Well, I actually purchased a upconverting dvd from wal-mart (cheapo 40) and the picture (hdmi) was only a little improvement over my 10 year old jvc that is hooked up thru composite!!! Therefore I will buy component hookup and use that. (I already returned the dvd player)
This only proves your display does worse job of upscaling than a cheapo wal-mart player. Like redjr suggested, pick up a A-3 for $50 next week, you'll probably get a better picture from SD.

This only proves your display does worse job of upscaling than a cheapo wal-mart player. Like redjr suggested, pick up a A-3 for $50 next week, you'll probably get a better picture from SD.

don't you mean better job? it looks a little better but I'm currently using composite for my dvd, I hope to better the image by using component..

don't you mean better job? it looks a little better but I'm currently using composite for my dvd, I hope to better the image by using component..
If you connect with component, your display is upscaling. HDMI, your player is the one upscaling unless output is left at 480i or P.

Hi all, I have been doing a lot of research on upconverters, specifically those that can do so over component. My setup includes a 1080i/480p Toshiba rear-projection TV that only has component inputs, which is fine for watching HD cable, not so much for nice DVD playing. I had an existing non-progressive scan DVD player and just bought a refurb'd Samsung HD841. I bought this player because it was cheap, I thought it looked easy to hack for my needs, and if I didn't like it/it didn't work, I could recoup back most of the cost on Ebay.

Now that I have the player and watched it, it looks good. I can see the difference between the 480p and 1080i as well, especially when paused.

However, I'm greedy :) and I've noticed a lot of folks saying that the player I just bought sucks. So, I have a few questions for you all:

1) Should I stick with the HD841 and live with it for a few years?
2) Should I upgrade to a better player? (shortlist - DVB318/DVB418, HD931/HD941, or Oppo 970)
3) Should I just buy a really nice and new 480p player?

Any help would be appreciated!

EDIT:
Also, I have a question regarding how my TV works. From what I've read, it just displays the signal being sent to it as it's not a fixed pixel. Would this be correct?

Thanks,
Andy

I ran with the HD 841 on my Rear Projection CRT set for a year prior to buying the Oppo 970. My problem with the Samsung is that it would send the wrong colorspace to the TV and it was not switchable on the Sammy. I ran the Samsung hacked because it does not pass BTB over DVI but it did over component. The Samsung was a bit flakey with a few DVD's and the layer change time(plus occasional hangs at the layer change) was a major PITA. The Oppo 970 is far superior to the Samsung, better layer change, played DVD's the Samsung would not, passed BTB over HDMI, and has ability to control the colorspace.

If you don't have the problems I experienced with the Samsung you may as well keep it. For me the Oppo is vastly superior in performance and PQ.

Alright, I just bought my first HDTV (yay!!!!!) and the wife is already on edge from the expenditure, so I want to get an upconverting DVD player (hopefully <$60, since she is already concerned about $$) to make our current DVD collection look better and show off the TV's abilities. The TV is 1080P.

I'm not as worried about audio capabilities, this is just my family room TV and will mostly be using the TV speakers, but I want the wife to see the beautiful 1080P picture so she appreciates what we spent on the TV. :)

Rather than digging through 75+ pages here, can someone give me a quick list of 2 or 3 of the better-rated, or at least most-appreciated here, "Cheap" upconverting DVD players? I'm thinking "Wal-Mart/K-Mart/Target" -type models.

I can go component or HDMI, doesn't matter to me (probably prefer HDMI).

Thanks!!!

I ran with the HD 841 on my Rear Projection CRT set for a year prior to buying the Oppo 970. My problem with the Samsung is that it would send the wrong colorspace to the TV and it was not switchable on the Sammy. I ran the Samsung hacked because it does not pass BTB over DVI but it did over component. The Samsung was a bit flakey with a few DVD's and the layer change time(plus occasional hangs at the layer change) was a major PITA. The Oppo 970 is far superior to the Samsung, better layer change, played DVD's the Samsung would not, passed BTB over HDMI, and has ability to control the colorspace.

If you don't have the problems I experienced with the Samsung you may as well keep it. For me the Oppo is vastly superior in performance and PQ.

So you're saying that the improvement in PQ from the 841 to a newer model won't be evident (or minimal), but that actual DVD Player quality could be improved by upgrading?

For me the Oppo was both, better PQ and better build. Because I didn't have colorspace issues with the Oppo, the PQ improvement was great.

Alright, I just bought my first HDTV (yay!!!!!) and the wife is already on edge from the expenditure, so I want to get an upconverting DVD player (hopefully <$60, since she is already concerned about $$) to make our current DVD collection look better and show off the TV's abilities. The TV is 1080P.

I'm not as worried about audio capabilities, this is just my family room TV and will mostly be using the TV speakers, but I want the wife to see the beautiful 1080P picture so she appreciates what we spent on the TV. :)

Rather than digging through 75+ pages here, can someone give me a quick list of 2 or 3 of the better-rated, or at least most-appreciated here, "Cheap" upconverting DVD players? I'm thinking "Wal-Mart/K-Mart/Target" -type models.

I can go component or HDMI, doesn't matter to me (probably prefer HDMI).

Thanks!!!
Yes. Run to your local BB, or CC and get a Toshiba HD-DVD A3 for around $99. It will upscale better than most and you'll have HD capability to REALLY show off your new TV.

So you're saying that the improvement in PQ from the 841 to a newer model won't be evident (or minimal), but that actual DVD Player quality could be improved by upgrading?

I read that the 970 won't upconvert commercial DVDs to 1080i unless it's over HDMI. Would that be a step backwards for my setup?

Yes. Run to your local BB, or CC and get a Toshiba HD-DVD A3 for around $99. It will upscale better than most and you'll have HD capability to REALLY show off your new TV.

Thanks for the advice, but I'd rather find something less expensive (everywhere I see it is now $150+), and that can upconvert to 1080P rather than 720P/1080i. Plus, I'm not willing to take a side in the BR/HDDVD war yet.

Any suggestions in the $50-$60 range?

shmup-o

The Oppo 970 firmware can be patched to disable HDCP so you can upconvert over component. The thread discussing the patch is located here.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356

If your are not interested in this type of hack stay with the Sammy until you get a new TV. It is the only player I know of where you can disable HDCP with only a few button presses of the remote.

BTW, I miss the instant replay feature of the Sammy.

Thanks for the advice, but I'd rather find something less expensive (everywhere I see it is now $150+), and that can upconvert to 1080P rather than 720P/1080i. Plus, I'm not willing to take a side in the BR/HDDVD war yet.

Any suggestions in the $50-$60 range?

For 1080i, refurbished LG DVB418 available on eBay from RefurbKing for $50. Has HDMI or Component. However for Component some simple "hacks" are necessary. I can help with all of them.;)

Nothing available for 1080p.

Bob:)
LG DVB418-RCA HDV5000-Philips BDP9000

So am I better off upgrading the Samsung 841 to one of the players listed below?

These four sounded like they were easy to hack/mod for component 1080i and have the DCDi chip in them:
Zenith DVB318
LG DVB418
Samsung HD931
Samsung HD941

The Oppo DV970H or DV970HD does sound a bit more rough to mod, but seems very popular around here... I'm not sure I want to plunge the extra $100+ right now when I know I'll be upgrading later on. Although if I could buy the HD (silver) model new... my wife doesn't want any black models next to all of our shiny silver models. :rolleyes:

Garg, I hate being cheap and wanting nice things :D.

I'd go with BobCat6's find listed above for the refurbished LG DBV418 for $50.

I would double check if any of the Sammy's have DCDI chips. IIRC they use Zoran's just like the HD841.

shump-o, FWIW I picked up a Samsung DVD-HD870 from Sears the other day for $59. It upconverts to 1080i over HDMI and it plays Divx files as well.

Yes. Run to your local BB, or CC and get a Toshiba HD-DVD A3 for around $99. It will upscale better than most and you'll have HD capability to REALLY show off your new TV.



Assuming you can find one. Both BB and CC near me have been sold out since the price drop. A30s are gone as well. I would have bought one if I could have found one.

Assuming you can find one. Both BB and CC near me have been sold out since the price drop. A30s are gone as well. I would have bought one if I could have found one.
That's why I said run. They were flying off the shelves. I nabbed one last week, but did pay a little more. :D

I found the last A30 at a BB today :) $149, and I have to admit, like has been said, the upconverting is fantastic. I have "Chronicles of Riddick" on right now, which isn't exactly reference material, but it looks pretty damn good on the player. A lot better then the N77 I took back, and for the difference in price, no contest.

Plus, it came with "Bourne Identity" and "300" HD-DVDs in the box, plus the coupon for five. Not holding my breath on those showing up, but I still think it's a decent deal. I don't know if the 981 is worth $70 more.

I found the last A30 at a BB today :) $149, and I have to admit, like has been said, the upconverting is fantastic. I have "Chronicles of Riddick" on right now, which isn't exactly reference material, but it looks pretty damn good on the player. A lot better then the N77 I took back, and for the difference in price, no contest.

Plus, it came with "Bourne Identity" and "300" HD-DVDs in the box, plus the coupon for five. Not holding my breath on those showing up, but I still think it's a decent deal. I don't know if the 981 is worth $70 more.

Hi, I just bought a Sony N77 to go with my 73" DLP and I found the picture to be horrible!! I thought it was the TV that was too big to watch regular DVD resolution and contimplated to downsize the TV to 60"-65".

Are you saying that the Toshiba A3-A30 gave you a much better picture; sharper? How different was the picture?

Thanks!!

Netflix officially stopped carrying HD-DVD, as will Blockbuster soon.

Blu-Ray only.

And your point is........?

I thought it was pretty self-explanatory.

I thought it was pretty self-explanatory.

Some people are nill.

Folks - need help. My apologies if this is below the level of discussion...

I've spent the last week reading every post on LCD TV's and FINALLY went with the Samsung 5265. I'd like to get a DVD player that will look good and complement the TV. I thought I go cheap since I hear all this talk about Blue Ray / HD DVD and am planning to wait till prices drop on this format.

I came across a Denon 1730 open box and bought it for $60 (along with a $70 HDMI cable ((is this necessary? its a Monster Cable M650HD??)).

I brought the DVD player home and found out that it only goes up to 1080i while the Denon 1740 goes to 1080p. Am I missing out on performance by going with an older model? (I don't need the theorethical interlacing / deinterlacing / upscaling / upcoverting discussion as it makes my head hurt). I understand that native 1080p is better than 1080i; But regular DVD's are not native 1080p right? So...

Based on trying to get the best out of my 5265F while waiting for Blue Ray / HD DVD to mature - Should I spend a bit more and a DVD player that outputs 1080p? OR just stay with this 1730 that does upto 1080i. Or should I just get a Blue ray already...

