Toshiba A2 HD-DVD player for $99
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Le Centriste wrote:
Those ultra-low grade are real pieces of junk. They are often made up of parts that did not pass QA testing. Also, they use chipsets that degrade the quality of the image. And it won't last very long, so it is another piece of junk that will be thrown in the nature.
I don't know where you came up with that.... They cost less because they utilize less capable components than their higher-priced alternatives - not because the components failed some higher-level Q/A testing. I'm not sure of the differences between the various models, but I do know that I bought a XA2 for $499, which is the flagship player because my TV can display 1080p, and I have a significant standard def DVD library. I wanted the best possible playback on my existing collection, and I want the best possible playback for the new stuff I buy in the future. The lower-end players (like the A2 or A3) are actually for folks that don't own a 1080p TV and/or that can live with 1080i and a slightly less capable up-conversion for standard def DVDs. To even think for a minute that ANY manufacturer would want to deal with the possibility of product returns due to the intentional use of faulty components is not only ludicrous, but saying so makes you look pretty much like an asshat for even bringing it up.
Le Centriste wrote:
Did you ever try a 50$ DVD player and compare it to a 500$ one? I did. The difference is amazing. Plus, a very good DVD player can also be used as a fairly good CD player. A 50$ one, forget it.
First, I've never even SEEN a $500 standard definition DVD player. Second, I have a CD player in my home theater system. Why would I even want to play a CD in the DVD player?
Le Centriste wrote:
But if the player is able to transmit digital data (both video and audio, like HDMI), you may be in luck, if your home theater component is equipped with good DAC components.
The A2 has a HDMI connector on the back as well as composite, s-video, and component outputs. Take your pick.
Le Centriste wrote:
HD-DVD players would be region-free
They're all region-free (or at least are supposed to be). I have a Terminator 2 from Germany, and it plays fine in my XA2. I really think you need to re-evaluate and do some self-education before blasting a decent player simply beca
John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
The lower-end players (like the A2 or A3) are actually for folks that don't own a 1080p TV and/or that can live with 1080i and a slightly less capable up-conversion for standard def DVDs
That is my point. It is a little like jumping on a regulare DVD player at 50$ and say it is a great deal. It does not support progressive scan, but, what the heck, it is cheap.
John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
First, I've never even SEEN a $500 standard definition DVD player
Well, there are. Rotel even makes one that costs $899[^]. Ok, the electronics parts passed QA, but probably because QA specs are very low. But, there may be an exception, since Toshiba is well-known, well-respected electronics maker.
John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
To even think for a minute that ANY manufacturer would want to deal with the possibility of product returns due to the intentional use of faulty components is not only ludicrous, but saying so makes you look pretty much like an asshat for even bringing it up.
That is a pretty bold statement. I would replace ANY with MOST if I were you, or you may be the one looking like an asshat. Btw, why do people resort to insulting others in discussions? probably because of their lack of arguments or utter ignorance on the subject.
John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
They're all region-free (or at least are supposed to be).
Not the ones I saw on BestBuy's web site. And having a region-free player does not make all players region-free.
John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
I really think you need to re-evaluate and do some self-education before blasting a decent player simply because Walmart is selling them for next to nothing.
Since your reply contains many false/uneducated statements, the same applies to you.
----- You seem eager to impose your preference of preventing others from imposing their preferences on others. -- Red Stateler, Master of Circular Reasoning and other fallacies If atheism is a religion, then not collecting
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Man, the closest Walmart or Bestbuy is... New York. I am in Ireland. Doh. And in real money that is only €68. I'd go out and get that tomorrow were it available here.
regards, Paul Watson Ireland & South Africa
Andy Brummer wrote:
Watson's law: As an online discussion of cars grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving the Bugatti Veyron approaches one.
But just think - you could always fly over. That should only cost you 400 or so. A real bargain it would be.:-D
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
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Those ultra-low grade are real pieces of junk. They are often made up of parts that did not pass QA testing. Also, they use chipsets that degrade the quality of the image. And it won't last very long, so it is another piece of junk that will be thrown in the nature. Did you ever try a 50$ DVD player and compare it to a 500$ one? I did. The difference is amazing. Plus, a very good DVD player can also be used as a fairly good CD player. A 50$ one, forget it. But if the player is able to transmit digital data (both video and audio, like HDMI), you may be in luck, if your home theater component is equipped with good DAC components. On another related topic, you once mentioned (I may be mistaking here, correct me if this is the case) that HD-DVD players would be region-free, compared to blu-ray ones that wouldn't. I went on the BestBuy Canada web site, and they are all region-bound (multizone = no). Did they change their mind about it? Is it just in Canada?
