HD-A1 2.1 firmware released!

[BiffCo]

Released today:

Firmware Update Version: 2.1

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:

* BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.
* 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 20 minutes to download and install. Once the firmware update download process has finished, the player's power will automatically switch off. You must wait until this process has finished.
* DO NOT UNPLUG, TURN OFF, OR USE ANY OTHER FEATURE OF YOUR PLAYER DURING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS. Doing so will cause the writing of the firmware update to the player to be halted and the player may no longer operate properly. If the player stops working, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.
* 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.
* DO NOT UNPLUG, TURN OFF, OR USE ANY OTHER FEATURE OF YOUR PLAYER DURING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS. Doing so will cause the writing of the firmware update to the player to be halted and the player may no longer operate properly. If the player stops working, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

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 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.

Q2. 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?

A2. 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.

Q3. 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?

A3. 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.

Q4. Do I need to install prior updates before installing the current update?

A4. No. The current update includes all of the prior updates.

Source

[Jon Liu]

Nice! I'm glad they are still updating the players! to Toshiba!

[Peench]

I was beginning to think it would never be updated. I hope this fixes the random playback problems we've been experiencing! Yay!

[alter_ego_trip]

I always get nervous with new updates. Some of them once installed cannot be uninstalled. I am not having any problems right now so I think I'll hold off until I need it. Every once in a while an update causes more problems than they fix.

[Peench]

I'm definitely installing. I have had a few random but major issues w/ the HDA1 (like freezing and refusing to play DVD's, etc). I'm thinking its simply because it was once owned and touched by Aetherhole, but I'm hoping this will fix the problems.

Also, are those squirrels wielding light sabers?

[alter_ego_trip]

Originally Posted by Peench

Also, are those squirrels wielding light sabers?

Yeah, they're a rare breed of Jedi squirrels.

[Peench]

Originally Posted by alter_ego_trip

Yeah, they're a rare breed of Jedi squirrels.

Awesome. (sorry for the keezy)

[Peench]

I upgraded my HDA1 this evening. The process itself was fairly simple, but it did take much longer than 20 minutes. My estimate was a little over 50 minutes. thankfully I had my DS Lite to keep me company while I was waiting. I left the TV on during the process, but I could have turned it off. While the software is being downloaded and the HDA1 updated, it shows the percentage it is complete on the screen of the HDA1 as "0pct" etc.

I looked up at one point and it said 65pct. Next thing I knew the HDA1 was off and the TV screen was blank. When the update is complete it does turn the HDA1 off. I was getting some Brain Age training in so I let it sit long enough that my TV turned itself off. I turned it back on and it started right up. It may be that it is late or that the hour I had waited had dulled my senses, but it seemed to start up more quickly. Lets hope I am correct as it took forever before.

Just wanted to pass on a successful upgrade.

[Jon Liu]

Nice. I remember, when I upgraded that unit, it didn't take too long. I think I upgraded it a couple weeks after the previous upgrade came out, so the servers were probably not getting hammered.

[BiffCo]

Peench, make sure you initialize your player. I've had problems with updates before (sketchy operation, etc.), but an initialize from the maintenence menu always solved it. Make sure you write down all of your audio settings because it resets everything to default. Also, if using HDMI, press the v. output button on the remote. Initialize resets it back to component.

-Brad

[Peench]

Is it recommended to initialize it after doing an update? It didn't seem to have any problems after I updated it, but I didn't try to watch anything yet.