Firmware update 1.5 available for Toshiba A2, XA2 & A20

[bobgpsr]

Well here is another update for 2d gen Toshiba HD DVD players -- including the just released HD-A20!
http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/tacpasse...d2firmware.asp

Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2

Firmware Update Version: 1.5

Applicable Models: HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2.

Overview:
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 HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W, and HD-D2. This firmware update 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. Instructions for configuring the Ethernet port and downloading the firmware update can be found in the owner’s manual for your HD DVD Player. 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.
After you have configured the Ethernet port, follow the directions in the owner’s manual 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 the 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 update addresses some problems Toshiba has identified with HDMI/DVI connectivity and disc playback.

Q2. When I connect my HD DVD Player to my HDTV or HD Monitor using a HDMI to DVI adaptor cable or a HDMI to DVI adaptor, the output resolution of the player remains fixed at 480i. Does the new firmware address this issue?

A2. This firmware update addresses the issue. Should you continue to experience problems, please contact Toshiba Customer Solutions at (800) 319-6684.

Q3. 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?

A3. 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.

Q4. During HD DVD playback I sometimes experience pixelization, block noise or audio dropouts. Sometimes playback freezes or stops. Sometimes, playback is not smooth. Does the new firmware address these issues?

A4. This firmware update 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.

Q5. Do I need to install prior firmware updates before installing the current firmware update?

A5. No. The current firmware update includes all of the prior firmware updates.

[Sonnie]

Hmmm... I suppose I need to order the update disc from Toshiba.

Thanks for the update on the update.

[khellandros66]

I hope this fixes issues with Children of men and The Good Shepard as I really want these new movies.

I'll wait and see what otehr say before I jump on it, plu an .ISO CD file should be avalable on the net soon to download and burn rather then waiting on Toshibs to send one in the mail.


~Bobby

[Sonnie]

Is the Internet download via Toshiba or just an individual who gets the CD and uploads it? Where do you normally find it?

[bobgpsr]

Sonnie wrote:

Is the Internet download via Toshiba or just an individual who gets the CD and uploads it? Where do you normally find it?

The latter -- from an upload. It could take a couple of weeks for someone to get a 1.5 f/w disc from Toshiba and get it to squidboy. I think it is very worthwhile to get an home network ethernet connection to your player. Perhaps use the ones that run over the house power lines? Remember soon there will be extra content available via the net -- trailers, subtitles, etc.

squidboy (on an AVS post) wrote:

We now have unofficial ISOs of the Toshiba HD-A2 firmware upgrade, versions 1.2 and 1.3 and XA2 version 1.3. These are images of the discs mailed by Toshiba. The U.S. and Canadian versions are apparently different, but we have no specifics.

Canadian A2 1.2 ISO file (ripped by AESO) - Working

Mirror 1
Mirror 2
Mirror 3 (zipped) - Courtesy ADBNZ
Mirror 4 (zipped) - Courtesy ADBNZ
Mirror 5 (zipped) - Courtesy ADBNZ
Mirror 6 (zipped) (free registration required) - Courtesy k.berger

MD5 => 60a8df0eb61dd1778440f122f03f2b75

U.S. A2 1.2 ISO file (ripped by Litespeed) - NOTE: 1 failed upgrade attempt (killed HDMI), works for others

Mirror 1
Mirror 2
Mirror 3 (zipped) - Courtesy ADBNZ

MD5 => d059ba69fa0e6f6555e27792d134695d

U.S. A2 1.2 NRG file (ripped by Litespeed) - Working

Mirror 1
Mirror 2

MD5 => 3cb328ae4c73251d4cdebb098dd8d644

U.S. A2 1.3 ISO file (ripped by TheCrow1994) - Working

Mirror 1
Mirror 2

MD5 => fc20dc05cc7fa7333f864be99fa5aaad

U.S. XA2 1.3 NRG file (ripped by scorpion90) - Working

Mirror 1
Mirror 2

MD5 => 5bbed0028beed0bb1b289ee3a50c83a5

Official XA2 upgrade instructions (also apply to A2)

Instructions on use:

• Download above file
• Burn ISO as an image to disc
• Insert in A2/XA2
• Confirm that you want to upgrade (TV needs to be on)

Some extra tips, courtesy ADBNZ:

• Use a good quality, unscratched blank CD-ROM.
• Burn at a slow speed (4-8x).
• Take the disc straight to the player and upgrade.
• If the update fails and your machine freezes, hard reboot it. It will remain at its current firmware version.
• Try again with a new CD-ROM.

If you don't know how to burn an ISO properly, see this link. Mac OS X users see here.

ADBNZ has also created a nice webpage with more detailed instructions

MagicISO doesn't seem to like the ISO, even though that is what was used to create it.

Success has been reported with this. Others have had success with Nero, OS X and the Linux "cdrecord" tool.

Hopefully Toshiba will get something official out there soon. (Yeah right... )

[Sonnie]

Yeah... I need to figure out someway to get the connection in the HT room.

[khellandros66]

Sonnie you can get some heavy duty Cat6 cable at Home Depot jst let eem know its gotta be weather shieled for a run outside along the house.

This is the EASIEST way to make a long run to another part of the house.

If you have multiple items that you want wired say..

HD-DVD, Blu-Ray (which IDK) and a HTPC. you can buy a cheap 5 port D-Link switch and run that main ethernet from outside to it, just make sure at least one component is on a crossover cable. since there would be 4 out of the 5 connections made on the switch.

~Bobby

[Rodny Alvarez]

My modem is hook to my computer with the cat 5 or 6 and it has a USB port, my question is can hook the USB to my HD DVD or can I use the USB to hook the computer and use the cat 5 to my HD DVD???
I dont know if they make a cable, USB to Cat5(6).
What do I need???
My computer is about 5 feet from my HD DVD

[bobgpsr]

Rodny Alvarez wrote:

My modem is hook to my computer with the cat 5 or 6 and it has a USB port, my question is can hook the USB to my HD DVD or can I use the USB to hook the computer and use the cat 5 to my HD DVD???

No, USB on the Toshiba won't work. Most that don't have problems with ethernet downloads have a router between the modem and their home network. Then it is easy using the router's local DHCP and DNS with the the AUTO settings on the Toshiba. Without a router -- going straight to the modem -- it is very iffy and depends on your ISP service. If it doesn't work with the Toshiba's AUTO settings (remember to power cycle the modem) it should be doable if you manually enter the exact same IP addresses used for the IP address and DNS id as what your PC uses -- having to unhook the PC and connect the Toshiba in its place. Not always an easy thing to do and not for the faint-hearted! It is easier for most to go out and get/install a router -- let's you set up wireless for your house guests anyway.

[Rodny Alvarez]

Thanks bobgpsr!!

Need to buy a router!!

Can I use my Bosch router??

[slidell]

bobgpsr wrote:

No, USB on the Toshiba won't work. Most that don't have problems with ethernet downloads have a router between the modem and their home network. Then it is easy using the router's local DHCP and DNS with the the AUTO settings on the Toshiba. Without a router -- going straight to the modem -- it is very iffy and depends on your ISP service. If it doesn't work with the Toshiba's AUTO settings (remember to power cycle the modem) it should be doable if you manually enter the exact same IP addresses used for the IP address and DNS id as what your PC uses -- having to unhook the PC and connect the Toshiba in its place. Not always an easy thing to do and not for the faint-hearted! It is easier for most to go out and get/install a router -- let's you set up wireless for your house guests anyway.

If the wireless modem is an option, I wonder if the LINKSYS WGA54G Wireless-G Game Adapter would work with the Toshiba? I works well with XBox 360 console but guessing here.