Saw this on e-bay, impressive stat's. 16 bit 149mhz vid dac!!
Kingwell KW-HD1880 ....anyone have any info? under $200
Some competition for Oppo?
Vga out is nice feature you dont see often, if it plays xvid would be a plus



"HOT" 1080P/720P HDMI DVI Component VGA Region Code Free High Definition HD DVD Player

Merry Christmas: $1 dollar Shipping to USA & Canada

Upscale any DVD titles to a higher resoluation!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v406/Bud-man/kingwell.jpg



KW-HD1880 DVD Player is the first generation high definition DVD Player from KingWell Technology. Featuring the new upscale chip by Amlogic, apply to PDP, LCD as well as DLP and any other types of HDTV, the new KW-HD1880 DVD player can support 720P, 1080i even 1080P scan mode and support the higher resolution as 1920×1080 pixels mode.



The main features of this player are as below:



l Upscale any DVD titles into high definition resolution. High-end level upscale engine delivers astonishing high definition video quality.

l It has every format of high definition video interfaces you ever needed -- Component, HDMI, VGA and DVI (via HDMI->DVI cable).

l New HDMI 1.1 edition. Perfect for digital display devices like LCD, Plasma and DLP.

l PAL 720P/1080i/1080P ( 720P/1080i/1080P @ 50hz ) and NTSC 720P/1080i/1080P ( 720P/1080i/1080P @ 60hz ) are supported.

l Component output supports high definition in 720P, 1080i and 1080P.

l HDMI output supports high definition in 720P, 1080i, SVGA, XGA and SXGA i. (1080P HDMI will be supported via firmware upgrade)

l VGA output supports high definition in SVGA, XGA and SXGA.

l HDCP is not required for playing copyright DVD title in high definition mode.

l Super Error Correction with New Technology.

l Gold coated video and audio outputs.





What is HDMI Interface?



HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface.

HDMI delivers superior, uncompressed digital video and audio quality.



Do you need higher resolution than 1080i?



With latest per pixel based de-interlace technology, KingWell KW-HD1880 HD DVD Player can output 1080P crystal clear video signal through component and HDMI connection (HDMI 1080P support is available via firmware upgrade).

* Your display device needs to be 1080P compliant in order to use 1080P.




. Support 1080P( 1080 Progressive Scan), 1080i, 720P, 576P and 480P output, VGA output support 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768 and 1280x1024.

2. Upscale DVD playback to high definition ( 1080P/1080i via component, 1280x1024 via VGA).

3. HDMI pure digital interface.

4. Supports 1080i/720P/480P/576P/640x480/800x600/1024x768/1280x1024.

5. Built-in high end level scaler delivers astonishing high definition image.

6. System contains one 32bit Risc CPU, one 24bit video processing CPU and one 24 bit RISC audio processing CPU. Total power equal to 1Ghz Pentium CPU.

7. Fast 16bit 149Mhz Video DAC and 192 kHz 24 Bit Audio DAC ( 32 bit/133Mhz Audio DSP).

8. Fast forward / back forward (up to 40X) and ZOOM ( up to 8X)

9. Easy use full color navigation system.

10. FullycompatiblewithDVD/SVCD/VCD/CD/HDCD/MP3/WMA/Photo-CD/CD-R/CD-RW/DVD+R/DVD-R/DVD+RW/DVD-RW.

11. Built-in Dolby digital Decoder, Dolby Digital (AC3) 5.1 Channel Output.

12. Built-in DTS Digital Decoder, DTS 5.1 Channel Output.

13. Firmware upgrade via CD-Rom.

14. Input Voltage/Frequency: 110-~240V 50/60Hz.

15. NTSC / PAL Output, Progressive scan, Screen Aspect Ratio 4:3 and 16:9.

16. Component, S-Video, VGA, HDMI and Composite video output.

17. Optical, Coaxial S/PDIF and RCA output. Support Dolby 5.1 and DTS digital output or 2 Channels analog stereo output.

18. Package includes 1 DVD Player, 1 Remote Control, 1 pair analog Video /Audio Cable and User manual.

19. Ultra slim and stylish design. Dimension: 420 x 270 x 45 mm.

now all I have to get is a 1080p TV. Here goes another one I juast noticed from AVSforum home.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=621326

now all I have to get is a 1080p TV. Here goes another one I juast noticed from AVSforum home.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=621326
Yes, but that one received a pretty bad review (poor deinterlacing).

