I like to play games on occasion. I have quite a few SD DVD's. I do not have any PS2 games. I am trying to decide if I want a PS3 for the blu-ray or an HD-DVD. I don't want to start a war between the two. I would like some feedback on upconversion of DVD's. Is the PS3 worth the extra money over the HD-DVD? Is one better at upconverting? Thanks!!

The PS3 upconverts sd dvd's like a champ...You won't be dissapointed.

I thought Transformers on SD-DVD through the PS3 looked great. probably would look better on HD, but I haven't gotten an HD DVD player yet. I was really impressed with the upconversion of the PS3.

Just to add: The PS3 does a fine job at upconverting and unlike other players, you can use some filters in the menu to clean up frame noise and other things. You can also choose to "Double Scale" those REALLY old DVD transfers to clean them up a bit.

The PS3 is also a great media center. I am also a big DVD owner and I've been converting my movies to VOB for an archive. The PS3 will play these at 100% quality and will upscale the pure digital versions too!

Although you don't game much now, it might also be nice that if you ever get a whim to try a new title, your system is ready to go.

I figure I will get the bug to play more sports games and watch more movies and I guess dollar for dollar and feature for feature, the PS3 has it all over stand-alone BD players and HD-DVD.

Tonight I tested out the upscaling abilities of my Toshiba A-2. My wife and I popped in the second season of The Office and the picture was a little washed out and eventually froze on the Toshiba. Don't know why because it was a brand new DVD never played and the Toshiba is updated with the latest firmware.

After the third freeze I popped into my ps3 and the picture was crisper and the colors brighter. Also no freezing so my ps3 will be my sd DVD player and the Toshiba will be used only for HD DVDs.

Edit: The equipment used was an Onkyo 605 w/ HDMI, a mono price 2x1 HDMI switcher and a Samsung hl-s6187w DLP 1080p TV. The Toshiba uses the switcher and the ps3 doesn't. Both run monoprice HDMI cables into the Onkyo and then another monoprice HDMI cable into the television.

Chris

I figure I will get the bug to play more sports games and watch more movies and I guess dollar for dollar and feature for feature, the PS3 has it all over stand-alone BD players and HD-DVD.
Considering you can get a decent HD DVD player for under half the price the PS3, that really depends on how important being able to play PS3 games is to you.

I wouldn't say having a PS3, blu-ray or HD-DVD player is important at all. I am just looking for the most complete system which is obviously the PS3. The upconversion is really the only thing I am concerned or interested in since the PS3 can play BR movies and games. If it is equal or better than HD-DVD at upconversion, I would consider buying it because it has more BR movies that I would buy anyways.

I wouldn't say having a PS3, blu-ray or HD-DVD player is important at all. I am just looking for the most complete system which is obviously the PS3. The upconversion is really the only thing I am concerned or interested in since the PS3 can play BR movies and games. If it is equal or better than HD-DVD at upconversion, I would consider buying it because it has more BR movies that I would buy anyways.

The upconversion on the ps3 is very good. Those who are dual format say that one of the HD-DVD players is ever so slightly better, but I haven't heard that anyone has complained about the ps3's upconversion.

I would say get the ps3, 40gb version and you'll have everything your looking for (unless you have SACD's). Hope that helps!

-Splints

Considering you can get a decent HD DVD player for under half the price the PS3, that really depends on how important being able to play PS3 games is to you.

I'd say studio support plays into his decision more than price.

The upconversion on the ps3 is very good. Those who are dual format say that one of the HD-DVD players is ever so slightly better, but I haven't heard that anyone has complained about the ps3's upconversion.

I would say get the ps3, 40gb version and you'll have everything your looking for (unless you have SACD's). Hope that helps!

-Splints

I am one of those with an HD DVD player and a PS3. The PS3 does a really good job at upconversion. Strangely it seems to me that neither one is better; they are just different. In my experience some DVDs look better on the PS3 and some look better on the HD DVD player. But if I only had the PS3 I wouldn't be disappointed in the upconversion.

I'd say studio support plays into his decision more than price.
That is easy for you to say now, but he didn't say anything to suggest that prior to my previous post. But yeah, if Blu-ray exclusives are high on the list of wanted features, then a HD DVD player is obviously a poor option.

Personally though, if wasn't a gamer, I would have rather bought an HD DVD player over my PS3 as the former has far more eclusives that interest me. I'm still holding out for an internal HD DVD drive for my HTPC though, one is bound to be released someday.

