and sound quality. Even though hd dvd seems to be a dying format I actually do prefer the hd dvd disc setup. There are lots of little features that Hd dvds have that blu ray discs do not. If you plan on purchasing an hd dvd player I definitely recommend this one because of the price and the 1080p output. I have also noticed alot of people commenting about having to update the firmware before being able to access certain features or to avoid certain glitches. I can say that I have not updated the firmware and have racked up many hours of play time without any glitches.
What's great about it: beautiful picture and sound
What's not so great: dying format
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 6 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
No Brainer!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: WeezieHD
from Buchanan, MI
on 02/15/2008
Bought this a few weeks ago. Tried to update it through internet, no luck (not a pc wiz) got the update mailed to me within a week unit works flawlessly. unit was $199 however mine was open box for $149, also had $26 dollars in store credit so $123. then got 2 movies in box 2 free off the shelf and the 5 in the mail. NO BRAINER!
Since the loss of WB people are returning these so open box iems are all over. even if it loses so what, its not $399! Picture on my LG 1080p 42" LCD made the cable guy forget the sales pitch he was throwing in mid-sentence. Put on tranformers at my sons B-day party, I was the envy of all the parents. Coupled with a harmon/kardon avr 247 and a set of Infinty primus and a 10" 300 watt infinity sub the sound is awesome. True HD for upconvert money. And Hd has lots of nice interactive features as well.
Since the loss of WB people are returning these so open box iems are all over. even if it loses so what, its not $399! Picture on my LG 1080p 42" LCD made the cable guy forget the sales pitch he was throwing in mid-sentence. Put on tranformers at my sons B-day party, I was the envy of all the parents. Coupled with a harmon/kardon avr 247 and a set of Infinty primus and a 10" 300 watt infinity sub the sound is awesome. True HD for upconvert money. And Hd has lots of nice interactive features as well.
What's great about it: price picture quality sound connectivity
What's not so great: lack of titles, will obviously die off
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 7 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
wow what a joke!
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: shiboded
from Clearwater, FL
on 02/14/2008
going to take back to best buy, have used two to three times, more than half the time i couldn't get unit to start up. i thought i had a deal even though i know HD DVD is out the window!!!
What's great about it: smaller
What's not so great: cant hardly ever get unit to work
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 8 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Excellent HD DVD 1080P
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: bleedingedge
from NY
on 02/13/2008
This player is a 3rd generation HD DVD player, it features 1080P and performs well.
I bought this with 2 free HD DVDs in the box and an offer of 5 more free by Mail in October, I still have not received my 5 free HD DVDs.
I have upgraded the Firmware through the Ethernet port and it worked fine.
Around New years they shipped an upgrade disc in the mail, the upgrade went smooth but now I have some freezing issues at about 1 hour 30 Minutes into certain HD DVDs. hoping the Next upgrade addresses this as you can not go backwards.
My advice is if you are not experiencing any problems with your Discs don't upgrade, if you can't play a disc then you may have no choice.
Other than the above issues this is a fine device and affordable too.
I have a Samsung BD player as well and I have upgraded the firmware on that 3 or 4 times without incident.
I bought this with 2 free HD DVDs in the box and an offer of 5 more free by Mail in October, I still have not received my 5 free HD DVDs.
I have upgraded the Firmware through the Ethernet port and it worked fine.
Around New years they shipped an upgrade disc in the mail, the upgrade went smooth but now I have some freezing issues at about 1 hour 30 Minutes into certain HD DVDs. hoping the Next upgrade addresses this as you can not go backwards.
My advice is if you are not experiencing any problems with your Discs don't upgrade, if you can't play a disc then you may have no choice.
Other than the above issues this is a fine device and affordable too.
I have a Samsung BD player as well and I have upgraded the firmware on that 3 or 4 times without incident.
