$100 hd-dvd player

Can pickup at select BB and Walmart

bestbuy[=http//www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8021767&productCategoryId=abcat0102004&type=product&id=1158323325814]bestbuy

http//holiday.ri-walmart.com/?section=secret[]

Wal-Mart link is

http//holiday.ri-walmart.com/?section=secret

The link you posted has the [] at the end which redirects the site to a different page.

Wal-Mart has begun an HD DVD advertising campaign. The first commercial is available here

http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG_lJmxCenI

The HD-A2 is $98.87 and if you walk into Circuit City and show them the Wal-Mart ad, you can get a 110% price match, bringing the total to $89.

/waits for Black Friday http//forum.freeipodguide.com/smilies_mod/upload/3c830d703c2cada348106fffc2cf3c49.gif[" alt=""/img3607457505]

I was going to try & grab an A2 today until I realized that no Toshiba HD player supports DVD+R. I guess that comes from them being an original founder of the -R spec, and they just refuse to give up that little format war. Ironically enough, I won't buy one of these because of a [i4672fa7270]previous[/i4672fa7270] format war.

+R is just a better media for video work, and I have tons of it that I'm not willing to reburn to -R. Plus all of my DL's are +R, and those things cost me a fortune. Keeping a regular DVD player just to play +R's is ridiculous, so it may be awhile yet before I jump on the HD-DVD camp. I'll probably have a PS3 and go BluRay first...

[quotefa109078c6="dmorris68"]I was going to try & grab an A2 today until I realized that no Toshiba HD player supports DVD+R. I guess that comes from them being an original founder of the -R spec, and they just refuse to give up that little format war. Ironically enough, I won't buy one of these because of a [ifa109078c6]previous[/ifa109078c6] format war.

+R is just a better media for video work, and I have tons of it that I'm not willing to reburn to -R. Plus all of my DL's are +R, and those things cost me a fortune. Keeping a regular DVD player just to play +R's is ridiculous, so it may be awhile yet before I jump on the HD-DVD camp. I'll probably have a PS3 and go BluRay first...[/quotefa109078c6]

I didn't know that. I strictly use only +r media. Good thing I didn't pick one up

I just happened to run by Wal-Mart at lunch, and sure enough they had 3 of these left. Temptation was great, but the lack of +R support was just too great an obstacle to overcome. They also had the $348 Acer laptops, which would be good for a student that didn't have one. I almost grabbed one for my daughter, but I decided I'd give her my Toshiba which is practically brand-new, and buy me a better one instead. )

[quote2b0d92ecfd="dmorris68"]I just happened to run by Wal-Mart at lunch, and sure enough they had 3 of these left. Temptation was great, but the lack of +R support was just too great an obstacle to overcome. They also had the $348 Acer laptops, which would be good for a student that didn't have one. I almost grabbed one for my daughter, but I decided I'd give her my Toshiba which is practically brand-new, and buy me a better one instead. )[/quote2b0d92ecfd]

+r's do work. Not sure about the system specs but I played Shrek 3 on my A2. I recorded Shrek 3 on a +R and it played perfectly. I think it also does a much better job at upconverting normal dvds then some other dvd upconverters.

Also HD-DVD picture quality rocks. I picked up transformers on HD-DVD and the quality is amazing.

Really??? According to all specs I found, including those listed on the box

[quoteb323e53a52]Media Type CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD, CD, HD DVD-R, HD DVD, DVD-R DL[/quoteb323e53a52]

I've also Googled for any experiences with +R working, and found none -- everybody just lists -R.

If you're absolutely certain it plays +R and +R DL, I'll hopefully grab one this afternoon if they still have them.

[quote6e3a0d6c3c="dmorris68"]Really??? According to all specs I found, including those listed on the box

[quote6e3a0d6c3c]Media Type CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD, CD, HD DVD-R, HD DVD, DVD-R DL[/quote6e3a0d6c3c]

If you're absolutely certain it plays +R and +R DL, I'll hopefully grab one this afternoon if they still have them.[/quote6e3a0d6c3c]

here u go

http//www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers/toshiba-hd-a2/7554

Interesting. I think I'll run back over after work and if they still have one, I'll grab it. It's Wal-Mart after all, so if it doesn't work with +R I'll just return it.