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

I came across a Denon 1730 open box and bought it for $60 (along with a $70 HDMI cable ((is this necessary? its a Monster Cable M650HD??)).


That's not a good value for a cable. Take it back if you can and get a $10 cable from forum sponsors monoprice.com or bluejeanscable.com.


I brought the DVD player home and found out that it only goes up to 1080i while the Denon 1740 goes to 1080p. Am I missing out on performance by going with an older model?

Probably not. DVDs are recorded at 480i. Either the player or the display or some combination of both must get it to 1080p, but the source is the biggest limitation. I was using a 720p signal to a 1080 LCD for a long time before getting a 1080p player; the difference was neglibible.

Cycle through the available output resolutions on the player and see which you like the best. For best results, use a calibration disc.

-Bill

I have a A3 just bought today at $99 and a Pioneer DV 400 VK both sittting here in boxes. I am looking for best 7.1 sound effect and best upconvert , between the two which one should I keep. I have a Sony hdtv that gets up to 1080i. Lookinng for any an all suggestions.

From past experience I can gaurantee you don't need the Monster cable unless you like the color to the tune of $30-$40

I got an Oppo 970! Now how do I get it to upsample DVDs to 1080i through the component outputs?

I got an Oppo 970! Now how do I get it to upsample DVDs to 1080i through the component outputs?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356

-Bill

Hey guys Im looking for some recomendations......I'm looking for a good upconverting dvd player. I'm sure this question has been asked a thousand times before but I'm gonna ask it again because I want a little more specific guidance for my particular setup. I'm currently using a cheapo RCA upconverting dvd player hooked up hdmi that I bought from Walmart. I'm using a Mitsubishi HC1500 projector and my screen is 104 inches. I'm actually quite happy with my picture quality (I just love my HC1500!!!!) but I think it can be better. My biggest complaint with the RCA is that when I skip forward sometimes the audio gets all out of sync and other times it freezes up completely........I'll be needing to upconvert to 720p/1080i over hdmi. Im looking to spend about 150-200 bucks.....Ive done alot of reading but there are just so many choices and variables I would like some opinions on which DVD player to go with...I'm staying away from bluray right now until the price comes down. I currently run my hd content from my PC.....
Oh and one other question; about how much difference in quality do you think I'll be able to see between the RCA and a 200 dollar player??? Thanks for your time in advance guys......

Hey guys Im looking for some recomendations......I'm looking for a good upconverting dvd player. I'm sure this question has been asked a thousand times before but I'm gonna ask it again because I want a little more specific guidance for my particular setup. I'm currently using a cheapo RCA upconverting dvd player hooked up hdmi that I bought from Walmart. I'm using a Mitsubishi HC1500 projector and my screen is 104 inches. I'm actually quite happy with my picture quality (I just love my HC1500!!!!) but I think it can be better. My biggest complaint with the RCA is that when I skip forward sometimes the audio gets all out of sync and other times it freezes up completely........I'll be needing to upconvert to 720p/1080i over hdmi. Im looking to spend about 150-200 bucks.....Ive done alot of reading but there are just so many choices and variables I would like some opinions on which DVD player to go with...I'm staying away from bluray right now until the price comes down. I currently run my hd content from my PC.....
Oh and one other question; about how much difference in quality do you think I'll be able to see between the RCA and a 200 dollar player??? Thanks for your time in advance guys......

In that range, the Oppo 980 at $169 is well-liked here and recommended for DLP. I've been pleased with mine, although I'm using a small LCD display. You might look in the 980 thread for DLP projector comments.

-Bill

like every one else, i too would like to squeeze the most out of my present dvd collection on a epson 1080ub projector, and from the reviews that i have read so far within a budget of $200 max, my choices left are oppo 980 model and toshiba hd-a30 model. I would welcome any info on how these players compare in the standard dvd upconverting performance since i have a vast dvd collection and i do not want to replace it entirely again with bluray. Thanx for your input in this matter.

like every one else, i too would like to squeeze the most out of my present dvd collection on a epson 1080ub projector, and from the reviews that i have read so far within a budget of $200 max, my choices left are oppo 980 model and toshiba hd-a30 model. I would welcome any info on how these players compare in the standard dvd upconverting performance since i have a vast dvd collection and i do not want to replace it entirely again with bluray. Thanx for your input in this matter.

There have been comparisons in the HD-DVD thread ranging from comparable to better PQ w/ the Toshiba A30 or A35. But I think I saw at least one post saying the Oppo had better PQ. I own a Toshiba HD-D3 (Sams/Costo version of the A3). It has a different chip than the A30/35 but I have been pleased with the upconversion compared to my LG 3510a and 511. The D3 only outputs 1080i whereas the A30/35 outputs 1080p. IMO, anyone would be happy with either the Oppo or the A30. Currently the best retail bang for the buck for an upconverting DVD player would be the A30 at $129 and the A35 at $149. The A3 is retailing for $89-$99 and the D3 is $68 at Sams and includes two free HD-DVDs and an HDMI cable. Jump over to the HD-DVD forum for more info if you want to research the HD-DVD as an upconverting DVD route.

Brett

another question that poped into my mind after posting, will toshiba support their HD players with new firmware if needed - they are dumping them for a reason - HD being left behind at this time. ?? I got myself into that trouble with their first generation DVD players, i had to truck to the toshiba plant and begg for firmware every 6 months. Got tired of that adventure quickly.

I think that i have found a problem with toshiba that definitly will sway in oppos favor, going through the specs of the player it seems that it will not reproduce dvd+r DL. Or does it and they didnt list ?, the oppo specifies the +r DL media play.

This player is hooked up to a DLP rear pro HDTV (HLT-5687 also Samsung) using an HDMI cable. It is also connected w/fiber to a Pioneer receiver.The audio out has to be set to Bitstream for 5.1 DD or DTS audio to work-the problem is that whenever a DVD is started,or going thru the menus , an annoying message appears near top of screen "HDMI audio not supported" . I know this already! Is there any way (besides resetting the audio out to PCM) to get rid of the message?

one more question on upconverting players - if the display source is current in my case the new epson 1080ub - do i need a upconverting source like the oppo/toshiba HD with older video processing ? should i trust the projector to do the job, or is it the fact that the processors on these players are that much better and therefore i should allow the player to to the processing. Once again thanx for any info in this matter.

one more question on upconverting players - if the display source is current in my case the new epson 1080ub - do i need a upconverting source like the oppo/toshiba HD with older video processing ? should i trust the projector to do the job, or is it the fact that the processors on these players are that much better and therefore i should allow the player to to the processing. Once again thanx for any info in this matter.

There is no firm rule. If respected reviewers state that the deinterlacing and scaling of the display is excellent, then all you need is a quality 480i signal from the player. Else I would look at moving those functions into the player.

But note that the differences can be subtle. No SD-DVD player can move you into a new realm of video quality. SD-DVD is 720x480 (NTSC); never any more. There is only so much you can do with that.

-Bill

I think that i have found a problem with toshiba that definitly will sway in oppos favor, going through the specs of the player it seems that it will not reproduce dvd+r DL. Or does it and they didnt list ?, the oppo specifies the +r DL media play.
I have a Toshiba XA2 and A3. I have played +R discs on both even though Toshiba doesn't list +R as a supported format.

I think that i have found a problem with toshiba that definitly will sway in oppos favor, going through the specs of the player it seems that it will not reproduce dvd+r DL. Or does it and they didnt list ?, the oppo specifies the +r DL media play.

All of my 2nd and 3rd generation Toshiba HD DVD players play +R and +R DL. I also like that my A20 only cost me $100 and upconverts nice and is now region free thanks to Toshiba Australia's 2.5 firmware (http://www.toshibaav.com.au/service_download_centre.html). So what if it doesn't zoom on letterboxed 4x3 DVDs. I found the cure for that problem. I buy the anamorphic version. If it isn't Anamorphic on R1, you might find it anamorphic from another region. And it doesn't matter to me if they are PAL or NTSC since my TVs do both. I made sure of that before I bought my TVs.

I'm sick of paying the big bucks for overpriced upscaling DVD players. The loaders in my Liteon and Momitsu are going to hell and I needed something that can upconvert and play my non region 1 disc.

Bang for the buck. You can't go wrong with a HD DVD player as a cheap upconverting player. Unless you buy a XA2, then it's not as cheap. But it's cheaper than buying a expensive Denon DVD player with a Reon HQV in it.

looking for recommendations on upconverting players for under $100. display device is Sanyo Z2000 1080p PJ (lcd) on 98" screen.

Your PJ and screen are screaming for a better DVD player :) Under $100 it's hard to find a great one. Try Sony NS77H or 72H, or Philips 5982. If you can go over $100, Oppo 980H is a good choice. If I had such a PJ I would go up to an Oppo 981HD or 983H. I use a 983H with a Pioneer 50" Kuro plasma. Very happy!

Ok so my head is spinning with different people saying different things regarding upconversion. I don't want to buy blu-ray at this point due to the cost so please don't say buy a blu-ray.

I just purchased a Sharp Aquos LCD 1080P (94e series)

I first purchased a pioneer upconverting player and then returned it as it froze a lot during playback of home movies.

Then I decided to buy a Toshiba A30 player (knowing that hd dvd was already dead) for its upconverting.

I have read posts that say I don't need an upconverting player as my tv does it??

My issue with the Toshiba (and I guess most hd dvd and blu-ray players??) is that it takes so !@#$ long to eject and start the dvd. Seems like such a step backwards.

I need a good upconverting dvd player that:

1. Cost less then $200
2. Fast startup times
3. Fast eject times
4. Must resume (Must absolutely resume) My wife is always getting up during movies to do something and I can't stand watching the FBI warning multiple times and trying to find where I am.
5. upconverting to 1080p?

Maybe I need to do some yoga to learn patience (ejecting & playing time) :)

Thanks to all who answer as I know you guys answer these same questions all the time.

I have read posts that say I don't need an upconverting player as my tv does it??

It's true you don't "need" it, but you may "want" it. Deinterlacing and scaling must be done somewhere, and sometimes the player is better than the display.

I need a good upconverting dvd player that:

1. Cost less then $200
2. Fast startup times
3. Fast eject times
4. Must resume (Must absolutely resume) My wife is always getting up during movies to do something and I can't stand watching the FBI warning multiple times and trying to find where I am.
5. upconverting to 1080p?



Oppo 980 for $169.

-Bill

Thanks for the reply I will look at the Oppo.

It's true you don't "need" it, but you may "want" it. Deinterlacing and scaling must be done somewhere, and sometimes the player is better than the display.



Oppo 980 for $169.

-Bill

Who has the best price on the OPO 980?

WS

Who has the best price on the OPO 980?

