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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Latest Firmware Update Information - November 2008

We've found the below information to be very important to all existing owners of HD DVD players, so we've decided to provide firmware update information on this blog as long as they are available from Toshiba/Onkyo/Venturer/Integra, despite the fact that we've decided to stop posting news on HD DVD. Starting today, only news regarding the latest firmware updates for HD DVD players will be posted on this blog.

Latest Firmware Versions/Updates... Click on the version number for further information.

Click here for instructions on how to check the version of the firmware installed on the HD DVD players from Toshiba, Onkyo and Venturer.

HD DVD Players Released in the U.S./Canada

HD DVD Players/Recorders Released in Japan

HD DVD Players Released in Europe

HD DVD Players Released in Middle East, Hong Kong, India, Israel & Southeast Asia

HD DVD Players Released in Australia & New Zealand

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Firmware Updates... (Updated January 29)

Latest Firmware Versions/Updates...

Click here for instructions on how to check the version of the firmware installed on the HD DVD players from Toshiba, Onkyo and Venturer.

Please note that the new web-enabled HD DVD titles such as Blood Diamond, FREEDOM Series, 300, Heroes Season One, Motörhead's "Stage Fright" and Transformers (2007) would require the latest firmware updates (latest versions listed below) on the HD DVD players, for the web-enabled features to function without major hiccups.

HD DVD Players Released in the U.S./Canada

HD DVD Players/Recorders Released in Japan

HD DVD Players Released in Europe

HD DVD Players Released in Asia (Hong Kong, India & Southeast Asia)

Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-on Player

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Error Code Status explanation / Problems with playback even after the firmware is updated...

For owners of Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-on player having problems with HD DVD playback, you may want to refer to this article for some troubleshooting tips.

Specifically for Universal Studios' web-enabled HD DVDs... If you're having troubles with disc playback or the web-enabled features, you may want to check the support section of Universal Studios' Hi Def website.

For Paramount's HD DVDs, you may want to refer to this website for support.

For Warner Home Video's web-enabled HD DVDs, you may want to refer to this page for support information.

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Tuesday, November 20, 2007

A Pair of Firmware Updates...

Firmware Update for Toshiba HD-A1/D1 & HD-XA1 (North America) to Version 2.4

This firmware update improves network connectivity for supporting the download of web-enabled network content associated with certain HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, and also addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related issues identified by Toshiba.

Full details of this firmware update can be found here.

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Firmware Update for Toshiba HD-A3/D3, HD-A30 & HD-A35 to Version 1.3

This firmware update improves network connectivity for supporting the download of web-enabled network content associated with certain HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, and also addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related issues identified by Toshiba.

Full details of this firmware update can be found here.

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Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Firmware Update v2.7 For HD-A2/D2, HD-A20, HD-XA2 Is Available Now

This firmware update improves support for 1080p/24Hz OUTPUT (HD-A20 & HD-XA2 only), improves network connectivity supporting the download of web-enabled network content associated with certain HD DVD discs, and also addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related issues identified by Toshiba. In addition, this firmware update provides High Bit Rate Audio functionality for the HD-XA2 player. When integrated through the HDMI connection to a 7.1 capable multi-channel A/V receiver, High Bit Rate Audio has the potential to offer the latest in high definition surround sound.

Click here for full instructions on how to obtain and install the firmware update.

On a side note, a firmware update of similar nature (Streaming of High Bit Rate Audio over HDMI) could be expected in the next couple of weeks for the HD-XA2 sold in Japan and HD-XE1 sold in various parts of Europe.

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Tuesday, October 16, 2007

First Firmware Update for Toshiba's Third-Gen HD DVD Players

Toshiba America has just released the v1.1 firmware update for HD-A3/D3, HD-A30 & HD-A35 HD DVD players.

This firmware update improves network connectivity for supporting the download of web-enabled network content associated with certain HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, and also addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related issues identified by Toshiba.

Important Note: Certain HD DVD discs may contain or have the capability of downloading studio-provided, web-enabled network content. To minimize any potential compatibility and/or connectivity issues, before viewing such content, it is recommended that you perform the firmware update process to ensure that your HD DVD player is using the latest firmware version.

Full instructions on how to obtain and install the firmware update via this webpage.

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Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Toshiba (America) Releases v2.3 Firmware Update for First-Gen HD DVD Players

Amended with the correct HD DVD player models...

Toshiba America has released another firmware update for HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1 sold in U.S./Canada.

This release will update the firmware on the above-mentioned HD DVD players to version 2.3.

This firmware update improves network connectivity for supporting the download of web-enabled network content associated with certain HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, and also addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related issues identified by Toshiba.

HD DVD discs like Freedom Vol. 1 and Blood Diamond which are currently available for sale would require this firmware update in order to enjoy the web-enabled extras without any major hiccups. You may want to refer to our HD DVD Release List for details of other titles taking advantage of the network functionality of every HD DVD player released to date.