----- You seem eager to impose your preference of preventing others from imposing their preferences on others. -- Red Stateler, Master of Circular Reasoning and other fallacies If atheism is a religion, then not collecting stamps is a hobby. -- Unknown God is the only being who, to rule, does not need to exist. -- Charles Baudelaire
Le Centriste wrote:
Did you ever try a 50$ DVD player and compare it to a 500$ one? I did
I did a variation of this. I've owned now a total of 7 dvd players. Prices ranging from $450 to $24.99. The best one of the lot was a no named little unit that i picked up at BestBuy for $24.99. It played recorded/scratched disks the others wouldn't, and the picture and sound were great. Picking hardware based on price isn't always the right idea.
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Walmart and Bestbuy are both selling the A2 for $99, tomorrow only while supplies last. If you have blu-ray and want to go dual format, this is your chance. If you've been sitting on the fence, and only want to support one format, again, this is your chance.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001And that's not the gold-plated version.
We are a big screwed up dysfunctional psychotic happy family - some more screwed up, others more happy, but everybody's psychotic joint venture definition of CP
My first real C# project | Linkify!|FoldWithUs! | sighist -
Le Centriste wrote:
The specs says 1080i maximum resolution. Hmmm, isn't real HD 1080p?
It's a sligtly better form of HD. The simple truth is some TV's can't display 1080p, but CAN display 1080i or 720p (smaller sets < 40 inches). So why spend the money on a $500 player like the XA2 (which does 1080p) when a $100 player will do the job on your less capable TV? Your arguments are pretty lame.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001John, Pardon my ignorance. What if I bought an upconversion DVD player? Will it upconvert my standard definition DVD into a 1080p TV? How will be the performance? I know that I cannot play any HD DVD in standard DVD players, but the other day I saw one upconversion DVD player from Toshiba for $85 and I am now confused. I have a lot of DVDs but they are not HD. A lot of people are telling that if the TV size is less than 50 inches, the difference between 1080i and 1080p is almost indistinguishable. Is that correct? I am going to buy a 46 inch TV because my viewing area is that much. Thanks, Madhu
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John, Pardon my ignorance. What if I bought an upconversion DVD player? Will it upconvert my standard definition DVD into a 1080p TV? How will be the performance? I know that I cannot play any HD DVD in standard DVD players, but the other day I saw one upconversion DVD player from Toshiba for $85 and I am now confused. I have a lot of DVDs but they are not HD. A lot of people are telling that if the TV size is less than 50 inches, the difference between 1080i and 1080p is almost indistinguishable. Is that correct? I am going to buy a 46 inch TV because my viewing area is that much. Thanks, Madhu
Madhu Cheriyedath wrote:
What if I bought an upconversion DVD player? Will it upconvert my standard definition DVD into a 1080p TV? How will be the performance? I know that I cannot play any HD DVD in standard DVD players, but the other day I saw one upconversion DVD player from Toshiba for $85 and I am now confused. I have a lot of DVDs but they are not HD.
Yes. Make sure the DVD player has a HDMI connector.
Madhu Cheriyedath wrote:
A lot of people are telling that if the TV size is less than 50 inches, the difference between 1080i and 1080p is almost indistinguishable. Is that correct? I am going to buy a 46 inch TV because my viewing area is that much.
I suppose that might be the case. I'm not sure if you can get a 1080p set in 46-inch, but if you can, and if you can afford it, by all means get one. Unfortunately, you generally can't walk into Best Buy or Circuit City to perform an adequate side-by-side comparison because the nimrods in these stores don't have the ability to setup the gear they sell so that it's shown in its best light. Research as much as you can stand on the internet - it took me 3 months to pick a TV.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
And that's not the gold-plated version.
We are a big screwed up dysfunctional psychotic happy family - some more screwed up, others more happy, but everybody's psychotic joint venture definition of CP
My first real C# project | Linkify!|FoldWithUs! | sighistYou don't need to buy the $99 cables.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
Le Centriste wrote:
The specs says 1080i maximum resolution. Hmmm, isn't real HD 1080p?
It's a sligtly better form of HD. The simple truth is some TV's can't display 1080p, but CAN display 1080i or 720p (smaller sets < 40 inches). So why spend the money on a $500 player like the XA2 (which does 1080p) when a $100 player will do the job on your less capable TV? Your arguments are pretty lame.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001There's actually not much point having 1080 lines on a screen smaller than 40 inches. At typical viewing distances your eyes can't actually resolve the resolution. It's barely worth having 720 lines on a 26" widescreen at 6ft viewing distance (this is my setup) compared to PAL 576 lines (more benefit if your 'standard' resolution is 480i). It's interesting that the digital cinema standards, referred to as 2k and 4k, are 2048x1080 and 4096x2160, and that's for 20' screens. Source[^].
