any real difference between the A30 or A35 model? I have the A30 model. I am thinking of purchasing a 2nd HD DVD player. I am thinking of the A35 player. For an extra $100 difference, I am trying to see a difference?? Does anybody own the two, or has seen or heard a difference between the two. Thanks any real difference between the A30 or A35 model? I have the A30 model. I am thinking of purchasing a 2nd HD DVD player. I am thinking of the A35 player. For an extra $100 difference, I am... » Read More any real difference between the A30 or A35 model? I have the A30 model. I am thinking of purchasing a 2nd HD DVD player. I am thinking of the A35 player. For an extra $100 difference, I am trying to see a difference?? Does anybody own the two, or has seen or heard a difference between the two. Thanks « Show Less
474307
In addition to what Jake and thomman mentioned, the A35 has (future) Deep Color support. In the future (hopefully), directors will shoot movies in this new video format and allow for billions of shades/grades of colors (versus the current millions) to give an even sharper and more detailed picture. Only the A35 is ready...the A30 &A3; are NOT. Also, thomann mentioned DTS HD...this surround format has several levels within itself but only the A35 can do the highest lossless uncompressed version (DTS HD Master Audio) via HDMI due to the High Bit Rate Audio option. The A35 is the better one of the three for a futureproof HD setup! Well worth the extra money!! In addition to what Jake and thomman mentioned, the A35 has (future) Deep Color support. In the future (hopefully), directors will shoot movies in this new video format and allow for billions of shades/grades of colors (versus the current millions) to give an even sharper and more detailed picture. Only the A35 is ready...the A30 &A3; are NOT. Also, thomann mentioned DTS HD...this surround format has several levels within itself but only the A35 can do the highest lossless uncompressed version (DTS HD Master Audio) via HDMI due to the High Bit Rate Audio option. The A35 is the better one of... » Read More In addition to what Jake and thomman mentioned, the A35 has (future) Deep Color support. In the future (hopefully), directors will shoot movies in this new video format and allow for billions of shades/grades of colors (versus the current millions) to give an even sharper and more detailed picture. Only the A35 is ready...the A30 &A3; are NOT. Also, thomann mentioned DTS HD...this surround format has several levels within itself but only the A35 can do the highest lossless uncompressed version (DTS HD Master Audio) via HDMI due to the High Bit Rate Audio option. The A35 is the better one of the three for a futureproof HD setup! Well worth the extra money!! « Show Less
474308
the bitstreaming through optical on the a30 and the a35 should be the same. you SHOULD get better sound with the analog outs than with the optical with the discs that have truehd, since you cannot get truehd through optical. i'm about to upgrade from an a3 to an a35 because of the analog outs. i plan on getting a new receiver someday but am not sure when that will be and i want my truehd sound NOW. :-)
474309
The biggest difference is A35's capability to output uncompressed HD audio (DolbyHD and DTS HD) over HDMI connection. A30 and others decodes it on the player itself and outputs the decoded audio stream. This allows you to take advantage of your AV receiver's (if you have it, that is - such receivers just started coming into market) capability to decode HD audio.
474310
actually to follow up, I actually do not own a HDMI capable a/v receiver. I am currently running my A-30 by HDMI to televsion for VIDEO purposes ONLY, and then I have the OPTICAL cable running to my Denon a/v receiver. However, the sound is good, but some movies I have to really turn up the volume to catch "soft" dialogue, then all of a sudden during an action sequence, the volume is way too loud. I find myself constantly turning up and down the volume throughout some movies.Will the A35 model improve the bitstreaming with the optical cable? Or would I get a better sound if I just used standard RCA audio wires and change my set up to analog 5.1 on my Denon Reciever? actually to follow up, I actually do not own a HDMI capable a/v receiver. I am currently running my A-30 by HDMI to televsion for VIDEO purposes ONLY, and then I have the OPTICAL cable running to my Denon a/v receiver. However, the sound is good, but some movies I have to really turn up the volume to catch "soft" dialogue, then all of a sudden during an action sequence, the volume is way too loud. I find myself constantly turning up and down the volume throughout some movies.Will the A35 model improve the bitstreaming with the optical cable? Or would I get a better sound if... » Read More actually to follow up, I actually do not own a HDMI capable a/v receiver. I am currently running my A-30 by HDMI to televsion for VIDEO purposes ONLY, and then I have the OPTICAL cable running to my Denon a/v receiver. However, the sound is good, but some movies I have to really turn up the volume to catch "soft" dialogue, then all of a sudden during an action sequence, the volume is way too loud. I find myself constantly turning up and down the volume throughout some movies.Will the A35 model improve the bitstreaming with the optical cable? Or would I get a better sound if I just used standard RCA audio wires and change my set up to analog 5.1 on my Denon Reciever? « Show Less
474311
Thanks P. Seto, I think I will try the same. However, I Checked out the Onkyo 605 at my local Best Buy ($499), but on Amazon ($408), and it looks like it could do some serious damage. My only gripe is that it only has 2 hdmi inputs. I may want to add a PS3 at a later date, which would have my entertainment system running 3 hdmi cables. Is True HD and Dolby Digital plus a huge difference with the onkyo receiver capable of this type of audio?