Thought of this before i posted a clone of a neuneo?, same chipset, but i thought that player was alot more $$$$?

NeuNeo is about 250$ I believe.

If it uses the same AMLogic chip used in the NeuNeo it won't be any competition for the Oppo. The AMLogic's deinterlacing capabilities seem to be on par with the Momitsu V880 Sigma Design's (poor).

Paul

Supposedly, the current oppo hardware is capable of doing 1080p. It just hasn't been enabled or tested, yet. Once tested by oppo, a simple firmware update will unleash 1080p. The tech person from oppo told me that they'll be looking into 1080p options once the current bugs are fixed. So, by some time in Q1 of 06, we'll find out for sure.

I'm not sure how much improvement it will make on the 1080p displays. Since current 1080p LCD displays will scale to 1080p for all feeds of video source. I would think the only benefit will be shown from DVD titles with good PQ source such as the superbit DVD's or most animated movies from pixar or dreamworks.

in any rate, I just got a H20 DTV system and the 1080i source from HDnet/HD discovery looks so much better than the superbit DVD materials on the 1080p LCD panel. However, older DTV materials look only as good as the upscalled DVD source. So, basically, even if the dvd player can upscale to infinite resolutions, it's PQ will be limited to the source of material being scaled from. It seems that currently upscaling dvd players do help with most DVD's, but will never be as good as the true HD DVD or Blue Ray HD.

All in all, it is nice to see more and more budget dvd players are offering more richer options. This should really benefit the consumers in the end. Who knows, this may push oppo to release 1080p capable firmware even sooner.

I agree too that you cant beat HD Cable sources for now,i guess we all are hoping that regular dvd can look almost like that....soon!!!!

This player is almost surely made in the same place with most of the same components as the NeuNeo player, not sure if it is comparable to the HVD2081 or HVD2085. I like the NeuNeo player, colors are right, and the slightly softer picture doesn't bother me with my 77" screen and 720p LCD projector. Better picture than the Zenith DVB318 I replaced with it.

Chris

Looks identical to the NeuNeo 2085. Specs are identical. Couldn't find it on Ebay unless he meant another Ebay.

E-bay Item number: 5845369689

I did a general search and nothing popped up. Used the exact name and model and then just the company and nada. Maybe they pulled the item.

I did a general search and nothing popped up. Used the exact name and model and then just the company and nada. Maybe they pulled the item.

It came up for me. The item number is quickest, just copy 5845369689 put that in search and it should pop right up. The seller even has a positive feedback of 100% with 11 positives. I don't know if all 11 sales are this DVD player but the couple I checked were. The NeuNeo customer service has been pretty good, who knows if this company will offer any service at all.

Chris

Received a e-mail from Kingwell, with a link below to there website.
They were very nice and seem eager to provide customer support.
This player for under $200 could fill the niche nicely for users that want non HDCP compliant HDMI and upconvert thru component.
Thanks Chris for a positive review on the neuneo
Chris, have you tried a Xvid or Divx cd yet?, i'm sure it will play mpeg-iso dvd which are numerous s/vcd's burned as a iso dvd unarthored.

Kingwell (http://www.kingwelltech.com/default.asp)

Received a e-mail from Kingwell, with a link below to there website.
They were very nice and seem eager to provide customer support.
This player for under $200 could fill the niche nicely for users that want non HDCP compliant HDMI and upconvert thru component.
It will upconvert over component, but unless the player is Macrovision-free (or has a way to disable Macrovision), the player won't be able to upconvert content that is encoded with Macrovision. At least, that's what I've read about other players that do upscaling.

I emailed NeuNeo about their player since it says it can upconvert over component and they told me that it does, but it will not work with copyrighted content because of that limitation.

So unless you're pirating all your DVDs, the upscaling over component functionality is of little use unless the player can disable Macrovision.

It will upconvert over component, but unless the player is Macrovision-free (or has a way to disable Macrovision), the player won't be able to upconvert content that is encoded with Macrovision. At least, that's what I've read about other players that do upscaling.

I emailed NeuNeo about their player since it says it can upconvert over component and they told me that it does, but it will not work with copyrighted content because of that limitation.