[quotecc22f4d1e2="dmorris68"]Interesting. I think I'll run back over after work and if they still have one, I'll grab it. It's Wal-Mart after all, so if it doesn't work with +R I'll just return it.[/quotecc22f4d1e2]

)..... If walmart does run out you can always try BB in store pickup. IF BB is out you could always try to PM at CC.

I'm almost positive they work since Shrek 3 was def burnt to a +R disk recorded at 8x.

True but BB and CC are 30 miles from me and I don't think I can make it there today. We have two Wal-Marts however, so if one is out the other one might have it.

[quote864eaedb08="dmorris68"]True but BB and CC are 30 miles from me and I don't think I can make it there today. We have two Wal-Marts however, so if one is out the other one might have it.[/quote864eaedb08]

k gotcha. Good luck on picking one up. If you have to run over a grandma to get the last one I'd suggest doing it. twisted

This is really a great deal on an HD-DVD. D

After reading some reviews though, I have concerns. The A2 (and 2nd gen Toshiba HD-DVD players in general) seem to be notorious for slow startup/load times and slow ff/rewind response. Have you noticed this?

The 3rd gen models (A30, A35) have reportedly improved on this dramatically. Of course they're not $98 either, but even if it's a bargain, I'm not sure I'd be willing to put up with excruciatingly slow performance.

Still, I guess I can take it home and try it. If I don't like it, I'll return it.

[quote9c99e62166="dmorris68"]After reading some reviews though, I have concerns. The A2 (and 2nd gen Toshiba HD-DVD players in general) seem to be notorious for slow startup/load times and slow ff/rewind response. Have you noticed this?

The 3rd gen models (A30, A35) have reportedly improved on this dramatically. Of course they're not $98 either, but even if it's a bargain, I'm not sure I'd be willing to put up with excruciatingly slow performance.

Still, I guess I can take it home and try it. If I don't like it, I'll return it.[/quote9c99e62166]

30 sec start up from when you press power. Another 15-20 sec to start a disc up. A minute start up not too terrible. At $98 Im fine with the 45 sec startup. Im in no rush to speed through the movie. Plus it lets me insert the disc, find all my remotes, and by the time I'm sitting down ready to watch everything is good to go.

Like u said give it a try if you dont like you can always return.

I know you like crutchfield dmorris, and they have it for 120.98 shipped if you use coupon code 3A706 for an additional $20 off a $100+ purchase (from SD).

Link[=http//www.crutchfield.com/S-GA2SAECPCDv/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=toshiba+hd%2Da2&i=052HDA2&pfxid=k1971]Link

I was tempted, but I'll wait for a good deal on a 1080p capable model or the cheapest PS3. If I didn't already have a 1080p upconverting DVD player I probably would've bought one before though.

I'm not at all concerned about 1080p devices, as I have a 1080p SXRD TV with an excellent deinterlacer. People erroneously believe that 1080p output is somehow better in terms of image quality than 1080i output. Not true -- they both contain the same amount of image detail. For 24fps content which is virtually all video programming, 1080i and 1080p look exactly the same on a 1080p television. Only if your 1080p display has a crappy deinterlacer would there be any noticeable difference, and most quality sets do just fine (the cheap Westinghouse, et al, sets might be a different story). So 1080i output is just fine by me.

