New Firmware Update For Toshiba Players

A version 1.4 update for Toshiba's HD-A1, HD-XA1 and HD-D1 players is now available on Toshiba's official HD-DVD website.

This new version, which includes all of the updates that were in the 1.2 upgrade, also corrects problems for those using an HDMI/DVI connection.

While Toshiba will be sending out an update disc to owners, those who want to update through the Ethernet connection on the back of their players (broadband connections only) can do so by going to Toshiba's HD-DVD website, going to the "Support" section under "Firmware Update", and following instructions from there.

Sony BDP-S1 Delayed

It looks like the Samsung Blu-Ray player (which goes on sale June 25th) is going to be the only choice for early adopters for at least the next few months. Sony announced this week that it would be delaying the release of its BDP-S1 model until at least October 25th.

There is much speculation as to why Sony delayed the player, but an official Sony spokesperson has stated that it's a "product software issue".

Meanwhile, at least two other Blu-ray players are expected sometime in September. Pioneer's BDP-HD1 and Panasonic's just-announced DMP-B10.

First Wave Of Blu-Ray Movies Hits Stores

Although the Samsung player isn't officially for sale until this Sunday (some early adopters have been lucky enough to purchase one), today marks the release of the first wave of Blu-ray movies.

The titles released today are all from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, and consist of: 50 First Dates; The Fifth Element; Hitch; House of Flying Daggers; The Terminator; XXX; and Underworld: Evolution.

Although only a handful of reviews exist so far for these titles, the general online consensus so far seems to point to The Terminator as the most impressive of these first wave releases - at least in terms of picture quality.

Of course, you can pick up all these Blu-Ray movies (and pre-order future releases) at DVD Empire.

Samsung Ships Blu-Ray Players

Despite rumors to the contrary, Samsung has confirmed that its first shipments of stand-alone Blu-Ray players - the BD-P1000 - are on their way to retailers. The product "officially" goes on sale on June 25th, but early adopters may be able to track down the player earlier, depending on the store/location.

Unlike Toshiba and RCA's HD-DVD players (the competing format in the new "HD War"), which begin retail at around $500, the BD-P1000 carries the price tag of about $1000.

The BD-P1000 offers a 1080p high definition output, as well as an upconvert for standard DVDs (for which it is backwards-compatible). Connectivity is available through HDMI, Component, S-Video, and composite outputs. Supported audio formats on the model include Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, MP3 and 192K LPCM.

Blu-ray titles are available for sale at our DVD Empire website.

Firmware Update For Toshiba HD-DVD Players Now Available

Freeze-ups and out-of-synch audio/picture problems are now a thing of the past to owners of Toshiba's HD-A1 and HD-XA1 HD-DVD players thanks to a firmware update that Toshiba has just officially released.

The update (which takes about 30 minutes to upload with a broadband connection via the player's Ethernet port) also solves connectivity problems between the player and HDMI or DVI output to one's television. One thing that isn't solved with this new firmware update is the slow load time when a HD-DVD or DVD is first put into the player, which still averages about 45 seconds.

All new Toshiba players released from this point on will already have the new update installed, so buyers just now picking up the HD-A1 or HD-XA1 probably won't need the upgrade.

Those who don't have a broadband connection or don't want to risk an online upload need not worry - as long as you filled out and mailed in the firmware upgrade card that came with your Toshiba player, you can expect to get a CD in the mail soon, allowing you to upgrade your HD-DVD player via the disc.

Details on how to upgrade are on Toshiba's official HD-DVD site. Just click the "Support" tab on the top of the page and look for instructions under "Firmware Update".

RCA's HD-DVD Player Debuts

Now there are three HD-DVD players on the Amercian market, with no Blu-ray players due until at least June 25th (when Samsung releases their first model). The RCA HDV5000 has roughly the same look and price of Toshiba's already-in-release HD-A1 player, retailing for $499. Toshiba has also released a more expensive model, the $800 HD-XA1.

This is good news for potential HD-DVD early adopters who have not yet bought a player, since Toshiba's cheaper HD-A1 model has been in short supply and hard to track down at retailers.

Like the Toshiba player, RCA's HDV5000 is backward compatible with standard DVDs, meaning you'll still be able to watch your old discs in addition to any new HD-DVDs that you purchase.