So unless you're pirating all your DVDs, the upscaling over component functionality is of little use unless the player can disable Macrovision.

That is absolutely wrong. The NeuNeo players will upconvert all DVDs over component, period.

Chris

That is absolutely wrong. The NeuNeo players will upconvert all DVDs over component, period.

Chris
Do you have one? Its not like this is limited to the NeuNeo. Other players have the same limiation.

This is the email I sent to them:

> I am looking for a player that will upconvert to 1080i over component
> outputs which both players are capable of doing. However, I know that on my
> current LiteOn upconverting player, that I had to disable Macrovision on the
> DVD player in order to upconvert to 1080i over component. I see that on the
> Momitsu player, there is an option to disable Macrovision as well so that
> you can upconvert over component.
>
> What about your player? Will I be able to upconvert DVDs with Macrovision
> to 1080i over component? How does that work?

And here is the reply:

>Hi David,

>Unfortunately this player will not be able to play macrovision protected DVD
>titles.
>
>Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.
>
>Regards,
>Peter
>NeoDigits.com

The Kingwell like prob the Neuneo are region and macro free thru component, i've recieved today from Kingwell the newest firmware to enable 1080p thru hdmi.
These players are sold in the US thru internet only, so they dont have to be compliant to our rules, get'um while there hot and $1 shipping!

@ Bud-man: can you report back on how this player preforms for you? Also, can you test out some divx/xvid files just to see if they work (I know they probably won't but who knows)? I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts on this player. :)

Also is it possible for you or a mod to change the title of this thread to the "Kingwell KW-HD1880 official thread" or something along those lines? It'd make this thread easier to find.

I'm going to make a "official" thread soon on my findings so far, no it wont play any .avi files but Peter at Kingwell has informed me that there working on a new player that will soon. it will play s/vcd's burned as a mpeg-iso file, seems to like -R's better.
Ive successfully "backed up" of the supplied HVD to DVD+R DL as a test and it plays on the Kingwell
I dont think i can change the header?, ive tried once before and it didnt work just added
Kingwell KW-HD1880 as seen on top of thread.

Do you have one? Its not like this is limited to the NeuNeo. Other players have the same limiation.

Yes, I have a NeuNeo HVD2081, a Zenith DVB318 and a Samsung DVD-HD950 hooked up right now and all three will upscale all DVDs over component. Many players will not upscale any DVDs over component and some will only upscale DVDs over component that aren't protected.

Chris

Yes, I have a NeuNeo HVD2081, a Zenith DVB318 and a Samsung DVD-HD950 hooked up right now and all three will upscale all DVDs over component. Many players will not upscale any DVDs over component and some will only upscale DVDs over component that aren't protected.
I asked the people at NeoDigits about the HVD2085, not the HVD2081.

As I understand it, they do use different chipsets. Would that account for their answer?

are thes non-hdcp players able to work with hdcp compliant front projectors and other displays? my question is specifically geared towards the new Sony "Ruby", would one expect this kingwell to be able to really pass 1080p to the Ruby?

Passes 1080i thru HDMI or Component to my Panasonic Plasma fine, i would say YES to that darryl b.
I'm going to BB and try this out on a 1080p rear projection this week as i have there new firmware installed for HDMI 1080p.

I asked the people at NeoDigits about the HVD2085, not the HVD2081.

As I understand it, they do use different chipsets. Would that account for their answer?

No, the HVD2085 absolutely upscales all DVDs over component as well. The silly answer you received states it won't play macrovision DVDs, not won't upscale them over component. Obviously that is total nonsense. If you received a separate letter stating the HVD2085 will not upscale protected DVDs over component, then that letter is total nonsense as well.

Chris

No, the HVD2085 absolutely upscales all DVDs over component as well. The silly answer you received states it won't play macrovision DVDs, not won't upscale them over component. Obviously that is total nonsense. If you received a separate letter stating the HVD2085 will not upscale protected DVDs over component, then that letter is total nonsense as well.
Yes, his answer was a little baffling to me at first as well.

Since my question was about will it upscale Macrovision-encoded content over component, I assumed the phrasing of his answer was just because he was not a native English-speaker. Obviously the player can play Macrovision-encoded content. :)

The Kingwell like prob the Neuneo are region and macro free thru component, i've recieved today from Kingwell the newest firmware to enable 1080p thru hdmi.
Bud-man,

Sorry to sound like a broken record, but are you sure that the Neuneo is region-free and Macrovision-free when displaying upconverted content over component?