Just to add: The PS3 does a fine job at upconverting and unlike other players, you can use some filters in the menu to clean up frame noise and other things. You can also choose to "Double Scale" those REALLY old DVD transfers to clean them up a bit.

The PS3 is also a great media center. I am also a big DVD owner and I've been converting my movies to VOB for an archive. The PS3 will play these at 100% quality and will upscale the pure digital versions too!

Although you don't game much now, it might also be nice that if you ever get a whim to try a new title, your system is ready to go.

I'd like to "+1" this post...

While watching my SD "The Matrix" DVD I noticed a menu to fix blocking and edge details... I started playing with them, and the picture was even better than it was originally (and I was really impressed with the quality as it was!)...

The PS3 is a phenominal upconverting player, and the fact that it's a Blu-Ray player AND game machine to boot, makes it a great deal. I am really glad I picked up a PS3!

Tonight I tested out the upscaling abilities of my Toshiba A-2. My wife and I popped in the second season of The Office and the picture was a little washed out and eventually froze on the Toshiba. Don't know why because it was a brand new DVD never played and the Toshiba is updated with the latest firmware.

After the third freeze I popped into my ps3 and the picture was crisper and the colors brighter. Also no freezing so my ps3 will be my sd DVD player and the Toshiba will be used only for HD DVDs.

Edit: The equipment used was an Onkyo 605 w/ HDMI, a mono price 2x1 HDMI switcher and a Samsung hl-s6187w DLP 1080p TV. The Toshiba uses the switcher and the ps3 doesn't. Both run monoprice HDMI cables into the Onkyo and then another monoprice HDMI cable into the television.

Chris



I have noticed much the same, only I have a Toshiba A3. It doesn't upscale quite as nicely as the PS3 - could be because of the PS3's forced 1080p/24-ness, of course, but I'm not made out of money so I couldn't afford a 1080p HD-DVD player too. ;)

I have a 50" Panny that is 720p. Will that be a problem with the blu-ray? That is one of the reasons I was leaning towards the A2 earlier because it was 720p or 1080i. Format wise, I like movies on both formats, but blu-ray has more of my favorites, plus I think Blockbuster rents BR and not HD-DVD. Right?

I have a 50" Panny that is 720p. Will that be a problem with the blu-ray?
- No, you can either have the PS3 scale BluRay movies to 720p or let your TV do it. The picture will look good either way.

Format wise, I like movies on both formats, but blu-ray has more of my favorites, plus I think Blockbuster rents BR and not HD-DVD. Right?
- Online has both. In store depends on your local store.

I have a 50" Panny that is 720p. Will that be a problem with the blu-ray? That is one of the reasons I was leaning towards the A2 earlier because it was 720p or 1080i. Format wise, I like movies on both formats, but blu-ray has more of my favorites, plus I think Blockbuster rents BR and not HD-DVD. Right?

It will work fine at 720p, I've tested it with my setup in both 720p and 1080i.

Blockbuster stores rent mostly BD but some have HDDVD also. Blockbuster online rents both, but often the wait is horrible. I quit them over that issue as well as jacking up the price.

The biggest use I get out of my PS3 is as a media center. Gaming aside, no standalone player can match its ability to store/stream movies, music, and pictures. All of my high resolution MP3s are now available to my home theater system. No more fetching CDs from the jukebox downstairs or making copies of them. Very sweet capability.

Can you add video from a digital camcorder to the PS3? I watch game film of my athletes that I train and being able to store on PS3 would be great. Also, do you still get free movies with purchase of PS3?

I have a 50" Panny that is 720p.
Are you sure that isn't 768p? I've never even heard of a 50" Panny that is 720p. Regardless, both Blu-ray and HD DVD moves are almost always 1080p on the disk, and the players for both can always interlace that to 1080i or downscale it to 720p when needed. Downscaling to 720p isn't a good option for a 768p display though as the TV will have to upscale that again, loosing fedlity that would otherwise be avalable when running 1080p or 1080i.

As for transfering video from an external sorce like your camcorder; I don't know of any way to do that, at least not without running linux on the console.

The PS3 upconverts sd dvd's like a champ...You won't be dissapointed.

what he said...

ps3 ~ oppo

While I agree that the PS3 upconverts SD DVDs very well, I'm surprised that no one points out the noise issue.

Although the PS3 is quieter than other consoles we won't name, it is still much noisier than a regular upconverting DVD player.
I don't play SD DVDs in my PS3... I'd rather see my affordable DVD player break than the expensive PS3. I prefer to minize the wear on the PS3.