WS

You won't find much discounting. Some places offer free shipping, but that is about it. Most people buy direct from Oppo, but see also: http://www.oppodigital.com/wheretobuy.html

Oppo sometimes has refurbished models for less; you have to contact them and ask. Same 30-day return and 1-year warranty.

-Bill

Thanks for the reply I will look at the Oppo. I second Bill's recommendation. The OPPO DV-980H is an excellent player.

Gary

It's true you don't "need" it, but you may "want" it. Deinterlacing and scaling must be done somewhere, and sometimes the player is better than the display.



Oppo 980 for $169.

-Bill

Do I need a new dvd player as far as upscaling is concerned if I have the SONY KDS50A3000? Right now I'm using a real old Phillips DVP642 model which only is a progressive scan unit.

Do I need a new dvd player as far as upscaling is concerned if I have the SONY KDS50A3000? Right now I'm using a real old Phillips DVP642 model which only is a progressive scan unit.

Same answer: you may not "need" it, but you may "want" it.

"Only progressive scan" is not a problem; these units do the deinterlacing in the player. Deinterlacing is more difficult than scaling and it is important that it be done well.

I think most current players are both progessive scan and upscaling.

The DVP642 does not get a very good review here: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=&manufacturer=12&maxprice=0&deInt=0&mpeg=0#PhilipsDVP-642

I would look at a new player. Whatever you do, use a calibration disc for best results.

-Bill

Hi guys-- I've been lurking around for months here (mostly on the Plasma forum), but I've tried reading thru the FAQ's section here trying to decide on a DVD player and what's best for my needs. I will soon be a new owner of a Panny 42PZ85U. My first HDTV! I currently have been out of a TV for a few years, and watching movies on my laptop, so I'm really exciting about the new TV!

With that said, I will be utilizing my TV primarily for movie watching. I have only a small collection of SD DVD's, and now that the format war is over, I would really like to slowly start building a blu-ray collection and take advantage of watching HD movies on my new TV. Oh, and I will be sitting about 6 - 7 feet from the TV.

So I know I will definitely go blu-ray into the future, but I'm just not sure if I should start now and get a blu-ray player or get a good upconverting DVD player (looking at the Oppo DV-980H). I have the Panny Employee Purchase Program at work, so I can get the Panny (DMP-BD30K) for less than $400 (what I'm saying is the price isn't that huge of a matter to me, I don't mind paying about $150 more), but I've read around here that the Panny doesn't do such a good job of upconverting SD DVDs.

And right now there aren't a lot of blu-ray movies out that I personally like to purchase, so I feel like I won't be really watching a lot of HD movies, probably will still watch a lot of SD. Sorry, here I go again debating in my head what I should do.

In any case -- on a technical question, I've read that upconverting players aren't really necessary with the newer HDTVs, since they already have upconverting capabilities in them, and that some TVs do a better job of upconverting than an upconverting player. So should I just hook up my 5 year old progressive scan DVD player to my new TV and save the money toward an audio system for the TV (since I need that too)? And wait until the blu-ray's (both players & movies drop, and more titles are available)?

Sorry for the drawn-out post. Any of your thoughts/experiences would be appreciated as none of my friends know what I'm talking about! Thanks!

I've read that upconverting players aren't really necessary with the newer HDTVs, since they already have upconverting capabilities in them, and that some TVs do a better job of upconverting than an upconverting player. So should I just hook up my 5 year old progressive scan DVD player... While HD is spectacular, few titles are available, and prices are high, so I'm making the most of my DVD's until BluRay becomes more attractive.

Yes, the newer HDTVs already have upconverting capabilities, but the question is - how good? Some are OK, others are terrible, as manufacturers strive to cut costs. You'll have to ask on the specific thread for your TV.

But be careful of that 5 year old progressive scan DVD player. For the best picture, you need an all-digital (HDMI) signal from the player to the TV, and you only want to send a progressive signal if the player's de-interlacing is better than the TV's.

Upconvertion consists of 2 steps; de-interlacing (the most difficult and critical step) and scaling (which should ideally be done ONCE - either in the player or in the TV). The OPPO players consistently impress with the best bang for the buck, and the DV-980H is one of the rare players that will output 480i HDMI if your TV sports high-class upconversion. See the Progressive Scan DVD Benchmark (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/primers/the-dvd-benchmark/) tests and articles at the SECRETS website.

Gary

I've been using my PS3 as my SD player (as well as Blu-ray) on my Optoma HD7100, but I've recently read that it's a terrible upconverter.

I've read some opinions of the Oppo 980 and it seems like a very good deal, but I'm worried about the possiblity of the macroblocking issue. Does anyone here have my particular projector along with the Oppo?

I've been using my PS3 as my SD player (as well as Blu-ray) on my Optoma HD7100, but I've recently read that it's a terrible upconverter.

I've read some opinions of the Oppo 980 and it seems like a very good deal, but I'm worried about the possiblity of the macroblocking issue. Does anyone here have my particular projector along with the Oppo?

Faroudja-chip players like the Oppo 971 and 981 can enhance macroblocking on some displays, but the 980 and 983 are different architectures and will not have that risk.

-Bill

I have read posts that say I don't need an upconverting player as my tv does it??


Thats only partially true. Your DVD player can have a huge impact on the picture from a standard DVD.. I have an older JVC progressive scan DVD player, and everything looks like complate garbage when hooked up to my Samsung 5084 plasma. Standard DVDs from my PS3, and my friends Oppo set to 480p look a million times better. So, that doesn't mean you 'need' a player that is going to upconvert, but don't expect a lowly progressive scan player to give you a good signal.

This may be an ignorant question, but some advice would be helpful:

I have an old Sony KD-34XBR2 HDTV. Even if a bit dated, this set has great image quality - but it doesn't have HDMI or DVI, only component.

I'm wondering how to get the best results from a standard definition DVD player. Without HDMI or DVI, is an upconverting player worthless? If so, what other recommendations do you have - any particularly good progressive scan players?

This may be an ignorant question, but some advice would be helpful:

I have an old Sony KD-34XBR2 HDTV. Even if a bit dated, this set has great image quality - but it doesn't have HDMI or DVI, only component.

I'm wondering how to get the best results from a standard definition DVD player. Without HDMI or DVI, is an upconverting player worthless? If so, what other recommendations do you have - any particularly good progressive scan players?

For reasons of Digital Rights Management, upconverting over component is no longer allowed for copy-protected discs. So for component output you will have 480i or 480p.

This is not necessarily bad; it is nice to have the choice of doing scaling in the player, but a good display will deliver very similar images from the 480i or 480p signal.

This site has been a great resource for evaluating progressive scan players, but it is not being updated very often and some recent models are not shown: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi

I've been very pleased with my Oppo players. The 980 at $169 would be the one for your Sony: http://www.oppodigital.com/dv980h/default.asp

There are players for under $100, but I haven't tested them. There are some recent recommendations here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1027805 and http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1027455.

-Bill

I just got a Samsung 52A650 last Friday. Picked up a Sony DVP-NS700H/B to play all my old DVD's in 1080p. Play is over HDMI.

This Sony player seems to work very nicely. I see detail and color in movies that I have never seen. I know this is a low end player. But with this upscaling DVD player and my new TV it is light years better than what I had. Of coarse anything I put on my new TV is going to look good. That is an awsome tv.

My old tv was 10 year old rear projection tv that was HD ready and I used a progressive scan DVD player. So the image was what? 720p or 1080i ??? Not really sure.

Any way, this Sony model seems to be a decent player for the money. I may upgrade to the OPO in the future and put this Sony player on a CRT HD TV that I have.

Thanks wmcclain.

I've read that there's a firmware hack for the Oppo 970 out there to allow upconverting over component input. Is there any such hack for the 980? If not, is it worth getting the 970 and hacking, or is the 980 still a better option?

Thanks wmcclain.

I've read that there's a firmware hack for the Oppo 970 out there to allow upconverting over component input. Is there any such hack for the 980? If not, is it worth getting the 970 and hacking, or is the 980 still a better option?

The hack does not work for the 980.

Worth: depends on how much you want upscaling over component. Do you have reason to think the scaling of your display is particularly bad?

-Bill

The oppo 970 does an unusually good job upscaling, so it
would be unlikely for his old TV to upscale as well as the 970.

I believe it worth picking up a 970 if you are going to keep
your current TV for a few more years. The hack is easy, and
makes for a very nice picture over component.

My $0.02

This may be an ignorant question, but some advice would be helpful:

I have an old Sony KD-34XBR2 HDTV. Even if a bit dated, this set has great image quality - but it doesn't have HDMI or DVI, only component.

I'm wondering how to get the best results from a standard definition DVD player. Without HDMI or DVI, is an upconverting player worthless? If so, what other recommendations do you have - any particularly good progressive scan players?
One of my HDTVs is also an oldtimer(pre 2004) with only component, but you don't even need aspecial Asian player to upconvert via component. If you wish to spend a few minutes, here's all you need to do: get a free copy of DVDcrypt or similar program which eliminates the encryption from your standard DVDs; run a copy to your hard disk; then use Nero8 or similar to burn an unencrypted copy of that DVD film to a dual-layer standard DVD, and VOILA! any upconversion player will give you a perfect 1080/720 image via component. Cost? A few minutes of your time, and about $1 for a blank D/L disk in quantity. Don't have a dual-layer burner? Figure a princely sum of about $39. Good luck!

My neighbor and I both got HDTV's a few days ago and he is watching standard def TV on his and I use mine as a PC monitor. I feel sorry for my neighbor because he doesn't know what he is missing (those black border on the sides don't seem to bother him).

So I am looking for a way to feed a wide-screen signal to these HDTV's so as to demonstrate what he is missing. I am thinking that an upconverting DVD player would do the trick, but, I don't understand how that would work. Wouldn't the DVD you play on it have to have the video on it recorded in widescreen? Do they have DVD's at blockbuster that will play on an upconverting player and put out a widescreen signal that is not stretched, cropped, nor distorted in any way? I need some advice about how folks use these HDTV's when they don't have a live signal to recieve (we are way out in the boonies). Thanks.

Wouldn't the DVD you play on it have to have the video on it recorded in widescreen? Do they have DVD's at blockbuster that will play on an upconverting player and put out a widescreen signal that is not stretched, cropped, nor distorted in any way?

Yes, such DVDs are very common. Look for descriptions on the back of the package similar to "anamorphic", "enhanced for widescreen TVs".

More examples here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anamorphic_widescreen#Packaging

-Bill

My neighbor and I both got HDTV's a few days ago and he is watching standard def TV on his and I use mine as a PC monitor. I feel sorry for my neighbor because he doesn't know what he is missing (those black border on the sides don't seem to bother him).