And is the Kingwell one the same? (I know you just got one, so definitely interested to hear your take on it.)

I was pretty much set to buy a Samsung HD950, but that Kingwell player looks like a nice price and feature set, so if it truly does upconvert over component and display all content correctly (ie. Macrovision-encoded stuff), I would definitely consider that.

Look forward to your thoughts on the player overall as well!

Thanks.

I have Neuneo HVD-108 (1st generation of the component and VGA upconverting player without HDMI or DVI) and it too upconverts all copy-protected movies without a hickup. It too is better than my Zenith DVB-318 at 1080i as its grayscale and colors are better (Zenith is sharper but also has slightly more edge-enhancements). Obviously with DCDi Zenith 318 kicks booty on video tittles like concerts, anime, and TV DVD's. I actually use both with a component switching receiver. For film, I prefer Neuneo HVD-108 with latest firmware (corrects the grayscale problem from the original firmware), and for video, Zenith.

I do believe all AMLogic players will upconvert via component for ALL DVD's. The brand, price, and build quality may change but function and PQ will be very similar. I would not rely on 1080p support via HDMI/DVI as "firmware" promise can be elusive and distant. If it supports HDMI 1080p now then that's a different story. Component 1080p won't look much better than 1080i component due to limitation of analog DAC.

Thanks Huey for your information.

This is a e-mail i got from kingwell, actually i got quite a few in the past week, about there competition from neuneo, this player is the EXACT same spec's and guts as the neuneo 2085, i even tried there firmware in it but it has different front panel so the lcd was screwed up, this morning they sent me both of the firmwares and loaded back to kingwell just fine.
This player has almost the exact same loader as the Oppo, but is alot quieter, still has that same way of removing the disc thru the thumbhole.
There claiming a lower cost than neuneo which is over $80 saving's with there $1 shipping still in effect.

@Bud-man: able to test out divx/xvid files yet on this player? I emailed them asking if it's divx/xvid capable and also if not, will it be w a possible firmware update but haven't gotten a response. If it is (or have the possibility in the future), I might jump on it. Thanks.

Ive tried Xvid/Divx and it's a no go, they told me it's going to be in there next generation player coming soon, being developed now,weird how they havent responded to you as there are very fast for me, probably because they sent me a "borrowed" player... :)
They are very interested in what i'm reported so far.
I guess i'm going to have to start a new thread unless a Mod can change this to "Kingwell KW-HD1880"
The main plus's ofthis player are of course HVD's which look stellar,upconvert thru component on copywrite material,1080p for showing off on your new 1080p set before the superbowl!!

weird how they havent responded to you as there are very fast for me, probably because they sent me a "borrowed" player... :)
Yeah, they haven't responded to me either (using their online form).

On the other hand, NeoDigits was very quick about responding to me.

Hopefully, this isn't indicative about how Kingwell will be responding to support requests.

thegdog, use this e-mail addy i too tried the online link once and didnt hear anything back, address your e-mails to Peter and tell him your a friend of Chris from AVS
They respond usually at 1-5 am eastern time for me, there 12-16 hours ahead of us.
kingwelltechnology@gmail.com

Ive tried Xvid/Divx and it's a no go, they told me it's going to be in there next generation player coming soon, being developed now ...
Thanks for the update. Interesting. I wonder if it's the chip and that's why they're developing a new player. I'd just prefer to buy this player and update it with a firmware release. Can you ask them why they're waiting for a new player for divx/xvid support?

Yeah, they haven't responded to me either (using their online form).
Yeah that's how I emailed them also. Guess they don't check that email.

thegdog, use this e-mail addy i too tried the online link once and didnt hear anything back, address your e-mails to Peter and tell him your a friend of Chris from AVS
They respond usually at 1-5 am eastern time for me, there 12-16 hours ahead of us.
kingwelltechnology@gmail.com
Interesting since according to their domain name records, the company is based in Vancouver (which should be PST, if I remember correctly - same as me).

They had an email address at the top of the form on their website (which I found odd) and I went to check it to see if it was the gmail account that you mentioned, but their website appears to be down.

