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I've owned this player for over 1 1/2 years and after the initial firmware updates it has been flawless and even quicker to load now (which was one of it's largest drawbacks).I know you've read the so called complaints about it only out-putting 1080i signal, but if you have a quality 1080p HDTV it just de-interlaces the signal and you see a full 1080p picture anyway.I'd have given this 5 stars but it still is just a little slow to start-up, not real bad just slower then a regular DVD player is.I own both a PS3 and this HD DVD player and while I really like my PS3 my XA1 still delivers a better upscaled picture of regular DVDs (not huge but still better). Most of the negative reviews are just Blu-Ray supporters posting with hidden agendas or people that were not aware of the need at first for firmware updates or the few problems with early HD DVDs and combo DVDS and got impatient and frustrated.
It's sad, HD dvd has died a premature death.I don't think it was given a fair chance against Blu Ray( Warner Bros and Walmart saw to it).I always had this sneaky feeling that Toshiba knew the end was near and began to cut back on production costs(look at the company's HD-A35 as compared to HD-XA1,XA2).The HD-A35 was built to a price and it showed.As for the HD-XA1,pictures never did it justice.You must see it for real and you'll appreciate what the market is going to miss.Picture quality is superb.I use a Sony full hd lcd tv and maybe the Sony actually flatters the HD-XA1.If you can put up with the minor problems(long bootup,firmware updates)go for it.
The only studios that will be making HD DVD's are Paramount/Dreamworks and Universal. HD DVD is a dead format. Disney, Buena Vista, Sony, Warner Brothers, New Line, MGM, and Lionsgate all release movies exclusively on Blu-ray.Do yourself a favor and avoid HD DVD players. Warner Brothers is going to stop producing HD DVD discs soon. Do a search and you will see many articles about this. The reason the prices are so cheap is that Toshiba knows it is dead and is probably clearing out remaining inventory. You've been warned.
Frustration after frustration. The lens goes bad after about a year and Toshiba is laughing all the way to the bank. Bad customer support. It's a waste of money. The discs dont work and Universal will do nothing for you. NOT READY FOR PRIMETIME.
Unit looks very elegant, but It has a few hiccups like it will not play dual format disc the HD version,but it will play standard version.Go figure.Also rentals from netflix cross your fingers that they will play.
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