Hello. I apologize in advance if this question has been asked before. I did a search but couldn't find what I was looking for. I have a Sony KD-34XBR960 set (really like it, by the way).

I read some time ago that upconvert DVD players don't work well with CRT TVs-something about poor picture quality. Does anyone have any experience with this, specifically with the Sony I have?

If possible, I'd like to improve the picture quality of my SD DVDs. I already have the XBOX 360 HD-DVD player, but it won't upconvert using component. I'd have to buy an upconvert DVD player-or trade in my current XBOX 360 for the XBOX Elite, which has an HDMI connection.

But if I'm running the risk of getting decreased picuture quality, then I'll just stick with what I have. I'm using the 360 HD DVD player to watch all of my DVDs-SD and HD.

Thanks,
MarcellusT

I believe the issue you are reffering to is the scaler quality.

Your XBR960 has a fantastic scaler. It does upconverting better than most upconverting DVD players. To see a positive difference, you'll need to get a really good upconverting DVD player like an Oppo.

I believe the issue you are reffering to is the scaler quality.

Your XBR960 has a fantastic scaler. It does upconverting better than most upconverting DVD players. To see a positive difference, you'll need to get a really good upconverting DVD player like an Oppo.

Ok, so you're telling me my TV is already doing the job that most upconverting DVD players do?

Cool.

Is the difference noticable when using a good upconverting DVD player like to Oppo?

Also, have you heard anything about CRT TVs not exactly being the best type of TV to use with an upconverter?

Thanks,
MarcellusT

CRTs aren't the best type of TV to use an upscaler with simply because they don't really need it. CRTs are a bit more versatile. LCDs, on the other hand, look kinda bad if you aren't sending a signal that matches it's native resolution.

I'd say going out of your way to get an upconverting DVD player is a waste of time. You might not even notice the difference. Just have the TV calibrated, it's worth it.

The Toshiba XA2, Denon 2930CI, and Samsung B1200 are the best players out there.. you WILL see a noticeable difference in PQ.

The Toshiba XA2, Denon 2930CI, and Samsung B1200 are the best players out there.. you WILL see a noticeable difference in PQ.

Ok, but are you familiar with the article that said using an upconvert DVD player with a CRT TV can lead to some problems in picture quality?

If I remember correctly, they used the same Sony TV I have in their test. I just can't remember where I read the article. And I don't want to base my decision on one article that I read, which may or may not be biased.

MarcellusT

The article probably meant that the upconverting players decreased PQ, not that they had problems. Like I said, only a handful of players will actually increase PQ.

Your TV is too good, dude.

"The Toshiba XA2, Denon 2930CI, and Samsung B1200 are the best players out there.. you WILL see a noticeable difference in PQ."

Ok, another question (sorry). Do you have any thoughts on using the XBOX 360 Elite, which has an HDMI connection, in conjuntion with the XBOX 360 HD-DVD player (which I already have) for upconversion purposes?

I'm thinking that I could trade in my curent 360 and pay the difference for the Elite, which will upconvert. By doing so, I won't have to switch back and forth between players depending on whether I'm watching HD or SD DVDs (I'd just use the 360 HD-DVD player with the Elite's HDMI connection).

Thanks again,
MarcellusT

Ok, but are you familiar with the article that said using an upconvert DVD player with a CRT TV can lead to some problems in picture quality?

If I remember correctly, they used the same Sony TV I have in their test. I just can't remember where I read the article. And I don't want to base my decision on one article that I read, which may or may not be biased.

MarcellusT

I have a Sony up converting DVD player, a decent one, and when I select 1080i, I CAN visually see a difference in PQ over 480i/p.

I also plan on using a video processor to get rid of artifacts, mosquito, noise reduction etc. for an even clearer picture.

"The Toshiba XA2, Denon 2930CI, and Samsung B1200 are the best players out there.. you WILL see a noticeable difference in PQ."

Ok, another question (sorry). Do you have any thoughts on using the XBOX 360 Elite, which has an HDMI connection, in conjuntion with the XBOX 360 HD-DVD player (which I already have) for upconversion purposes?

I'm thinking that I could trade in my curent 360 and pay the difference for the Elite, which will upconvert. By doing so, I won't have to switch back and forth between players depending on whether I'm watching HD or SD DVDs (I'd just use the 360 HD-DVD player with the Elite's HDMI connection).

Thanks again,
MarcellusT

I don't have a 360, I will be buying a PS3 in the future though. Gaming units probably do a decent job, but if you REALLY care about PQ, you will need a decent quality DVD player.

I would ask this question over at the xbox forums, or teamxbox.com

"The Toshiba XA2, Denon 2930CI, and Samsung B1200 are the best players out there.. you WILL see a noticeable difference in PQ."

Ok, another question (sorry). Do you have any thoughts on using the XBOX 360 Elite, which has an HDMI connection, in conjuntion with the XBOX 360 HD-DVD player (which I already have) for upconversion purposes?

I'm thinking that I could trade in my curent 360 and pay the difference for the Elite, which will upconvert. By doing so, I won't have to switch back and forth between players depending on whether I'm watching HD or SD DVDs (I'd just use the 360 HD-DVD player with the Elite's HDMI connection).

Thanks again,
MarcellusT

The Elite is an excellent upconverting DVD player. The 360 has a much better scaler than the PS3 anyway, so I'd say you're on the right track. Remember, you probably won't see a big difference from upconverting. It's all just about scalers, and your TV's scaler is really good.

The Elite is an excellent upconverting DVD player. The 360 has a much better scaler than the PS3 anyway, so I'd say you're on the right track. Remember, you probably won't see a big difference from upconverting. It's all just about scalers, and your TV's scaler is really good.

Thanks. I went over to the Xbox forum and posted a similar question. The general consesus was basically the same. The Xbox Elite, with the HDMI connection, will upconvert and probably improve picture quality for SD DVDs- at least a little. However, for better picture quality, they all suggested getting a good stand alone upconvert DVD player.

I might just go the Elite route simply because I'd like to have the 120 gig hard drive that comes with it. The drive costs $180. If I trade in my current Xbox 360 to certain stores, I'd have to pay about $220 to get the Elite. Not much of a difference.

So, in addition to getting the larger capacity HDD, I'd also have an upconvert DVD player (whether it's good enough for me to notice a difference, only time will tell).

Thanks for the info.

MarcellusT