Toshiba HD-XE1-K-TETM - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The UK's first HD DVD player is finally here. We had a look to see how it measures up to its big Blu-ray rival...

Pros: Good value, generally fine picture quality and superb DVD upscaling

Cons: Lacks full-range outputs for HD audio, disc quality is variable and the format war is far from over

Pros: Superb HD pictures; good DVD upscaling; much more affordable than a Blu-ray player; slim design

Cons: Lethargic operating times; no 1080p; no analogue surround sound output

Verdict: While it lacks advanced features and is very slow to respond, the HD-E1 is the first standalone high-definition movie player that feels like it's worth the money. With excellent picture quality, a large selection of movies already available and affordabil

Review summary: With deep roots in the

Pros: HD-DVD at times easily offers the finest home-theater experience we've had.

Verdict: The Toshiba HD-A1, the first high-definition DVD player to reach the market, is perfect for those who have a really big HDTV, don't need 1080p, and have money to burn. Everyone else should wait until the price drops, more HD-DVD titles ship, and the forma

Pros: Plays HD-DVD discs in true high-definition; upscales standard DVDs to high-def resolution; half the price of first-generation Blu-ray players; upgradable firmware via built-in Ethernet port or disc.

Cons: Slow start-up and sluggish operation; terrible remote control; spotty HDMI compatibility; quirky audio controls; network connection can't be used to stream media from PC; larger than most DVD players; small list of titles available; only three major

Verdict: The Toshiba HD-A1 bests the early Blu-ray competition in terms of picture quality and price--but only home-theater enthusiasts are likely to endure its long list of early-adopter caveats.