What's great about it: Picture Quality 1080P, Price, Free DVDs
What's not so great: 5 Free HD DVDs never came.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 9 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Great Price for Full 1080p
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: popmusikdaddy1
from Los Angeles,CA
on 02/12/2008
I love my Toshiba HD DVD Player. The player works right out of the box. But make sure you set up your player properly to take full advantage of the great sound,picture,interactive features. The price is great to upgrade to a Full 1080p home theater Hi-def experience in your home. Because the truth is that cost really does have a lot to do with upgrading to a new Television(LCD,Plasma),HD DVD player. This player does everything (A35)model does except for the 5.1 Analog lossless sound,High Bit Rate to decode to 7.1 multichannel Surround sound. This player is equipped a CEC Link,Deep Color W/HDMI,Upgrades you old DVD's to Near HD,Great Dolby TrueHD,Dolby Digital Plus,DTS HD (Core Only),DD,DTS Sound quality to boot.Just keep in mind that delay in loaded time has something to do with the fact that HD DVD's like Blu-ray Discs store large files of information like PC Hard Drive. Please do your research first before buying this player you may want to upgrade to A35 model instead which is a little pricey at $100 more than this model you decide you can afford. I completely recommend this player!!!!
What's great about it: Picture-in-Picture,Web-Enabled,Interactve Features,Great Picture And Sound
What's not so great: Loading time,Sound Cut out if the discs aren't properly cleaned
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 10 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Good buy for the money
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: King1512
on 02/11/2008
Other than having to re-direct my ethernet cable to update the operating system, this hd-dvd player is great. The picture looks great.
Even though hd-dvd's are on their way out, this player is much more affordable than the blu-ray players and still makes standard dvds look great.
Even though hd-dvd's are on their way out, this player is much more affordable than the blu-ray players and still makes standard dvds look great.
What's great about it: Great picture, easy to use
What's not so great: Have to update software, Power-up time slow
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 11 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Free DVD's never showed
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: Homesaler
from austin texas
on 02/11/2008
Good features. Great price these days. Worth buying. Cheap enough to buy both Blu Ray and HD DVD -- just in case one wins over the other. I bought a Playstation 3 and received my free Discs quickly (although 4 of them weren't the ones I requested).
Don't buy with the free DVD's in mind
I never received my free DVDs in the mail
Don't buy with the free DVD's in mind
I never received my free DVDs in the mail
What's great about it: Good picture/features -- Great price
What's not so great: Confusion over Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 12 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Great Buy!
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: AntonNY
from New York, NY
on 02/10/2008
This is my 1st HD DVD Player A30. Works just fine out of the box, update firmware just a snap(easy if you already had a network setup). Got this unit a week from now, and never had a problem. Setup is easy, looks great as an addition to my home entertainment system. Since up to this date, Bluray will be winning between this war format but for me, I just in the middle which ever will succeed as long as I'm happy with my purchased and works flawlessly, no problem whatsoever, I'm a happy camper. Even HD DVD is slowly dimming it's light, I still considered bought this player and when time HD light will no longer shine, I can still use this unit as an upconvert and stand alone player for my standard DVD collection and definitely consumers with HD DVD player can still rent, own and watch HD DVD like in Netflix, Blockbuster and in any local rent movies in your areas carried such format. I have also a stand alone Sony upconvert DVD player, I can say, this A30 is more superb in SD DVD and PQ is twice as clear. In my own opinion. As I was thinking of getting the A35, I decided to get this model since its in the middle of the best and not so good model of Toshiba HD round up based on several customer reviews and online reviews like cnet, pcworld, AV Forum, etc.....And with the price drop with 2 HD DVD included in the box(300 and Bourne Identity) and the time I got this unit in best buy offer in store 2 additional free movie in HD and 5 in mail-in-rebate, total of 9 Free HD DVD, it's hard to let this pass by without getting one. With the transfer of big hollywood pictures from HD to Bluray, I decided to get the Sharp BD-HP20U for my Room and the Panny DMP-BD30 for my main player in my living room and both players load fast and PQ is awesome, well, not so big difference actually from my A30 and you cannot really see the difference with your own naked eyes, probably depends on what HDTV you had. I have a Panny 60" Plasma in my living room and a 46" LCD from Vizio(GV46LF20A) in my bedroom, all units esp. this A30 works awesome in both HDTV. I tried to connect this HD player to my 100" Optoma Projector using the component connection, looks great too but its only in 1080i but still, PQ in 100" is way way superb than a regular DVD movie or player. Sound Quality of this unit is awesome too, either connected through HDMI receiver, toslink or in regular tv speaker. If price of this unit will drop and IF I can get the same 9 free movies, definitely I will get one probably the A35 for a stand alone player for my projector. I give this unit a 4 1/2 star only since, well, bec. of load times. If you don't care which format you side, just to watch and enjoy your movie in High Def. I recommend this unit and as your stand alone upconvert player for your SD DVD collection just like what I need, go for it but if your only concern which format is better, then go for bluray since this format is winning the war but HD DVD still have another 1 yr or so to go hopefully, before this 2 big movie companies turn there back on HD to Bluray and Microsoft still in HD side. I guess for the span of another year for HD, price is worth it! Again, all this is just my own opinion and decision, all is up to you the consumers. Good luck and enjoy!