So I am looking for a way to feed a wide-screen signal to these HDTV's so as to demonstrate what he is missing. I am thinking that an upconverting DVD player would do the trick... Bear in mind that not all upconverting players are created equal. Some can be pretty bad.

In addition to Bill's comments, if you're looking for a DVD to fill the screen for your demo, you also need to look for one with a 16:9 (1.78:1) aspect ratio. Many widescreen titles have black bars at the top and bottom, because they have a wider aspect ratio.

Have you tried tuning the TV for digital channels? Even basic cable may have a few local HD stations. Depending on the terrain in your area, you might also be able to pick up free local HD channels over the air with a really simple indoor antenna. The quality of over-the-air HDTV channels surpasses the quality of cable and dish.

Gary

One of my HDTVs is also an oldtimer(pre 2004) with only component, but you don't even need aspecial Asian player to upconvert via component. If you wish to spend a few minutes, here's all you need to do: get a free copy of DVDcrypt or similar program which eliminates the encryption from your standard DVDs; run a copy to your hard disk; then use Nero8 or similar to burn an unencrypted copy of that DVD film to a dual-layer standard DVD, and VOILA! any upconversion player will give you a perfect 1080/720 image via component. Cost? A few minutes of your time, and about $1 for a blank D/L disk in quantity. Don't have a dual-layer burner? Figure a princely sum of about $39. Good luck!

Where could I download DVDcrypt or another program that works like it?

Im kinda new to all this hdtv stuff so i guess i need help. My question is that , is it necessary to buy an upscaling 1080p dvd player since i already have a regular progressive scan dvd player hooked up with component.Is there a huge improvement or not enough, or is it better to wait till blu ray gets cheaper. Im asking this cause im getting mixed reviews from people saying a progressive scan dvd player hooked up with component is as good as an upscaling 1080p dvd player and some say upscaling dvd player makes a huge difference.Of course i want blu ray but in the meantime will upscaling be alot better than what i have.I will have this hooked up to a Panasonic TH50PZ80

Thanks for any advice and info.

Im kinda new to all this hdtv stuff so i guess i need help. My question is that , is it necessary to buy an upscaling 1080p dvd player since i already have a regular progressive scan dvd player hooked up with component.Is there a huge improvement or not enough, or is it better to wait till blu ray gets cheaper. Im asking this cause im getting mixed reviews from people saying a progressive scan dvd player hooked up with component is as good as an upscaling 1080p dvd player and some say upscaling dvd player makes a huge difference.Of course i want blu ray but in the meantime will upscaling be alot better than what i have.I will have this hooked up to a Panasonic TH50PZ80

Thanks for any advice and info.

I would go with the "not huge difference" camp. No SD-DVD player will put you into a new realm of video quality. Good deinterlacing is the most important function; scaling is easy by comparison. You might see if your current player has a test report here: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi

If you like to fiddle with the combinations, then the choice of scaling in the player gives you another parameter to change. There are perceptible differences in quality among the different players, but unless you are a true fanatic they are not of the sort that will influence your viewing pleasure.

Do you use a calibration disc? That will likely give you more improvement than new hardware (unless the current player is a real dog).

-Bill

Im asking this cause im getting mixed reviews from people saying a progressive scan dvd player hooked up with component is as good as an upscaling 1080p dvd player and some say upscaling dvd player makes a huge difference.Of course i want blu ray but in the meantime will upscaling be alot better than what i have.I will have this hooked up to a Panasonic TH50PZ80

Thanks for any advice and info.

On your 46" Panny, you will see differences in players. Although, many people do not, the differences are there. The Panny is certainly capable of displaying those differences. Screen size, viewing distance and viewer's level of obsession are all big factors. On my 52" D-ILA, the differences were obvious to me when comparing standard DVD players to either an HD-DVD upscaling player or an Oppo 980. There are additional benefits to using an HDMI connect even at 480i/p. It's really a matter of your personal demands. I would recommend the Oppo 980 to anyone who's looking to get the max PQ from DVDs. If price is not a huge issue, the Oppo 983 would be the ticket. I would not make the same recommendation for the average <$100 upscaling players, I don't think they offer much of any advantages apart from the HDMI connect.
Your Panny may well be a better de-interlacer and upscaler than those type players, certainly no worse.

Thank you guys for you input on this. This definately helps me with my decision which is to go blu ray. Im understanding that a cheap upscaling dvd wont do much difference or hardly noticable.So if im gonna invest a fair amount of money im better off with blu ray OR since i have kids...maybe a
PS3 which alot of people say its a pretty good blu ray.Would a PS3 do a pretty good job for watching movies?

Thank you guys for you input on this. This definately helps me with my decision which is to go blu ray. Im understanding that a cheap upscaling dvd wont do much difference or hardly noticable.So if im gonna invest a fair amount of money im better off with blu ray OR since i have kids...maybe a
PS3 which alot of people say its a pretty good blu ray.Would a PS3 do a pretty good job for watching movies?

I think you will find in the BD forum that the consensus is the PS3 is the best player right now.

Thank you guys for you input on this. This definately helps me with my decision which is to go blu ray. Im understanding that a cheap upscaling dvd wont do much difference or hardly noticable.So if im gonna invest a fair amount of money im better off with blu ray OR since i have kids...maybe a
PS3 which alot of people say its a pretty good blu ray.Would a PS3 do a pretty good job for watching movies?

For watching SD-DVD, a BD player may not give you the best results. Certainly not worth the price if that's what you'll be using it for most of the time. PS3 is popular for upscaling DVD. Of course with kids in the house, you may never get a chance to use the PS3. ;)

Im kinda new to all this hdtv stuff so i guess i need help. My question is that , is it necessary to buy an upscaling 1080p dvd player since i already have a regular progressive scan dvd player hooked up with component.Is there a huge improvement or not enough, or is it better to wait till blu ray gets cheaper. Im asking this cause im getting mixed reviews from people saying a progressive scan dvd player hooked up with component is as good as an upscaling 1080p dvd player and some say upscaling dvd player makes a huge difference.Of course i want blu ray but in the meantime will upscaling be alot better than what i have.I will have this hooked up to a Panasonic TH50PZ80

Thanks for any advice and info.
The display will make quite a bit of difference, of course. Particularly, the current-generation plasmas are so good that the difference between ordinary progressive, vs upcon, vs native hi-def(HD-DVD/BluRay) is SO SMALL that you've got to make a cost-benefit analysis to really determine what is best for you. I believe the middle-course is best 'bang-for-the-buck'. Get yourself a good upcon player, many of which are now available at $69 or less retail. The Panasonics, Philips, Oppo, and a few others are good choices. If you're really lucky, and can find one, a second or third-generation Toshiba HD-DVD player(HD-A2/HD-A3) happens to include the finest upcon chip on the market, some of them being a 'Reon' brand chip - the upconversion of these players rivals units costing hundreds of dollars more. The results on a good quality standard DVD are positively spectacular(on my 50-inch plasma connected to an HD-A3, I would defy anyone to tell the difference between a 'native' hi-def disk from something like the standard DVD of '2001:A Space Odyssey', 'North By Northwest', "Three Days of the Condor', to name just a few). Keep in mind also that Toshiba has announced that later this year they will be offering a new system to put near-hi-def on STANDARD dvds, and which will require no special players at all - so the $69 would appear the way to go. As to the 'native' hi-def players and disks(I have an HD-A1 and an HD-A3 but have never purchased an HD-DVD disk), in my opinion, don't waste your money given the upcon machines. At current prices north of $300, the BluRay units are just taking up space on retailers shelves, in part because the image difference, IMO is so little that it is just not worth the money. Good luck!

If you're really lucky, and can find one, a second or third-generation Toshiba HD-DVD player(HD-A2/HD-A3) happens to include the finest upcon chip on the market, some of them being a 'Reon' brand chip - the upconversion of these players rivals units costing hundreds of dollars more.]

[...that Toshiba has announced that later this year they will be offering a new system to put near-hi-def on STANDARD dvds, and which will require no special players at all - so the $69 would appear the way to go.
Good luck!

the upconverting chips in the a2, a3 are good but not 'the finest'.

reon chip is available in the tosh xa2 and onkyo hd-805 hd dvd players.

toshiba superupconverting will be in toshiba players (a 'special player'), NOT on 'STANDARD' dvds.

Originally Posted by storey13
Do I need a new dvd player as far as upscaling is concerned if I have the SONY KDS50A3000? Right now I'm using a real old Phillips DVP642 model which only is a progressive scan unit.
Same answer: you may not "need" it, but you may "want" it.
"Only progressive scan" is not a problem; these units do the deinterlacing in the player. Deinterlacing is more difficult than scaling and it is important that it be done well.

I think most current players are both progessive scan and upscaling.

The DVP642 does not get a very good review here....

I would look at a new player. Whatever you do, use a calibration disc for best results.

-Bill

I currently use the Philips 642 for my region-free player (I also have a PS3). I am Region 1 NTSC. Last night I watched the Region 2 PAL Masters of Cinema disc "Les Maitres Du Temps" on my 720P/1080i Samsung plasma and the player produced horrible jagged edges all over the place and made the film almost unwatchable. I was using the progressive scan setting through component cables.

I am now set to get a better region-free PAL-to-NTSC player and had decided that the Oppo DV-980H player would be a good choice (I am using component instead of HDMI because I have to go through my non-HDMI receiver which is 10-15ft away from my TV). Then I find out through forums and Oppo themselves that "for animated contents the DV-980H will not be a good solution, as it does not play animated contents well."

Where do I go from here? Please help, and thanks in advance!

Update: I turned off progressive scan and the lines were much smoother. Colors weren't as vibrant and the image didn't appear as sharp, but I prefer the look overall.

I'd be interested to read any thoughts on the Marantz DV9600 and Denon 3930CI. I am planning on a new TV in the next few months and may need to upgrade if the picture using my current player(s) isn't satisfying enough. Currently I have a Pioneer Elite DVL-91 and a Marantz DV8400 feeding a 27" XBR tube. I have no clear TV preference, though I am considering both plasma and LCD sets. So if anybody owns or otherwise has experience with the DV9600, 3930CI or both, feel free to chime in. It would be much appreciated.

The DVL-91 is a combi-player and I have about 160 laserdiscs, so to upgrade the DVD only would leave the Pioneer behind; I could get a video processor and thereby upgrade both current players. The DV8400 doesn't upconvert but is progressive scan and may be good enough with the right TV. Still, I might also choose to abandon LD and would then want to upgrade the Marantz if the TV's PQ warrants it (and assuming I could afford it at that time).

Anyway, if there are experiences or insights out there, I'd like to read them. Thanks.

toshiba superupconverting will be in toshiba players (a 'special player'), NOT on 'STANDARD' dvds.