Not really inspiring a lot of confidence in me when they don't check emails generated by the form on their site. Also looks like the company has only existed since November 2005.

There website works fine for me, few times it had a hard time connecting but it's always up.
The box the player came shipped in was from Shangai China

Here is my latest e-mail i received yesterday.
I dont know about them being from BC but maybe that could be a north american office.
I discussed a few problems i saw and he responded quickly as usual.

I first saw this player on e-bay, so first contact was thru e-bay then there gmail addy
I was very impressed when they e-mailed me back inless than a day and i asked if i could test out there player, after showing them this thread they agreed and sent me the player UPS in less than 2 days for testing, "borrowing" is what he called it.
Only Oppo has as fast reponses to my questions. i'm very impressed with the PQ from this player and while watching Fast and the Furious, the 5:1 sound was great, ive read the audio is a strong point with these players.
Let's just say i got a Oppo the same day and that's going back tommorow as i dont really see much improvement on my Panasonic ED plasma.
I dont care about the negative reviews this Amlogic chip got over poor deinterlace, it sure looks damn good to me!
Once i get over this stomach bug i will write all my findings either be good or bad, i want to try on a 1080p set first.


"Dear Chirs:

This is Peter here. I am glad to hear that you have received our DVD Player.

Please kindly find the attached the two files which you need one is new and
the other is the current firmware. Let me talk this player with you.

1. DVD+R DL Verbatim is a really new disc format. Unfortunately it doesn't
support at present. We have been pressuring Amlogic about new firmware
upgrade as well however the progress on this is out of our control. It
really depends on Amlogic how soon they will release new firmware and what
kinda features they will add in it. We will do our best to get the latest
firmware as soon as they become available.......

This was answer to my question about DL disc's not playing, 90% do so far

2. As for the Logo, your advice is very important for us. We will discuss
the location of our Logo in the next generation player or the next firmware.
However the screenasver is inavailable due to the limited of hardware........................

My question.....When looking at the setup menu, there Kingwell tech logo blocks some of the settings of seeing clearly, i mentioned they should relocate it, no hard to do as ive made custom logo's years ago for my Apex players

3. I am not sure the black background is what. Would you please explain it
to me?..........

My question was.......Ive noticed a green push using hdmi on the black letterboxed background, Component is very black, i tried a few HDMI cables still there, i dont have monster cables, could be a problem on my plasma.

4. Yes we also have HVD discs. It will be released at our website
immediately...............

i'm still waiting........Kingwell makes semi conducters etc......so it seems there new to the dvd player biz

Please let me know if there is any questions. I am always here and look
forward to your reply.

Thank you for your work. We are really appreciated your support.

Happy New Year
Peter
KingWell Technology

1. DVD+R DL Verbatim is a really new disc format. Unfortunately it doesn't
support at present. We have been pressuring Amlogic about new firmware
upgrade as well however the progress on this is out of our control. It
really depends on Amlogic how soon they will release new firmware and what
kinda features they will add in it. We will do our best to get the latest
firmware as soon as they become available.......

This was answer to my question about DL disc's not playing, 90% do so far
Interesting because NeoDigits told me that NeuNeo 2085 has no problem playing DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media as long as it is bitset to DVD-ROM.

The downside to that answer is that you cannot bitset DVD-R DL media to DVD-ROM, so I'm not sure if that means it doesn't work. Certainly seems like they haven't tested it.

Also interesting that Kingwell says that Amlogic needs to add support. I would think most of the work would be in the loader used. As far as I understand, there shouldn't be any differences in DVD structure between a properly burned DVD DL disc and a pressed DL DVD-ROM disc.

There website works fine for me, few times it had a hard time connecting but it's always up.
I wonder if you're looking at cached pages. I've tried several times today on different browsers and even a different sytem and the homepage won't load. It just displays this:


Microsoft VBScript compilation error '800a0400'

Expected statement

/default.asp, line 4

Option explicit
^
Ahhh, their others pages work though. Seems like its just the homepage. They might want to fix that. :)

The email address that the form on their site sends to is kingwelltechnology@163.com.

I am really interested in this unit. However, I have not read a review of this units video quality when used with a CRT RPTV at 1080i.

I currently own a Panasonic DVD XP-30 and really want to know if the HVD2085 will give me a better picture at 1080i than my XP-30 at 480p.

