Hi,
Can anyone comment on this player's performance on a 1080p LCD (46'') (search revealed no hits here)? I'm looking for a sub $100 upconverter via HDMI.

Thanks,
jeff

Mediatek chipset, USB (not sure if 1.1 or 2.2), decent upscaler--similar to Pioneer, Sony, Philips using Mediatek chipset.

Thanks Huey,
Any issues (freezing, handshaking, etc.) that you're aware of?

This is for the mother-in-law's new 46'' LCD. Another option would be to buy an oppo 980 for our upstairs 36'' LCD (using HDMI) and give her my old zenith 318 that's currently on that set. (I've got an oppo 970 w/ hacked firmware in the main HT, since the display there (73'' first gen mits HD) only accepts 1080i via component).

Beset,
jeff

Continuing to talk to myself in this thread. I bought the LG DN898 today from bestbuy.com. I'll test drive it tonight and report back impressions on a toshiba 36'' LCD.

jeff

Got this player. Seems solidly buillt, attractive compared to other offerings at this price point. Hooked it up via a good quality HDMI cable to a toshiba LCD 36AV500U (720p/1080i HDMI display).
It passes all resolutions except 1080p which is expected since the display can't handle 1080p.

Used GetGray to test brightness and constrast, particularly looking for ability to pass BTB and WTW. It will not pass BTB or WTW via HDMI for any resolution with any settings. It clips BTB and WTW.

It may or not be the display. My zenith 318 passing 1080i via component does not clip BTB or WTW. I can't rule out that its the HDMI input on the display.

I hate players that clip BTB and WTW. In the sub $100 range (excluding the pio 410 and elite 48), which players do not clip BTB and WTW via HDMI. Short-ish list would include:
panasonic S54K
zenith dvb812 (this is probably very similar to the d898)
sony NS700
samsung 1080P8
phillips 5990

Phillips 5990 does not as I have it. Also try to adjust the colorspace on your HDTV from RGB to YPbPr or vice versa as it may rid of the clippings.

I've been away from this forum for awhile and it's a bit disheartening that the current crop of players all clip. I'll bet the panny doesn't clip since the s53 was a slight update of the s52 which had really good HDMI performance at 1080i.

I know the oppo's work correctly, but I just don't want to spend that money on an SD player now. I just want a sub $100 that doesn't clip. Maybe too much to ask.

Thanks for the info on the Philips. Always good info from you Huey.
Best,
jeff