Keep in mind also that Toshiba has announced that later this year they will be offering a new system to put near-hi-def on STANDARD dvds, and which will require no special players at all -

From my findings, Toshiba's new Tech is new players, but they do infact use standard DVD's. It is not a new format, that I am sure of.

Where could I download DVDcrypt or another program that works like it?
Just google DVDCrypt - or better yet, there is now a newer decryption program(DVDFab) that kills all encryption schemes out there, and offers multiple additional options as well. It's free to try. Running your own standard DVDs through these programs(particularly DVDFab) will allow you to view your standard DVDs upconverted to 1080/720 even through component.

From my findings, Toshiba's new Tech is new players, but they do infact use standard DVD's. It is not a new format, that I am sure of.
I've been looking for clarification from Toshiba, but can find only that posted a few weeks ago on Widescreen Review. The jist of the story was that Toshiba had found a way to cram near-hi-def quality on standard DVDs that would play on ANY standard DVD player, that being the objective(in other words without requiring any type of new player). I don't see what purpose would be served by requiring yet another new player. Best I can tell, Toshiba is saying they'll do it via the standard disk, and forget buying a separate new player. Anyone have any definitive information on this? About all I've seen is the usual crappola from the usual sources decrying this as vaporware, despite Toshiba's own earlier press release.

I've been looking for clarification from Toshiba, but can find only that posted a few weeks ago on Widescreen Review. The jist of the story was that Toshiba had found a way to cram near-hi-def quality on standard DVDs that would play on ANY standard DVD player, that being the objective(in other words without requiring any type of new player). I don't see what purpose would be served by requiring yet another new player. Best I can tell, Toshiba is saying they'll do it via the standard disk, and forget buying a separate new player. Anyone have any definitive information on this? About all I've seen is the usual crappola from the usual sources decrying this as vaporware, despite Toshiba's own earlier press release.

I think you may be thinking of DVD2.0.

What I was talking about was Toshiba's new super upconverting players/SRT. They are just players that play standard DVD's and make them look is as if they were natively 960p.

I think you may be thinking of DVD2.0.

What I was talking about was Toshiba's new super upconverting players/SRT. They are just players that play standard DVD's and make them look is as if they were natively 960p.
Thank you for clarifying that it's another player required for these standard DVDs that include higher-def. Assuming that's so, what's the purpose unless they sell for the same $69 or so currently prevailing for so many upcon players? I, for one, can't tell all that much difference between upcon of a hi-quality standard DVD on my HD-A1/HD-A3 machines anyway.

For home movie viewing, seems to me that optical disks are gradually passing into history, as evidenced by the hi-speed digital download category; here's what was recently reported: "L.A. TIMES ON NETFLIX HI-SPEED DOWNLOADS 6/10/08: “NETFLIX SELLS OUT OF MOVIE BOXES: Netflix Inc has sold out of the set-top boxes that stream movies from the internet to TV sets, indicating stronger-tha-expected demand, Chief Executive Reed Hastings said.

Netflix, the largest U.S. mail-order movie service, is pressing supplier Roku Inc. To increase production, Hastings said. The $100 system lets customers order movies online and watch them on a television using WiFi technology.”

And that says nothing of VuDu - and SONY itself with new announcement of a hi-speed DD movie service, no less - or perhaps more importantly the satellite services(Disk Network earlier this year laid out a staggering $700-million for a huge swath of download-only spectrum[think that might be just for a new e-mail service?]).

All together now, SAY BYE-BYE TO ALL OPTICAL DISKS !!!

I have a Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ800 arriving soon and I'm considering purchasing a new DVD player with upscaling capability. I don't want to buy a blu-ray player yet (I can use the PS3 for now). But the PS3 is region locked for DVDs. I have a large DVD library and at least half are not region 1, so I need a region free player. The Pioneer unit I have now (DV-366) is region free and performs well but as it is an older model it outputs only 480p. I'm really not sure if getting a new upscaling player for the TH-42PZ800 will make any difference. I'm finding mixed opinions on how well upconversion works. I've read that high quality TVs already have good upconverters and upconverting players don't make any noticeable difference. I've also read that unless you spend hundreds on a top of the line blu ray player with DVD upconversion the difference isn't noticeable. So if I purchased another player in the $100-200 range would I see improvement over the 480p pioneer?? I'm looking into the Oppo player from last year which can be easily made region free, but I don't know if I should spend the money or save for a region free dvd upconverter/blu ray player.

I've read that high quality TVs already have good upconverters and upconverting players don't make any noticeable difference.

It depends on the viewer what is noticeable and how important that is. Different players produce noticeably different results, but this does not imply a night-and-day difference in quality. No SD-DVD player will put you into a new realm of video quality. You need HD sources for that.

Deinterlacing quality in the player (= progressive scan = converting 480i->480p) is more important than scaling, and the more difficult task. If you look at the test reports here: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi you will see players differ greatly in their deinterlacing performance. Unfortunately, I don't see your player listed there. The site is not being updated anymore, so recent models are not shown.

Do you use a calibration disc? I would recommend doing that before spending money on new hardware. It makes a big difference in getting the best video quality. Brief notes here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9889995&&#post9889995

-Bill

I have a Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ800 arriving soon and I'm considering purchasing a new DVD player with upscaling capability. I don't want to buy a blu-ray player yet (I can use the PS3 for now). But the PS3 is region locked for DVDs. I have a large DVD library and at least half are not region 1, so I need a region free player. The Pioneer unit I have now (DV-366) is region free and performs well but as it is an older model it outputs only 480p. I'm really not sure if getting a new upscaling player for the TH-42PZ800 will make any difference. I'm finding mixed opinions on how well upconversion works. I've read that high quality TVs already have good upconverters and upconverting players don't make any noticeable difference. I've also read that unless you spend hundreds on a top of the line blu ray player with DVD upconversion the difference isn't noticeable. So if I purchased another player in the $100-200 range would I see improvement over the 480p pioneer?? I'm looking into the Oppo player from last year which can be easily made region free, but I don't know if I should spend the money or save for a region free dvd upconverter/blu ray player.

I guess it depends upon the particular TV/player combo. I demoed a Pioneer Elite PRO-110 with an Integra player, and 480p was noticeably better than 480i in that case. The probable key is whether the TV or player has the stronger video processing. A weak TV processor may call for upconversion. How does the Panasonic handle SDTV? That may give you a clue.

It depends on the viewer what is noticeable and how important that is. Different players produce noticeably different results, but this does not imply a night-and-day different in quality. No SD-DVD player will put you into a new realm of video quality. You need HD sources for that.

Deinterlacing quality in the player (= progressive scan = converting 480i->480p) is more important than scaling, and the more difficult task. If you look at the test reports here: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi you will see players differ greatly in their deinterlacing performance. Unfortunately, I don't see your player listed there. The site is not being updated anymore, so recent models are not shown.

Do you use a calibration disc? I would recommend doing that before spending money on new hardware. It makes a big difference in getting the best video quality. Brief notes here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9889995&&#post9889995

-Bill

I should have the new TV by tomorrow and then I can try a calibration disc. I'm getting the PZ800u which is THX certified so I may just set it to the THX preset and leave it. Aside from the upconversion, I may still get a new SD DVD player anyway since a lot of the newer models have some nice features like USB input for WMA/JPEG playback. Plus I've noticed a few playback hiccups on my DV-366 lately so it might be wearing out. I'll start looking at some reviews for region free players.

I guess it depends upon the particular TV/player combo. I demoed a Pioneer Elite PRO-110 with an Integra player, and 480p was noticeably better than 480i in that case. The probable key is whether the TV or player has the stronger video processing. A weak TV processor may call for upconversion. How does the Panasonic handle SDTV? That may give you a clue.

Yes, 480p is almost always a noticeable improvement over 480i in my experience. But I'm not sure about the difference between 480p and 1080p upscaled. I compared non-upscaled to upscaled on a friends TV a few years ago and I was able to see some improvement. But the TV was probably made in 2003 so the upscaling processor in the TV (if it even had one) was probably not as good as the processors in TVs today. And the TV was probably only 720p not 1080p. I'll just have to use the upscaling PS3 and compare that to my 480p dvd player when I get the new TV.

I'm getting the PZ800u which is THX certified so I may just set it to the THX preset and leave it.

The common wisdom is that a display should be calibrated with the user controls for each input separately.

I'll start looking at some reviews for region free players.

I've been pleased with my Oppo players.

-Bill

Just google DVDCrypt - or better yet, there is now a newer decryption program(DVDFab) that kills all encryption schemes out there, and offers multiple additional options as well. It's free to try. Running your own standard DVDs through these programs(particularly DVDFab) will allow you to view your standard DVDs upconverted to 1080/720 even through component.

http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm

I guess it depends upon the particular TV/player combo. I demoed a Pioneer Elite PRO-110 with an Integra player, and 480p was noticeably better than 480i in that case. The probable key is whether the TV or player has the stronger video processing. A weak TV processor may call for upconversion. How does the Panasonic handle SDTV? That may give you a clue.
That must have been one helleva DVD to de-interlace better than the Pioneer Elite PRO-110. There are very few DVD players that have better video processing than the Kuro plasma.

That must have been one helleva DVD to de-interlace better than the Pioneer Elite PRO-110. There are very few DVD players that have better video processing than the Kuro plasma.

I don't recall the model number, unfortunately. Feed was via component. The most obvious difference was the color. And the Kuro did the upscaling.

I don't recall the model number, unfortunately. Feed was via component. The most obvious difference was the color. And the Kuro did the upscaling. There should not be a difference in color. That usually indicates a lack of calibration.

I need the advice of Oppo 980 and higher owners. I just traded in my 50 inch Vizio JV50 plasma for a 50 inch Vizio VP504 Plasma which is 1080P. My old Vizio, JV50, had a max resolution of 720P/1080i. I have an Oppo 970 DVD player, but it doesn't up convert to 1080p.

My question is, are the new Oppo players, 980 and higher, worth the investment to have 1080P up conversion. Keep in mind though about half of my DVD viewing is Divx. I guess I'm asking if I buy an Oppo 980 to replace my 970, will I see a medium to big difference in the up conversion quality to 1080P?

Also, does the 980 or higher players up convert Divx video better then 970?
Thanks

I need the advice of Oppo 980 and higher owners. I just traded in my 50 inch Vizio JV50 plasma for a 50 inch Vizio VP504 Plasma which is 1080P. My old Vizio, JV50, had a max resolution of 720P/1080i. I have an Oppo 970 DVD player, but it doesn't up convert to 1080p.

My question is, are the new Oppo players, 980 and higher, worth the investment to have 1080P up conversion. Keep in mind though about half of my DVD viewing is Divx. I guess I'm asking if I buy an Oppo 980 to replace my 970, will I see a medium to big difference in the up conversion quality to 1080P?

