Toshiba's HD DVD Updates: Too Little Too Late?

Nothing like beating a dead horse, but Toshiba has just released version 4.0 software updates for their HD DVD players. Umm . . . Does someone want to tell them the format isn't really around anymore?

Granted, there are a lot of players out there, and folks who bought them bought movies, and sure, they should be able to play them forever.

What's this update fix, and which players does it address?

According to Toshiba, this fix addresses certain playback issues, and seems to fix jagged edges on 1080p/24 AVC images. From the update page: "As part of our commitment to provide world-class service to our customers, Toshiba is supplying this firmware update for use by purchasers of Toshiba HD DVD Player models listed above. This firmware update improves support for Addresses certain disc playback related issues identified by Toshiba. Play state specification is changed (Advanced playback function) When "pause state" continues 3 hours."

This upgrade is for the entire Toshiba HD DVD product line: HD-A1, HD-XA1, HD-D1, HD-A35, HD-A2, HD-A2W, HD-A2C, HD-D2, HD-A20, HD-XA2, HD-A3, HD-D3, and HD-A30. You can download the update directly to the player or burn a copy to disc on your computer and use that to update your player.

If you're still using your HD DVD player, it might be worth a look to see if you'll benefit from the upgrade. -Leslie Shapiro

Toshiba

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