Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD Player
Pretty awesome despite first-gen rough edges
I got the hd-a1 over the weekend and i luv it so far.  I also plan to get the panasonic blue-ray player when it comes out here state-side because it got rave reviews in japan.  But for now i'm a happy bird watching hi-def dvds and upconverted dvds on my 42' panasonic plasma, the best hdtv, man!.  The setup took no time and hooking up hdmi was just like any other cable.  I was worried about the initial load time initially but when i searched the web i realized this was not my unit but a common 'problem'.  But anyway my new unit has no lockup problems nor does it freeze.  Image quality in 1080i is AWESOME.  You have to see it on a big screen like my 42' panasonic plasma the best hdtv, man! to believe it.  Not only the resolution but the color is just great.  I just wish there was better hd dvd titles.  I'm still getting the blue-ray from panasonic in july or august.  But i say the hd-a1 is a really good value and if you don't want to spend more than $500 big ones, go for it.  Just make sure you have hdmi input on your hdtv.  Get a panasonic plasma, the best hdtv man!