Toshiba HD-(x) [A1/XA1/D2/A2/A20/XA2/A2W/A3/A30/A35] firmware update (faq thread)

diabolos

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This story confirms that v2.0 is on its way and will make some big changes!
http://www.hdbeat.com/2006/08/08/hd-dvd-2-0-firmware-soon-enables...

My favorite added feature is Dolby TrueHD 5.1 support,
Ced

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eatsushi

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Thanks for the info Ced. My unit's doing well with the 1.4 firmware but the addition of Dolby TruHD 5.1 will be very welcome. I've been using the analog out like dblbogey7.

"The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."
-Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Home Entertainment Feb 19, 2008

dblbogey7 Suspended due non-functional email address

I agree with you both - Dolby TruHD decoding will be a real plus. I had the original firmware when I got the machine. Installation of the 1.4 version thru ethernet was pretty straightforward and easy.

plutonash

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Man no 1080p

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VJbob

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I'm interested in a Toshiba HD-DVD player but I'm curious about these firmware upgrades. How hard are they to do? I know sometimes it requires a company person to make an appointment and come to your house. I've also heard of burning to cd-r and booting from there. There is probably a download from the ethernet on the HD-DVD player but I don't think I will be able to connect it to my home network. Hopefully its not that complicated. Otherwise I'll wait for next years players.

dblbogey7 Suspended due non-functional email address

As of today the version 2.0 firmware has not been released yet but.........

......a "bootleg" version is available for download. You can burn it on a CD-R and run it on your machine. Several AVS forum members are raving over the improvements. I haven't tried it myself and will probably wait for the "official" version.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=685252&page=51&pp=30

eatsushi

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The 2.0 version firmware is officially online as of this morning. You can download the new firmware thru the ethernet port or you can contact Toshiba for a disc.

http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/tacpassets-images/notices/hddvdfirmwa...

"The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."
-Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Home Entertainment Feb 19, 2008

diabolos

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Awsome. I think the title needs to change then since its no longer a rumor.

Everyone, thanks for keeping the thread upto date and on purpose.

Should this thread become a firmware fax thread?
Ced

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VJbob

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what is the use of an ethernet port on a DVD player? Is it for downloadable and interactive content? That sounds like something that might be made of use more in 3 or 4 years but probably not enough of a reason to get my broadband company to rework my home network for $50.

dblbogey7 Suspended due non-functional email address

I just upgraded to the 2.0 firmware and I am pleased to report that Dolby TruHD (thru 5.1 analog) is as good as advertized. You can also get DolbyTruHD as decoded by the player thru HDMI. I just needed a few settings adjustments on the the player and my preamp and I was good to go. The DTruHD soundtracks on Constantine and Training Day were absolutely amazing. Anyone should hear a difference b/w DTHD and DTS given the right equipment. I don't really see that much video changes but I'll re-check with DVE later.

Future titles that are scheduled to have Dolby TruHD soundtracks are Troy, End of Days, The Fast and the Furious, and 2 Fast 2 Furious. There are others that should be released Oct and later.

Ced - that's good idea.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 26 Aug 2006 @ 6:17

diabolos

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A news report from High-Def Digest...
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Toshiba/Hardware/Toshiba_Firmware_Bug_Reported/199

Warning

Toshiba Firmware Bug Reported
Tue Aug 29, 2006 at 03:15 AM ET
Tags: Hardware, Toshiba (all tags)

Though Toshiba's latest firmware upgrade for its HD DVD players was released this past Friday to positive reactions from early adopters, a major download issue has emerged that threatens to render the device permanently inoperable during installation.

Turns out that the simple act of leaving any kind of disc in the tray during the ethernet upgrade process apparently can cause both the Toshiba HD-A1 and HD-XA1 models to stall during installation, then subsequently "lock" the machine on the "Welcome" screen. Once the bug is activated, the player is no longer operable and must be sent back to Toshiba for repair.

The only exception is when an actual firmware upgrade install CD is placed in the tray during installation, in which case the bug is not activated.

Note that this problem has also been reported on all previous firmware updates issued by Toshiba, so precautions must always be taken to not leave a disc in the tray when installing any upgrade via ethernet, regardless of version.

The bug was first reported in this detailed thread at AVS Forum, where users have since begun offering various helpful tips on how to avoid the problem.

Apparently, Toshiba has also been made aware of the bug, and has been offering to repair players rendered inoperable during installation free of charge. However, no official word has not yet come if and when Toshiba will fix the actual download code itself.

In the meantime, should you have already experienced problems with the firmware upgrade, or suffered a complete lockdown of your unit, you can contact Toshiba directly via their official website.

Ced

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http://my.afterdawn.com/diabolos/

eatsushi

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Thanks for the heads-up Ced. No problems upgrading here to FW 2.0 using ethernet with NO DISC in the player. This issue was brought up when avsforums users upgraded to 1.4.

Dolby TruHD gets a great review here:

http://www.highdefdigest.com/feature_introducingdolbytruehd.html

Quote:

But based on our initial sampling, the results are impressive. Most impressive. Though some titles boast a more noticeable upgrade in audio quality than others, there wasn't a single disc in the bunch where we would not want to listen to the Dolby TrueHD soundtrack if given the choice.

In fact, the overall cumulative improvements we heard makes us excited enough for this advancement in audio technology that we wouldn't be surprised if the inclusion of Dolby TrueHD tracks on upcoming titles doesn't start to feel mandatory, not optional. Once you get a taste of a high-quality TrueHD presentation -- and given the fact that the firmware upgrade is free of charge -- why would you want to go back? Like the boost DTS offered over Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital-Plus over DTS, we believe that Dolby TrueHD is a next step well worth taking.