Will it make my DVDs look close to HDTV quality? My TV is the Pioneer SD-643HD5 64" model. With the XP-30 it looks incredible.

Also, I was confused by the recent posts, Will there be any problems playing macrovision encoded dvds at 1080i output through Component video?

Thanks,
Derek

I thought Macrovision was passed through to the display device from any copyrighted Macrovision encoded disc or tape, and the Display device "dealt" with it, but if one tried to make a copy, the recorder making the copy could not deal with the Macrovision encoding and thus one could not get an acceptable recording.

So, all DVD and VHS playback decks should accept material with Macrovision encoding, but not strip it out of the signal. I would assume that the DVD player discussed here, or any DVD player, for that matter would easily read, in some cases upscale and display a DVD with Macrovision encoding, which isn't supposed to hinder viewing, just copying.

I am really interested in this unit. However, I have not read a review of this units video quality when used with a CRT RPTV at 1080i.

I currently own a Panasonic DVD XP-30 and really want to know if the HVD2085 will give me a better picture at 1080i than my XP-30 at 480p.

Will it make my DVDs look close to HDTV quality? My TV is the Pioneer SD-643HD5 64" model. With the XP-30 it looks incredible.

Also, I was confused by the recent posts, Will there be any problems playing macrovision encoded dvds at 1080i output through Component video?

Thanks,
Derek

It is hard to say whether you will believe the HVD2085 will provide a better picture at 1080i but I feel certain you will not believe the player will make DVD's look close to HDTV quality. If your XP-30 looks incredible, I would say don't mess with an inexpensive upscaling player for that display. The HVD2085 can play any DVD including macrovision encoded DVD's upscaled to 1080i using the component video connection.

Chris

Huey are you sending upconverted component out to yoour LT150? I got a free toshiba sd-4980su and am thinking about replacing my htpc with it in order to make the setup wife friendly. Idea is to use com out on my direct tv rec and the dvd player to my HK receiver to act like the switch, and get a com to vga adapter to my lt150.

This should work, no?

If so, anyone have a suggestion on a cost effective adapter for com to vga?

Thanks for any help

CV63, the Kingwell and Neuneo players have a VGA out, so just hook it up direct and use the optical out to your receiver, i dont use any of my receivers component in/out because you have to leave it on for it to cross thru the video.

So how do you get into their other pages? got any links?
Thanks

I wonder if you're looking at cached pages. I've tried several times today on different browsers and even a different sytem and the homepage won't load. It just displays this:


Microsoft VBScript compilation error '800a0400'

Expected statement

/default.asp, line 4

Option explicit
^
Ahhh, their others pages work though. Seems like its just the homepage. They might want to fix that. :)

The email address that the form on their site sends to is kingwelltechnology@163.com.

So how do you get into their other pages? got any links?
Thanks
I had them cached before, but I haven't visited the site in so long. Looks like their web site is now down completely. Glad I didn't buy that DVD player...

Before I get into my post and question, I found a very good review on the NeuNeo HVD2085 at hometheatermag com/discplayers/1205neuneo

One question that came up was upscaling through component, this article says it definitely works. The only real negative was no 3:2 pulldown, so that could be a show stopper for some.

I want one of these two players! From reading the thread, it sounds split between the HVD2085 and the Kingwell KW-HD1880. Right now the prices are too close to make that a decision factor at all. NeuNeo lists on their website $199 with free shipping while the Kingwell site has the KW-HD1880 as $189 with free shipping.

Here is my setup, that may make it easier for someone to make a recommendation...

I am running a Sharp PG-C30XU LCD front projector. Before you laugh, I got it factory refurbished for under $500. I am using a Samsung DVD-HD931 dvd player that does upconversion, but only through the DVI output. The projector has two VGA inputs as well as composite and SVHS (but who would even think about using those?). I ran a Python cable that goes from VGA on the projector side to component on the player side.

Believe it or not this projector blew me away with it's brightness and picture quality. I have to say I haven't purchased a DVI-component adapter yet to test the upconversion of the Samsung player (I didn't have the DVD-HD931 when I first installed the projector) but the upconversion was noticable when I used the player on my HD LCD TV in my bedroom.

