Toshiba HD-XA1

(7.5 out of 10)

A good look at the HD-XA1 proves that high-def is the future of the DVD.

Ten years after the first DVD player wowed us, the next generation of DVD is hitting stores. This time there's a choice: HD DVD, supported by Toshiba, Microsoft and Thomson; and Blu-ray Disc, backed by Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sharp and Philips. LG, for one, has said it might support both.            With single-disc DVD players ringing up at Target for $39 a pop, it's no wonder the industry is pushing the next big thing in video. But for many consumers who are content with their existing libraries of video discs, DVD fills their need. These are likely the same people who are satisfied with their analog or EDTVs and haven't caught on to the wonders of HDTV.            But I am ready for next-gen DVD. I've had my HDTV for 4 years, and standard-def DVD is no longer good enough. If I've been enjoying Rudy Maxa's high-def travels on PBS HD, and then I switch to a DVD, I'm underwhelmed by the down-res viewing experience to 480p resolution. I want everything in high-def—720p, 1080i or 1080p.            Enter Toshiba's new HD DVD players, the first high-def DVD players to hit the market in late spring. For this review, we selected the higher end $799 HD-XA1 HD DVD player. The entry-level HD-A1 retails for $499. Continue reading full review @ Digital Trends