Toshiba firmware 2.0 Release notes

[Ilya]

Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA1, HD-A1, and HD-D1

Firmware Update Version: 2.0

Applicable Models: HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1.

Overview:
This firmware update adds support for certain anticipated network delivered content in future HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, as well as addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

How to obtain and install the firmware update:

If you have broadband internet service you may obtain the firmware update over the internet using the Ethernet port on the back of your HD DVD Player. There are instructions for configuring the Ethernet port on pages 44-45 of the owner's manual. Page 57 of the owner's manual describes how to download the firmware update. Here is an overview of the process:

Please configure the Ethernet port. You may need to turn on DHCP and DNS. Page 45 of the user manual explains how to do this.
After you have configured the Ethernet port, follow the directions on page 57 to check for a firmware update.
If a firmware update is available for your player, it will take about 30 minutes to download and install.
PLEASE DO NOT TURN OFF THE POWER TO YOUR PLAYER during the update process. Doing so could cause the player to malfunction.
If no firmware update is available, the player will quickly exit the update process.
Please refer to your owner's manual for additional details.
If you do not have an Ethernet-based broadband connection for your player or prefer not to use one, you may contact Toshiba Customer Solutions and request that a firmware update disc be sent by mail.

You can update the firmware using this update disc by following the instructions provided with the disc.
PLEASE DO NOT TURN OFF THE POWER TO YOUR PLAYER during the update process. Doing so could cause the player to malfunction.
Please note that if you sent Toshiba the Firmware Update Request card included with your player, you will receive an update disc by mail from Toshiba as soon as it becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What does this update do?

A1. This update adds some new features (extended support for Dolby True HD® and some network connectivity features). It also addresses some problems Toshiba has identified with HDMI/DVI connectivity and disc playback.

Q2. What are the added Dolby True HD features?

A2. Support for Dolby True HD is extended from two channels to 5.1, which will be available in full resolution on the HDMI and analog 5.1 outputs and down-mixed to a DTS bit stream on the SPDIF output.

Q3. What are the network enhancements?

A3. To help support anticipated future content from HD DVD disc publishers, support is added to accept or deny "cookies" (similar to internet browser cookies) and to specify the bandwidth available from the user's internet service.

Q4. The HDMI output does not work or works intermittently with the HDMI or DVI input on my HDTV or monitor. Does the new firmware address that problem?

A4. The firmware update addresses and improves HDMI and DVI connectivity. If you still experience problems, try disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable. Make sure your display input is set to HDMI (or DVI). If your display has more than one HDMI/DVI input, make sure that all connected HDMI/DVI source devices are powered on (even if not in use). If none of these solve the problem, please turn off the TV and the HD DVD player. Check all connections. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable. Turn on the TV first and then turn on the HD DVD player. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

Q5. During HD DVD playback I sometimes experience pixelization, block noise or audio dropouts. Sometimes playback stops. Sometimes, playback is not smooth. Does the new firmware address these issues?

A5. This firmware update, which includes material from prior updates, addresses various playability issues. You should also check to be sure that the disc is clean and, if the disc will not operate at all, that you are inserting the disc with the right side up. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

Q6. When I hook up my HD DVD player to a monitor using the HDMI connection I hear a high frequency noise from the monitor when I switch on the HD DVD player's power. Does the new firmware address this issue?

A6. This firmware update, which includes material from prior updates, addresses the issue. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

Q7. Do I need to install prior updates before installing the current update?

A7. No. The current update includes all of the prior updates.

 

[Ilya]

To tell the truth, this is something that I was not counting on back when I purchased the player.
Full 5.1-channel decoding of Dolby TrueHD enabled with a free firmware update! What a pleasant surprise from Toshiba!

 

[arty100]

Toshiba Site Still Says V 1.4

Be advised.

The Toshiba site says V 1.4.

However if you click it, described is V 2.0


FYI

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Great I will update when I go home!

I do find it strage however that Dolby True HD is remixed into DTS over the optical outputs!

 

[Ilya]

I do find it strage however that Dolby True HD is remixed into DTS over the optical outputs!

Because that's the best the optical outputs can handle. Though Dolby may not be happy with that decision.

