NON-SRT DVD Player from Toshiba coming NEXT WEEK for $149!!!!

PFC5 · 08-19-2008, 01:50 PM

A lot of great (and finally civil) posts again. Good job guys!

I think it is clear as I thought that it would not be close to BD (or HD DVD) PQ, and this is going to be marketed for the average consumer who got a HDTV, but cannot afford BD right now. Whether it succeeds at this is another story both from a PQ POV or a marketing POV.

I think the BD mfg will resume the BD player, at a substantial discount or free with a new HDTV to counter this if the XDE players gain any traction during the holidays. I think this would be good for J6P and for BD as a format in general so this potential competition will likely have a positive effect on BD sales this holiday season if XDE starts to be popular IMO.

Of course we have to remember that it is Toshiba marketing this XDE player, but if they do the store displays/comparisons it would seem they did learn SOMETHING from the poor marketing they did with HD DVD players.

ack_bak · 08-19-2008, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravestime

The factor I'll be concerned with, is this XDE significantly better in upconverting than my current HD-XA2? If not, I'll keep using the XA2.

All this talk of edge enhancement and color boosting on the XDE really has me think that it cannot look as good or better than XA2/HQV. That and the fact that this demo was also being run by Toshiba for the media. Now I am not saying that XDE may not be as good or better and I have definiitely been proven wrong before, but I am definitely interested in some testing and reviews by others.

My problem is that I simply do not have room for another DVD player in my rack. I have a PS3, A2, Wii, HD DVR, and want to add some sort of a HTPC or AppleTV to my lineup. Another DVD player just makes no sense at this point unless I want to retire the A2 to another room, but really do not want to right now.

PFC5 · 08-19-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

I remember being surprised in January when I read that the A2s had better SD upconverting chips than the newer A3s. I still believe that my A2 upconverts SD DVDs better than my PS3. Another nice anemity is the counter on the front of the A2. I hate that the PS3 requires you to go to the display button to see how much time has elasped in a movie.

I did a test between my A2 & PS3 after that upscaling update for the PS3 and the A2 was better on my test screens also. Not much better, but better so I doubt most people would care about the differences.

I would give up the display on the player if I could get the PS3 on screen display on all my players. I think it is the sleekest, and most informative display bar none I have seen so far IMO. I wish everyone would copy it.

Bravestime · 08-19-2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ack_bak

All this talk of edge enhancement and color boosting on the XDE really has me think that it cannot look as good or better than XA2/HQV. That and the fact that this demo was also being run by Toshiba for the media. Now I am not saying that XDE may not be as good or better and I have definiitely been proven wrong before, but I am definitely interested in some testing and reviews by others.

My problem is that I simply do not have room for another DVD player in my rack. I have a PS3, A2, Wii, HD DVR, and want to add some sort of a HTPC or AppleTV to my lineup. Another DVD player just makes no sense at this point unless I want to retire the A2 to another room, but really do not want to right now.

My exact problem as well. My entertainment center for electronics is small and presently suits my current equipment. I would have to place this XDE above my Onkyo 705, but risk overheating my 705, not good.

So in away, I'm screwed.

ack_bak · 08-19-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravestime

My exact problem as well. My entertainment center for electronics is small and presently suits my current equipment. I would have to place this XDE above my Onkyo 705, but risk overheating my 705, not good.

So in away, I'm screwed.

Except you have the XA2 for upscaling...

I would love to have that problem

I recently demoed the Oppo 983 and was very impressed with that player but just could not justify the $399 price tag and the lack of space in my entertainment unit which I custom built....

Bravestime · 08-19-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ack_bak

Except you have the XA2 for upscaling...

I would love to have that problem

I recently demoed the Oppo 983 and was very impressed with that player but just could not justify the $399 price tag and the lack of space in my entertainment unit which I custom built....

I also looked very seriously at the 983. That unit had some good reviews, but it didn't sound like it would be significantly better than my XA2, plus (as you mentioned) the high price tag.

Bravestime · 08-19-2008, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeRox

I've a feeling SRT demands too much processing power right now for a set top box. The device would likely cost more than entry level 1.1 BD players and so the only marketable route for the technology atm is higher end TV sets. Thats the impression I'm getting anyway.

However once the cell unit cost etc start to drop, a player in the future wouldn't be out of the question, so long as the technology works to an acceptable standard.

