Can I buy a player now?

Already have an A2, looking to add a 2nd, did a quick google search and it appears only amazon is carrying some. Tiger direct didnt have any and of course my local B&M's don't have any. If anyone has any advise, I'd greatly appreciated.

Check EBay... There's always a few A2's for the bidding...Many appear to be bundled with some HD-DVD movies...Read the product discriptions carefully!

I've bought electronic gear a few times and have had no problems!:cool:

I'm also interested in any third Generation players too. Really just want this player as a back up if my other one quits on me ever.

Not sure if you want to go this route, but since it is only a backup and you have a 360.... Fry's is still selling the 360 Addon for only $39.. You can also add them to a PC fairly easily as well. Since you live near Phoenix, you have 1 near by and can pick it up in the store.

http://shop2.frys.com/product/5024355;jsessionid=8ihk2L9TQwryQqbTuJKz3g**.node3? site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

I'm also interested in any third Generation players too. Really just want this player as a back up if my other one quits on me ever.

I would not go with a 3rd Generation player unless you can find an A35. The SD DVD upscaling chips are much lower quality in the A3/A30 models and best upscaling chips are in the A2/A20 models.

I would not go with a 3rd Generation player unless you can find an A35. The SD DVD upscaling chips are much lower quality in the A3/A30 models and best upscaling chips are in the A2/A20 models.

I was not aware of the difference in chips, thanks as that is definitely the type of information that helps my decision a lot.

I can't speak to the HD-A2 vs. HD-A3 comparison, I have never owned or used either one. I do have both the HD-A20 and HD-A30 and sure find no difference in standard DVD performance and when I tried to track down what chips were used after making that determination, my memory is that both the HD-A20 and HD-A30 use Anchor Bay Technologies ABT1018. I don't recall if there is any difference in deinterlacing which might mean one is better than the other for standard DVD but I am pretty sure the scaling chip and implementation is the same for those two players. My preference for the HD-A20 is in an appearance of better build quality which I don't know really has any merit but I bet I will have an opinion on that in 5 years or so. I only have an HD-A30 hooked up right now and it has been solid without any issues.

I decided to only acquire 1080/24p players after Toshiba dropped the format just because over the long run, I expect to be using 1080p displays and taking the 1080/24p information directly from the disc and outputting that over HDMI has to be preferrable.

Chris

Here is a link to a list of the HD DVD players and chips used according to this source which I believe is accurate, it also indicates Anchor Bay Technologies ABT1018 for both HD-A20 and HD-A30:

http://www.film-talk.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20579&mode=threaded&pid=432057

Chris

I was not aware of the difference in chips, thanks as that is definitely the type of information that helps my decision a lot.

You are quite welcome. Also, the A2 has more metal versus plastic to its build while the A3 has more plastic so the quality of build is slightly better with the A2 as well.

thx again everyone... Now I just have to find one, I've always been cautious about buying from ebay... and basically never have. I always just try and see if Amazon has it and sometimes end up paying a little more. But I don't want to pay more for the player now then what I did for my original.

thx again everyone... Now I just have to find one, I've always been cautious about buying from ebay... and basically never have. I always just try and see if Amazon has it and sometimes end up paying a little more. But I don't want to pay more for the player now then what I did for my original.

You can snag an A2/A20 for about $50 plus shipping on eBay.

You can snag an A2/A20 for about $50 plus shipping on eBay.

Yea I did quick search just now and notice almost all were Used or "non-functional" units. proceeded to do a search "new" and only came up with one that the seller claimed was new but then states the box is open. HHMMM thats interesting... Anyway, I guess I don't mind buying used, but what reassurance do I have that I'm not buying a lemon.

ps: the search key words that I used were: "toshiba hd-a20" and "new toshiba hd-a20"

Yea I did quick search just now and notice almost all were Used or "non-functional" units. proceeded to do a search "new" and only came up with one that the seller claimed was new but then states the box is open. HHMMM thats interesting... Anyway, I guess I don't mind buying used, but what reassurance do I have that I'm not buying a lemon.

ps: the search key words that I used were: "toshiba hd-a20" and "new toshiba hd-a20"


Try "hd dvd players" in your search and see what you come up with. I always check to see what the feedback % is on each seller. If it is 97% or high then I usually assume that it is a safe buy.

I have an A30 I am looking to sell, bought brand new and in great shape.

$90.00 including shipping.

With Circuit City going belley up and the after Christmas sales I'm holding off.

With Circuit City going belley up and the after Christmas sales I'm holding off.

I don't think Circuit City or Best Buy or any other store has any HD DVD player inventory at this time and if anything new players are going to be even more difficult to find after Christmas. Used players and refurbished players will likely sell for even lower prices next year.

Chris

With Circuit City going belley up and the after Christmas sales I'm holding off.

I still think eBay is the best bet for HD DVD players, just be sure that you buy from a reputable seller who will give you a decent warranty.

I don't think Circuit City or Best Buy or any other store has any HD DVD player inventory at this time and if anything new players are going to be even more difficult to find after Christmas. Used players and refurbished players will likely sell for even lower prices next year.

Chris

Correct, I have 3 CC's near me all closing down and none of them had anything on HD-DVD. Besides that, the says arn't that great... really only as much as 30% off... I hear that if the store can sell off its remaining inventories by a certain deadline then they will ship remaining said inventory to other CC's that are staying open.

Believe it or not...I was in Circuit City just last week (mine is not closing), and they had a bunch of clearance items which included returned items and some new items. In there was a brand new Toshiba A3 player for $100. I would have picked it up, but I have enough.

Believe it or not...I was in Circuit City just last week (mine is not closing), and they had a bunch of clearance items which included returned items and some new items. In there was a brand new Toshiba A3 player for $100. I would have picked it up, but I have enough.

$100 is too much for a returned A3 IMHO. Wal-Mart was selling new A3s at this point last year with 300 and Bourne Ultimatum (both combo discs) in box for $149. Last time I checked eBay you could get an A3 for well under $100, but you can do the same with the A2 and it is much better player overall.

When walmart closed their A3's out they were $75 with both movies yet......thats how i got mine.