Important Note: Certain HD DVD discs may contain or have the capability of downloading studio-provided, web-enabled network content. To minimize any potential compatibility and/or connectivity issues, before viewing such content, it is recommended that you perform the firmware update process to ensure that your HD DVD player is using the latest firmware version.

There are currently three known ways to get this official firmware update:

  1. 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. Instructions for configuring the Ethernet port and downloading the firmware update can be found in the owner’s manual for your HD DVD Player. BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.

  2. 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.

  3. You may also download v2.3 firmware update image files, to create your own firmware update CD. Instructions on how to create the update CD available here.

    Direct links to v2.3 firmware update image files, to create your own firmware update CD:

You may want to refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to update the firmware.

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Thursday, June 28, 2007

Toshiba (America) Releases v2.0 Firmware Update for 2nd-Gen Players

[Jun 26, 2007] Originally posted.
[Jun 28, 2007] Direct links to v2.0 firmware update image files are now available.

Toshiba America has released the another firmware update for HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W and HD-D2 sold in U.S./Canada. This release will update the firmware on the above-mentioned HD DVD players to version 2.0.

This firmware update improves network connectivity for supporting the download of web-enabled network content associated with certain HD DVD discs, and also addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related issues identified by Toshiba.

Important Note: Certain HD DVD discs may contain or have the capability of downloading studio-provided, web-enabled network content. To minimize any potential compatibility and/or connectivity issues, before viewing such content, it is recommended that you perform the firmware update process to ensure that your HD DVD player is using the latest firmware version.

There are currently three known ways to get the official firmware update:
  1. 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. Instructions for configuring the Ethernet port and downloading the firmware update can be found in the owner’s manual for your HD DVD Player. BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.

  2. 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.

  3. You may also download v2.0 firmware update image files, to create your own firmware update CD. Instructions on how to create the update CD available here.

    Direct links to v2.0 firmware update image files, to create your own firmware update CD:

You may want to refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W and HD-D2 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to update the firmware.

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Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Upcoming HD DVDs with HDi Network Functionality Requires Firmware Update

As we've mentioned on this blog earlier last week, the upcoming HD DVDs with HDi network functionality or web-enabled extras would require the latest firmware update. HD DVD titles taking advantage of the network functionality includes Freedom Vol. 1 (June 26), Blood Diamond (July 3), 300 (July 31) and Heroes: Season 1 (Aug 28)

Toshiba (America) has also reiterated the importance of the latest firmware updates (See Important Note of the firmware update notification) if you intend to enjoy the web-enabled extras without any major hiccups.

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Tuesday, May 29, 2007

HD-XA2, HD-A20 and HD-A2 v1.6 Firmware ISO Now Available

These past few weeks, we've seen quite a bit of site referrals from search engines. These search engines referred Internet users to us because these users were looking for v1.6 Firmware Update image file to create their own update CD.

Previously, there were quite a number of sites providing firmware image files for previous builds but since they were unofficial sites, we refrain from posting them here.

Now that Toshiba (Canada) has officially provided the firmware update image files for users to create their own update CD (In actual fact, they may have already done so for previous firmware updates.), we've decided to provide the link here to benefit those who did not know they could get the firmware update image file directly from the source. This firmware update applies only to the 2nd-generation HD DVD players sold in the U.S./Canada.

If you need to read the full instructions/details of v1.6 firmware update, you can access them via this blogpost (links to the firmware update image files are also available in that blogpost.)

Toshiba (Canada) has made available the firmware update image files, the instructions on how to create the update CD and the instructions on loading the update using the update CD, and they can be accessed via the respective weblinks provided below.

Direct links:
HD-A20 v1.6 Firmware Update
HD-XA2 v1.6 Firmware Update
HD-A2 v1.6 Firmware Update

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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Toshiba (America) Releases v1.6 Firmware Update for 2nd-Gen Players

Toshiba America has released the another firmware update for HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W and HD-D2 sold in U.S./Canada. This release will update the firmware to version 1.6.

This firmware update addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

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. Instructions for configuring the Ethernet port and downloading the firmware update can be found in the owner’s manual for your HD DVD Player. BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.

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.

The current firmware update includes all of the prior firmware updates.

Direct links to v1.6 firmware update image files, to create your own firmware update CD:

You may want to refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W and HD-D2 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

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Monday, April 30, 2007

Toshiba (America) Releases v2.2 Firmware Updates for First-Gen HD DVD Players

Toshiba America has released the version 2.2 firmware updates for HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1 that was/is being sold in the U.S./Canada.

An important note: BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Specific update instructions are provided with the disc.

Direct links to v2.2 firmware update image files, to create your own firmware update CD:

Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

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Thursday, April 12, 2007

Toshiba (America) Releases v1.5 Firmware Update for 2nd-Gen Players

Toshiba America has released the another firmware update for HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W and HD-D2 sold in U.S.. This release will update the firmware to version 1.5.

This update addresses some problems Toshiba has identified with HDMI/DVI connectivity and disc playback.

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. Instructions for configuring the Ethernet port and downloading the firmware update can be found in the owner’s manual for your HD DVD Player. BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.

