How To Update The Firmware On Your Toshiba HD DVD Player - For New Owners

BNCR · 11-28-2007, 06:39 PM

Just got my A35 today and had the iso disc ready for the 1.3 upgrade.

Thanx for posting such great info!!!!

JMS · 11-30-2007, 08:35 AM

To even the most casual observer, it has been obvious that Blu-ray was pushed out into the market prematurely. Obviously the Blu-ray group (Sony, et.al.) didn't want HD DVD to get a strong foothold, so Blu-ray was marketed before it was a complete system. Sony's long-term corporate arrogance and its total disdain for its loyal customers is to blame. I have no idea how Sony has been able to garner such brand loyalty over the years. When I talk to some of the big-box electronic store salesmen around town, they tell me that people walk out with Blu-ray machines simply because it says "SONY" on the faceplate.

I also blame Microsoft for fostering this "sell it now, fix it later" mentality. These days nobody buys a new PC and doesn't expect to spend hours fiddlefarting around with drivers and other bullcrap just to get it to work. (Contrast that with plugging in a new Apple computer.)

That is why I was so disappointed to find out that I had to do the same thing with a brand new third generation HD DVD player. This is like buying a new Ferrari and then having to get Guido to "upgrade" the car so it'll go over 60 MPH.

Part of the reason for my rant mode is that my first attempt at burning the update disc went down in flames. I do appreciate this thread and the work Midnight has done here. I will try the CD burn again and if that doesn't work, at least there's a place I can turn to for help.

BNCR · 11-30-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMS

To even the most casual observer, it has been obvious that Blu-ray was pushed out into the market prematurely. Obviously the Blu-ray group (Sony, et.al.) didn't want HD DVD to get a strong foothold, so Blu-ray was marketed before it was a complete system. Sony's long-term corporate arrogance and its total disdain for its loyal customers is to blame. I have no idea how Sony has been able to garner such brand loyalty over the years. When I talk to some of the big-box electronic store salesmen around town, they tell me that people walk out with Blu-ray machines simply because it says "SONY" on the faceplate.

I also blame Microsoft for fostering this "sell it now, fix it later" mentality. These days nobody buys a new PC and doesn't expect to spend hours fiddlefarting around with drivers and other bullcrap just to get it to work. (Contrast that with plugging in a new Apple computer.)

That is why I was so disappointed to find out that I had to do the same thing with a brand new third generation HD DVD player. This is like buying a new Ferrari and then having to get Guido to "upgrade" the car so it'll go over 60 MPH.

Part of the reason for my rant mode is that my first attempt at burning the update disc went down in flames. I do appreciate this thread and the work Midnight has done here. I will try the CD burn again and if that doesn't work, at least there's a place I can turn to for help.

Mr. Natural

I agree with everything you said. Personally upgrading software isn't that bad to deal with.

As a Ferrari owner, please knock off the Guido analogies.

Use the burner mentioned in the original post:

ISO Burning Software: Use a CD only to burn the ISO image and not a DVD. If you do not have any burning software there is a FREE version of DeepBurner that will burn ISO images (works on Windows 95/98/2000/NT/ME/XP/Vista x86/Vista x64 and is virtually compatible with ANY CD/DVD burner). Click here to download. Since the firmware filesize is relatively small, please be sure to burn at a slow speed as this can often ensure a solid, error-free burn. Also remember to select Burn ISO image and to not just create a data CD.

It worked on my first try with my new Toshiba A35 which was the biggest bang for the buck I have in my $25K home theater.

I was too lazy to run an ethernet cable. LOL

Follow the instructions EXACTLY and you will have success.

It appears that from the time a manufacture builds a player and loads it in a shipping container in China at least two software upgrades will be released before you can buy the player in the US.

Cheers

.crowbar. · 11-30-2007, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BNCR

As a Ferrari owner

Quote:

Originally Posted by BNCR

in my $25K home theater.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BNCR

I was too lazy to run an ethernet cable. LOL

why not pay someone to run one for you? sorry i had to
please dont be offended im just jealous

BNCR · 11-30-2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .crowbar.

why not pay someone to run one for you? sorry i had to
please dont be offended im just jealous

Ok .crowbar. you busted me cold! LOL Best thing I read today.

I sold a lot of Cisco Systems gear during the internet boom, that payed for the toys. This is the greatest country in the world!! It also made hate computer networking and my theater is network free. No wi-fi laptops, or Blackberry, or phone texting allowed either.

I am also cheap, so burning a cd is so much cheaper than hiring somebody.....Actually I'd have a buddy come over and do it for pizza, and beer if I asked nice. I can always buy a wireless game wi-fi widget if I cared about permanent internet connectivity for the A35.

Cheers

**PFC5** · 11-30-2007, 04:41 PM

Also wanted to add that you MUST burn it as an IMAGE on that CD. Whatever burning software you have should have a command within the menus to "BURN AS IMAGE" or something like that depending on the software.

