Getting my projector installed this week. I have a Sony transport feeding a DVDO iScan ultra. Plan to use this initially with the projector, connected over component.

Which do you think will give me the best image qaulity?

- The sony direct to the projector (outputting 480i over component)
- The DVDO to the projector (outputting 480p over component)
- A new Oppo 981HD (connected via HDMI - at a resolution TBD)

Thanks for your input.

If I may, I would suggest an option not on your list;

A Denon DVD3930 or DVD2930 feeding your projector through HDMI. They both throw out a great picture, and can upscale to 1080p.

Thanks Dave. Do you have one of these combos?

The best image quality would be a HD-DVD or Blu-ray player. Why aren't you considering one of those?

Clearly one of the HD formats would be the best choice - but I'm going to wait out this format war.

For the time being, I'm looking forward to enjoying HDTV and the best reproduction of standard DVD's that's financially prudent given that HD Discs are are an eventuality.

Thanks

had the same debate with myself

tried a number of my DVD players (oppo (first DVI upscaling one), panasonic s97, and an HTPC with DVD and HD-DVD playback

Then bought a Toshiba A2 for 370 or so, it work the charm with the AE1000 and play the SD DVD very well -- I swap out the S97 in favor of the A2

work greats -- cheap enough not to worry about the format work to much and I'm enjoy HD-DVD today

HTPC I have is not new enough to really handle HD-DVD playback



Clearly one of the HD formats would be the best choice - but I'm going to wait out this format war.

For the time being, I'm looking forward to enjoying HDTV and the best reproduction of standard DVD's that's financially prudent given that HD Discs are are an eventuality.

Thanks

Thanks Dave. Do you have one of these combos?

I use the DVD3930 from Denon, and it delivers a very nice picture. I use it on 1080p. If you look around a bit in the web you can find some nice reviews on it. ;)

Clearly one of the HD formats would be the best choice - but I'm going to wait out this format war.

For the time being, I'm looking forward to enjoying HDTV and the best reproduction of standard DVD's that's financially prudent given that HD Discs are are an eventuality.

Thanks

I don't look at it as a war...Why not just look at at as 2 great HD sources that you can keep forever no matter what happens...You may not live long enough to see if one wins or loses. I frankly think they will both live on as enthusist niches for quite a long time...I am one of those enthusists. Heck, at least go for a dual format player at the least.

Dave -

Does the 3910 outPut 1080p? Everything I read says it maxes out at 1080i

Would heartily recommend the Toshiba HD-XA2 for watching standard DVDs on your new Panny! From what I've read this morning (tired eyes, after 4 1/2 hours) on AVS, its the machine to have at any price (including anything that Denon makes) for up rezzing standard DVDs for a hidef screen! You must understand that I have never seen the Toshiba HD-XA2, and that I normally totally discount any opinions unless based on experience. But the strong concensus on four long AVS threads I read was that this was the machine to have. I just ordered mine an hour ago.

I have three other things to say:

1.) I have the Panasonic AE1000U (six days now), and was looking for something even better than my el cheepo ($500) first generation Toshiba HD-DVD player to up rez pictures to the Panny. I've had the first generation Toshiba since last summer, and it has been the best machine I've had for gloriously uprezzing standard DVDs (as well as playing HD-DVDs quite well) - better than my three Sonys, two other Toshibas, and a Panasonic DVD player. Given my real satisfaction with what my first generation Toshiba player has done for DVDs (on both my old front projector - a Panasonic 700, and the new 1000), and given the almost totally enthusiastic users on this forum who had the HD-XA2 in hand and who also compared its up rezzing ability with just about every thing out there, including the best, most expensive Denons, I placed the order!

2.) This is my first post in several years - I just thought your question matched my answer so well, I just had to write.

3.) In order to save any flaming, obstreperous responses to my comments from others, I am now gone into the ether again - best wishes on your decision and your purchase. Isn't the Panasonic 1000 just glorious!

Thanks Sonyuser - I hope you are still around.

Can you tell me if there is a huge difference between DVD's viewed through the component connection vs. the HDMI inputs

Thanks again