Yeah, I see your point about the power consumption. I thought this unit market a higher price tag than this XDE.

ack_bak · 08-19-2008, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravestime

I also looked very seriously at the 983. That unit had some good reviews, but it didn't sound like it would be significantly better than my XA2, plus (as you mentioned) the high price tag.

I tested the 983 (it is a friend's) on a 106" screen using an Epson Home Cinema 1080p UB PJ (great PJ). We tested:
Oppo 983 vs Sony DVD player (progressive scan): I will let you guess which player won that battle

Oppo 983 vs PS3 (upscaled DVD): The Oppo was definitely superior. Not necessarily night and day, but it handled blacks and jaggies better and put out a better overall picture.
Oppo983 vs PS3 (Blu-Ray): I was surprised that Blu-Ray looked that much better for most films that we tested, but we were also testing on a 106" screen from around 12ft away in a light controlled environment. Blu-Ray really shined.

He ended up keeping the Oppo and I can't blame him as he has an extensive DVD collection and is really into indie films (many of which may not make it to Blu-Ray). I am not going to lie. I was very tempted to buy the Oppo, but I thought about it and decided to save the money for another BD player for our upstairs LCD. And as I mentioned earlier, it would mean either moving my HD DVD player upstairs or the Wii, and I am not ready to do that. And my wife would not be happy with another DVD player. She has been very patient over the past year as I have purchased multiple HD DVD, and BD players, new surround speakers, a new subwoofer, a new projector and screen, and a new AVR

HD Goofnut · 08-19-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ack_bak

I tested the 983 (it is a friend's) on a 106" screen using an Epson Home Cinema 1080p UB PJ (great PJ). We tested:
Oppo 983 vs Sony DVD player (progressive scan): I will let you guess which player won that battle

Oppo 983 vs PS3 (upscaled DVD): The Oppo was definitely superior. Not necessarily night and day, but it handled blacks and jaggies better and put out a better overall picture.
Oppo983 vs PS3 (Blu-Ray): I was surprised that Blu-Ray looked that much better for most films that we tested, but we were also testing on a 106" screen from around 12ft away in a light controlled environment. Blu-Ray really shined.

He ended up keeping the Oppo and I can't blame him as he has an extensive DVD collection and is really into indie films (many of which may not make it to Blu-Ray). I am not going to lie. I was very tempted to buy the Oppo, but I thought about it and decided to save the money for another BD player for our upstairs LCD. And as I mentioned earlier, it would mean either moving my HD DVD player upstairs or the Wii, and I am not ready to do that. And my wife would not be happy with another DVD player. She has been very patient over the past year as I have purchased multiple HD DVD, and BD players, new surround speakers, a new subwoofer, a new projector and screen, and a new AVR

The same situation applies with my wife, but with me it's the software rather than the hardware as I used a portion of my stimulus check for my PS3 instead of putting a $300 dent in the bank account.

PFC5 · 08-19-2008, 02:24 PM

It was basically a necessity to have a HD player in the bedroom if I was going to buy the movies in HD, because my wife prefers to watch them in the bedroom. That is the problem during a transitional phase of a new format IMO.

Bravestime · 08-19-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ack_bak

I tested the 983 (it is a friend's) on a 106" screen using an Epson Home Cinema 1080p UB PJ (great PJ). We tested:
Oppo 983 vs Sony DVD player (progressive scan): I will let you guess which player won that battle

Oppo 983 vs PS3 (upscaled DVD): The Oppo was definitely superior. Not necessarily night and day, but it handled blacks and jaggies better and put out a better overall picture.
Oppo983 vs PS3 (Blu-Ray): I was surprised that Blu-Ray looked that much better for most films that we tested, but we were also testing on a 106" screen from around 12ft away in a light controlled environment. Blu-Ray really shined.

He ended up keeping the Oppo and I can't blame him as he has an extensive DVD collection and is really into indie films (many of which may not make it to Blu-Ray). I am not going to lie. I was very tempted to buy the Oppo, but I thought about it and decided to save the money for another BD player for our upstairs LCD. And as I mentioned earlier, it would mean either moving my HD DVD player upstairs or the Wii, and I am not ready to do that. And my wife would not be happy with another DVD player. She has been very patient over the past year as I have purchased multiple HD DVD, and BD players, new surround speakers, a new subwoofer, a new projector and screen, and a new AVR

No surprise about the 983 results.

