Firmware Upgrade Available for Toshiba HD DVD Player

Last night, on a whim, I asked my Toshiba HD-A1 HD DVD Player to see if there was a firmware update available, and there was, and it proceeded to download it from the web. I took a dinner [that's a unit of time] to do it. Due to the new baby I regret to announce I have only manage to watch one HD DVD movie since I got the player, and last night I had all of five minutes to try the new firmware. All I can tell you is the machine turns on quicker. Those in the know say that the HDMI connectivity issues are fixed, general stability is improved, and many users are saying the black levels over HDMI are also fixed (though not everyone). For the official info see the Toshiba site (its an annoying Flash-site so go here then click on Support then Firmware Update 1.2). For the AVSForum view see this thread, but skip past the poor folks who can't get a simple ethernet connection set up.

Firmware upgrades can't get much simpler than this. Its like Windows Update, but on your DVD player (though lacking the "automatically get me the latest updates at 4am" option). Sad folks without a broadband connection can ask Toshiba to send them a disc with the new firmware: how quaint.

If I get the chance I will attempt to play with the new firmware soon and post my findings here.

Comments

• Anonymous
  April 08, 2007
  You are quick to criticize without understanding everyone's situation is not the same as yours.I did not purchase an HD DVD player with the idea I would need to have easy access to the internet. Logistically to run a Cat5 cable to my router in my office is ridiculous.I use wireless for everything else. Yes, I can get on www.newegg.com and order an access point for around $40, or send off for the Toshiba disk.The adapter will be here in 3 days or I can go to www.1080x1920.net and download the firmware when it is available.Sending in the 'card' Toshiba gives you for regular updates is a joke. CSR at Toshiba told me I would be better off waiting for the 'news' on the internet and then ordering the disk by phone.The best way to do upgrades is for the source to be available at the vendor's secure site as a download, plain and simple.Every other mfr has no problem doing this, except Toshiba.

• Anonymous
  April 08, 2007
  FWIW, some owners using HDMI/DVI connections are finding some problems with 2.1, which may result in another update.

• Anonymous
  December 12, 2007
  I need a firmware update for my player.

• Anonymous
  December 13, 2007
  Damien: connect it to the internet and go into the Maintenance menu to download the latest version. Or fill in the registration card and Toshiba will mail you update discs as they become available. I do both for my A1, but the discs take longer.

• Anonymous
  May 30, 2008
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