Home > Consumer Reviews > Toshiba HD-XA2 1080p HD-DVD Player

The fact that you're researching the Toshiba XA2 is proof positive that you're serious about Video performance. Well, I'm happy to say that the XA2 will meet the needs of the most demanding videophile.

The solidly built unit (approx. 12 lbs) isn't just another pretty face. There are some serious components lurking under its sleek chassis, including a 297MHz / 12 bit Video DAC with high-quality, 4x oversampling for increased bandwidth for true playback of an HD picture to a video source. The HD-XA2 comes with a picture setting function allowing customers to optimize picture quality with user adjustable settings for color, contrast, brightness, edge enhancement and block noise, among others.

Although this unit plays HD DVDs with jaw-dropping clarity, my main reason for purchasing was its ability to play SD DVDs with outstanding quality (thanks in part to the Silicon Optics ReonVX chip). I'm an off-the-hook movie buff and have thousands of DVDs in my library. I realize many esoteric titles in my collection probably won't be around any time soon on HD DVD or BD (if ever). So I want to be able to enjoy these movies with the best possible quality, and was prepared to spend a bundle for one of the better video processors that would help me achieve this quest. Fortunately, I discovered that I didn't need to go this route after all!

This quote from a member of the AV Science Forum really sums things up: "Bottom line-- there is NO REASON TO BUY AN EXTERNAL VIDEO PROCESSOR if you buy the XA2. Not only did it match in virtually all the tests and visual observations of the Gennum VXP chip in the Crystallio II VP but in some cases the XA2 was VISUALLY SUPERIOR. The Toshiba XA2 is without a doubt the best upscaling SD DVD player that I have ever seen. It certainly leaves me depressed about the money I spent a month ago on the CII."

The XA2 will do a great job playing your CD collection, although I'm sure most audiophiles are now depending on the incredible sounding DAC1 for that task, which makes this a moot issue.

One has to actually see the XA2 in action to fully appreciate its capabilities.
As far as HD DVD or Blu-Ray is concerned, I consider myself format neutral, as I also own a Panasonic Blu-Ray player. My display is a DLP projector with a 120" Firehawk screen.

Good luck with your purchase, I'm sure you'll be pleased to death.

To put it simply, I hadn't realized the full promise of SD (1080p) up-conversion before buying this phenomenal player. Having made a significant investment in SD DVDs, I was looking for something that would allow me to realize the maximum potential of my investment.

After being somewhat disappointed with players like the Oppo 981 (which were pretty good, but had problems with macro blocking issues), I decided to take the plunge and order the XA2.

The picture quality from this player is simply astounding and the depth and vividness of the colors will make you want to watch some Kar Wai Wong movies (2046, In a Mood for Love) over and over again(same is true for some Bollywood films as well). And yes, the HD-DVD playback is superlative too -- I would recommend screening the HD version of "Phantom of the Opera" if you want to blow your friends away.

It's ironic that the combination of my Sony 60A2000 RPTV and this player is truly a match made in heaven -- now, if only they can settle those silly format wars and let us enjoy this great player in peace :). The only real complaint I have is that the load times can be a little slow compared to other DVD players. But then again, would have been this impatient with this player if I didn't know what it delivered

I was one of the people to own this on 01/04/2007, and this is my first HD/BD player. I can say, having owned decent players like Oppo's and Pio Elite, that this is best DVD player to have hit the market ever in terms of PQ. The SD DVD upconversion is jaw dropping good, giving external upconverters a thump in the rear. This is a super high end DVD player at a mid-High price point, plus throw in a HD DVD playback ability. Either SD or HD DVD, you'll enjoy the show. SD upconversion is as close to HD as you can possibly get.

If you own a 1080P TV, even 1080i,and can afford it, do not hesitate in buying this. I was apprehensive at first, but now that I own it I can't seem to turn it off. It does lack a Zoom feature and takes about 30 seconds to start up, but that is much better than previous models.

Here is a good review link comparing it to SDI+Crystallio 2:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=782887

I've owned 9 different DVD players since 1997, and just got the XA2 based on some user reviews in the AVS Forum. All I can say is : WOW. The picture you get from upscaled DVDs is unbelievable. It is even superior to my Denon 5910 that costs 3 times as much. Needless to say, I've already put my Denon for sale.

Just as I thought it couldn't get any better, I played some HD-DVDs, and the picture and sound were brought up to an all new level. For me the choice is clear : I will buy HD-DVDs, or if the title I want is exclusive to Blu-Ray because of the stupid format war, I will buy the standard DVD. No big loss, the upconverted picture on this beast is very very close to HD.

I bought this a few weeks ago and have been putting it through its paces.
The picture is incredible with HD DVD's, and with standard def DVD's is much better than any of my prior 3 DVD players. I like the ability to access menus while the movie is playing.

I have a 1080p TV, and wondered why the player was outputing 1080p. After pouring through the manual, and finding no real answers (although the manual is pretty well written), I e-mailed Toshiba on a Friday night and had a response by Sat am. They were not able to help me by e-mail but gave me an 800 number to call. I was afraid of being on hold forever so did'nt call for a few days but when I did I was shocked that immediately a human being answered the phone (Jim) and immediately answered all my questions. Very nice and very knowledgeable and not on hold for one second. This kind of support helps make paying $600 for a DVD player worthwhile.

He said that a lot of 1080p sets like mine output a 1080p picture but do not accept a 1080p signal directly. So the DVD player knows this and outputs 1080i. Doesn't really matter because my set de-interlaces the signal and I am seeing an absolutely gorgeous 1080p picture.

One other thing that he says is common to all of the current "next generation" DVD players is that the disc will not resume where you left off, but always starts back at the beginning of the HD DVD. This is a minor annoyance but not unique to this player.

Yes (as menioned in previous reviews) the fan is a little loud but I barely notice it.

Be aware that it does take longer for a disc to "load" than on a standard def DVD player, but again I believe this is a common issue to all current "next generation" DVD players.

I also like the ability to connect the player to the internet via ethernet cable, and get firmware updates. Toshiba will also e-maiol

If you, like me, have been trying to wait out the "format war" and are tired of waiting... and have a high def TV you are aching to use...
You will not be disappointed with this player.
Highly recommended.