I just got a Vision HDP with BNC and the SDI options.

My question is, should I or even can I get my SD-DVD Marantz DV7000 upgraded with a SDI output? It appears to be an expensive mod ($400-$600) I have a Helios H4000 that I was using before I bought the scaler, but I don't know if I should use an upscaling DVD player though a scaler??

I had never even knew what SDI was until I bought this scaler, but after researching SDI it seems like the best way to play SD-DVD.

Anyone have info on this subject??

Paul

SDI guarantees that you will get digital output directly from the MPEG decoder and that zero processing is done after it leaves the decoder. However, most people now just use digital 480i via HDMI (should be MPEG decoder output) into a scaler. You can get an Oppo 970HD to do just this for $150. You should be able to do the same with your Helios. Sending anything other than 480i to a external video processor negates the whole purpose of the video processor. :)

larry

I'm running RGBHV out of the scaler to a Marquee 8500, so won't I have HDCP issues if I use HDMI/DVI???? The Helios has a VGA out. Thats why I bought it, but now I plan on using component out to the scaler. If SDI is better out of my old DVD player I'd rather do that but sticking that kind of money in an old player is hard to swallow.

After I get the new Moome HDMI card I think the SDI mod would be a waste of money????

Paul

My mistake, I forgot about HDCP issues. They get rarer as time goes on. SDI works around the HDCP issue, you are correct. In your case SDI is the answer. :) I believe 480i via HDMI is done with HDCP even though it shouldn't be so the scaler will probably not send scaled output via analog component outputs.

larry

From what i have read on other threads the marantz has a great mpeg decoder and is a prime canidate for sdi mods. Look at MSB technologies, they do it for about 385 if my memorry is correct.

Athanasios

Love this new crt addiction i have!

SDI DVD is the name of the game, the SDI mod on average will set you back around 400$ minimum, it requires advanced expert skills and top notch soldering talents if you have those you may try DIY, I think the best deals around are pre-modified SDI players, you can get some amazing deals like that for less than the price of the mod itself from some sellers

-Gary