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Toshiba HD-A35 High-Definition DVD Player

The HD-A35 is one of Toshiba's third-generation HD DVD-format high-definition DVD players, and was launched in September 2007. You can read more at the company website.

According to a product description:

The Toshiba HD-A35 HD DVD Player stands less than two-and-a-half inches tall but packs a long list of cutting edge features that will help you get the most out of your home theater system. With support for 1080p/24-frame video, Deep Color, and HDMI pass-through audio, this player makes it possible to achieve a viewing experience that's as much like being in a theater as you can get without going to one.

I haven't been able to find online any objective, independent reviews. According to CNET:

The Toshiba HD-A35 is the most expensive model in Toshiba's line of third-generation HD DVD players. While we have not reviewed the HD-A35, we have reviewed the similar step-down model, the HD-A30. The models are very similar, with the major difference being that the HD-A35 adds support for bit stream output of the new high-resolution soundtrack formats, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Bit stream output of these soundtracks means that the encoded audio can be sent to a compatible AV receiver with onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. This might be a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles with new AV receivers, who want to hear the full resolution of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks.

...Toshiba also offers the entry-level Toshiba HD-A3, which lacks 1080p output and bit stream output for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Still, given the disappointing performance of standard 1080p mode on the HD-A30 (and we suspect the HD-A35 performs similarly), the HD-A3 may be a good deal for those who don't want to pay extra for bit stream output of high-resolution soundtracks.

However, Amazon.com features a dozen customer reviews, most of them highly favourable. Here is one:

I just upgraded from an HD-XA2, to this player. I love this thing! The sound is better than the XA2 and the picture was better than I expected even though it doesn't have the (I'll say it now) OVERrated Reon HQV Chip. The cosmetics of this player is really eye-catching, especially the cool blue HD DVD Logo that lights-up when the player's on. It weighs a bit less and it's a little smaller than the XA2 but is very solidly built.

Now the bad news. These are minor points, but, none-the-less: 1.) This player does not have a digital coaxial cable output. 2.) The disc tray is not a single tray like on most DVD players. It has a door that folds down and THEN the tray slides out. 3.) last: The remote does not have a backlight like it's older brother.

...Overall, and in spite of its minor drawbacks, I really love the way this HD DVD Player performs and looks. I would recommend this player for early adopters and current owners who are looking to upgrade.

* Get the Latest Price on the Toshiba HD-A35 High-Definition DVD Player.

November 1st, 2007