With Nero burning software the command is under "RECORDER" and it says "BURN IMAGE".

Hope this helps!

mluntz · 12-01-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peekobi

just hooked up my A3 today and it is version 1.1. I assume I need to update it already

Mine was 1.0. Updating as we speak! Thank you!

JMS · 12-01-2007, 11:35 AM

OK, I got it this time. I won't go into detail...except to say that I've been wearing my stupid/intolerant hat too much lately. So my HD-A3-1300U.iso* update disc is ready to go when (and if) I get the player.....

On black Friday I walked out of our HHGregg after being told they were already sold out of the $149 Toshiba A3 three hours after the store opened. I was pretty laid back about it, simply because I wasn't sold on either format completely.

On black Saturday, they ran the same ad and this time I'm pissed off. I go in 15 minutes after they opened and there's still no A3s. For the second time the salesman was quite willing to let me walk. This time I asked to see the manager on duty who assured me they had just sold through a mountain of these players and that they didn't have any in their main warehouse in Indianapolis. I suspected they didn't have any ever, but didn't say so. The manager offered to write me up for an A3, which is expected to arrive around Dec. 4. So I went ahead and paid for it.

*The update went from 1100 to 1300 in two days. I suppose that's encouraging sign that Toshiba is on top of it. It does make me wonder how many more "updates" will be needed during the lifetime of this player and, even though HD DVD is obviously a more stable platform than BD, how can anyone call this a "finished" format?

**PFC5** · 12-02-2007, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMS

OK, I got it this time. I won't go into detail...except to say that I've been wearing my stupid/intolerant hat too much lately. So my HD-A3-1300U.iso* update disc is ready to go when (and if) I get the player.....

On black Friday I walked out of our HHGregg after being told they were already sold out of the $149 Toshiba A3 three hours after the store opened. I was pretty laid back about it, simply because I wasn't sold on either format completely.

On black Saturday, they ran the same ad and this time I'm pissed off. I go in 15 minutes after they opened and there's still no A3s. For the second time the salesman was quite willing to let me walk. This time I asked to see the manager on duty who assured me they had just sold through a mountain of these players and that they didn't have any in their main warehouse in Indianapolis. I suspected they didn't have any ever, but didn't say so. The manager offered to write me up for an A3, which is expected to arrive around Dec. 4. So I went ahead and paid for it.

*The update went from 1100 to 1300 in two days. I suppose that's encouraging sign that Toshiba is on top of it. It does make me wonder how many more "updates" will be needed during the lifetime of this player and, even though HD DVD is obviously a more stable platform than BD, how can anyone call this a "finished" format?

Simple. You WILL be able to play ALL HD DVD discs with HD DVD and ALL features ever added to the discs be it PIP, webinteractivity, you WILL be able to play it with ANY HD DVD player from the original HD-A1 & HD-XA1 to the newer models.

The BD players selling now will NEVER be able to do all the future features that will be coming on the BD discs. You will need to buy a newer player to get that added functionality once they start making/selling them.

See the difference?

BTW, both formats will require some updates to tweak the playability for a while but after the initial updates they will be needed less with HD DVD.

Stew4HD · 12-02-2007, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

Simple. You WILL be able to play ALL HD DVD discs with HD DVD and ALL features ever added to the discs be it PIP, webinteractivity, you WILL be able to play it with ANY HD DVD player from the original HD-A1 & HD-XA1 to the newer models.

The BD players selling now will NEVER be able to do all the future features that will be coming on the BD discs. You will need to buy a newer player to get that added functionality once they start making/selling them.

See the difference?

BTW, both formats will require some updates to tweak the playability for a while but after the initial updates they will be needed less with HD DVD.

To further the discussion, the reason for many of the updates are problems many are having with player to display errors. There seems to be no set standard on how many of the HDTVs accept an HD signal (720p/1080i/1080p). So, when Toshiba comes across with a fix for some of the problems, they create an update.

JMS · 12-02-2007, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

See the difference?

Yes, and thank you.

daleb · 12-02-2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMS

Yes, and thank you.

Mr. Natural? Nice to have someone else around who remembers the 60's..or maybe 'experienced' is more appropriate.

JMS · 12-02-2007, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleb

Mr. Natural? Nice to have someone else around who remembers the 60's..or maybe 'experienced' is more appropriate.

Ahhh...the 60's. I remember standing on the street corner of Haight and Ashbury in Apr. 1970 and got the feeling an era was just about over. Maybe it was the 24hr. police guard making sure the street signs weren't stolen.....

Lokizden · 12-08-2007, 03:39 AM

I just updated my Toshiba A2 to 2.7 and I think I screwed up...

I didn't realize that my Transformers HD-DVD was in the player at the time of the update. I've since tried to access web content for both my Transformers and my Heroes HD-DVDs as I keep getting an Unexpected Error (NET0112). I was able to connect with both of those HD-DVDs prior to the firmware update. I know my player is hooking up to the internet because it checks for downloads when I ask it to.