Also, does the 980 or higher players up convert Divx video better then 970?
Thanks

The 980 fixes a problem some people reported on the 970: a vertical squeeze at upscaled resolutions.

It's hard to advise you on the upgrade; some people see big differences when switching gear, others don't.

I upgraded from the 971 at 720p to the 981 at 1080p; the machines are similar apart from that. On a small LCD there was a detectible improvement when looking at test patterns, but on real video the change was negligible.

I use very little divx; from reading here it seems that upconverting does not help as much as with DVD-Video.

I presume you are using a calibration disc. I always recommend that before buying new hardware.

-Bill

I'm sure this has been answered in the past but can anyone list a few DVD players that up convert via component at a high level?

I'm sure this has been answered in the past but can anyone list a few DVD players that up convert via component at a high level?

They're getting hard to find. Upscaling of SD-DVD over component is no longer allowed for reasons of Digital Rights Management. It makes no sense, but it's true.

Search this forum for threads with "component" in the title for recommendations.

The Oppo 970 is no longer in production, but it has been popular for this purpose. There is a utility available that hacks its firmware.

The restriction applies only to CSS-protected titles. I believe many players will upscale unprotected discs over component.

-Bill

Can anyone recommend an upconverting DVD player that does a decent job for under $100? My friend's house was robbed recently and he can't spring for an Oppo yet.

Can anyone recommend an upconverting DVD player that does a decent job for under $100? My friend's house was robbed recently and he can't spring for an Oppo yet.

with $.12 to spare ;)
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/486974189

PS: Another Honda F1 fan here as well. I'm hoping Alonso hops on board even for a year to see how he fares against Button.

with $.12 to spare ;)
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/486974189

PS: Another Honda F1 fan here as well. I'm hoping Alonso hops on board even for a year to see how he fares against Button.

Thanks, he ordered that so we will see how it fares. I too am interested to see Alonso at Honda. I can't stand his personality but I do think he is an amazing driver and would be a good representative of where the car is performance-wise. Honda would have no excuse if they continue to underperform.

How does the the DV-48V compare with the DV-410/400? It looks like the 48 has more audio output options and is region free. I've searched for some reviews, but have been largely unsuccessful.

I went ahead and picked up the DV-410 at BB today. I'm sure it will better than what I have (non-upscaling player) until I make the jump to BR.

Hello... I'm having a hard time deciding between the Yamaha DVD-C961 dvd changer and the Oppo DV-983H. I'm looking to upgrade to HDMI/upconversion from a Panasonic DVD-F87 dvd changer. I'd love to keep the convenience of a changer, but if the video and audio quality of the Oppo is far superior I'd sacrifice the changer option. The problem I'm having is finding any reviews of the Yamaha, and it's been out a year already.

Anyone know if they're comparable?

Thanks...

I found all your informations very usefull. Thanks for this.


------------
Stella

I don't recall the model number, unfortunately. Feed was via component. The most obvious difference was the color. And the Kuro did the upscaling.

Let me correct this. There was no upscaling performed. We went from 480i to 480p; that was the difference I saw.

I don't recall the model number, unfortunately. Feed was via component. The most obvious difference was the color. And the Kuro did the upscaling.
Good. But anything on this board about the new Toshiba XD-E500 super-upcon standard DVD player? Did I miss it?

Good. But anything on this board about the new Toshiba XD-E500 super-upcon standard DVD player? Did I miss it?

Yes. There are a couple of active threads.

-Bill

I have a question that I can't seem to find an answer for. I have a Sony RDR-VX560 dvd/vhs recorder which is suppose to upscale dvds. I have it connected to my Panasonic Plasma via hdmi cable. When I watch a movie I still get the black bar at top and bottom of picture. Shouldn't this fill the screen? If the movie is 'fullscreen' then it will. If it is 'wide screen' it doesn't. Am I missing something?

Thanks

I have a question that I can't seem to find an answer for. I have a Sony RDR-VX560 dvd/vhs recorder which is suppose to upscale dvds. I have it connected to my Panasonic Plasma via hdmi cable. When I watch a movie I still get the black bar at top and bottom of picture. Shouldn't this fill the screen? If the movie is 'fullscreen' then it will. If it is 'wide screen' it doesn't. Am I missing something?

Thanks

A frequently asked question. See: http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/High-Def_FAQ/Joshua_Zyber/High-Def_FAQ:_Why_Dont_the_Black_Bars_Go_Away/764

-Bill

A frequently asked question. See: http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/High-Def_FAQ/Joshua_Zyber/High-Def_FAQ:_Why_Dont_the_Black_Bars_Go_Away/764

-Bill

Excellent explanation in your link!

Today I saw what a state of the art upconvertion unit can do ...

System ...

Runco VX-2201 with Cinewide with AutoScope ...$65,000
Stewart 143" Curved Cine W Screen ... $25,000
Kaleidescope 1080p player $8,000 (not counting the price of the terebyte discs necessary to record the DVD's)

Kaleidescope claim .... "The 1080p Player creates beautiful high definition video from your DVDs, providing a viewing experience that rivals Blu-ray. The 1080p Player adapts its video processing to the type of content being viewed to achieve results impossible for an external scaler."

I have to admit their claims do not seem to be over exaggerated. I first watched a scene from the Kaleidescope playing a regular standard definition DVD, then the same scene from a Blu-ray player playing a Blu-ray disc. If you did a blind test I think I would be hard pressed to tell which was which!!! And considering the screen size that is very impressive!

Of course this was only comparing one particular DVD ... I am sure there are other Blu-ray discs that would clearly out perform the upconverted DVD version.

I just got a philips 5990. I'm really disappointed at its PQ. I recently got a panny plasma 800U and got used to watching movies from my HD box (dish network). Now that I tried watching a dvd, the PQ is really bad. Do you guys think it's because the player I got is bad? My idea was to buy a cheap upconverting player until I buy a blu ray later in the year.

I just got a philips 5990. I'm really disappointed at its PQ. I recently got a panny plasma 800U and got used to watching movies from my HD box (dish network). Now that I tried watching a dvd, the PQ is really bad. Do you guys think it's because the player I got is bad? My idea was to buy a cheap upconverting player until I buy a blu ray later in the year.

PQ is bad in what way?

-Bill

PQ is bad in what way?

-Bill

Image is grainy. Reminds me of VCR. I have it connected through HDMI cable (Monster). I tried switching video settings (720, 1080i, 1080p, etc...) and not much difference. I just played the same DVDs on my PC with a 17' lcd monitor and they look good.

Image is grainy. Reminds me of VCR. I have it connected through HDMI cable (Monster). I tried switching video settings (720, 1080i, 1080p, etc...) and not much difference. I just played the same DVDs on my PC with a 17' lcd monitor and they look good.

They look worse than you think standard definition video should look when scaled to your screen size? You understand that it will never look like a good Hi-Def source, right?

General advice:


Use a calibration disc. Brief notes here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9889995&&#post9889995

If you have a 1920x1080 display, use 1080p from the player and set the display to use 1:1 pixel mapping.

If the display has any video ehancement options, turn those off.

-Bill

If you have a 1920x1080 display, use 1080p from the player and set the display to use 1:1 pixel mapping.

-Bill

Thanks. I have it at 1080p. I can't find the 1:1 pixel mapping thing. Where's that supposed to be?

I just changed DVDs and now tried another one. It looks better. But when I get closer to the screen (2 ft), things look grainy and with some flickering.

Maybe the problem is I'm comparing it to the HD channels I'm used to watch.

Are HD channels always gonna look better than upconverted DVDs?

Thanks. I have it at 1080p. I can't find the 1:1 pixel mapping thing. Where's that supposed to be?

Check the manual or menus for your plasma. Or try the forum for that display.

Are HD channels always gonna look better than upconverted DVDs?

I hear a lot of complaints about the HD channels not being as good as they should be, but as a general rule, yes, an HD source should look better than upscaled DVD.

-Bill

Are HD channels always gonna look better than upconverted DVDs?

Yes true HD is much higher quality than upconverting SD. The source is still low resolution and can't duplicate true high resolution.
If the upconversion is slightly better than a good SD DVD thats very good.
Compare upconverted DVD with a regular DVD player, not with true HD sources.

The quality of the TV's processing is another factor.

I just changed DVDs and now tried another one. It looks better. But when I get closer to the screen (2 ft), things look grainy and with some flickering. Film grain is very common in movies. Some of it is even artistic intent, such as in "Casino Royale" or "War of the Worlds". CCD video cameras suffer with noise, especially in the darker scenes, and that can look like "grain" too.

To eliminate the player from the equation, try one of the Disney/Pixar movies, like "Cars". They are computer generated, so they do not have any film grain or video noise.

Gary

Thanks a lot guys for your advise.

It's weird, but I just changed the HDMI cable to component cables, and now the PQ is much better (almost as good as HD channels, but not quite), although the sound is much worse. Now it's progressive scan, at 480. I'm sure the cable wasn't broken or anything since I just tried it on my HD box.

By the way, I didn't see much difference between component and HDMI cables between the HD box and TV.

It's weird, but I just changed the HDMI cable to component cables, and now the PQ is much better (almost as good as HD channels, but not quite), although the sound is much worse. Now it's progressive scan, at 480. I'm sure the cable wasn't broken or anything since I just tried it on my HD box.

By the way, I didn't see much difference between component and HDMI cables between the HD box and TV. Well that sounds all wrong... perhaps the settings on the TV are incorrect, or the player/TV is particularly bad at upscaling HDMI.

Gary

Well that sounds all wrong... perhaps the settings on the TV are incorrect, or the player/TV is particularly bad at upscaling HDMI.

Gary

The settings in the TV aren't incorrect. I have an HD box (using dish network), and the PQ coming from it through HDMI is really amazing. So I think only explanation is the player isn't good at upscaling. That's why probably it's better at 480 with progressive scan.

So I think only explanation is the player isn't good at upscaling. That's why probably it's better at 480 with progressive scan.
This is correct.

The settings in the TV aren't incorrect. I have an HD box (using dish network), and the PQ coming from it through HDMI is really amazing. So I think only explanation is the player isn't good at upscaling. That's why probably it's better at 480 with progressive scan. Well, perhaps, but that still doesn't explain why Component 480p looks better than HDMI 480p, does it?... Unless the player is defective, or really badly designed. Look for the thread for your player, and ask around in there.

Gary

This is correct. Oh? You have experience with this player? So how do you explain the question in my last post?

Gary

Oh? You have experience with this player? So how do you explain the question in my last post?

Gary
Well, perhaps, but that still doesn't explain why Component 480p looks better than HDMI 480p, does it?... Unless the player is defective, or really badly designed. Look for the thread for your player, and ask around in there.

