Christmas Present - HD DVD Player?

Question

I could use some help with which HD DVD player I should get for my boyfriend for Christmas. He has got a home theater set up in our apartment with recliners (with rumbling bass underneath), surround sound, a projector, etc. I'm not sure which high def dvd player would be the best considering the fact he enjoys watching a lot of movies. Any help would be great and thanks!

Answer 1

The previous answers all contain truth, but they don't answer the question you actually asked.

The Toshiba HD-XA2 is widely acknowledged to be the best commercially available home HD DVD player. You can find plenty of online reviews attesting to this.

Answer 2

First question: can he benefit from HD. If the projector is a 480p or 720p model (resolution)he won't see much benefit from HD disks (Consider a good upscaling DVD player e.g. the Oppo 981). IF the projector is a 1080p model go for HD!

Second, there are 2 incompatible formats -- HD DVD and Blu-Ray. There are (currently) about 400 movies available on HD disk in each format. Unfortunately the movies in each format are different so the first choice is which type of player has more movies of the type you like to watch. Generally HD DVDs are more adult oriented (no not R rated!) while Blu-Ray are more kid oriented (e.g. Disney) but there is a lot of overlap. See the link below at top centre for links to "statistics" listing movies of each type.

The video and audio quality of HD DVD and Blu-Ray are virtually identical so you can't choose format on that basis.

The fact is though, neither HD disk format is exactly taking off right now (DVD outsells HD disks over 20:1), so I'd suggest not spending a fortune buying a top end player (wait to see which format "wins").

HD DVD players are more mature, offering better support for extras (picture in Picture, Internet connection for on-line supplements and games, etc). Blu-Ray (other than the PS3 .... after a future firmware update) don't offer this on current players.

In brief, I'd go for the HD-A3 from Toshiba (HD DVD) ... about $250 ... or the PS3 (Blu-Ray)from Sony ($400). If he or you are into gaming the PS3 choice would be a good Blu-Ray option, or you can get an HD DVD add on for the XBox 360.

Hope that helps.

Edit: re the comment you will get a difference with HD disks on a 720 projector ... I have an HD DVD player and a 720p projector/110" screen and I don't see MUCH difference (I didn't say there wasn't any) vs a DVD played on a good upscaling DVD player. Others can differ, but I don't recommend anyone upgrade to HD unless they have a 1080 projector ... there just isn't enough benefit.

Answer 3

Hi,

I think you are looking for is the Toshiba HD-A35 or Toshiba HD-XA2 player's & it also has HDMI output for sound. Both of those HD-DVD players it supports home theater & surround sound at home. You can get best deal at bestbuy store. Talk to a electronic employee's & make some reseach. Good luck!

* I have Xbox 360 HD-DVD add-on player.

Answer 4

Although I totally agree with the above posters regarding the PS3 I have to disagree with the 720p comment on the pj. The difference between 480p (Enhanced Definition) and 720p (High Definition) is VERY noticable, especially on a big screen with HD DVD and Blu-Ray.

Now, if the pj is 1080p I agree that you'll be in business big time, but to say there is no dif with HD disks between EDTV and HDTV is totally incorrect.

Go with the PS3so he has both an HD player and a state of the art gaming system as well.

weeder

Answer 5

As Nick said already, principle difference between candidates on a purchase is HD or Blu-Ray discs your boyfrend prefers. If it doesn't matter, you may try Sharp BD-HP20RU. It's a new blu-ray player, that supports HDMI 1.3 and has very good quality of picture

Answer 6

I have to second agb90's words:

BluRay - buy a PS3
HD-DVD: Buy the Toshiba HD-A3

Another thought - does he have a good universal remote? HarmonyLogitech remotes are very good. They can do 1-button fire up and run using your computer to set things up.