474312
You need to upgrade to a A/V receiver that has HDMI. You don't need to buy a really expensive receiver either. You can purchase an Onkyo 605 for $400.
474313
The A35 has analog 5.1 audio outputs. You can only listen to the Dolby TrueHD audio (which is available on about 25% of all HD DVD's) via HDMI or analog 5.1. I believe you can still select the Dolby TrueHD if you are using coaxial or optical TOSlink to get your surround sound, but it will be downsampled.
474314
The A35 also does have a better video processor than the A30, this is especially noticable when you're upscaling standard def stuff. Many people have said they are getting a slightly sharper image than with the top of the line XA2 as well - whether that is good or bad is up to you, some people like the sharper image, some don't. Check out AVSforum.com in the HD DVD player section for more feedback.
474315
I was watching a b**tl*g copy of Hitman on my A35, and it actually looked good enough--comparable to the full SD version I'd been watching earlier on my sis-in-law's 50 inch HDTV (not connected--I already had the copy). So much so, that I will NOT need to buy another version.
454610
This is supply and demand but who in the right mind will pay $600? I waited too long and also cannot find one in the entire Atlanta market. At one point the 35 was on sale for something like $140 at Sears... but now it is $359! By the way, the 55 is not available direct from Panasonic and I understand that this player has been discontinued. Good Luck All
1899941
Thanks a lot for the reply. Sounds like this player does everything I want. Now, if Amazon would get them in stock...
2013865
Thanks! The only real gripe that I remember is that a DVD is a little slow to load when you put it in. When I get around to buying one myself though, I probably won't use it as my main DVD player anyway, but I'll write up a full review.
759412
I currently have the A3 for my 40" 1080i Samsung LCD. I also picked up a new A35 from Best Buy for $150. Now I have a back up/player, If I decide to upgrade to a 1080p TV. Go online to bestbuy.com, see if the stores in your area have any available. If they do, then run! At this price they're going very fast.Remember the five free movie rebate is still going, you have until 2/28.
1760234
Hi, The Sony's do take longer than many other players-sometimes it seems like "forever" but the ability to play imperfect discs and the overall quality of playback is worth it. I have compared the sony to Panasonic S-53K , Toshiba and Philips---the sony seems clearer. Just takes a little patience with the slow drawer and the welcome display.... peter
871060
Thanks for the excellent suggestion! This was not available as an option when I was looking at alternatives to the (out-of-production) BD55 a year ago. It's got what I need - analog 7.1 out (why I am not interested in the BD60...) and BDLive (because why would you buy a player that wasn't internet-ready?). The SACD is a BIG plus in my book... I never said I wouldn't pay $500 for a player - I just said I wouldn't pay $500 for a $250 player...I notice the Oppo doesn't 'do' Amazon streaming media - but that's Amazon's problem, not mine... (I don't think the world is ready for streaming HiDef video, and when it is, there will be better choices than we have now...) Thanks for the excellent suggestion! This was not available as an option when I was looking at alternatives to the (out-of-production) BD55 a year ago. It's got what I need - analog 7.1 out (why I am not interested in the BD60...) and BDLive (because why would you buy a player that wasn't internet-ready?). The SACD is a BIG plus in my book... I never said I wouldn't pay $500 for a player - I just said I wouldn't pay $500 for a $250 player...I notice the Oppo doesn't 'do' Amazon streaming media - but that's Amazon's problem, not mine... (I don't think the world is ready for... » Read More Thanks for the excellent suggestion! This was not available as an option when I was looking at alternatives to the (out-of-production) BD55 a year ago. It's got what I need - analog 7.1 out (why I am not interested in the BD60...) and BDLive (because why would you buy a player that wasn't internet-ready?). The SACD is a BIG plus in my book... I never said I wouldn't pay $500 for a player - I just said I wouldn't pay $500 for a $250 player...I notice the Oppo doesn't 'do' Amazon streaming media - but that's Amazon's problem, not mine... (I don't think the world is ready for streaming HiDef video, and when it is, there will be better choices than we have now...) « Show Less
589432
un-believable Circuit city pulled the a3 from their best seller list. The A20 is down around 30 or so. They're definitely pro bluray!
