Toshiba Second-Gen HD DVD Firmware Upgrade V1.5 Now Available

Toshiba has released a new firmware upgrade for its second-generation HD DVD disc players, dubbed Version 1.5.

The upgrade follows on the heels of Version 1.3, which the company issued only just issued this past February. This new download first appeared this week on Toshiba's official support site, and according to the documentation from Toshiba, does not offer any new features or enhancements. However, it does fix certain connectivity and playback issues, according to this statement:

"As part of our commitment to provide world-class service to our customers, Toshiba is supplying this firmware update for use by purchasers of Toshiba HD DVD Player models HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W and HD-D2. This firmware update addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba."

Note that if you cannot (or choose not) to download the upgrade directly via your player's Ethernet port (refer to your deck's manual for instructions), you can contact Toshiba directly for a firmware CD, which the company will ship to all registered HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2, HD-A2W and HD-D2 owners, free of charge.

We'll keep you posted on any further updates from Toshiba as soon as they are announced.

Editor's note: For an in-depth look at Toshiba's top-of-the-line second-gen HD DVD player, check out our review of Toshiba's XA2 HD DVD Player.