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.

The current firmware update includes all of the prior firmware updates.

Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W and HD-D2 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

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Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Toshiba (America) Releases v2.1 Firmware Updates for First-Gen HD DVD Players

Toshiba America has released the version 2.1 firmware updates for HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1 sold in U.S.

An important note: BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCESS, BE SURE TO REMOVE ANY DISCS FROM YOUR HD DVD PLAYER.

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.

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.

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.

Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

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Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Toshiba (America) Releases v1.3 Firmware Updates

Toshiba America has released the first firmware update for HD-XA2, HD-A2, HD-A2W and HD-D2 sold in U.S. to version 1.3.

This firmware update addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA2, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

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Saturday, January 27, 2007

An Update...

Its been days since my last post. Hence, I've aggregated all the stuff and post them here... all in one shot. The past week has ended on a rather positive note.

On the hardware front:
  • Firmware Update Version 1.2 is currently available for download via the HD DVD player's ethernet port or via an update disc that Toshiba will mail to you (if you request for it). The update is meant for Toshiba's HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2 HD DVD players.
  • This update addresses some problems Toshiba has identified with HDMI/DVI connectivity and disc playback. Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.
  • It seems that such a firmware update was also made available to European owners of the Toshiba HD-E1 a few days/weeks ago.
  • I've yet to receive any official word with regards to an update being made available for the HD-XF2 (Japan). But I guess it won't take long before they release an update.

On the software front:

  • Guess the news have reached almost every single owner of a HD DVD player... Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced that it has plans to add another 100 titles to the existing selection of HD DVD titles over the course of 2007. 90% of which will be released as HD DVD/DVD Combos. The titles mentioned in the press release have been updated in our Coming Soon list.
  • Nature's Colors With the World's Greatest Music will be released on HD DVD/DVD Combo disc this February 27. The main feature will be presented in 1080i High Definition with Dolby Digital-Plus & Dolby TrueHD audio tracks. Nature's Colors would include those from Bora Bora to Africa, from the Midwest to the Pacific Coast, from Costa Rica to Bali, from Hawaii to Arizona, from the Rocky Mountains to the Redwood Forest while World's Greatest Music will feature classical tracks from from Bach to Beethoven to Ravel to Debussy.

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Thursday, January 18, 2007

Toshiba (America) Releases Version 1.2 Firmware Update for HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2

Toshiba America has released the first firmware update for HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2 HD DVD players sold in U.S., to version 1.2.

This update addresses some problems Toshiba has identified with HDMI/DVI connectivity and disc playback.

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 44-47 of the owner's manual. Page 58 of the owner's manual describes how to download the firmware update.

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 at (800) 319-6684 and request that a firmware update disc be sent by mail.

Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

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Friday, August 25, 2006

Fully Experience Movies in Lossless Surround Sound via Firmware Update (v2.0)

Toshiba America has released the third firmware update for HD-A1, HD-D1 and HD-XA1 sold in U.S. to version 2.0, ever since the HD DVD players debut in U.S./Canada back in April.

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.

Highlights of the update besides the fixes:

  • Support for Dolby TrueHD 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. Click on the logo below for more information on Dolby TrueHD. If you require the list of titles containing Dolby TrueHD, you could visit my HD DVD Release List where titles with Dolby TrueHD audio will have this [TrueHD] indicated next to this title.

  • Network enhancements that will 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.

Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA1, HD-A1, and HD-D1 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

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Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Firmware Update (v1.4) Available Now from Toshiba

Toshiba America has released the second firmware update for HD-A1, HD-D1 and HD-XA1 sold in U.S. to version 1.4 since the HD DVD players debut in April.

The firmware update addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba

The firmware update can be obtained over the internet using the Ethernet port on the back of the 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.

For owners who do not have an Ethernet-based broadband connection for their player or prefer not to use one, they may contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684 and request that a firmware update disc be sent by mail.

Please note that for owners who sent Toshiba the Firmware Update Request card included with their player, they will receive an update disc by mail from Toshiba as soon as it becomes available.

Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA1, HD-A1, and HD-D1 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

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Wednesday, June 07, 2006

First Firmware Update (v1.2) for Toshiba HD-A1, HD-D1 and HD-XA1 sold in U.S.

Previously we first reported here that Toshiba Japan has released its firmware update for the Japanese HD-XA1. We are please to report again Toshiba America has released the first firmware update for HD-A1, HD-D1 and HD-XA1 sold in U.S. to version 1.2 since the HD DVD players debut in April.

The firmware update addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

The firmware update can be obtained over the internet using the Ethernet port on the back of the HD DVD Player.

For owners who do not have an Ethernet-based broadband connection for their player or prefer not to use one, they may contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684 and request that a firmware update disc be sent by mail.

Please note that for owners who sent Toshiba the Firmware Update Request card included with their player, they will receive an update disc by mail from Toshiba as soon as it becomes available.

Please refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA1, HD-A1, and HD-D1 for full details direct from Toshiba.

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