Toshiba HD-A30: Concern/Problem

aba4430

I bought this player from our local BB last week and wanted to share a concern with folks here. First thing I did was update the firmware to 1.3. It is hooked to our Sony KDS-R60XBR1 via a decent Monoprice HDMI cable, with the sound via a optical connector to our Pioneer VSX-47TX receiver. I am still trying to work out slight the audio-video sync issue, but that is not the main issue I have with the DVD player. The last three times I tried to watch DVD's, I initially did not get any video on my TV, two times. The first time this happened (12/28), I reversed the HDMI 1 & 2 inputs on my TV, set the TV to the correct Video input, but still no picture. Sound was fine as it was via the Toslink link to the Pioneer. Then I set the connections to the original settings and unplugged and plugged back the HDMI cable on the Toshiba player. Everything was normal now. Yesterday I was on the Toshiba website trying to read up general stuff and came upon this FAQ section:

http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/tacpassets-images/notices/hddvd3firmware.asp

The relevant text from the FAQ is pasted below.

"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 issue?

A4. The firmware update addresses and improves HDMI and DVI connectivity issues. If you still experience such issues, 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 issue, 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 issues, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684."

Last night, I experienced the same issue. After just disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable, all was well. Now I will set up my Logitech 880 to have the cable box also turned on (last night I manually turned it on) with the "Watch a DVD" selection plus switch the TV on first and then the DVD player to comply with Toshiba's recommendation above. Everything else seems to be OK.

Has anyone experienced this issue with their HD-A30? Can get quite annoying if it continues especially when you have to manipulate carefully placed equipment and have limited access to cables etc.

aba4430

d213rr

I don't have much to add, but have experienced similar problems with my unit, even after the firmware update. I have watched about 6 or 7 HD DVDs with it since purchasing it, and each has had problems which caused an interruption in the movie. Sometimes the video just hangs and I can't get it going again. Other times, there is audio but no video. My setup sounds similar to yours (HDMI for video, optical for audio). It's frustrating...

I will try Toshiba's suggestion to leave the other HDMI connected components on while using the HD DVD and see if it helps. If I learn of any other tricks I will post them too.

Ricardo

Do you have another HDMI cable that you can try? I remember when I first got my OPPO I had problems with the connection; never thought that the cable could be causing it, but changed it and the problems went away. Worth a try.