Gary

Are you talking about this^?
I don't know where you pulled HDMI 480p from what gonogo was asking but I suspect it's dark and dank :D

I don't know where you pulled HDMI 480p from what gonogo was asking but I suspect it's dark and dank :DHilarious.

Gonogo complained that Component looks better than HDMI, even after trying the other HDMI resolutions. That's where I "pulled" it from.

Image is grainy. Reminds me of VCR. I have it connected through HDMI cable (Monster). I tried switching video settings (720, 1080i, 1080p, etc...) and not much difference...
It's weird, but I just changed the HDMI cable to component cables, and now the PQ is much better (almost as good as HD channels, but not quite)... Gary

Hilarious.

Gonogo complained that Component looks better than HDMI, even after trying the other HDMI resolutions. That's where I "pulled" it from.


Gary
Again, he never mentioned 480p from HDMI, you did.
I tried switching video settings (720, 1080i, 1080p, etc...)
Then he tried the component setting, which is 480p.

720p, 1080i&p means player is upscaling. 480p means display is upscaling.

I didn't try 480 with the HDMI.

One thing may be that using component cables the player does progressive scan. So maybe that's the difference.

In any case, I just feel I bought the wrong player.

I didn't try 480 with the HDMI.

One thing may be that using component cables the player does progressive scan. So maybe that's the difference. 480 over HDMI is also progressive scan. Try it.

Gary

480 over HDMI is also progressive scan. Try it.

Gary
If it looks better at 480 over 720 or 1080 using HDMI, that will prove the scaling on the player is inferior to the one in display.

Proper tech support starts with carefully listening to the customer describing the problem. :lol:

If it looks better at 480 over 720 or 1080 using HDMI, that will prove the scaling on the player is inferior to the one in display. Precisely, that's why I suggested it. And it will determine whether the HDMI output is really at fault, as gonogo supposes.

Gary

wonderfol!

I'm sure it is buried in here somewhere but what currently is a good player for upconversion around $100? Thanks!

I have the pioneer DV410 and i am very pleased with it so far (only had it for 2 weeks) the most impressive was the improvement when watching Div X. over my old pioneer prog scan player

I've had the oppo970 for a year now and very impressed with its upscaling.

Thinking of getting a new dvdp that does 1080p. Following are options I saw from the store, any thoughts which to get?

1) Samsung 1080PK
2) Samsuing F1080 (very compact and stylish looking)
3) Pioneer DV410V
4) Philips 3980K (cheapest of the 5)
5) Sony NS708HP

I've had the oppo970 for a year now and very impressed with its upscaling.

Thinking of getting a new dvdp that does 1080p. Following are options I saw from the store, any thoughts which to get?

1) Samsung 1080PK
2) Samsuing F1080 (very compact and stylish looking)
3) Pioneer DV410V
4) Philips 3980K (cheapest of the 5)
5) Sony NS708HP If you have become accustomed to the abilities of the 970, you might be disappointed with anything less than the OPPO DV-980H, which has great 1080p performance, and is extremely versatile.

Gary

The 980 would be a higher price range from those options listed, i think.

From the list, I think Pioneer 410

Nice guide. Thank you.

Will the Oppo 980H or the Pioneer 410V do a better job than the Sony 60A3000 or the Yamaha 663 receiver?

Hi,

Am sure this has been asked before. I have the SONY KD34XBR960 CRT which does a magnificent job at upscaling 480p. Would I notice any further improvement with an upconverting set? I've read where upconversion isn't really necessary for CRTs with screens around our size.

Hi,

Am sure this has been asked before. I have the SONY KD34XBR960 CRT which does a magnificent job at upscaling 480p. Would I notice any further improvement with an upconverting set? I've read where upconversion isn't really necessary for CRTs with screens around our size.

If you are happy with the 480p signal you are using then I would say a new player is not going to give you much more.

Are you using a calibration disc? I always recommend that before spending money on new gear.

-Bill

If you are happy with the 480p signal you are using then I would say a new player is not going to give you much more.

Are you using a calibration disc? I always recommend that before spending money on new gear.

-Bill

Thanks Bill,

Besides internal callibrations for the 960 I've also made user adjustments via the THX Optomizer found on many discs. In my case, would the Optomizer therefore be sufficient? Already have HD cross-hatch and overscan patterns for geometry (stored on my DVR from the old INHD).

Yes, I am very happy with the way properly mastered DVDs look. For example, last night we got the new frame-by-frame digitaly mastered version of "Thunderball" which was so colorful and sharp compared to the original grainy release years back. While the film was made 44 years ago it almost seemed like watching HD.

I do find some of the much older DVDs (i.e., the original "Goldeneye", "From Hell", etc.) softer with slightly too much edge enhancement which I'm sure is due to the way discs were mastered at the time. I'm sure they still look as good as they can be on the 960 or I am I wrong to assume that an upconverting player might be able to eliminate these things even further?

Thanks Bill,

Besides internal callibrations for the 960 I've also made user adjustments via the THX Optomizer found on many discs. In my case, would the Optomizer therefore be sufficient? Already have HD cross-hatch and overscan patterns for geometry (stored on my DVR from the old INHD).

I think THX Optimizer gets you within a click or two of what the other discs do. People who do a lot of calibrations (see the calibration forum here) don't like it so much. I practiced with the THX Optimizer first and then moved on to the dowloadable GetGray disc. But at the user level, staying away from the service menu (which I know nothing about) they all involve the same operations on similar patterns.

I do find some of the much older DVDs (i.e., the original "Goldeneye", "From Hell", etc.) softer with slightly too much edge enhancement which I'm sure is due to the way discs were mastered at the time. I'm sure they still look as good as they can be on the 960 or I am I wrong to assume that an upconverting player might be able to eliminate these things even further?

No, I think once the EE is mastered into the title it's a lost cause.

-Bill

No, I think once the EE is mastered into the title it's a lost cause.

-Bill

Thanks again, Bill. Exactly what I thought.

-Joe

I think THX Optimizer gets you within a click or two of what the other discs do. People who do a lot of calibrations (see the calibration forum here) don't like it so much. I practiced with the THX Optimizer first and then moved on to the dowloadable GetGray disc. But at the user level, staying away from the service menu (which I know nothing about) they all involve the same operations on similar patterns.



No, I think once the EE is mastered into the title it's a lost cause.

-Bill

If they started over from the film print it wouldn't be a lost cause would it? Of course that's probably too expensive for most studios to bother.

Is the Oppo still the only option for upscaling DVDs over component? I have a HD CRT with component inputs and would like an upscaling DVD player although I do have a question about that. Is upscaling going to make a big difference on a CRT? The picture quality I'm seeing at 480p is pretty damn good. I currently use a DVD player that outputs 480i/p over component properly for 16:9 TVs.

If they started over from the film print it wouldn't be a lost cause would it? Of course that's probably too expensive for most studios to bother.

If they start over then they have choices on how much EE to apply. We were talking about dealing with discs after they have been mastered.

-Bill

Is the Oppo still the only option for upscaling DVDs over component? I have a HD CRT with component inputs and would like an upscaling DVD player although I do have a question about that. Is upscaling going to make a big difference on a CRT? The picture quality I'm seeing at 480p is pretty damn good. I currently use a DVD player that outputs 480i/p over component properly for 16:9 TVs.

Good deinterlacing (the conversion of 480i to 480p) is the most important factor in getting quality DVD images. If you are happy with the 480p from your current player than you should stick with it.

Are you using a calibration disc? That can make more of an improvement than buying new gear.

-Bill

Good deinterlacing (the conversion of 480i to 480p) is the most important factor in getting quality DVD images. If you are happy with the 480p from your current player than you should stick with it.

Are you using a calibration disc? That can make more of an improvement than buying new gear.

-Bill

Bill,

Guess I wasn't the only one asking the question.:):).

Have also read reviews of the OPPO and even with those the authors emphasize one shouldn't set his or hopes too high with upconversion due to the limitations of 480p.

I have a question. I am looking for a good DVD player for upconverting. Some DVD's, but I want to pass my FTA receiver through the DVD player, then onto my Onkyo TX-SR505 to improve the quality of SD signals.

I was wondering what a good inexpensive player was that is capable of this.

From what I am reading the Pioneer DV-410V is good.

I have a question. I am looking for a good DVD player for upconverting. Some DVD's, but I want to pass my FTA receiver through the DVD player, then onto my Onkyo TX-SR505 to improve the quality of SD signals.

I was wondering what a good inexpensive player was that is capable of this.

From what I am reading the Pioneer DV-410V is good.

ya, i understand that pioneer DV-410ov is quite good. but i never test it out, have anyone try or ever use it before?

ya, i understand that pioneer DV-410ov is quite good. but i never test it out, have anyone try or ever use it before?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1038674

-Bill

Just getting into researching, so apologize in advance for any naive questions here.

In the market to get a new DVD player. Don't necessarily need a Blu-Ray player as not a HUGE movie watcher but still like a good picture when I do watch them.

What are some good brands, models, features I should be looking for in a nice upconverting DVD Player?

I have a Panasonic 50" Plasma (720p) (Panny 50PX77U)

Just getting into researching, so apologize in advance for any naive questions here.

In the market to get a new DVD player. Don't necessarily need a Blu-Ray player as not a HUGE movie watcher but still like a good picture when I do watch them.

What are some good brands, models, features I should be looking for in a nice upconverting DVD Player?

I have a Panasonic 50" Plasma (720p) (Panny 50PX77U)

You might look at the threads here for the popular players, see what the owner experiences are.

OPPO has a big fan base here and I've been pleased with mine. The 980 is $169.

-Bill

You might look at the threads here for the popular players, see what the owner experiences are.

OPPO has a big fan base here and I've been pleased with mine. The 980 is $169.

-Bill

Thanks Bill. I was actually just about to edit my post and add in that I've seen the Oppo 980H as a solid recommendation for me and wanted to get some thoughts on that model. Looks like you agree that would be a good option to look into for myself.

What is the best DVD player for upconverting, for a good money value?http://www.web-star.gr/enisa/image.php

What is the best DVD player for upconverting, for a good money value?

I don't know that there is a "best". You can see what players are popular by scanning the titles in this forum. Deinterlacing performance is more important than scaling.

Do you have a price range? I've been pleased with my OPPO players but the 980 is $169 new.

Would you consider a Blu-ray player instead? That is where most of the interest is these days.

-Bill

great information really fantastic ....well i am using Samsung DVD HD870 DVD player .....