[quotef4286d276d="dmorris68"]I'm not at all concerned about 1080p devices, as I have a 1080p SXRD TV with an excellent deinterlacer. People erroneously believe that 1080p output is somehow better in terms of image quality than 1080i output. Not true -- they both contain the same amount of image detail. For 24fps content which is virtually all video programming, 1080i and 1080p look exactly the same on a 1080p television. Only if your 1080p display has a crappy deinterlacer would there be any noticeable difference, and most quality sets do just fine (the cheap Westinghouse, et al, sets might be a different story). So 1080i output is just fine by me.[/quotef4286d276d]
Really? Didn't know that. They always make such a fuss over 1080p with consoles (although I know you're talking about video here) that I thought it was worth something. But like you said, if I don't have a sxrd (wink) or a pretty good TV it still would make a difference right?

I can't tell the difference between 1080i and 1080p on my tv

Best Buy has Toshiba HD-A3 1080i HD DVD player for $199 (add to cart to see the lower price). You also can choose up to 2 HD DVD titles free instantly (excludes preorders and boxsets) and get 5 more select HD DVD titles after mail-in rebate [fillable form]. The player comes with HD DVDs of 300 and Bourne Identity in the box, giving you a total of 9 HD DVDs. Lowest on PriceGrabber for the player from a reputable retailer is $284. Thanks dfxartist

HD-A2 works with +R [confirmed]

I would say HD-A3 will be reduced to $99 or $149 during the holiday seasons...

Load times are drastically reduced in the A3 model as you said, but honestly I don't mind the load times in the A2 (I just pack one in the bubbler, take a draw and it starts playing http/" alt=""/img398.imageshack.us/img="398/6373/shhds4.gif[" alt=""/img7559284272]).

We just got in from Wal-Mart and I grabbed one, but it was dicey there for a bit. First, I had to sell it to the wife. With two grandkids having birthdays this month (one is today) and Christmas next month, plus a stack of recent medical bills, the wife has been in frugal mode. So I left the wife to stew on it and went to check stock -- they had 3 at lunch but had 8 on the shelf this evening, so I figured no rush, take my time. After gaining approval from the CFO, I walked back over to electronics. I mean, we're talking 20 minutes later. All 8 were GONE. A lady was standing there with 3 in her cart talking to somebody (her husband?) on the phone. Reading the box to him. She said "oh, you'd rather have BluRay?" So I figure I'll just stand by hoping she'll put at least one back. While I'm waiting, a sales rep walks up with 3 more and stacks 'em on the shelf. Apparently they had plenty of stock. )

So I grabbed one with Transformers on HD-DVD. I saw it in theatre already but it gets rave reviews as an HD-DVD showcase title.

BTW, don't forget this. Selection is a bit limited, but it almost pays for the player

http//www.tacp.com/hddvd/data/pdf/Toshiba_Online_Rebate_R08.pdf

CircuitCity now has the A3 for $180, but only 7 movies. There is a coupon on SD for $40 off $200.

The A3 will be $170 at Sears on Black Friday.

Something HD related but not specific to the topic

Dreamworks is launching their own Shrek-themed HD DVD advertising campaign

http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxuJDgxIpR8

http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAYxYxn3iTA

So how is it? Is it worth buying?

I'm not sure if any of you spend time on slickdeals, but they are talking about this non-stop people used a google cache version of HD-A2 best buy page to order the item after it was already sold out on their website. But instead of just canceling the orders, Best Buy stepped up big time and are shipping out the newer version the HD-A3.

Not much of a difference between the two version, a slicker look and some minor audio improvements in terms of formats plus 300 and Bourne Identity are included in the box.

I didn't use the google cache page, but I had the item in my cart and it sold out while i was checking out so I got lucky and Best Buy sent me an email saying they were shipping me the A-3 for $106. Pretty sweet deal given a week ago I would of paid $299 for it.

Wow that's pretty awesome.
I can't believe BestBuy would actually do something nice like that.

Dmorris has grandkids?

[quoted483c2f6e5="mookieb2"]Dmorris has grandkids?[/quoted483c2f6e5]
Uhhh, yeah? Five, to be exact.

So how do you like it?

[quote24f22f5c9a="dmorris68"][quote24f22f5c9a="mookieb2"]Dmorris has grandkids?[/quote24f22f5c9a]
Uhhh, yeah? Five, to be exact.[/quote24f22f5c9a]


Well, I just had a much younger guy in mind, meant it more as a compliment. Had no idea you were an old dude.


