Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD Player - Product Review

Brief Overview of the HD-DVD Format

The HD-DVD format is one of two competing high-definition DVD formats that is available to consumers (Blu-ray is the other format, which is backed by Sony). Toshiba is the main backer of HD-DVD. Both systems utilize new Blue Laser and video compression technology to achieve high definition video playback on the same size disc as a standard DVD. For additional details on both formats, check out my reference article: Blu-ray and HD-DVD - What You Need To Know

1. The HD-XA1 plays HD-DVDs, standard DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM discs. Via the HD-XA1's HDMI output, standard DVDs can be upscaled to match the 720p or 1080i native resolution of HDTV's. Depending on how HD-DVD discs are encoded, high definition output may only be accessible via the HDMI output. Whether consumers have access to high-definition output from an HD-DVD player via both the HDMI and Component Video outputs is determined by each studio on a case-by-case basis. Standard DVD playback is limited to the DVD region where the unit is purchased (Region 1 for Canada and the U.S.). There is no Region Coding for HD-DVDs.

2. The HD-XA1 also plays standard CDs, audio CD-R/CD-RW, MP3 and WMA encoded discs.

3.The HD-XA1 also features the new surround sound and two-channel audio processing formats: Dolby® Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD lossless (2-ch.), DTS® and DTS-HD lossless as well as standard Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1. The default audio output for HD-DVDs is DTS 5.1.

4.The HD-XA1 has a full complement of audio and video connection options.

High definition outputs include: HDMI (hi-def video and uncompressed digital audio), DVI-HDCP video output with adapter.

Standard definition video outputs include: Component Video (progressive or interlaced), S-Video, and standard composite video.

Audio outputs include: 5.1 channel analog (for access to the HD-XA1's built-in surround decoders), two channel analog, digital optical, and digital coaxial outputs.

5. Two additional input/output options include an Ethernet Port for access to network or internet content (including possible firmware upgrades), and two front panel USB ports for additional device connection (such as game controlers, digital imaging devices, etc...). Some aspects of these capabilities will be added later via firmware upgrades.

6. The HD-XA1 has control, via wireless remote and onscreen menus, of Aspect ratio, Black Level, Bass Management, 720p/1080i output selection, Resume Play, and any Disc navigation functions that are present - such as subtitles, audio preferences, interactive menu selections, etc...

7. The internal core components of the HD-XA1 include: a 2.5 GHZ Pentium 4 processor, 1 GB of DDR RAM, and an NEC HD-DVD PC drive.

8. Included in box: HD-XA1, Remote (batteries included), HDMI cable, Composite Video/Analog Stereo cables, User Manual, Firmware Update Notice, Software License, Registration Card.

Additional components used in this review included a Yamaha HTR-5490 6.1 Channel AV receiver, Outlaw Audio Model 950 paired with a Butler Audio 5150 5-channel power amplifier, Syntax LT-32HV 32-inch LCD television, Samsung LN-R238W 23-inch LCD Television , and a Westinghouse Digital LTV-37W2HD 37-inch LCD Television.

All of the comparison LCD televisions are HD-compatible with native 720p capability. The Samsung and Westinghouse units each have an HDMI input, while the Syntax has a DVI-HDCP input. All three units also have HD-compatible Component video inputs.

A variety of loudspeakers, including Klipsch B-3s, Klipsch C-3, Optimus LX-5IIs, a Yamaha YST-SW205 Powered Subwoofer, and additional speakers, in both matched and mismatched setups were used.

Comparison standard DVD players (with 720p/1080i upscaling capability) included , Samsung DVD-HD931 (DVI-HDCP output) and NeuNeo HVD-2085 (HD-component and HDMI output)

DVD-Rs and DVD+RWs used were made on the followig DVD recorders: Sony RDR-HX900, Philips DVDR985, and a Presidian PDR-3222.

All connections between components were made with Accell, Cobalt, and AR Interconnect cables.

HD-DVDs used included: Serenity, Phantom of the Opera, The Last Samurai, Million Dollar Baby.

Pre-recorded standard DVDs for additional playback tests included scenes from the following: Serenity, Kill Bill - Vol1/2, Pirates Of The Caribbean, Valley Of Gwangi, Underworld, Moulin Rouge, Zathura, The Corpse Bride, and The Mummy, as well as video content on DVD-R and DVD+RW discs recorded on DVD recorders.

For audio only, various CDs included: HEART - Dreamboat Annie, Nora Jones: Come Away With Me, Lisa Loeb: Firecracker, Blue Man Group The Complex, Telarc: 1812 Overture. DTS discs included: Queen: Night At The Opera/The Game, Eagles: Hotel California, Sheila Nicholls: Wake, Alan Parsons: On Air. Also included: The Corrs: In Blue (Dolby Digital). In addition, music content on CD-R/RWs were also used.

The Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD video test disc was also used for more precise video performance measurements.

Proceed to Page 2 - Evaluation and Final Take