Toshiba HD-XA1 Review
7.5/10
A good look at the HD-XA1 proves that high-def is the future of the DVD.
Buy it Now:
Highs: Excellent picture and sound
Lows: Slow startup time; no 1080p support; expensive; limited movies available
We take a look at the firsy HD DVD player on the market, the Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD player priced at $799. Should you spend your money? Read on!
Summary
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
