New HD DVD Player - which isolation device to use?

I think you'd be better off allocating your money elsewhere. If you're compelled to put something under your Toshiba, buy a 12"x12" sheet of 1/4" sorbothane from McMaster-Carr.com for aboout $30 shipped. Cut it up into 1" squares and try it under various components in your system.

Are you trying to improve the longevity of the device?

No...I'm just trying to get the most performance out of it for audio and video. I was thinking of maybe some Herbie's Iso-Cups with the Gabon ebony ball. Any thoughts??

Are you trying to improve the longevity of the device?

No...I'm just trying to get the most performance out of it for audio and video.

I am not sure if vibrational damping can help like it can with a TT or a filament in a tube. I mean if something is loose (intermittent contact, loose board, or the transformer hums) then you really should take your DVD back or get it repaired.

Unfortunatly your tv doesn't have the hdmi input. The max. resolution the player,itself can output via component will be 720. Even tho your tv will convert that to 1080i. It ain't the same as the player sending 1080i. On my XA1, I can toggle thru 720 and 1080---the picture snaps on 1080 resolution---not so for 720. The Herbie cups should work well,and cheaply. I suggest some weight on top of the player.---I also use one of those 2 prong--to an iec things and use a quality power cord.

Herbie's isolation devices are minor miracles. I'm using the iso-cups with ebony balls under a couple of amps with great success. But lighter components, such as CD & DVD players, transports, etc., tend to slide around on top of the balls when you change discs, so I just use Herbie's tenderfeet under those. Four tenderfeet under my DVD player have improved the picture as well as the sound.