Re: Do I need to replace the A2

Ironbull,

Yes, any of the HD-DVD players equipped with the 5.1 analog outputs will out put DD+ and Dolby True HD to you receiver. They convert it to PCM send it through the outputs and the receiver amplifies it. If you're receiver is capable ditch the Optical cable my friend. You may need to check your receivers manual on how to change the input to the 5.1 analog (it's not usually the default setting obviously). If you have this capability there's no reason to upgrade your receiver IMO.

Note: it will not output DTS-HD at it's full bitrate. Right now HD-DVD players can only output DTS core which is 1.5 MBPS.

If you use an HD DVD player's 5.1 analogue outputs, there is no need for decoding at the receiver end. Indeed, from reports that I've heard and from my own experience, the analogut outs may still be better than any HDMI 1.3 decoding. Just be sure to increase the bass response at the receiver by about ten decibels on the 5.1 inputs because there is no decoding equalization curve involved.

(I mentioned this almost a year and a half ago in my original Tosh A1 review and again in the XA2 review, plus any number of times here at the Message Board. But does anybody listern? Well, yeah, StevePro heard me. My life is complete.)

John

[Post edited by John J. Puccio on Dec 2, 2007]

Quote:
But does anybody listern? Well, yeah, StevePro heard me. My life is complete.

Ah yes, the words of a former teacher!!

I might add that I also have an optical cable installed as well as the analogues so that I can switch between having the A-35 or the receiver to do the work. The sound is better 99.9% of the time through the analogues.

A case in point here is the Star Trek Original Series Season One 8 disk set (the one in the yellow plastic box). The sound on this set is AWFUL through the analogue and it has to be played through the digital optical connection. It will be a moot point soon anyway, because I have it on good authority that Santa is bringing me the HD DVD set for Christmas. If (ahem, when) he does, I'll sell this one. Unfortunatly, I bought the A-35 a month before the inception date for the free phaser remote campaign, so I don't qualify for the phaser, but I just e-mailed CBS to see if they will make an exception. We shall see.

Steve

[Post edited by StevePro on Dec 2, 2007]

Thanks guys! Now I have some experimenting to do!
John I am sorry for not listening but I have not read a lot of older threads regarding these matters. Please don't make me write lines!

[Post edited by Ironbull on Dec 3, 2007]

Anything wrong with the A1? Costco here in Canada has lots for $199.

Ironbull,

My A1 is still going strong from the first day of its release (it's the one I reviewed). It's big and heavy (which I consider good), and it's only minor drawback is that it takes a little longer to boot up than the later models. But for $199, I'd take it over any of the lower-priced later-generation models if for no other other reason than getting the 5.1 analogue outputs, which are still the best way to listen to lossless Dolby TrueHD (if your receiver has 5.1 inputs).

John

go for it. its like a truck but its worth it for 5.1 analog outs. No need to upgrade your receiver. I have it and I am happy with it so far. BTW, John I did listen to you

One note on the A1 you will have to upgrade the firmware as it doesn't decode Dolby True HD out of the box. Other then that it's a superb machine. I love mine and I've felt no reason to upgrade as my TV is on 720P anyway. The sound out of the 5.1 analog outs is great.