Here is where my tail was tucked firmly between my legs... my brother bought the Toshiba HD DVD player the first day it came out and we spent our week of vacation playing with it. It upscaled regular DVD better than the Samsung could ever dream of, which is why my brother gave it to me I guess. When I got back home my projector setup seemed a little depressing after seeing the Toshiba on his JVC HDTV. I still maintain I like the film like look that a projector gives, but I want a better picture now!

I won't buy the Toshiba or a Blueray until the format war is settled, but for $200 I will buy one of these players, but which one do you guys recommend?

The Neodigits customer service has been good and I am happy with my NeuNeo player with my 720p LCD projector. I think there are less expensive options now that do as well though. The LG DVB418 can be purchased refurbished for about $70 delivered now and after upgrading with LDA531 firmware, it works great for me.

Chris

Thanks for the response Chris.

I just checked and there are a ton of these on Ebay all for around $60. I am still looking up more info on that unit. As of the ebay description it looks like it doesn't upconvert over component, can you verify if that is true?

Okay I think I answered my own question...
soarabovetherest com/manuals/LGDVB418.pdf

As per the user manual it states this player does upconvert to 1080i though component. At $60 I don't think I can pass this up and test it out, thanks...

Chris the reviews on CNET aren't very good for this player.
cnet.nytimes com/LG_DVB418_DVD_player/4852-6463_7-31282004.html?tag=uolst

Since you own one, what are the pro's and con's for this unit? Obviously the price is a pro... have you had any problems with it freezing or skipping?

Chris the reviews on CNET aren't very good for this player.
cnet.nytimes com/LG_DVB418_DVD_player/4852-6463_7-31282004.html?tag=uolst

Since you own one, what are the pro's and con's for this unit? Obviously the price is a pro... have you had any problems with it freezing or skipping?

Again, as I stated, you must upgrade to the LDA531 firmware. There is a long thread here at AVSforum on the DVB418. None of these inexpensive players are perfect, but you don't have a 1080p display and the DVB418 should be as good as the NeuNeo player for your display in my opinion. The CNET reviews are unknown to me and I am certain don't pertain to a DVB418 upgraded with the LDA531 firmware in any event. I have both players and like both but if your display won't be affected by the Faroudja FLI23xx macroblocking enhancement, I think saving the money and buying the DVB418 makes sense.

Chris

Hi, Chris i have been looking for the LDA531 firmware upgrade, I have seen different up grade how can i tell which is the correct one for my LG dvb418 dvd player.

Hi, Chris i have been looking for the LDA531 firmware upgrade, I have seen different up grade how can i tell which is the correct one for my LG dvb418 dvd player.

I downloaded it from the LG Canada site, and installed it.

Chris

Chris... or anyone else that can answer this,

I found this online for enabling upscaling over component on the LGDVB418. Does anyone know if this works?

Turn the player on but don't play the disc (just leave it at the opening screen).
Press PAUSE, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 in sequence on your remote.
The screen should say >> [ OK H ] or [ Default H ].
Press PAUSE twice to get rid of that message. If it doesn't work, try again.

Yes.

Okay, I am going to buy a player. $200 for a Helios is acceptable IF it lives up to what some are saying, some reviews say otherwise. No 3:2 pulldown, failed other tests... however I have been reading reviews and it seems even the high end players fail some tests.... Denon failed some big tests for example, but some people on here swear by them...

Next is the LGDVB418. There are reviews saying audio sync problems as well as other issues, such as no discernable difference in upscaled modes... but some reviews give it raves. CNET doesn't. At $60 plus shipping on ebay, the price is great, but it needs a hack to upscale over component, how reliable is that? How are the blacks and whites?

Then there is the Kingwell, and now the Maya DVD-603 (Actually the names alone kinda turn me off and both look a bit on the cheap side, but that may not be the case)

How about a shoot off between these players? I'm sure people on here own one, or maybe have owned more than one of these players. If there has been a shootoff, does anyone have the link because I have been unable to find one.

I have a Samsung DVD-HD931, but don't know if there is a hack for this specific player to do component upscaling, and if so does it have an impact on the DVI output or svideo? I haven't really heard much good about the 931, that's why I'm shopping around now.

My projector does 720p, and will do 1080i compressed. From what I am reading on projectorcentral.com I may want to stay with 720p since 1080i only shows 540 lines during action scenes anyway, and 720p does, well, 720 lines. Some reviews place a player better at 720p than 1080i, and vice versa. What are your experiences?

