Toshiba HD DVD XA-1 $99 (Good Deal?)

[rubadubspawn]

I picked up a Toshiba HD DVD XA-1 for $99 at Fye's (Walden Galleria, Buffalo, NY) over the weekend. I'd been looking for another HD DVD player for awhile and hadn't been able to really track any down locally, and especially none that were factory sealed.

They had a couple left - I asked them if they were going to drop in price further, but they didn't know.

Does anyone know if this is a decent model (I checked some online reviews, but since most of them were done when the product debuted, it's hard to know how accurate they are), or if $100 is a good price?

Thanks!

[chris gerhard]

It is a first generation model, 1080i only, and in that group of players, it is the best. I have an HD-A1 that works great still, but I wouldn't buy either player today at $100. In order of preference in my opinion, go for:

HD-XA2
HD-A35
HD-A20
HD-A30

Wait until you find the deal you want and buy a player that does 1080/24p for the future.

Chris

[rubadubspawn]

Thanks for the input.

Do you know what has been the price range for any of the players you mentioned in the last 3 or 4 months? Or if they have been widely available? I've been keeping my eyes out for any HD DVD players since Feb 08, and I haven't really seen any anywhere...

I still have a 30 day window and can return the unit, but its a hassle.

Beyond the refurb A30's for $100 at the Amazon Warehouse or that Compusa deal at $80 for the A3+4 Movies, or ebay, I haven't been able to find any other factory fresh units..

Any input or links to the good/bad on the XA1 would be appreciated!

Thanks

[Mike171979]

The XA1 is the first generation top of the line model.

Its a tank, and you'll love it I have no doubt.

Just be sure to download the latest firmware for it from the Toshiba Website.

[CochiseGuy]

If that's a new unit, that's a great price. I've seen refurb XA1s for $129 at Overstock.com, and used ones usually go got $80-$90 on eBay.

I had an Xa1 for a year & a half and loved it - I sold mine last November when I got an A35. I regret selling it now - it's a rock solid player. But, yeah, make sure you update the firmware - version 3.0 is the most recent.

[The BJD]

Originally Posted by rubadubspawn

I picked up a Toshiba HD DVD XA-1 for $99 at Fye's (Walden Galleria, Buffalo, NY) over the weekend. I'd been looking for another HD DVD player for awhile and hadn't been able to really track any down locally, and especially none that were factory sealed.

They had a couple left - I asked them if they were going to drop in price further, but they didn't know.

Does anyone know if this is a decent model (I checked some online reviews, but since most of them were done when the product debuted, it's hard to know how accurate they are), or if $100 is a good price?

Thanks!

That is my favorite player though maybe not the best when compared to an A35 or XA2. I have every model except the A1, A2 and A-20. I like the door and the audio via optical is very good as well as having the option of lossless via hdmi or analog. I paid $600 plus for mine and though it is slower than the new machines I loved it. I think it is a great deal for the initial flagship model of the HD DVD format.

[rubadubspawn]

Thanks for all the awesome feedback!

I actually already have two A3's already and while I've been relatively happy with them (both had to go back for warranty servicing), I was looking for a 'back-up' player or a living room player.

From most of the reviews I read, people have indicated that the boot up time & load times are SLOW. Do any of the firmware updates address this at all? How does it compare to the A3 load up times?

I thought the A3 was pretty slow - but have gotten used to it I guess... I'm sorta on the fence if I should keep this unit or return it.

Thanks again...

[Mike171979]

Originally Posted by rubadubspawn

From most of the reviews I read, people have indicated that the boot up time & load times are SLOW. Do any of the firmware updates address this at all? How does it compare to the A3 load up times?

I thought the A3 was pretty slow - but have gotten used to it I guess... I'm sorta on the fence if I should keep this unit or return it.

Thanks again...

From what I remember reading over at AVS forums, a couple of the firmware updates do make it a little faster.

Also the thing just has the feel and look of a ultra highend unit, worthy of its initial MSRP of $800.

Take it out of the box, hook it up, and update the firmware, I have a feeling you'll like it more than your A3.

[CochiseGuy]

Originally Posted by Mike171979

From what I remember reading over at AVS forums, a couple of the firmware updates do make it a little faster.

Also the thing just has the feel and look of a ultra highend unit, worthy of its initial MSRP of $800.

Take it out of the box, hook it up, and update the firmware, I have a feeling you'll like it more than your A3.

Yeah, mine was up to FW 2.4 when I sold it, and boot-up didn't take much longer than the A35.

Forgot to mention in the PM that the remote control is terrific - brushed aluminum, nice heavy, solid feel to it, and the back lighting on the buttons makes it really easy to navigate in dim lighting. The back lighting is motion sensitive - it comes one when you pick it up, but it can come one laying on the table with vibrations from the sub woofer during loud scenes. I always figured it would be useful as an early earthquake warning system.

[grif32]

I have had mine for over a year now and still only has FW 2.0 on it. Plays everything I throw at it. Never had one problem yet even with Transformers.

Its a tank. You will love it.