97445
Hi Jorge, HD DVD is region free (unlike Blu-Ray which may be region restricted). But for standard DVDs, the HD-A35 from Amazon will play only Region 1 DVDs and Region Free DVDs. The HD-A35 will not play DVDs with other Region settings, e.g., Region 2, 3, 4, etc.
2185024
Sony website just had the 350 for $150 yesterday, not having any fancy hookups (just using the sony front speakers) I can't justify the difference in cost. However, I appreciate the simple and clear reply given to the original question and will refer back to it when choosing a new BD player and sound setup. Espcially if trying to get more life out of our old (sony) receiver.From what I understand of the answer, if the setup is more modern, it would not make any difference which player.
1934848
BTW...yesterday I was in BB and Sony has just released a 32" XBR9 1080p with 120hz Motionflow technology... and it is up on the Sony Style website.. so much for what the salesman tell you that Sony is not going to produce..But compared to the Sony 32" 1080p 60 hz.. I thought the higher priced model with 120hz looked grainy to me. I really didn't see the $200 difference in the (retail price). Perhaps on Blu Ray disc viewing there is a difference.. GLTA
623941
Thanks for the info Kevin, just got back from a huge dvd store here and I noticed a lot of Blu Ray discs marked 'all regions' (1,2,3) on the back of them so Sony may be trying relax restrictions for now to corner the market here. I also just found out that's it's pointless getting a blu-ray and/or hd-dvd player as my 3 year old 43" Pioneer Plasma with external hig def set top box can only output 1024 X 768 pixels max, so I wouldn't visibly see blu-rays or hd-dvd's 1080p potential...think I'm better off just getting a good upscaling dvd player & a good hdmi cable. Except for PS2, dvd players/recorders sold here are region free out of the box anyway. Will look out for Oppo but don't think it's sold here. Thanks for the info Kevin, just got back from a huge dvd store here and I noticed a lot of Blu Ray discs marked 'all regions' (1,2,3) on the back of them so Sony may be trying relax restrictions for now to corner the market here. I also just found out that's it's pointless getting a blu-ray and/or hd-dvd player as my 3 year old 43" Pioneer Plasma with external hig def set top box can only output 1024 X 768 pixels max, so I wouldn't visibly see blu-rays or hd-dvd's 1080p potential...think I'm better off just getting a good upscaling dvd player & a good hdmi cable. Except for PS2, dvd... » Read More Thanks for the info Kevin, just got back from a huge dvd store here and I noticed a lot of Blu Ray discs marked 'all regions' (1,2,3) on the back of them so Sony may be trying relax restrictions for now to corner the market here. I also just found out that's it's pointless getting a blu-ray and/or hd-dvd player as my 3 year old 43" Pioneer Plasma with external hig def set top box can only output 1024 X 768 pixels max, so I wouldn't visibly see blu-rays or hd-dvd's 1080p potential...think I'm better off just getting a good upscaling dvd player & a good hdmi cable. Except for PS2, dvd players/recorders sold here are region free out of the box anyway. Will look out for Oppo but don't think it's sold here. « Show Less
1179375
D. Trac, I agree with Minase. If your TV is 1080p compatible, then go with the HD-A35. If not, you may one day want one and your A35 will be ready to go. Also, if you do want surround sound eventually, the A35 will provide the ability for you to hear it through the 5.1 analog outs that the A30 doesn't have. You'll be able to get a much less expensive receiver to hear the wonderful hd audio options on the discs. In short, the HD-A35 does everything the A30 does and more and offers more options for the future. If you can afford the extra, the A35 is worth it. Oh, last time I checked, Amazon is offering 10 free movies with the player, so it's a good time to go for it. D. Trac, I agree with Minase. If your TV is 1080p compatible, then go with the HD-A35. If not, you may one day want one and your A35 will be ready to go. Also, if you do want surround sound eventually, the A35 will provide the ability for you to hear it through the 5.1 analog outs