What's great about it: Great Player and Upconvert
What's not so great: Slow Load Time
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 13 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Good sugestion
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: hockeyfan
on 02/10/2008
This item was a very good value and very easy to install. With every TV in a different phase of fast changing technology, it is difficult to decipher the correct combination of components. This product fit right in to our HD Plasma, HDR Cable box situation.
What's great about it: slim profile, easy installation
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 14 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Great player!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Silt
on 02/10/2008
Picked up this player because I wanted to get a cheap upconverting player for my older SD-DVDs. This player can output up to 1080p/24hz. Upconverts my older DVDs great and they look wonderful on my 52" Sony widescreen. Plus, between getting 2 movies in the box and a rebate for another 5 free movies, it's just a steal!
What's great about it: Great SD-DVD upconverter
What's not so great: HD-DVD may lose the format war
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 15 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
A great value
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: SWRH
on 02/10/2008
Overall this DVD player is an incredible value and the picture quality on DVDs makes it a worthwhile purchase. However on HD-DVD combo DVD's we haven't been able to get them to work properly with all features that are supposed to be available. The updating feature was cumbersome and it took numerous attempts to successfully download the firmware updates to the DVD player.
What's great about it: Picture quality
What's not so great: Pixelated images and updating feature
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 16 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Great value...for now
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: PhilC
from Silver Spring, MD
on 02/08/2008
Let's face it. HD DVD will be going away. But at this price, worst case scenario is that I have a nice standard DVD player and receive a lot of free HD DVDs. The 1080p picture is absolutely breathtaking--especially with "Planet Earth." Standard def DVDs are also upconverted very nicely on my 1080p set.
Aside from the 45-second startup time (which is not a biggie), my biggest disappointment is that it will not play CDs with MP3s or WMAs (redbook audio only). As even the cheapest DVD players support these formats, I can only scratch my head.
The menu is also reasonably easy to use, and the user guide is sufficient.
As long as you can accept the fact that HD DVDs will become obsolete, this is a terrific unit that will provide many hours of pleasure.
What's great about it: Outstanding HD / upconversion quality
What's not so great: Slow startup time. Doesn't support MP3/WMA discs
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 17 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Best value ever!! + 7 free movies!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: austintider
from Austin, Texas
on 02/01/2008
Bought yesterday as an open box item for CHEAP!!
7 free movies, 1080p/24fps movie support! I have a PS3 with Blu-ray and love it..however, one of the kids always disconects it and moves it to their room to play it about the time I want to watch a movie. Not now!! I always loved Transformers and King Kong and had to watch in LOW def on the blu-ray drive.
I have a Sony KDS60A3000 with 120hZ motion flow and the picture is STUNNING and the equal of the blu-ray in every aspect. Blu-ray may win over time but I will be buying all the HD DVD movies I can (available in both formats) to hedge myself into enjoyment of this player for years.
Heck, I bought two laser disc players before DVD came out and I still plug them up and have kept the 100 or so discs I bought.
The Toshiba player has a smaller and easier to see in the dark remote, has an easy to set up menu (heck of a lot easier than PS3). The PS3 has to be reconfigured for HDMI every time you unplug it. The Toshiba player is slower starting and loading but it is a small price to pay for what you get! 7 free movies X $29.99 is worth $60 more than I paid for the player. It upscales DVDs too.
How can I lose??
