The manual warns you that the start up time is slow because it is actually loading up its own OS. I haven't timed it but it feels like 1-2 min. The HD-A20 is full 1080p (the HD-A2 is only 1080i) and the updated firmware brings it to the film's native 1080/24. This model does 5.1 surround but not 7.1 trueHD, not like the higher models. Updating the player through the internet is straight forward once you get your network settings right. It has the best upsampling of regular DVDs for the price. It's pretty quiet compared to my other componants (right now my HD-cable box is running loud right now). Overall this is the best stand alone High-Def player for the price. Now if they could just put out more HD-DVD movies ;)