Toshiba A2 HD-DVD player for $99
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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, 10/26/2001 -
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, 10/26/2001John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
Walmart and Bestbuy are both selling the A2 for $99, tomorrow only while supplies last.
This is incredible. Didn't it just come out at $199? Is this a special sale? They've been saying for awhile that the first player to come out under $200, in particular in time for the holiday season, would win the format war. Looks like HD-DVD is making a play for the winning position. I sense this format war is different though; that is, I don't think only one will win this time. I suspect they'll coexist side by side until the next big thing comes out. Looks like the next big thing might actually be nanotech memory called Programmable Metallization Cell[^]
"If you think of yourselves as helpless and ineffectual, it is certain that you will create a despotic government to be your master. The wise despot, therefore, maintains among his subjects a popular sense that they are helpless and ineffectual." - Frank Herbert
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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, 10/26/2001Man, 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.
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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, 10/26/2001Actually BB is selling it today for $99, but it's all out of stock. Also, on BF Sears will be selling HD-A3 for $167 I believe, that is if you're willing to camp for it for 4 hours in the morning. Still good news IMO. As much as I hate both formats for the stupid copy protection, HD-DVD is least protective of the two. I've yet to see BR player go below $350-$400 mark. There were several customer returned BR units (no box, no manual, no remote, just the unit) on clearance at BB for less than $100 a month ago, but there were no takers which actually surprised me. If I wanted a BR player, and if those players actually worked I'd took them. Seems no one wants Sony stuff...
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John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
Walmart and Bestbuy are both selling the A2 for $99, tomorrow only while supplies last.
This is incredible. Didn't it just come out at $199? Is this a special sale? They've been saying for awhile that the first player to come out under $200, in particular in time for the holiday season, would win the format war. Looks like HD-DVD is making a play for the winning position. I sense this format war is different though; that is, I don't think only one will win this time. I suspect they'll coexist side by side until the next big thing comes out. Looks like the next big thing might actually be nanotech memory called Programmable Metallization Cell[^]
"If you think of yourselves as helpless and ineffectual, it is certain that you will create a despotic government to be your master. The wise despot, therefore, maintains among his subjects a popular sense that they are helpless and ineffectual." - Frank Herbert
Patrick Sears wrote:
Looks like the next big thing might actually be nanotech memory called Programmable Metallization Cell[^]
holographic storage has been making similar claims for years and has remained stuck at 18mo out for the duration. I'll believe it once a major manufacturer commits to producing it in quantity. Until then it's just test tubed unobtanium. :rolleyes:
-- If you view money as inherently evil, I view it as my duty to assist in making you more virtuous.
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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, 10/26/2001Will this play all my 8-Tracks? :rolleyes:
:..::. Douglas H. Troy ::..
Bad Astronomy |VCF|wxWidgets|WTL -
Actually BB is selling it today for $99, but it's all out of stock. Also, on BF Sears will be selling HD-A3 for $167 I believe, that is if you're willing to camp for it for 4 hours in the morning. Still good news IMO. As much as I hate both formats for the stupid copy protection, HD-DVD is least protective of the two. I've yet to see BR player go below $350-$400 mark. There were several customer returned BR units (no box, no manual, no remote, just the unit) on clearance at BB for less than $100 a month ago, but there were no takers which actually surprised me. If I wanted a BR player, and if those players actually worked I'd took them. Seems no one wants Sony stuff...
JazzJackRabbit wrote:
Seems no one wants Sony stuff...
"I find that hard to believe," said the ex-Sony customer sarcastically. BDF
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Walmart and Bestbuy are both selling the A2 for $99, tomorrow only while supplies last. If you have blu-ray and want to go dual format, this is your chance. If you've been sitting on the fence, and only want to support one format, again, this is your chance.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001A 99$ piece of crap.
----- 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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Will this play all my 8-Tracks? :rolleyes:
:..::. Douglas H. Troy ::..
Bad Astronomy |VCF|wxWidgets|WTLI think that is still in Beta. ;P
Chris Meech I am Canadian. [heard in a local bar] Donate to help Conquer Cancer[^]
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A 99$ piece of crap.
----- 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
Why do you say that? I've seen a number of people that are very happy with their A2's.
"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 -
I think that is still in Beta. ;P
Chris Meech I am Canadian. [heard in a local bar] Donate to help Conquer Cancer[^]
Chris Meech wrote:
Beta
Beta?!?! I have some of those too! I hear they're going to be wildly successful... :rolleyes:
:..::. Douglas H. Troy ::..
Bad Astronomy |VCF|wxWidgets|WTL -
Why do you say that? I've seen a number of people that are very happy with their A2's.
"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, 10/26/2001Those 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
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A 99$ piece of crap.
----- 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
Really? All the reviews I've seen say it is very good. What do you know is wrong with it?
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.
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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
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Really? All the reviews I've seen say it is very good. What do you know is wrong with it?
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.
I have read reviews, and, yes, they seem pretty happy, but they are not so good. I think this is ok if you use the HDMI output. I think it is the beauty of HDMI: since it is digital, there is no matter if the source is cheap electronics, as long as it doesn't skip bits. And as long as your reveiver or tv provides a good DAC. The specs says 1080i maximum resolution. Hmmm, isn't real HD 1080p? Most reviews see it as an entry-level player.
----- 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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Who's brainwashed? The people that will flood to Wal-Mart to buy a piece of electronics probably not worth the price they are selling it? Another completely useless trolling comment. Btw, I am electrical engineer. Even though I did not specialized in electronics, I know a bit about it. And cheap components don't perform well, I can tell you. As for DAC, if it not well designed, it leads to crappy results.
----- 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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I think that is still in Beta. ;P
Chris Meech I am Canadian. [heard in a local bar] Donate to help Conquer Cancer[^]
Oh gag! :rolleyes:
¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! Real Mentats use only 100% pure, unfooled around with Sapho Juice(tm)! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! VCF Blog
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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:
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
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I have read reviews, and, yes, they seem pretty happy, but they are not so good. I think this is ok if you use the HDMI output. I think it is the beauty of HDMI: since it is digital, there is no matter if the source is cheap electronics, as long as it doesn't skip bits. And as long as your reveiver or tv provides a good DAC. The specs says 1080i maximum resolution. Hmmm, isn't real HD 1080p? Most reviews see it as an entry-level player.
----- 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:
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, 10/26/2001 -
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