7 free movies, 1080p/24fps movie support! I have a PS3 with Blu-ray and love it..however, one of the kids always disconects it and moves it to their room to play it about the time I want to watch a movie. Not now!! I always loved Transformers and King Kong and had to watch in LOW def on the blu-ray drive.
I have a Sony KDS60A3000 with 120hZ motion flow and the picture is STUNNING and the equal of the blu-ray in every aspect. Blu-ray may win over time but I will be buying all the HD DVD movies I can (available in both formats) to hedge myself into enjoyment of this player for years.
Heck, I bought two laser disc players before DVD came out and I still plug them up and have kept the 100 or so discs I bought.
The Toshiba player has a smaller and easier to see in the dark remote, has an easy to set up menu (heck of a lot easier than PS3). The PS3 has to be reconfigured for HDMI every time you unplug it. The Toshiba player is slower starting and loading but it is a small price to pay for what you get! 7 free movies X $29.99 is worth $60 more than I paid for the player. It upscales DVDs too.
How can I lose??
Former Blu-ray snob
What's great about it: Price, Picture, User Friendly Remote, Easy set-up
What's not so great: Slightly slower loading that PS3 Blu-ray
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 18 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
wow...HD DVD is better than Blu-Ray.
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: SANman1911
from Texas
on 02/01/2008
So I officially have both Blu-Ray and HD DVD technology at home. With both of them in hand I have to say HD DVD has the edge over Blu-Ray. My wife and I feel the picture as well as the features on the player are better with the HD DVD.
Many of the movies in HD DVD are available as duel sided disks (the ones with HD on one side and regular DVD on the other). The Toshiba A30 was a much better value than the Blu-Ray players considering pricing and extras. Heck the deal I picked up came with two movies in the box and a coupon for 5 more free, heck most game consoles don't even come with one game!
Although the updates are slow over the internet with the A30, it is still a feature Blu-Ray does not employ. The remote is very basic as it is not univeral, but I use a universal to control the A30 anyway.
Overall my entire family has been blown away by the deatails in movies that you normally miss with regular DVDs. For instance you would never notice the detail they put into Shrek III. You can see blemishes on the characters faces, fuzz on thier clothing and even Shreks body hairs poke through his sweater.
Many of the movies in HD DVD are available as duel sided disks (the ones with HD on one side and regular DVD on the other). The Toshiba A30 was a much better value than the Blu-Ray players considering pricing and extras. Heck the deal I picked up came with two movies in the box and a coupon for 5 more free, heck most game consoles don't even come with one game!
Although the updates are slow over the internet with the A30, it is still a feature Blu-Ray does not employ. The remote is very basic as it is not univeral, but I use a universal to control the A30 anyway.
Overall my entire family has been blown away by the deatails in movies that you normally miss with regular DVDs. For instance you would never notice the detail they put into Shrek III. You can see blemishes on the characters faces, fuzz on thier clothing and even Shreks body hairs poke through his sweater.
What's great about it: Un-equaled picture and the best value on the market. Great menu navigations and interfaces.
What's not so great: No built in wireless. Updates are slow.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
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Review 19 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Worth the money
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: Ron10
from Memphis, Tn
on 01/28/2008
I bought this HD DVD on 1/26/08. I played the two movies that came in the box. They showed on my 32" flat panel HDTV very well, but only in 1080i. The load time is slow but not as slow as most reviews mentioned. I might have stayed with the Toshiba HD-A3 but the A30 was an open-box item, so I got it for around the same price. This Toshiba is great. We played Dreamgirl DVD last night and noticed things in the movie never seen before. This HD DVD is the right choice, I will purchase a Blu-ray when they become $150.
What's great about it: Picture quality
What's not so great: Load time
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 20 for Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with 1080p Output
Great Product! To Bad HD DVD will soon die
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Dannymik
from Amherst, NY
on 01/27/2008
This dvd player gives off a great picture...HD DVD and Blu-Ray is equal when it comes to 1080p, so don't believe that one is better than other. It has played all formats without any glitches. I did upgrade the firmware which was very easy and recommended...although I played a couple movies prior and had no problems. I hope HD DVD can hold on, but it doesn't look good which is my only complaint about this unit.
What's great about it: multi format, great picture, price!!!
What's not so great: HD DVD is on its last leg:(
I would recommend this to a friend!
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