The Bottom Line
Pros
- Excellent video quality using HDMI high-definition output with HD-DVDs
- Very good upscaling capability with standard DVD playback via HDMI output
- Automatic Aspect Ratio detection
- Extensive audio and video connection options - RS232 and LAN connections
- Backlit Motion Sensing Remote Control
Cons
- Long boot-up and disc load time.
- Inability to change resolution or video output settings during actual disc play.
- Audio level output and quality inconsistency using HDMI connection
- Upscaling of standard DVDs not accessible via Component Outputs - Only through HDMI output
- Playback of DVD+R/+RW discs is inconsistent - No SACD or DVD-Audio Compatibility
Description
- The HD-XA1 plays HD-DVDs, standard DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM discs.
- Standard DVDs can be upscaled to match the 720p or 1080i native resolution of HDTVs.
- The HD-XA1 can also play standard audio CDs, audio CD-R/CD-RW, MP3 and WMA encoded CD discs.
- Audio: Dolby® Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD lossless (2-ch.), DTS® and DTS-HD lossless.
- High definition outputs: HDMI, DVI-HDCP video output compatibility with adapter.
- SD video outputs: Component Video (progressive or interlaced), S-Video, and composite video.
- Audio outputs: 5.1 channel analog, two channel analog, digital optical, and digital coaxial outputs.
- Additional input/outputs include: Ethernet Port network or internet access, and two USB ports.
- Control Options: Aspect ratio, Black Level, Bass Management, 720p/1080i output, Disc Navigation.
- Internal core components include: a 2.5GHZ Pentium4 processor, 1GB DDR RAM, and NEC HD-DVD PC drive.
Guide Review - Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD Player - Short Review
I found that the XA1 delivers excellent high definition video quality via its HDMI connection interface. However, when using the component video outputs, HD-DVDs are limited to 480p resolution in most cases (the first few initial HD-DVD titles 720p and 1080i enabled - however, this will not be the case in most future releases) and standard DVDs always limited to 480p through the component outputs.
In terms of audio quality, 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. I feel it is best to use the digital optical, digital optical, or analog audio connections when using the XA1 with a home theater system.
In terms of functionality, the HD-DVD format really expands the capabilities of disc menu navigation, however, in terms of basic player functions, I found several things annoying, such as the 30 second player boot-up time, the 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.