BTW - I used analog 5.1 to get Dolby TruHD.

"The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."
-Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Home Entertainment Feb 19, 2008

dblbogey7 Suspended due non-functional email address

@eatsushi:
Did you notice any video improvements with the 2.0 on your SXRD?

eatsushi

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No changes on my setup but I've heard the 720p output has been improved.

"The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."
-Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Home Entertainment Feb 19, 2008

dblbogey7 Suspended due non-functional email address

From Toshiba Customer Service: The 2.0 Firmware disc is in the mail.

Although I've upgraded to 2.0 via ethernet I still sent in my request card for a firmware CD to Toshiba. I got an e-mail from them today saying that the CD-ROM with the 2.0 Firmware upgrade is on its way. Anyone who has purchased the HD-A1 or XA1 should send in the firmware CD request card to Toshiba.

Here's part of the e-mail:

Quote:

Dear Valued Toshiba Customer:

Our records show that you returned the Firmware Update Request card that was included with your HD DVD player, and asked that we notify you when firmware updates become available.

A new Firmware Update Disc is now available and, if you have not already received it, you will receive it by mail soon. This firmware update adds support for certain anticipated network delivered content in future HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, as well as addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

Note that it adds support for network delivered content in future releases aside from audio and video improvements.

dblbogey7 Suspended due non-functional email address

A first-hand report from a friend and from other internet user sites indicate that the Toshiba 2.0 firmware works fine with the RCA HDV-5000 HD-DVD player. This is understandable since the RCA is just a rebadged Toshiba.

dblbogey7 Suspended due non-functional email address

The ISO of the Toshiba Firmware 2.0 disc is available for download here:

http://rapidshare.de/files/34793808/Tosh...ELEASE.iso.html

elusiv1

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No problems with the upgrade to 2.0, i'm really enjoying the Dolby Digital Plus lossless sound.. I have noticed a vast improvement with load times........

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diabolos

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The Firmware 1.3 for the HD-A2/XA2 is now available!

Toshiba News:
http://www.tacp.com/tacpassets-images/notices/hddvd2firmware.asp

-Ced

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eatsushi

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Thanks for the heads-up Ced. I just updated my XA2 this weekend even though I wasn't experiencing any of the problems.

"The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."
-Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Home Entertainment Feb 19, 2008

eatsushi

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The 2.1 Firmware Update for the 1st gen Toshibas (HD-A1, HD-XA1, and HD-D1) is available now:

http://tacp.toshiba.com/tacpassets-image...dvdfirmware.asp

Quote:
Q1. What does this update do?

A1. This firmware update adds support for certain anticipated network delivered content in future HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, as well as addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

Q2. The HDMI output does not work or works intermittently with the HDMI or DVI input on my HDTV or monitor. Does the new firmware address that problem?

A2. The firmware update addresses and improves HDMI and DVI connectivity. If you still experience problems, try disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable. Make sure your display input is set to HDMI (or DVI). If your display has more than one HDMI/DVI input, make sure that all connected HDMI/DVI source devices are powered on (even if not in use). If none of these solve the problem, please turn off the TV and the HD DVD player. Check all connections. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable. Turn on the TV first and then turn on the HD DVD player. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

Q3. During HD DVD playback I sometimes experience pixelization, block noise or audio dropouts. Sometimes playback stops. Sometimes, playback is not smooth. Does the new firmware address these issues?

A3. This firmware update, which includes material from prior updates, addresses various playability issues. You should also check to be sure that the disc is clean and, if the disc will not operate at all, that you are inserting the disc with the right side up. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

Q4. Do I need to install prior updates before installing the current update?

A4. No. The current update includes all of the prior updates.

"The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."
-Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Home Entertainment Feb 19, 2008

error5

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Thanks eatsushi for the heads-up.

One question: I've been looking around but can't find the answer. Does the 2.1 FW update add the Twin Disc Option to the Menu?

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eatsushi

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@error5:

AFAIK the 2.1 update doesn't add the Twin Disc Option. I'm waiting for the update disc for my A1 but from looking around I don't think it does.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 05 Apr 2007 @ 6:22

"The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."
-Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Home Entertainment Feb 19, 2008

eatsushi

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The 1.5 firmware update for the 2nd gen models was just released today:

http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/tacpassets-i...vd2firmware.asp

Quote:
Q1. What does this update do?

A1. This update addresses some problems Toshiba has identified with HDMI/DVI connectivity and disc playback.

Q2. When I connect my HD DVD Player to my HDTV or HD Monitor using a HDMI to DVI adaptor cable or a HDMI to DVI adaptor, the output resolution of the player remains fixed at 480i. Does the new firmware address this issue?

A2. This firmware update addresses the issue. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

Q3. The HDMI output does not work or works intermittently with the HDMI or DVI input on my HDTV or monitor. Does the new firmware address that problem?

A3. The firmware update addresses and improves HDMI and DVI connectivity. If you still experience problems, try disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable. Make sure your display input is set to HDMI (or DVI). If your display has more than one HDMI/DVI input, make sure that all connected HDMI/DVI source devices are powered on (even if not in use). If none of these solve the problem, please turn off the TV and the HD DVD player. Check all connections. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable. Turn on the TV first and then turn on the HD DVD player. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

Q4. During HD DVD playback I sometimes experience pixelization, block noise or audio dropouts. Sometimes playback freezes or stops. Sometimes, playback is not smooth. Does the new firmware address these issues?

A4. This firmware update addresses various playability issues. You should also check to be sure that the disc is clean and, if the disc will not operate at all, that you are inserting the disc with the right side up.

"The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."
-Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Home Entertainment Feb 19, 2008