I also need a player for my bedroom, this will have to be a workhorse. We dropped cable a couple years ago and all we watch are DVDs. I burn out motors from the use needless to say.

I almost forgot... Oppo 971... can it do upscaling over component and how well? ProjectorCentral gives it great reviews...

971 is no good for component upscaling, i tried alot of the players and the one still connected to my pannny plaz is the 418!

971 is no good for component upscaling, i tried alot of the players and the one still connected to my pannny plaz is the 418!

Okay thanks, that's one down.

CNET did give it decent reviews, but I'd rather hear what people experience and think with real world setups and usage.
http://reviews.cnet.com/OPPO_Digital_OPDV971H_HD_Ready_Upconverting_DVD_Player/4545-6463_7-31473354.html?tag=nav

I found another one, the Momitsu V880N and the DX...
http://www.momitsu.com/dvd_880n.html
http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/421/momitsu_dvd-v880n_networked
It's like these are falling out of the sky now that I know about them. Six months ago I thought the only alertnatives were either an external upscaler reminicent of the line doublers people used with CRT projectors years ago, or one of the more expensive HD DVD or BlueRay players...

I am trying to read up and learn about the different chips and which one is better, but as pointed out in these forums, both have their up sides and down sides.

I have no problem with a unit where a hack will work, but finding the hacks for various players wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Plus applying the hacks may not always work as I found out with my Samsung HD931- hack said it worked and turned hdcp off, but I still could not upscale over component.

971 is no good for component upscaling, i tried alot of the players and the one still connected to my pannny plaz is the 418!

Budman did you ever start that thread on the Kingwell player and did you get one?

Yes i have the kingwell, i dont use it very much, the hvd that came with it is very nice, too bad that format never became popular.
They still sell them on e-bay so i would assume there still in business.

How well does the Kingwell 1880 play @ 720p and 1080p?

I may need to replace my LG DVB418 that suddenly stopped playing @ 720p after four months.

How well does the Kingwell 1880 play @ 720p and 1080p?

I may need to replace my LG DVB418 that suddenly stopped playing @ 720p after four months.

I have only used my NeuNeo at 720p and I think it does a good job with my 720p LCD projector. I am using a DVB418 with a 1080i CRT direct view but will try the DVB418 with a 720p projector soon to determine if I have a preference.

Chris

I just bought a Kingwell KW-HD1880, first I installed the new firmware. then I put in a DVD, but when I went and tried to play the DVD with DTS it restarted the player. I am not sure why, It can play via dolby digital decorder, but not the DTS decorder.

According to the spec it as a built-in DTS decorder, so I show be able to play DTS sound tracks. :confused:

Of course I checked the DTS and Dolby digital box in the setup sound menu. so I know that is not it.

Has anyone had this issue with there player? I know there are quite a few pleople on this tread that have one of these players.

I took it right out of the box and installed the new firmware update.

please anyone HELP!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Where did you get the firmware update?, was this to enable 1080p thru hdmi, i have both firmwares sent by Kingwell, the original and the HDMI 1080p.
When i got this player from them last jan they said the hdmi firmware was buggy at that time.
PM me and i'll email you the factory firmware and try that.
Can you make a copy of the firmware?, let me know i'd like to see if it's any different.

I just bought a Kingwell KW-HD1880, first I installed the new firmware. then I put in a DVD, but when I went and tried to play the DVD with DTS it restarted the player. I am not sure why, It can play via dolby digital decorder, but not the DTS decorder.

According to the spec it as a built-in DTS decorder, so I show be able to play DTS sound tracks. :confused:

Of course I checked the DTS and Dolby digital box in the setup sound menu. so I know that is not it.

Has anyone had this issue with there player? I know there are quite a few pleople on this tread that have one of these players.

I took it right out of the box and installed the new firmware update.

please anyone HELP!!

Did you get this working?

I realize this is an old thread but I just bought a Kingwell HD6900i dvd player which is their newest model. Never had or saw their earlier model but this player has been a lot better than my old NeuNeo HVD108 I had.

For the record it upscales to 720p, 1080i and 1080p through it's component and VGA ports regardless of Macrovsion. It is suppose to do the same through HDMI but I don't have a display device with an HDMI port to test it. The player is $175 with free shipping through their site.