that the A30 doesn't have. You'll be able to get a much less expensive receiver to hear the wonderful hd audio options on the discs. In short, the HD-A35 does everything the A30 does and more and offers more options for the future. If you can afford the extra, the A35 is worth it. Oh, last time I checked, Amazon... » Read More D. Trac, I agree with Minase. If your TV is 1080p compatible, then go with the HD-A35. If not, you may one day want one and your A35 will be ready to go. Also, if you do want surround sound eventually, the A35 will provide the ability for you to hear it through the 5.1 analog outs that the A30 doesn't have. You'll be able to get a much less expensive receiver to hear the wonderful hd audio options on the discs. In short, the HD-A35 does everything the A30 does and more and offers more options for the future. If you can afford the extra, the A35 is worth it. Oh, last time I checked, Amazon is offering 10 free movies with the player, so it's a good time to go for it. « Show Less
1781813
Thanks for the info. That was exactly the type of information I was looking for. I don't think the audio will make a difference to me. I'm very new to the HD community and by the time I get around to surround sound, something else will be out there. I read your review of the 570; very good review, nice and detailed. (I was thinking that if I decided on the 570, I might just add a few more dollars and get a PS3. It's the only bluray player I've actually used.) I was glad to read that you liked the upconversion. I've got too many DVDs and want to make sure my bluray player will do a good job on those. Again, thanks. Thanks for the info. That was exactly the type of information I was looking for. I don't think the audio will make a difference to me. I'm very new to the HD community and by the time I get around to surround sound, something else will be out there. I read your review of the 570; very good review, nice and detailed. (I was thinking that if I decided on the 570, I might just add a few more dollars and get a PS3. It's the only bluray player I've actually used.) I was glad to read that you liked the upconversion. I've got too many DVDs and want to make sure my bluray player will do a good job... » Read More Thanks for the info. That was exactly the type of information I was looking for. I don't think the audio will make a difference to me. I'm very new to the HD community and by the time I get around to surround sound, something else will be out there. I read your review of the 570; very good review, nice and detailed. (I was thinking that if I decided on the 570, I might just add a few more dollars and get a PS3. It's the only bluray player I've actually used.) I was glad to read that you liked the upconversion. I've got too many DVDs and want to make sure my bluray player will do a good job on those. Again, thanks. « Show Less
1785498
My player doesn't upscale very well at all. And, I am hooked up using HDMI. No way does Blu-ray Disc compare to HD DVD. I used to have an HD-XA2 and an HD A35 and those players were amazing at upscaling. Sometimes you couldn't tell the difference between high-def and standard def.
713608
Thanks David and Jay. Since I posted, most dvd's have looked excellent. The one I had judged it on before the post (The newest Harry Potter) may just be a bad disk. I will keep your recommendations in mind as I'm sure I will need to adjust for certain dvd's. I now agree that this is a great player and an excellent value.
1763606
You are right. It only has RCA connectors, which works great for me. I have purchased a number of these multi-region dvd players for myself and as gifts for my sister and my niece. If you have problems with the RCA connectors, you may want to check out one of the various audio/video selector boxes, which would allow you to use a/v selector box with the RCA connectors on one end and some other connector on the other end to connect your multi-region dvd player. The dvd player itself is one of then best I have ever used; it's easy to connect and works very well. Moreover, it's about to lowest priced unit on the market. The truth is in terms of overall quality, you can't beat it. I hope this helps you with your decision.