While I agree that the PS3 upconverts SD DVDs very well, I'm surprised that no one points out the noise issue.

Although the PS3 is quieter than other consoles we won't name, it is still much noisier than a regular upconverting DVD player.
I don't play SD DVDs in my PS3... I'd rather see my affordable DVD player break than the expensive PS3. I prefer to minize the wear on the PS3.

what noise?

mine is as loud when it's on as it is when it's off...

I like to play games on occasion. I have quite a few SD DVD's.PS3 would probably fit your needs nicely.

Strictly in terms of upscaling, the PS3 holds its own against my HD-XA2; this is no small feat in my opinion. I have no experience other HD DVD players.

While I agree that the PS3 upconverts SD DVDs very well, I'm surprised that no one points out the noise issue.In the game forums, one will not see many complaints of noise.

Can you add video from a digital camcorder to the PS3? I watch game film of my athletes that I train and being able to store on PS3 would be great. Also, do you still get free movies with purchase of PS3?

Not only can you access your stored videos with your PS3, if you ever decided that you needed those videos in a portable fasion, you could get a PSP and access the PS3 from any WiFi location. So, you could access the stored videos on your home PC on the PSP via the PS3 from anywhere in the world that has WiFi. Very easy to do.

Not only can you access your stored videos with your PS3, if you ever decided that you needed those videos in a portable fasion, you could get a PSP and access the PS3 from any WiFi location. So, you could access the stored videos on your home PC on the PSP via the PS3 from anywhere in the world that has WiFi. Very easy to do.
That is nice, but how do you take video off of a camcorder and store it on the PS3? That is what he is asking, and I'm pretty sure the answer is that you don't, at least not without running Linux on it.

That is nice, but how do you take video off of a camcorder and store it on the PS3? That is what he is asking, and I'm pretty sure the answer is that you don't, at least not without running Linux on it.

Usually camcorders have some kind of capture/editing software for the PC.
Capture the footage to the PC.
Compress it to a PS3 compatible format by either using the included software or another readily available software for converting to the PS3. Save this compressed file on your PC.
Use the Windows Media Player on the PC to act as a server for the PS3.
Access the content on the PC via the PS3.
Access the PS3 via the PSP.

The content would sit on the originally captured PC. The PS3 would access it from there and then the PSP would access the PS3. Pretty cool really.

Usually camcorders have some kind of capture/editing software for the PC.
Capture the footage to the PC.
Compress it to a PS3 compatible format by either using the included software or another readily available software for converting to the PS3. Save this compressed file on your PC.
Use the Windows Media Player on the PC to act as a server for the PS3.
Access the content on the PC via the PS3.
Access the PS3 via the PSP.

The content would sit on the originally captured PC. The PS3 would access it from there and then the PSP would access the PS3. Pretty cool really.
Sure, but dallasjetfan was asking about is storing the content on the PS3 rather than a PC.

My camcorder can record to memory sticks. Its not as good as the tapes, but might work. (I've not tried to see if it would need converting)

Regardless of the format, there still isn't any way to move it from the Memory Stick to the PS3.

Regardless of the format, there still isn't any way to move it from the Memory Stick to the PS3.

My 60GB PS3 has SD/MS slots, not sure if the latest 40 GB version still come with these. So simply record to Memory Stick, and pop the stick into the PS3. You can then see if it plays your recorded format. I have a Sony HD cam that doesnt record to memory stick but PS3 easily reads still images off the stick. For moving/viewing camcorder footage on PS3 earlier poster explained the easiest method.. streaming from computer, PS3 reads .m2t files unaltered (not sure about other formats). Dont want to stream? then set up one of the many file servers available and copy to your PS3 hard drive.

Sure, but dallasjetfan was asking about is storing the content on the PS3 rather than a PC.

I would be OK storing on a PC, if I could transfer to my PS3 so I could view it on my 50" TV. Can the PS3 do that? Or could a laptop do that?

My 60GB PS3 has SD/MS slots, not sure if the latest 40 GB version still come with these.
No, they don't, but you can just plug in a USB SD or MS reader and use that, or use a USB HDD or flash drive for that matter. None of that answers the question that was asked though. The answer to the question is; no you cannot take video files from your camcorder and store them on your PS3.

I would be OK storing on a PC, if I could transfer to my PS3 so I could view it on my 50" TV. Can the PS3 do that? Or could a laptop do that?
You can't transfer them to the PS3, only stream them though it, so you'd always need a network connection from your PC to your PS3 to view them though it. As for a laptop, yeah you can hook one up to your TV and both transfer video to and stream video though that.

