Toshiba’s HD-A20 is a great choice for people ready to step up to full 1080p playback in a high definition player without a huge price tag. Offering playback of HD DVD discs with outputs of 720p, 1080i , and full 1080p as well as upconversion of regular DVDs to 1080p through HDMI this is the first high defintion player available to offer a full HD experinece at a price this low. Audio output supports 5.1 channels of surround sound in Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD formats, as well as legacy formats along with legacy formats including Dolby Digital and DTS.
Besides playback of HD DVDs and regular DVD discs, Toshiba’s HD-A20 also supports playback of DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs. Playback of MP3 and WMA audio files is not supported.
With the 1080p capabilities of the HD-A20, Toshiba has taken high definition to the next level at an attractive price point. The HD-A20 joins the existing Toshiba HD DVD line-up that includes the entry level HD-A2 and the top of the line model, HD-XA2. This expanded line of products offers enhanced functionalities of the HD DVD format and is proof of Toshiba’s commitment to the smooth transition to the next stage in high definition entertainment.
Technical Details
- HD DVD, DVD, and CD Playback.
- Supports next-generation formats: Dolby Digital Plus, DTS HD, and Dolby TrueHD.
- High definition 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolution.
Customer Feedback
I’m very happy with this in all respects. I had returned an HD-A2 already, as it would hang sometimes when changing layers on dual layer SD (standard) DVDs. The A20 does sometimes have a perceptible “glitch” when changing layers, but no more than that. My impression is that the 1080p picture looks better than the A2′s 1080i did, but that might just be wishful thinking. Obviously, as with and HD-DVD player, you’ll get a little better (“lossless”) audio if you have an HDMI-equipped receiver, but I’m happy to use optical digital cables for now and upgrade in a couple years.
One thing I strongly suggest, though, is that you attach this to the internet using the ethernet port in the back. If you aren’t wired for ethernet, consider setting up a wireless bridge (or “gaming adapter”). Updates for the player AND for some of the HDDVD titles (!) are available for automatic download if you’re hooked up.