 

[Ilya]

What do you need to do to take advantage of Dolby TrueHD

So, once you update the firmware to 2.0, what do you need to do to take advantage of Dolby TrueHD?
This was explained in other threads, but I will repeat it here.

1. First of all, you need an HD DVD disc that has a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack on it. I believe it's currently Phantom of the Opera, Training Day, Constantine and The Perfect Storm. More titles with TrueHD coming soon: End of Days, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Fast & The Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious, 12 Monkeys, The Interpreter, Out of Sight, The Thing, Harry Potter and more.

2. You must either use an HDMI connection if you have an AV receiver capable of extracting multi-channel LPCM out of HDMI, or, if you are like most of us and don't have an HDMI-capable receiver, you must use six (5.1) analog cables. Note, that you will not get the advanced sound if you use other types of connections. Digital coax or optical connections (S/PDIF, Toslink) are not capable of passing Dolby TrueHD, or even Dolby Digital Plus.

3. You must select the Dolby TrueHD soundtrack in the title menu (or by pressing the AUDIO button on your remote). Dolby TrueHD is not selected by default.

 

[Acerone]

I hope to get my disk from Toshiba soon. I have no clue how to download it from the internet.

 

[Ilya]

I hope to get my disk from Toshiba soon. I have no clue how to download it from the internet.

Do you have high-speed Internet at home? DSL or Cable modem? If so, just connect your player to your Internet router and go to the player settings to enable DHCP. Then initiate firmware update in the Maintenance menu. Step-by-step instructions are in the manual on pages 45 and 57.

If you don't have high-speed Internet, then requesting a disc from Toshiba is your main option.

 

[K4LK]

Great I will update when I go home!

I do find it strage however that Dolby True HD is remixed into DTS over the optical outputs!

The player contains a built-in DTS encoder (no Dolby).

 

[vurbano]

did anyone notice "cookies" and modem speed now options in the setup?

 

[jgantert]

Update not availble for the RCA unit yet.

 

[arty100]

Trying to PLAY Dolby TrueHD soundtrack

I just updated my XA3 to 2.0 .

I am not finding this option per the AUDIO button or on
the DVD Title menu.

I have tried with "Training Day" and "Phantom".

The item is not on the disc menu nor does the AUDIO button
do anything..

Anyone else try this yet ?

 

[teamerickson]

I just updated my XA3 to 2.0 .

I am not finding this option per the AUDIO button or on
the DVD Title menu.

I have tried with "Training Day" and "Phantom".

The item is not on the disc menu nor does the AUDIO button
do anything..

Anyone else try this yet ?

When the movie is playing, go to settings in the movie. The TrueHd should be there as one of the audio options. You select it while watching the movie and not in setup for the player. Select it. All done.

 

[arty100]

More DOlby HD Audio

When I go to SETTINGS in the HD DVD menu the only selection I get for
audio is:

"BUTTON"

That does nothing.

I am sorry but I do not see this option anywhere ....

What am I doing wrong...?

 

[Ilya]

Try Language Settings instead of Menu Audio.
You can also use AUDIO button to cycle through all audio modes.
To confirm that you're in TrueHD mode press DISPLAY button.

 

[arty100]

I've Got it !

What a SOUND !!!!

You need to have the DISPLAY button depressed so you can confirm which mode
you're in.

Than by stepping through the AUDIO button choices you can see and
hear which language and flavor of DOLBY that you have.

YIKES!

This is fantastic !

 

[Ilya]

I just updated my XA3

I assume you meant XA1, right? Even XA2 has not been released yet!

 

[teamerickson]

So I did the unofficial update and everythings fine. Has anyone tried to do the official internet update after the unnofficial? Will the machine let you do it? I've done it with an official disc but not internet.

 

[arty100]

1). My Toshiba is the XA1.
2). I downloaded the 2.0 upgrade directly from the internet.

There is now a download speed checkbox available. Hopefully this
will speed up the update process at least for me..

 

[Acerone]

Do you have high-speed Internet at home? DSL or Cable modem? If so, just connect your player to your Internet router and go to the player settings to enable DHCP. Then initiate firmware update in the Maintenance menu. Step-by-step instructions are in the manual on pages 45 and 57.

If you don't have high-speed Internet, then requesting a disc from Toshiba is your main option.

Got it working thanks....