I have an external hard drive (Ibook) that I use as a media dump. My PS3 plays movies music and pictures from it with no problems at all.

So I have decided on the PS3. I think the A2 and PS3 will be comparable in upconversion. It wins in content/movies that I want or are favorites. Side benefit is 1080p and play games. I will get a 1080p set in a year so I will be able to take full advantage of BR. There is an offer for today at Walmart.com for the 40 GB, Spiderman, 5 Free movies, remote and choice of a game. Should I buy today or will there be an even better deal around Christmas possibly?

Buy today.

Do you have to have a remote to play BR movies or can you just use the controller?

You can use either.

what he said...

ps3 ~ oppo

You think the PS3's SD upconverting is on par with Oppo? I was just curious, because I have a massive DVD collection and want the best possible PQ on my 50" Panny plasma. ;)

Just to add: The PS3 does a fine job at upconverting and unlike other players, you can use some filters in the menu to clean up frame noise and other things. You can also choose to "Double Scale" those REALLY old DVD transfers to clean them up a bit.

The PS3 is also a great media center. I am also a big DVD owner and I've been converting my movies to VOB for an archive. The PS3 will play these at 100% quality and will upscale the pure digital versions too!

Although you don't game much now, it might also be nice that if you ever get a whim to try a new title, your system is ready to go.

Wait, you get the VOB files off the disc, store them on an external HD, and the PS3 will play them?

I've been looking for a way to get all of my DVDs onto a networked RAID array and be able to play them and browse them through an appliance. Something along the lines of what iTunes does when you're browsing through albums.

You're saying the PS3 decodes raw VOB without issue?

The Secrets article says the PS3 only does 480P. They did not like its SD DVD performance. Did they update the firmware to improve this?

"
The PS3 represents one of the best BD players I’ve used to date. It is fast, the image quality is excellent, and it supports more of the BD functions and features than just about any other player. The fact that it does this for nearly half the price of the other BD players out there is almost embarrassing, and rather disappointing when you think about it. As a standard DVD player, however, the PS3 may represent one of the worst progressive scan players I have ever tested. Surprising, considering its BD performance."

The Secrets article says the PS3 only does 480P. They did not like its SD DVD performance. Did they update the firmware to improve this?

"
The PS3 represents one of the best BD players I’ve used to date. It is fast, the image quality is excellent, and it supports more of the BD functions and features than just about any other player. The fact that it does this for nearly half the price of the other BD players out there is almost embarrassing, and rather disappointing when you think about it. As a standard DVD player, however, the PS3 may represent one of the worst progressive scan players I have ever tested. Surprising, considering its BD performance."



Looks like the 1.8x firmware adds this:
You can now upscale the video content of PlayStation® format software, PlayStation�2 format software, and DVDs to HD resolution
You can now copy saved data from PlayStation® format software and PlayStation®2 format software to a memory card or a memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation®2).
You can now display images or play music or video files that are stored on a personal computer or digital video recorder with DLNA Media Server functionality over a network.
You can now connect a USB printer to print images.
You can now use remote play over the Internet.

Looks like Secrets should run another test.

Hi, recently was thinking of getting the a A2 for a HD-DDVD upgrade, since my A1 is having problems playing some std DVDs or my copies of my original DVDs also have the original Oppo player all this said now that the so called format is over have been thinking about the PS3, since you get a game machine, if I understood you can connect a PC to it and play BR movies and std movies on it and so on. My final question would be watching about 40% of standard DVDs and was wondering what is the current status on the PS3 playing them and how good is the PQ and if pixilation or freezing is an issue on the player?

Thanks in advance

Does anyone have a link to HQV upscaling benchmarks for the most current PS3 firmware?

My projector switches to 480 when a standard dvd is playing in the ps3. Should it stay at 720? Im hooked up with component.

PS3 only upscales SD-DVD on HDMI output.

PS3 only upscales SD-DVD on HDMI output.

Just like every other upconverting player I've found.

Hi, recently was thinking of getting the a A2 for a HD-DDVD upgrade, since my A1 is having problems playing some std DVDs or my copies of my original DVDs also have the original Oppo player all this said now that the so called format is over have been thinking about the PS3, since you get a game machine, if I understood you can connect a PC to it and play BR movies and std movies on it and so on. My final question would be watching about 40% of standard DVDs and was wondering what is the current status on the PS3 playing them and how good is the PQ and if pixilation or freezing is an issue on the player?

