Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD Player - Product Review

The HD-XA1 really delivers the video performance with HD-DVD. Using the HDMI output and the 1080i setting, I found that the HD-DVD images were razor sharp on the three LCD HDTVs used. Although all three LCDs had native 720p resolution, the 1080i output setting on the XA1 actually delivered a slightly better HD-DVD image.

Using both the HD-DVD and standard DVD versions of the film Serenity, it was obvious when you were watching the standard DVD and HD-DVD versions. Even though the HD-XA1 can upscale standard DVDs to conform to either a 720p or 1080i output, standard DVDs still looked softer. Screen size is also a factor as the difference between standard DVD and HD-DVD was more noticeable on the the 32-inch Syntax and 37-inch Westinghouse, than on the 23-inch Samsung.

Using the HDMI output, with 1080i setting, in conjunction with the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD test disc, the HD-XA1 produced excellent results in terms of detail, color, motion tracking, and progressive scan capability. With the video noise tests, some background video noise was present, but the XA1's noise level was less than the Samsung 931. However, the XA1 did not do as well on the horizontal scrolling of overlayed video titles test as the Samsung 931.

HD-XA1 surpassed the upscaling and HQV tests results of the Neuneo HVD-2085 player.

The Silicon Optix HQV test results of the HD-XA1 were very good using the Samsung 23-inch and Syntax 32-inch LCD HD Televisions to compare the upscaling, motion, and noise factors of the Samsung 931, Neuneo HVD-2085 and the XA1.

I also found that when using an HDMI-to-DVI-HDCP connection there was no visible difference in video quality.

Audio Playback Performance

Audio performance of the HD-XA1 was also very good. Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound options worked well, with excellent imaging. When playing HD-DVDs, the default audio output via the digital audio outputs is DTS. However, the XA1 passes both Dolby Digital and DTS output signals present on standard DVDs. If your AV receiver does not have provisions for DTS input, the HD-XA1 has both stereo analog and 5.1 channel analog audio outputs that can connect to an AV receiver's 5.1 channel audio inputs, if they are present. This way you are able to access an already decoded DTS 5.1 channel output from HD-DVDs.

In the playback of standard CD material, the HD-XA1 showed no signs of obvious audio artifacts, faithfully reproducing the dynamics and frequency range of the recordings used.

1. Excellent video quality using HDMI high-definition output with HD-DVDs.

2. Very good upscaling of standard DVD playback via HDMI connection.

3. Automatic Aspect Ratio detection. This feature prevents 4x3 images from being unduly stretched on a 16x9 screen.

4. RS-232 and LAN Connections for network and internet access.

5. Backlit Motion Sensing Remote.

What I Didn't Like About the HD-XA1

1. Long boot-up and disc load time. It takes the HD-XA1 takes about 30 seconds to boot up and another 30 seconds to load a disc.

2. Inability to change resolution or video output settings during actual disc play.

3. Audio level output of HDMI connection was inconsistent. Use the digital optical or digital coaxial audio connections with a home theater system.

4. Upscaling of standard DVDs not accessible via Component Outputs - Only through HDMI output.

5. Inconsistent playback of DVD+R/+RW discs - No SACD/DVD-Audio Playback Compatibility - Dual Disc Playback not guaranteed.

Final Take

I found that the XA1 delivers excellent high definition video quality from HD-DVDs via HDMI. In addition the XA-1 delivered very good upscaled images from standard DVDs via HDMI.

However, when using the component outputs, HD-DVDs are limited to 480p resolution in most cases (the initial HD-DVD titles are 720p/1080i enabled via component outputs - but this will not be the case in many future releases) and standard DVDs are limited to 480p through the component outputs.

In terms of audio, I found that although the HDMI interface does pass audio signals for everything, including standard CDs, the results are mixed in terms of sound level and quality. My preference is to use the digital optical/coaxial outputs.

In terms of functionality, the HD-DVD format expands the capabilities of disc menu navigation. However, in terms of basic player function, I found several things annoying, such as the 30 second player boot-up time and additional 30 second disc loading time, and the inability to change resolution or video output selection while an HD-DVD or DVD is in play mode.

If you are willing to take the plunge into high definition DVD now, consider the Toshiba HD-XA1 as a possible choice, but also consider the forthcoming Blu-ray format as another choice.

While delivering great video and audio performance, the HD-XA1 has some operational quirks and a high price tag.

I give the HD-XA1 4 Stars out of 5.