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Toshiba HDD-J35 HD set top box

By Randolph Ramsay on 08 March 2005

Works well as a HD set top box and is an easy to use hard drive recorder that sports some impressive functions. Throw in HDMI and the Toshiba HDD-J35 becomes the HD set top box of choice for those who want to stay ahead of the technology curve.

User rating:7.3
  • Good: Great picture from HD and SD signals • Easy to use recording functionality • Large hard drive capacity • Can upscale external source to 1080i
  • Bad: No HDMI cable included • Can’t set your own recording quality • Lag time with pause TV function • Can be confusing knowing exactly how much recording time is left
  • Specs: 160 GB • 1 • See more specifications
  • RRP: AU$1,599.00
Photo gallery: Toshiba HDD-J35 HD set top box

Upside
Toshiba's new HDD-J35 set top box is not only one of the few high definition (HD) digital boxes out with a built-in hard drive, it's also the first in Australia to feature a HDMI output. HDMI is an emerging all-digital connection which can carry uncompressed high definition video and audio through the one cable. That means sharper pictures and crisp sound as the AV data does not have to be converted into analog and back again between devices.

The HDD-J35 is a true HD set top box, and supports 1920x1080i, 1280x720p, 720x576p, and 720x576i (PAL) resolutions. The box comes with two digital tuners, allowing you to watch and record two different programs, or have two different channels running picture in picture.

Its built-in 160GB is one of the biggest on the market, and will allow you record dozens of hours of television. The HDD-J35 gives you Time Slip functions when recording (which lets you watch the start of a program while you're recording the end of it), and allows you to pause live TV.

Apart from the impressive HDMI output, the HDD-J35 isn't slacking off when it comes to other connectors. Its other outputs include RGB, component, S-Video, composite, digital optical audio, digital coaxial audio and two analog audio outputs. Inputs include component, composite, analog audio and more.

Downside
At AU$1699, the HDD-J35 is a rather pricey. In fact, a quick check on Digital Broadcasting Australia's list of set top boxes in Australia shows it's the priciest there. The price, however, has to be weighed up with the fact that not only are you getting a HD set top box, but you're also getting a personal digital recorder with a truck full of hard disk capacity. Obviously its performance is the best arbiter of value, so we'll have to wait until our full review before we give a final assessment.

Overall
Toshiba's HDD-J35 high definition set top box boasts some top notch features, particularly the HDMI output and large hard drive. Price may be an issue, but if you want the latest and greatest it's tough to beat.

Topics: digital, set, slip, box, time, outputs, inputs, hdmi, 160gb, hdd-j35, definition, drive, high, hard, toshiba, tv, top

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Comments (111)

  • Bucky gave a review on 27/12/2009 22:44

    I also have developed the INIt fault where the machine simply won't do anything now. I have unplugged it on many occasions but have only managed to get the full screen up twice of late. The INIt now seems a permanent fixture. Anyone have any ideas? Is it the on/off switch? Would love some feedback.

  • Platypup gave a review on 07/12/2009 11:48

    • Good: No problems or just good luck
    • Bad: Problems others seem to have

    I have nothing to do with Toshiba. I am a professional male in his 60s with a long interest in all forms of technology. My machine is over 4 years old now & has not been touched since it was installed and it seems even the odd glitch, such as a freeze, has completely disappeared.

  • LJ gave a review on 06/11/2009 11:13

    • Good: had unit since '06 with not many problems, the occasional freez is about it
    • Bad: contracted the common INIt fault and now wont turn on, nor off unless the power is unplugged.

    Just wondering, I can see the INIt error is a common fault, but no post has suggested what actually causes this or what it costs to fix. Is it a power supply problem or a HDD fault

  • rusty gave a review on 05/12/2009 17:37

    Reading some more comments i see more are getting the same problems i did. A little tip tell them you do not want the machine returned as its faulty, ask for a refund of your unit .

    My unit wasnt even still under warranty and they happilly abliged "after i mentioned the Department of fair trading to them" so anyone still under warrant should have no issues whatsoever .

    Do not take there cr@p customer comes first!!

    I bought a top of the range Topfield Masterpiece its working great.

    Platypup either

    1. works for toshiba

    or

    2. got the 1 in a 100 good working unit

    toshiba sux, topfield rocks !!!

    goodluck

  • Platypup gave 9/10 on 12/09/2009 13:03

    • Good: Excellent performance & reliabilty with my machine.
    • Bad: Little, provided no-one tries to tamper with the complex programming inherent in such a machine.

    It seems obvious to me but not to most who have commented in this forum that INIt stands for the INITIALISATION process as the program loads. If you care to look carefully the last letter is a small t & not a capital E as the format of the LED cannot produce a capital T!

  • JIP gave 1/10 on 08/09/2009 21:42

    • Good: NIL
    • Bad: EVERYTHING !!

    $1600 and dosent work !!!
    ENIE ?? Whats with this crap ??

  • LOZ gave a review on 08/09/2009 21:39

    • Good: Good Picture
    • Bad: F@#KIN ENIE Fault !! $1600 and only a few years old, how much to fix this peice of crap now ??

    2 out of 10 !@!@

  • Platypup gave 9/10 on 02/09/2009 18:15

    • Good: Excellent picture and features. Problem free.
    • Bad: None to speak of.

    Now nearly 4 years old and never been touched since installed in cabinet under TV. Almost faultless performance and the rare freeze or pixellation in the past seems to have fully corrected by itself. Do not expect to make any claim with a year still left on extended warranty.

  • boxer gave 4/10 on 07/07/2009 13:16

    • Good: when workeing great
    • Bad: dreaded inie freeze

    re toshiba hdd j35
    just sent back fore the sixth
    time in three years same problem dreaded inie freeze

  • rusty gave a review on 06/07/2009 09:14

    Since my last reply the unit broke down within 1 week of its repair. I asked for the unit not to be returned as it was faulty, they agreed and am refunding me $488 for a nearly 3 yr old unit i payed $1100 for it . I thought this was a very generous offer and a mad deal. Goodluck all

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