Toshiba HD-EP30 - Dead technology still worth its weight in gold? (Toshiba HD-EP30)

Member Name: cliffy88

Product:	Toshiba HD-EP30
Date:	21/07/09 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheaper than Blu-ray, Excellent features/playback

Disadvantages: Slow start up, not in production any more

With the demise of HD-DVD players of this type were going cheap when I bought this one. What people don't seem to realise is that not only is this a HD-DVD player, but it is an excellent up scaling DVD player, and for the price it was selling for, it was a steal if just for that.

The player is a a fairly plain looking all black, it has 6 buttons and a power button on the front and nothing else other than the LCD display and disc tray cover. It looks sleek and professional with its high gloss front.

The EP30 incorporates one HDMI output, an optical and a coax, analogue 5.1 is not found on this model but is found on the EP35. A nice feature here is that the HDMI is version 1.3 and supports 24fps playback at 1080p.

Start-up time on this player, whilst better than some HD-DVD players still takes ages compared to a standard DVD player. It is also notably slower at starting up than the Sony PS3 which could be considered a competitor to this player as a HD format.

The menu system is easy to navigate and simple use, providing all the options you would expect and need.

The remote is well laid out and has a host of options, one problem with it is that it looks slightly old fashioned, but if that really bothers you, then buy an all in one remote.

HD film looks stunning on the set, a lot of this will depend on your TV/set-up but, but comparing it to standard DVD players on the same set-up it easily out performs. One of the most striking improvements is the colour reproduction.

In conclusion, weather you want a HD-DVD player (HD-DVD's are cheap now!) or an up-scaler this is the perfect player for you.

Summary: weather you want a HD-DVD player (HD-DVD's are cheap now!) or an up-scaler this is the perfect pl...

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