Congrats on all the grandkids.

For those that backordered the HD-A2 at Best Buy

[quoteaf71b8c81c]Best Buy's latest move may be one of the best yet for "devil customers."
It was reported yesterday on DailyTech that Wal-Mart would have the Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player on sale for $98.97 Friday morning. Best Buy followed suit by offering the HD-A2 online and in-store for $99.99.

As one might imagine, Best Buy stores were quickly depleted of stock and BestBuy.com was hammered with excess orders. Although some orders were able to get through, an overwhelming majority of customers who purchased HD-A2s from BestBuy.com received backorder notices.

Given that the HD-A2 is now discontinued, one would have expected that Best Buy would just cancel all of the orders and be done with it -- but you would be wrong. Best Buy instead is replacing all backordered HD-A2 players with the new third-generation HD-A3 which retails for $299.99.[/quoteaf71b8c81c]

[quoteaf71b8c81c]A letter sent to Toshiba HD-A2 customers reads as follows

Dear Valued Best Buy Customer,

You are receiving this email because you recently ordered a Toshiba HD DVD Player (model # HD-A2) from www.bestbuy.com and your order was placed in a backorder status while we awaited additional inventory. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has discontinued this item and we are not anticipating receiving any more inventory.

Because we value your business, we will be fulfilling your order with the next generation Toshiba HD DVD Player (model # HD-A3) that is replacing the HD-A2 in Toshiba's lineup of HD DVD Players. There is no need for you to do anything to receive this upgraded model. We will simply fulfill your original order and your packing slip will be updated to show you received the HD-A3 and serve as your order receipt.

If you are not interested in receiving the Toshiba HD-A3 as a replacement for the discontinued HD-A2, you may return the unopened item to your nearest Best Buy store or simply contact one of our Customer Service Representatives at (888)-BestBuy for more information about how to return the product for a complete refund.

Please accept our apology for any inconvenience. We look forward to your next visit to Best Buy.

Sincerely,
Best Buy Customer Care[/quoteaf71b8c81c]

http//www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=9519

The HD-A3 comes with 2 HD DVD's in the box ("Bourne Identity" and "300").

Wow, it makes me wish I had ordered from BestBuy. But I didn't because Wal-Mart was local. Plus I hate BestBuy. Not that I like Wal-Mart either, but again, they were local.

But had I know BestBuy would buck their usual trend and actually provide some stellar customer service...

This HAS to be a sign of the apocalypse.

As to what I think of the A2... I don't know yet. I didn't have a chance to even open the box until last night, at which point (doh!) I noticed it comes with no HDMI cable. I should have known I guess, but why the hell would an HD-DVD player ship with a [b6f828601b1]composite[/b6f828601b1] cable only???

I thought I had an extra HDMI cable from Monoprice, but alas it wasn't the case. So I've ordered a couple more, they won't be here until middle of the week. I think I do have a spare set of component cables though, so hopefully I can get it going today. My daughter is anxious to watch Transformers in HD.

not trying to rub it in dmorris, but...Best Buy is further going above and beyond as they've decided to make everyone who got the A2 to A3 upgrade eligible for their current get 2 free HD-DVD promotion (with the purchase of a Toshiba player), even though technically the 2 extra hd-dvds had to be in your cart when you checked out.

So for $106 it works out to be the A3 + 300 and Bourne Identity + any 2 hd-dvds in best buy's catalog ($35 or less) + the 5 so-so hd-dvds from the mail-in-rebate.

I like renting movies instead of buying so I may just sell all 9 movies that I get as it will cover or exceed the cost of the player.

