It's because of this little baby - The Silicon Optix Reon VX Chip: http://www.siliconoptix.com/chipPro...9abce667c-32C1DDCE-7E90-E2A3-BCBA199A45218934 I just got back from out of town and was able to audition this unit on a Sony Ruby projector at my local AV dealer. "Jaw dropping" comes to mind.
Is there a noticeable difference between the HD-A2 and the HD-XA2? I think the HD-A2 sounds and looks better than the HD-A1 did. Ced
Well, some user reports pitting the XA2 against a $4500 external video processor, comparing their upscaling capabilities, have come to the conclusion that the XA2 actually bests the external scaler in both testing and normal viewing. That's surely a pretty strong endorsement, that the A2 can't hope to touch. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=698891
Ced: My local AV dealer also had the A2 and I'd say that for both HD-DVD performance and standard DVD upconversion the XA2 wins hands down. I think a lot has to do with the above mentioned Reon VX. The other factor that leads me to the XA2 is the lack of analog outs on the A2. (My Rotel pre/proc as you know doesn't have HDMI inputs.) BTW, I just got back from China and Singapore and was able to sample HVD and EVD. They did a pretty decent job with these players and the 720p MPEG2 on the discs. It'll be interesting to see what they come up with after the CES announcement of cheaper Chinese HD-DVD players.
@dblbogey7: I've read your link and done some more research. I must say that I'm convinced. I'm putting my HD-A1 in the bedroom and I'm getting one of these. The Oppo 971 is going on ebay.
Yeah - thanks from me too. Although I'll have you to blame for the extra $1000+ on my credit card statement.
Apparently the $599 HD-A20 will also have the Silicon Optix Reon VX chip and 1080p thru HDMI. It should be a good choice for those who have HDMI receivers and don't need the 5.1 analog outs. As for me I need the 5.1 anlog outs so I'm sticking with the HD-XA2. The A20 is available for preorders: Link: www.amazon.com/Toshiba-HD-A20-HD-DVD-Player/dp/B000MKC34E http://www.ultimateavmag.com/hddiscplayers/0107toshhda20/
They changed the specs on the A20. No Reon VX but maybe the new Broadcom? http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=815191&page=1&pp=30
I like their reference to the Cyberdyne Systems Model 101 though. If only we had something that powerful. LOL!