Sounds you have invested in a complete HT system within a years time. WOW, quite an investment. You do have an understanding wife. Enjoy...

Bravestime · 08-19-2008, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

The same situation applies with my wife, but with me it's the software rather than the hardware as I used a portion of my stimulus check for my PS3 instead of putting a $300 dent in the bank account.

My wife has been very agreeable to my HT investment, since she enjoys movie watching as much as I do. I would have to say I have spent alot of money in the past year on hardware and software. I'm very happy my wife thinks in a similiar manner as I do about movies, I think I'll keep her!

jwebb1970 · 08-19-2008, 02:36 PM

You know, I have an HDA2 that does a great job w/ SD DVD.

If I were going to buy yet another player at this point, it be a BluRay unit.

Seeing Sonys & Magnavox SA BD players at/near the $250 mark now. Very likely to see that price point lower a bit more come XMAS season. Sorry Toshiba...I'll wait for the "real deal" when the $200 (or less!) Blu price point rolls out.

But until then, I am getting a lot of use out of that supposed boat anchor called the HDA2 (and it only cost me a c-note & got me free movies & a BestBuy gift card!)

ack_bak · 08-19-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

The same situation applies with my wife, but with me it's the software rather than the hardware as I used a portion of my stimulus check for my PS3 instead of putting a $300 dent in the bank account.

I hear you. My wife and I joke that the neighbors must think she is having an affair with the UPS delivery man as he is at our house multiple times a week delivering movies from Amazon... But I can assure you that you can tell that I am the father of both our children

I would have to say that all the investments I have made into my gear (which is still very modest compared to others at AVS, etc) has been worth every penny. We typically watch at least 2-3 movies per week (some week as many as 5) and have had a blast watching the olympics in HD on the projector.

HD Goofnut · 08-19-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwebb1970

You know, I have an HDA2 that does a great job w/ SD DVD.

If I were going to buy yet another player at this point, it be a BluRay unit.

Seeing Sonys & Magnavox SA BD players at/near the $250 mark now. Very likely to see that price point lower a bit more come XMAS season. Sorry Toshiba...I'll wait for the "real deal" when the $200 (or less!) Blu price point rolls out.

But until then, I am getting a lot of use out of that supposed boat anchor called the HDA2 (and it only cost me a c-note & got me free movies & a BestBuy gift card!)

HDTV-$1500, HD-A2 HD DVD player-$98, A Wife that puts up with it-priceless.

08-19-2008, 01:50 PM	#301
PFC5 Former Super Moderator - RIP Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mass Posts: 38,295	A lot of great (and finally civil) posts again. Good job guys! I think it is clear as I thought that it would not be close to BD (or HD DVD) PQ, and this is going to be marketed for the average consumer who got a HDTV, but cannot afford BD right now. Whether it succeeds at this is another story both from a PQ POV or a marketing POV. I think the BD mfg will resume the BD player, at a substantial discount or free with a new HDTV to counter this if the XDE players gain any traction during the holidays. I think this would be good for J6P and for BD as a format in general so this potential competition will likely have a positive effect on BD sales this holiday season if XDE starts to be popular IMO. Of course we have to remember that it is Toshiba marketing this XDE player, but if they do the store displays/comparisons it would seem they did learn SOMETHING from the poor marketing they did with HD DVD players. __________________ 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 PSN: PFC5

08-19-2008, 02:24 PM	#310
PFC5 Former Super Moderator - RIP Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mass Posts: 38,295	It was basically a necessity to have a HD player in the bedroom if I was going to buy the movies in HD, because my wife prefers to watch them in the bedroom. That is the problem during a transitional phase of a new format IMO. __________________ 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 PSN: PFC5

08-19-2008, 02:36 PM	#313
jwebb1970 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 369	You know, I have an HDA2 that does a great job w/ SD DVD. If I were going to buy yet another player at this point, it be a BluRay unit. Seeing Sonys & Magnavox SA BD players at/near the $250 mark now. Very likely to see that price point lower a bit more come XMAS season. Sorry Toshiba...I'll wait for the "real deal" when the $200 (or less!) Blu price point rolls out. But until then, I am getting a lot of use out of that supposed boat anchor called the HDA2 (and it only cost me a c-note & got me free movies & a BestBuy gift card!) __________________ The Internet is a vast communications tool used the world over where people come together to bitch about movies & share pornography with one another.

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