Best Buy has increased the number of HD-DVDs that come with the Toshiba HD-A3 from 9 to 10. It remains on sale, marked down from $299.99 to $199.99. So, if you haven't cashed in on this deal yet, you might want to give serious consideration to doing so. Also, if you have already purchased it and gotten 9 HD-DVDs, just go into Best Buy asap, with your receipt, and they will honor the current better deal and give you your 10th HD-DVD for free (up to $35 value). D

BB sucks, especially since I didn't score this deal from them. Yeah, they double suck. (

Anyway, I scrounged up an extra component cable, and had to steal an optical cable from the Oppo DVD player, which uses DVI-to-HDMI so I couldn't use his HDMI cable. I had planned on using audio over HDMI for the A2, so when the cables I ordered from Monoprice get here this week, I'll rewire it then.

Then the family and I put on Transformers in HD-DVD. Wow. It was really impressive. Even the wife, who does not share my affinity for techno-geek toys, and to whom I had to make naughty promises just so she'd let me drop the $100 (well, $130 with Transformers), was impressed with the video quality . The 60" SXRD is really a great showcase for this technology. It'll be hard to watch SD DVD's now. Great, and all those DVD's I have.

Guess this will also be the motivator for me to move from Blockbuster to NetFlix, since BB is a BluRay shop. I like the Total Access feature with BB and have been quite happy with them for 2 years (my very first freebie offer! lisniffli), but NetFlix has the HD crack I need now.

BTW is Sony ever going to release their big titles like Spiderman 3 on HD-DVD? I'm guessing no, which is a shame, but I bet the BR folks are saying the same about some HD exclusive titles. Damn format wars.

Oh, and I didn't confirm +R compatibility yet, but I've heard it from enough folks here and elsewhere that I'm sure it will work.

I also saw the HD DVD player at Walmart tonight for $98 so I had to get it. The guy said the sale ended but he would honor the sale price. I just got it and I also bought Transformers too, Lol, I thought that was funny just reading Dmorris's post. I do have a HDMI cable, so I'm thinking about putting it together after The Amazing race is over.

[quotec426d3933c="dmorris68"]
Guess this will also be the motivator for me to move from Blockbuster to NetFlix, since BB is a BluRay shop. I like the Total Access feature with BB and have been quite happy with them for 2 years (my very first freebie offer! lisniffli), but NetFlix has the HD crack I need now.

BTW is Sony ever going to release their big titles like Spiderman 3 on HD-DVD? I'm guessing no, which is a shame, but I bet the BR folks are saying the same about some HD exclusive titles. Damn format wars.
.[/quotec426d3933c]

Yeah I have to make the same move to netflix myself.

There is hope about Blu Ray exclusive titles, many of them are just exclusive to the US so there are few sites that will sell you the foreign version in HD-DVD and then you just change the language.

http//xploitedcinema.com/catalog/index.php[]http//xploitedcinema.com/catalog/index.php

Just watched Transformers and it was awesome! I didn't have my surround sound hooked up which was a bummer but the picture was amazing. My wife said she felt like she was there. My roomies all sat down and watched it, they were in awe of the picture. I have a ps3 and I really didn't see much of a difference if any. I was using HDMI hook ups. The only difference was the PS3 was $600 and this player was $98 plus tax.

If you bought your HDDVD player at walmart from Nov. 1, 2007 on you should be able to return it and get all your money back
http//forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?p=10781368[]http//forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?p=10781368

[quotedcf6ba2b9d="hehehhehe"]If you bought your HDDVD player at walmart from Nov. 1, 2007 on you should be able to return it and get all your money back
http//forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?p=10781368[]http//forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?p=10781368[/quotedcf6ba2b9d]
I'll wait until tomorrow to make sure this isn't an April Fool's prank. ;)

But seriously, I'll probably keep mine anyway.

i dont see the point HD LOST

VIVA LA BLU RAY AND MY PS3 )

One good point is that most of these HD exclusives won't see the light of day on blu-ray for quite some time.

No thanks... I'll enjoy my "Big Lebowski" on HD DVD )

Also, HD DVD players are really good at upconverting standard DVDs (especially the HD-XA2 which has a Reon HQV chip and many modifiable options for upconversion).