I recently purchased a JVC HDTV that has 2 HDMI inputs. The surround system that I am purchasing doesn't have any HDMI outputs, so I was plannin gon running everything, including my current DVD player, to the receiver via component cables and then out to the tv with components as well. Of course, all audio would be passed to the receiver via digital cable (optical and coax).

My question is, would it be worth it for me to purchase an upconverting DVD player and run it directly to the TV, or would a simple progressive scan player serve my needs just fine? My currecnt DVD player works fine, but it is one of the ealiest models released and is not progressive.

Thanks for any advice you can provide!
-Jeff-

I'd recommend getting a DVD player with an HDMI output and running that to your display, then running digital audio from the player to your receiver.

if your older dvd player works well and the tv's internal scaler is working well then leave it alone and enjoy if you are indeed happy.

I've got a Pioneer 5060 (720p)(which I love), don't subscribe to HD via DTV (yet - my contract is "up" in January) and I've an older Sony DVD player (non-progressive & no HDMI outlet) that does a decent job (nothing to compare it to however..).

I intend to purchase a new "bedroom" set in '08 - probably a rear projection 55"+.

Question: Would the purchase of a quality upconverting DVD player, connected to either one of the 2 sets mentioned above be of any benefit to my DVD picture quality? And, if so, any recommendations as to "makes & models" would be appreciated. Thank you.....bill

I've got a Pioneer 5060 (720p)(which I love), don't subscribe to HD via DTV (yet - my contract is "up" in January) and I've an older Sony DVD player (non-progressive & no HDMI outlet) that does a decent job (nothing to compare it to however..).

I intend to purchase a new "bedroom" set in '08 - probably a rear projection 55"+.

Question: Would the purchase of a quality upconverting DVD player, connected to either one of the 2 sets mentioned above be of any benefit to my DVD picture quality? And, if so, any recommendations as to "makes & models" would be appreciated. Thank you.....bill

I moved from a 1999-era 480i component player to a more recent model with HDMI and was pleased with the upgrade. Understand that changing SD-DVD players will not put you into a new realm of video quality, but the improvement can be noticeable. The more fanatical you are about your DVDs, the more improvement you are likely to see.

I have been pleased with my Oppo players. The 980 is $169. At closer to $100, the Sony NS75 and NS77 seem well-liked here.

-Bill

I have been pleased with my Oppo players. The 980 is $169. At closer to $100, the Sony NS75 and NS77 seem well-liked here.

-Bill

Thanks for the quick reply - will look for on-line sellers - can you recommend one or is that not allowed here?

Also, can this unit play all formats - +/-R, +/-RW, etc?. Thanks.....bill

Thanks for the quick reply - will look for on-line sellers - can you recommend one or is that not allowed here?

Also, can this unit play all formats - +/-R, +/-RW, etc?. Thanks.....bill

Most people buy directly from Oppo. Amazon has them (sometimes in stock) and there is a list of resellers here: http://www.oppodigital.com/wheretobuy.html. It's unusual to find a price break other than free shipping from some sources.

I haven't tried all the media variants. I found one batch of DVD-R that none of the Oppos would play:

CMC MAG. AM3 (Memorex DVD-R)

I can verify that these are ok:

CMC MAG. AE1 (Imation "Video" DVD-R)
RITEK/D01 (Memorex DVD+R DL)
TYG02 (Taiyo Yuden -R)
PRINCO (generic white label)
CMC MAG. (unknown)
MKM/001 (Verbatim DVD+R DL)
CMC00RG200 (unknown)
PHILIPS/041 (Philips DVD+RW)
YUDEN000/T02 (Taiyo Yuden +R)

And this is reported to be ok:

MCC-003-00 DVD+R Verbatim (8x)

-Bill

Thanks once again.....bill