I've noticed that all the firmware update instuctions I've (since) read on the internet seem to start off with "Remove any disc from the player" in big, friendly, bold caps...

Did I just seriously screw up my player? Any idea on a fix?

**PFC5** · 12-08-2007, 04:27 AM

Reinitialize the player and go in and change the settings for everything back to how you had them because this returns everything to the default settings. Then unplug the player for a couple of minutes and then power on and reconfigure everything.

Just something to remember in the future. If you realize that you left a disc in while the update is happening, just let it finish and power down. Then just press the eject button and this will power the player back on and eject the disc without trying to read it and screwing up the player.

God luck!

11-30-2007, 04:41 PM	#36
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,420	Also wanted to add that you MUST burn it as an IMAGE on that CD. Whatever burning software you have should have a command within the menus to "BURN AS IMAGE" or something like that depending on the software. With Nero burning software the command is under "RECORDER" and it says "BURN IMAGE". Hope this helps! __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

12-08-2007, 04:27 AM	#45
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,420	Reinitialize the player and go in and change the settings for everything back to how you had them because this returns everything to the default settings. Then unplug the player for a couple of minutes and then power on and reconfigure everything. Just something to remember in the future. If you realize that you left a disc in while the update is happening, just let it finish and power down. Then just press the eject button and this will power the player back on and eject the disc without trying to read it and screwing up the player. God luck! __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

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11-28-2007, 06:39 PM	#31
BNCR High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 388	Just got my A35 today and had the iso disc ready for the 1.3 upgrade. Thanx for posting such great info!!!!

11-30-2007, 08:35 AM	#32
JMS I'm gettin' all pixelated Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus,OH Posts: 578	To even the most casual observer, it has been obvious that Blu-ray was pushed out into the market prematurely. Obviously the Blu-ray group (Sony, et.al.) didn't want HD DVD to get a strong foothold, so Blu-ray was marketed before it was a complete system. Sony's long-term corporate arrogance and its total disdain for its loyal customers is to blame. I have no idea how Sony has been able to garner such brand loyalty over the years. When I talk to some of the big-box electronic store salesmen around town, they tell me that people walk out with Blu-ray machines simply because it says "SONY" on the faceplate. I also blame Microsoft for fostering this "sell it now, fix it later" mentality. These days nobody buys a new PC and doesn't expect to spend hours fiddlefarting around with drivers and other bullcrap just to get it to work. (Contrast that with plugging in a new Apple computer.) That is why I was so disappointed to find out that I had to do the same thing with a brand new third generation HD DVD player. This is like buying a new Ferrari and then having to get Guido to "upgrade" the car so it'll go over 60 MPH. Part of the reason for my rant mode is that my first attempt at burning the update disc went down in flames. I do appreciate this thread and the work Midnight has done here. I will try the CD burn again and if that doesn't work, at least there's a place I can turn to for help.

12-01-2007, 11:35 AM	#38
JMS I'm gettin' all pixelated Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus,OH Posts: 578	OK, I got it this time. I won't go into detail...except to say that I've been wearing my stupid/intolerant hat too much lately. So my HD-A3-1300U.iso* update disc is ready to go when (and if) I get the player..... On black Friday I walked out of our HHGregg after being told they were already sold out of the $149 Toshiba A3 three hours after the store opened. I was pretty laid back about it, simply because I wasn't sold on either format completely. On black Saturday, they ran the same ad and this time I'm pissed off. I go in 15 minutes after they opened and there's still no A3s. For the second time the salesman was quite willing to let me walk. This time I asked to see the manager on duty who assured me they had just sold through a mountain of these players and that they didn't have any in their main warehouse in Indianapolis. I suspected they didn't have any ever, but didn't say so. The manager offered to write me up for an A3, which is expected to arrive around Dec. 4. So I went ahead and paid for it. *The update went from 1100 to 1300 in two days. I suppose that's encouraging sign that Toshiba is on top of it. It does make me wonder how many more "updates" will be needed during the lifetime of this player and, even though HD DVD is obviously a more stable platform than BD, how can anyone call this a "finished" format?

12-08-2007, 03:39 AM	#44
Lokizden What is HD? Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1	I just updated my Toshiba A2 to 2.7 and I think I screwed up... I didn't realize that my Transformers HD-DVD was in the player at the time of the update. I've since tried to access web content for both my Transformers and my Heroes HD-DVDs as I keep getting an Unexpected Error (NET0112). I was able to connect with both of those HD-DVDs prior to the firmware update. I know my player is hooking up to the internet because it checks for downloads when I ask it to. I've noticed that all the firmware update instuctions I've (since) read on the internet seem to start off with "Remove any disc from the player" in big, friendly, bold caps... Did I just seriously screw up my player? Any idea on a fix?