Compare Prices : Toshiba XDE500 - Expert Reviews

Pros: Solid DVD playback performance with extended definition (XDE) disabled ; can play DivX, MP3, and WMA files burned on CDs and DVDs ; can output DVD in 24 frames per second

Cons: Expensive for a DVD player ; XDE picture controls are best left off for the most-accurate picture ; lacks features such as SACD playback and a USB port found on competing Oppo models ; poor aspect ratio control on nonanamorphic DVDs

Verdict: The Toshiba XD-E500's XDE picture enhancements don't live up to the hype. While it's a solid upscaling DVD player, its high price makes it a hard sell.

Review summary: Toshiba has been hyping the heck out of its new upconverting Toshiba XD-E500 DVD player, but has also been careful not to declare it an equivalent to Blu-ray, the high-definition format that beat out Toshiba's HD-DVD.

Verdict: The Toshiba XD-E500 is a solid upconverting DVD player, even with the extra settings turned off, and the sharp feature definitely adds detail. But due to the player's £120 suggested price tag - roughly twice that of other upconverting players but ...

Review summary: Toshiba hopes to revitalize DVD technology with their new XD-E500 upconverting DVD player.

Pros: Great picture quality; 24-frames per second mode; very affordable

Cons: Does not replace a Blu-ray player; XDE technology works, but is not necessary

Review summary: Will this save you upgrading to Blu-ray?

Pros: Upscaling capabilities

Cons: Can't show the technology in action

Verdict: Toshiba has created an upscaling tech that has the ability to let you forget about Blu-ray for quite some time

Review summary: It's not HD, but it's one of the best affordable DVD players we've seen

Pros: Sharp' mode offers incredibly detailed pictures ; naturally vibrant colours ; smooth, stable motion ; nice styling

Cons: Sound could do with just a little more refinement