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 - Review
The Toshiba HD-XA1 is an HD-DVD player that delivers full 720p or 1080i resolution output for HD-DVD format discs, and can also upscale standard DVDs to better match the capabilities of current HDTVs.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.