DoEvents: Generating unexpected recursion since 1991 -
There's actually not much point having 1080 lines on a screen smaller than 40 inches. At typical viewing distances your eyes can't actually resolve the resolution. It's barely worth having 720 lines on a 26" widescreen at 6ft viewing distance (this is my setup) compared to PAL 576 lines (more benefit if your 'standard' resolution is 480i). It's interesting that the digital cinema standards, referred to as 2k and 4k, are 2048x1080 and 4096x2160, and that's for 20' screens. Source[^].
DoEvents: Generating unexpected recursion since 1991The players (at least the HD-DVD ones) allow you to select the best resolution that your tv supports.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
And that's not the gold-plated version.
We are a big screwed up dysfunctional psychotic happy family - some more screwed up, others more happy, but everybody's psychotic joint venture definition of CP
My first real C# project | Linkify!|FoldWithUs! | sighistArguably the need to spend a little more on cables was greater in the analogue era. Even then it was virtually non-existent - the key points about cables are the conducting cores' resistivity (resistance per unit length) and capacitance between cores. However, these are generally measured in ohms or even milliohms per metre and picofarads, units that are not considered significant in electronic designs (most resistances of significance are measured in at least kΩ and capacitances in nF, although the occasional pF capacitor might be used). Silver is a better conductor than copper, it's true, but of the order of about 6%, which can be compensated for by using slightly heavier-gauge copper wire, or simply accepting the slightly higher resistance of the copper cable. 'Oxygen-free' copper has only fractionally lower oxygen content than 'regular' copper and its resistivity differs by a very small amount. Of more significance is the design of the cable - lapped or braided screens help eliminate cross-talk from other cables and a certain amount of rejectance of magnetic fields, as the current induced by the field is induced in the screen, not in the signal-carrying core(s). For single high-frequency cables, coaxial cable has good wave-carrying characteristics. These tend to work best with a modulated carrier frequency rather continuously-variable signals, however. A technique that works very well, particularly for digital signals, is the balanced pair. This is where instead of a single conductor carrying a signal, a pair of conductors is used, one of which carries the original signal and the other carries its inverse. At the receiving end, the inverted signal is inverted again and the two are summed. This has the effect of removing any common noise induced on both conductors. Further, the pairs, if twisted together, will tend to emit opposite magnetic fields and create a smaller net magnetic field, reducing cross-talk. SATA cables have more stringent requirements, due to running at a higher frequency, than do HDMI or DVI (which are the same thing; HDMI carries DVI-format video signals plus audio signals). There is absolutely no reason to spend more on HDMI than on SATA. USB 2.0 uses the same balanced-pair system at 480Mbps. In contrast the individual pairs in HDMI only have to run at 131MHz. Analogue video cables tended to be of the simple lapped screen variety, making them very flexible and easy to use. It did mean that noise rejection characteristics were poor. Coaxial cable would be of no benefit
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Le Centriste wrote:
Did you ever try a 50$ DVD player and compare it to a 500$ one? I did
I did a variation of this. I've owned now a total of 7 dvd players. Prices ranging from $450 to $24.99. The best one of the lot was a no named little unit that i picked up at BestBuy for $24.99. It played recorded/scratched disks the others wouldn't, and the picture and sound were great. Picking hardware based on price isn't always the right idea.
How come you owned so many players?
----- You seem eager to impose your preference of preventing others from imposing their preferences on others. -- Red Stateler, Master of Circular Reasoning and other fallacies If atheism is a religion, then not collecting stamps is a hobby. -- Unknown God is the only being who, to rule, does not need to exist. -- Charles Baudelaire
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Madhu Cheriyedath wrote:
What if I bought an upconversion DVD player? Will it upconvert my standard definition DVD into a 1080p TV? How will be the performance? I know that I cannot play any HD DVD in standard DVD players, but the other day I saw one upconversion DVD player from Toshiba for $85 and I am now confused. I have a lot of DVDs but they are not HD.
Yes. Make sure the DVD player has a HDMI connector.
Madhu Cheriyedath wrote:
A lot of people are telling that if the TV size is less than 50 inches, the difference between 1080i and 1080p is almost indistinguishable. Is that correct? I am going to buy a 46 inch TV because my viewing area is that much.
I suppose that might be the case. I'm not sure if you can get a 1080p set in 46-inch, but if you can, and if you can afford it, by all means get one. Unfortunately, you generally can't walk into Best Buy or Circuit City to perform an adequate side-by-side comparison because the nimrods in these stores don't have the ability to setup the gear they sell so that it's shown in its best light. Research as much as you can stand on the internet - it took me 3 months to pick a TV.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001Thanks John.
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How come you owned so many players?
----- You seem eager to impose your preference of preventing others from imposing their preferences on others. -- Red Stateler, Master of Circular Reasoning and other fallacies If atheism is a religion, then not collecting stamps is a hobby. -- Unknown God is the only being who, to rule, does not need to exist. -- Charles Baudelaire
