- Do you have the latest FW 2.2 installed on your A1? From Power-up to splash screen is just a little faster, but it's much faster once it's powered up - ejecting & loading a new disc, etc.
- I've read the A2 is 20-30% faster. I''ve never thought of it as that big a deal, I just plan around it - if I'm watching the TV and plan on watching an HD DVD later, just power up ahead of time. Or, if everything is off, just power up the player first, get my beverage, etc.
- Yes, only the high end XA2 has analog output, if you need that - which I do, but now that I've bought a PS3, I'm going to have to breakdown and buy an HDMI receiver. I have the Onkyo 605 on pre-order.
- I don't believe the A20 has HDMI 1.3. It can output at 1080p, but I believe only the XA2 has HDMI 1.3.
I have the A2. It's OK but, My PS3 blows it away. The A2 is still slow compare to the PS3. It also sound like crap. A lot of noises when you load up the disc. The futures on it suck. Example, when you fast forward or rewind, is like a used truck. The PS3 is smooth and quiet. The only reason that I bought it is so I can enjoy the movies in HD. I got mine for 299 at amazon. If you already have a HD DVD player, why would you get another one. Buy the BR player. Get the best of both formats.
Well, while I recently bought a PS3 I don't have it yet, so I guess I'll find out. But I already know now I have to buy a new receiver to enjoy the HD audio I've enjoyed from my XA1 for over a year with my perfectly fine 6 yr. old receiver.
Yes, I hear the disk loading up or when fast forwarding, but I doesn't remind me of a truck. I don't know about the futures on yours, but I like the features on mine - In Movie Experience & U-Control cool interactivity, and the internet interactivity coming with the Blood Diamond HD DVD. Blu-ray MIGHT have that in a year or two.
But, I have to agree - I recommend patience on the slow loading on your A1 and
consider going dual format. I don't see the blu-ray only studios going neutral anytime soon - nor Universal, and I'd rather enjoy everything in high def. I saw your post about waiting for BB points & coupons, but you might also look at eBay. There's a real glut of PS3's, and folks are dumping them $100+ under retail.
Even though I went dual format, I plan to continue buying HD DVD over BD, when given a choice. :up