I'm curious, what w/recent sale of Panasonic 720P, 50" X1 what route knowledgeable folks are taking w/DVD. I have a collection of standard DVDs and have no intention of upgrading to Bluray. I'm the old guy fishin' in the fin bin. So, the OPPO 980 is $169. My question is at my resolution will the OPPO outperform a Denon DVD-1940CI at 80-90 clams? I'm not going to purchase a Phillips and the OPPO won't break the bank. My cable company doesn't have HD capabilities in my neck of the woods. I replaced a Toshiba 35" CRT from 98 that was hit by lightning. Naturally, 11 years of R&D has allowed the panny plasma to provide a better picture quality than the aging CRT.
I need a DVD that incorporates the HMDI cable to compliment the new tube. Even a slow guy as myself realizes that 720 isn't 1080 but, it is 1 1/2 times 480 and no matter how much money you throw at 480, though you may improve, you can't turn it into 780. However, it seems to me that you should have an easier go w/improved picture quality displaying a DVD 480 on a 720 than a 1080. Maybe not. Maybe an upconvertor isn't the best application, It sounds swell but maybe the panny would scale a 480 signal as well or better.

Deinterlacing performance is more important than scaling.

Sounds great to me. How do I turbo boost deinterlacing?

I have an older DVD that worked using the white, yellow & red component(?) wires. I figured the HDMI was a superior feed.

Sorry for the ramble. I'd appreciate any opinion. Thanks.

I'm curious, what w/recent sale of Panasonic 720P, 50" X1 what route knowledgeable folks are taking w/DVD. I have a collection of standard DVDs and have no intention of upgrading to Bluray. I'm the old guy fishin' in the fin bin. So, the OPPO 980 is $169. My question is at my resolution will the OPPO outperform a Denon DVD-1940CI at 80-90 clams? I'm not going to purchase a Phillips and the OPPO won't break the bank. My cable company doesn't have HD capabilities in my neck of the woods. I replaced a Toshiba 35" CRT from 98 that was hit by lightning. Naturally, 11 years of R&D has allowed the panny plasma to provide a better picture quality than the aging CRT.
I need a DVD that incorporates the HMDI cable to compliment the new tube. Even a slow guy as myself realizes that 720 isn't 1080 but, it is 1 1/2 times 480 and no matter how much money you throw at 480, though you may improve, you can't turn it into 780. However, it seems to me that you should have an easier go w/improved picture quality displaying a DVD 480 on a 720 than a 1080. Maybe not. Maybe an upconvertor isn't the best application, It sounds swell but maybe the panny would scale a 480 signal as well or better.


Sounds great to me. How do I turbo boost deinterlacing?

You buy a player that does it well. There was a test report site that was all about deinterlacing peformance (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi) but it is no longer being updated and models from recent years are not shown.

I'm familiar with the OPPO models but not others so am not qualified to make player comparisons.

You know, a Blu-ray player will also play your DVDs and give you the option of high definition source material.

I have an older DVD that worked using the white, yellow & red component(?) wires. I figured the HDMI was a superior feed.


Definitely. And HDMI is standard on players these days.

-Bill

Thanks for the timely response.

You know, a Blu-ray player will also play your DVDs and give you the option of high definition source material.

Well, as I recall the young gent at BB told me that Blu-Ray would not play my oldie moldy standard DVDs. That was one of the reasons that I wasn't too concerned about going w/720P. Not the end of the world by any means and a Blu-ray at 720 would look a lot better than a 480.

Maybe he was trying to move upconvertors.

That being the case I could hook up the old DVD for the time being and wait on black Friday for a Blu-ray deal. I could buy one now but, disposable income is in short supply. Especially in light of my perception of being able to pick up a deal a few months down the road. Which sets me up for my next inquiry.

Wonder when there'll be a fin bin for BluRay...

Thanks for the timely response.



Well, as I recall the young gent at BB told me that Blu-Ray would not play my oldie moldy standard DVDs.

Never believe anything told to you at BB.

There are Blu-ray players not much more than the OPPO 980; I've heard good things about the JVC: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1131998

Wonder when there'll be a fin bin for BluRay...


Someday. Now, I keep an eye on the used prices at Amazon.

Also: my Netflix rentals average about $1.70 per disc.

-Bill

I've heard good things about the JVC: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1131998


Thanks for the link as that JVC appears to fulfill my needs to a T.

Never believe anything told to you at BB.


I hear you loud and clear. BB lost the sale of two Panasonics to me by overextending their claimed capabilities.

I was going to buy from them so I applied for a BB CC online. They told me they could access and use the card while it was in route to my address through the use of my SS number. I tried to purchase five budget DVDs on the card a couple of days later. When the cashier couldn't work the magic I went to customer service. They couldn't, made a phone call & said they could. They couldn't, made another phone call which included me talking to someone half way around the world informing me that there was no way to use the card until I activated it from my home phone. Needless to say I didn't try to buy the TVs and apply the card for rewards.

Partially due to the credit inquiry from BB I was denied credit at Sears. That cost me $75 because I couldn't use the 10% off Sears card offer. They did allow me 5% off using one of my other cards and delivered one tube that day. BB would deliver free in 10-14 days but, for a mere 65 clams would have extended me the privilege to cut in line. Had I been able to use my in transit BB card then the rewards would've tallied up to about the brother-in-law instant delivery charge.

I had been w/o for a week since lightning nailed every TV in the house but, not before telling the nice lady at the independently owned Sears store that I would never, ever buy another thing from Sears, K-mart, Lands End or any business associated w/them or Citibank. I called Citibank in Sioux Falls, SD and told them the same. Then I called them a second time. W/my line of credit, history, low utilization percentage, prompt payments and credit score there's no reason for them to deny me a little two grand card. Sweet weepin' hey-Zeus on the cross I wasn't asking anyone to float a note on a house. Inquire this.

Anywho, the BB gal Rachel Munoz that you see on the commercials that like talks about this guy that like calls for help and she like totally gets that this guy is like asking questions so she like asks where he's calling from n like he sez WalyWorld n like she's like oh no you didn't n he he's like oh for real yes I did and she's like come on down to BB coz we're like not skanks n I'll like hook you up coz we be representin' n keepin' it real n like this guy hasn't had a date like in three years so he's like I'm all over this babe like kewl guacamole on a hot tostada you know coz uh like uh she wants to like meet me uh pronto like Tonto, jump on it, jump on it at da B&M BB coz I'm the Master P dawg.

Well, for the most part this commercial and its mental artifacts has scarred me for life, alienated me from ever liking anything again, turned me into the curmudgeon extraordinaire and now even I am like, what-evah!

I might have to enroll in the Earnest T. Bass remedial oral presentation course in order for me to engage in speaking in public again.

Hope ya'll enjoy reading that sordid tale as much as I enjoyed sharing and thanks again for the DVD tips. I feel much better.

Now, where did I put my meds?

Somewhere you lost me, but if you need a dvd player and interested in playing old dvd (standard ones and them being upgrded) then look online or at a b&m store for the panasonic bd 60 blu ray player can not go wrong. I got one at bb online for $200. You talked about getting one for $169?

My 5 year old rear projection HDTV only has DVI - no HDMI - so I use an HDMI to DVI cable to hook up my PS3 for a 1080i picture.

My question is can I get a 1080i picture out of an upconverting DVD player using an HDMI->DVI cable?

Thanks!!

My 5 year old rear projection HDTV only has DVI - no HDMI - so I use an HDMI to DVI cable to hook up my PS3 for a 1080i picture.

My question is can I get a 1080i picture out of an upconverting DVD player using an HDMI->DVI cable?

Thanks!!

Yes, I do it all the time.

Note that the DVI port on the display must have HDCP for this to work. I presume it does if your PS3 is working, but I'm not familiar with it.

-Bill

Thanks for the response Bill.
Yes my DVI connection is HDCP.

Another question: While using the HDMI connection for 1080i video, will I still get sound through the Digital Coax output?

Thanks for the response Bill.
Yes my DVI connection is HDCP.

Another question: While using the HDMI connection for 1080i video, will I still get sound through the Digital Coax output?

That must depend on the player because people are always asking about it. All the OPPO models produce audio on all ouputs simultaneously; that is the only brand with which I am current. You'll have to investigate other models.

-Bill

Both Newegg and Amazon have the BD60 for $195 with free shipping. I might just pick one up, as I don't have room for my DVD player anymore, and it doesn't have HDMI either.

Anyone have DV-420-K?

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/Blu-rayDisc+DVD/PioneerDVDPlayers+Recorders/ci.DV-420V-K.Kuro


Does anyone still make dvd players with built in tuners??
I know some dvd recorders have them.

See the latest SECRETS DVD Benchmark (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=DVD+Player&manufacturer=0&maxprice=0&deInt=0&mpeg=0). The OPPO is currently top of the pile in the scores (after it's last round of firmware updates). This is a highly respected test, but keep in mind that the scores are only for specific torture tests. To understand the scores, read the "Guide to Progressive Scan Shootouts". The tests may not rate other aspects that could be important to you. Check the OPPO threads for help on anything else you need to know.

According to Kris Deering, the author of many of the SECRETS tests:
"The 5910 still remains the pinnacle of DVD video performance in my opinion, regardless of what the 'scores' may say".

Gary

I have to agree with Kris Deering on this one.

I have been a digital graphics professional for the last 16 years and my wife has a degree in photography and cinema. We met when were both working for a motion picture film lab - so we are probably pickier than most couples when it comes to image quality.

We own the Oppo DV-983H which was the Oppo "flagship" for upconverting DVD's, and use a PS3 for Blu-Ray, our set is a Sony KDS-60XBR2. We own a lot of DVD's. We just received a Denon DVD-5910ci for $999 from Listen Up (list price is $3800:eek:), the Oppo was $399. I wanted the 5910ci to upgrade our CD & SACD audio - not thinking the video would be any better (or worse) than from the Oppo since both players received glowing reviews.

Well... the first DVD we watched (using HDMI upconverted to 1080p) with the Denon surprised us. The picture was noticeably improved over the Oppo. My wife immediately commented on the detail in hair. I was noticing that I could see very fine details in things like clothes (suit patterns for example) that I hadn't noticed with the Oppo, and was amazed there were no moiré patterns showing up. There is less noise/grain with the Denon than the Oppo (unless the grain is supposed to be there for "artistic" effect). I tried a couple high quality DVD's - Lord of the Rings "Shire scene", and "The Fifth Element" (Superbit version), and a lower quality "The Man from Uncle" season 2 disk. To us at least, the Denon was better than the Oppo on all of the material. Audio was also better than with the Oppo, but that was to be expected.

Is the Denon's improved video and audio worth the price over the Oppo? Probably not for most people. If you are very picky, watch a lot of DVD's, and have a higher end audio setup - it might be.

Is the Denon 5910ci's (or the Oppo's) DVD quality as good as well recorded Blu-Ray when played though a decent Blu-Ray player? Not a chance. On the other hand, the Denon's quality is as good or better than some bandwidth starved "HD" broadcasts we have seen over cable or satellite (if the DVD source material is good).

Hope this helps...