Thanks in advance

Say guy's any feedback or suggestions, I don't BITE.:D

Does anyone have a link to HQV upscaling benchmarks for the most current PS3 firmware?

I ran my HQV disc through it and it did pretty well... passed pretty much all the tests... pretty much just as good as my Pioneer 59AVI... in fact, the PS3 locked onto the race car sequence always whereas the 59AVI would only sometimes. Some of the stranger cadences is where the 59AVI did better...

Say guy's any feedback or suggestions, I don't BITE.:D

You can get a lot of info on the bluray forums, but the basic answer is that the PS3 is an excellent bluray player and a very good upconverter.

Can someone explain the different Upscale settings to me? Double Scale gave me a "keyhole" view, large black border all the way around the video. So which is the proper one to use?

I have a 120hz Samsung 4671 connected via HDMI.

Can someone explain the different Upscale settings to me? Double Scale gave me a "keyhole" view, large black border all the way around the video. So which is the proper one to use?

I have a 120hz Samsung 4671 connected via HDMI.

i think you want normal scale setting... i have a samsung 4661 though.

both are 1080p, that's the most important thing. Not sure what it does differently than the others though. The manual is no help.

Does the PS3 upconvert DVDs to 720p, or does upconversion only have an effect for 1080p TVs?

Say guy's any feedback or suggestions, I don't BITE.:D


No idea about the A2, but I have the XA2 and its way better than the PS3 in upscaling DVDs, DVDS look blurry in comparison on the PS3 compared to the XA2.

Well since already have a HD-DVD A1 and the recent so called WAR is over bought the PS3 and currently setting it up.:D could not see buying another HD-DVD, so went with the PS3, can get internet, play games, and up convert my Std. DVD's and of course play rented Blue Ray.

ps3 did a way better job at upconverting sd dvds on my sammy than the sammy upconverting sd dvds with my ps2....

My HTPC just died. The projector is a JVC G15 DILA with a resolution of 1360x768 that supports 720P and 1080i. The surround processor (Lexicon) supports DD 5.1/7.1 and DTS 5.1/7.1. There are no HDMI inputs on either the projector or the sound processor.

I am considering replacing the HTPC with a PS3. I believe by reading threads here that I will get DD and DTS sound out of the optical port which works for my legacy setup. Since the projector has no HDMI, I plan to use the component outputs. I know about the flag for Blue-Ray discs that no one has set yet that down rez'es content over component and am willing to take that risk.

My question is - Will the PS3 upconvert SD DVD's over the component output or not?

Thanks

Bernd

My question is - Will the PS3 upconvert SD DVD's over the component output or not?
- No. It's not allowed by the CSS.

- No. It's not allowed by the CSS.

Upscaling is only disallowed for CSS protected DVDs. Will it upscale unprotected DVDs over component?

I found an HDMI to RGB converter box on eBay. Search for "SP1080HD4,HDMI to RGB,VGA,YUV Component Video Converter"

Now I know that a device like this is supposedly against the rules, and that if the HDCP police catch on to these people they will invalidate the device ID's used by this manufacturer. But, since I am only only going to use this to in between an upconverting SD DVD player and my projector I am 1)not stealing anyone's content, and 2) not connecting the DVD player to the Internet to get "updates" that would cause it to stop talking to the converter.

Thoughts?

Bernd

Can the PS3 send a 480i video signal from a DVD via HDMI to a video processor like DVDO or other top models dedicated to do it? Is it worth it or the PS3 has the best video processor around? I have one VW200 Sony front projector and the Bravia PRO video converter is not that good!

By the way, any chance to convert DVDs to 1080/24 fps with the PS3 or just 1080/60 and then the dangerous 3:2 pulldown? The 3:2 here is goos recognizing video signals and nor engaging?

I use DVE HD Basics Blu-ray disc to calibrate Blu-ray players. Anyone has done that regarding the PS3? Any tips realted to PS-3`s video set up to avoid problems when calibrating with the patterns in the DVE? Anyone has trie the HD HQV Benchmark Blue -ray to check the PS-3 performance or this same test DVD to check the final upscale results? I want to compare with my results. I have just received the PS3 and I am going to replace my Panny BD-10A. Lets discuss this upscale and blu-ray performance comparing with these calibration discs!

I like to play games on occasion. I have quite a few SD DVD's. I do not have any PS2 games. I am trying to decide if I want a PS3 for the blu-ray or an HD-DVD. I don't want to start a war between the two. I would like some feedback on upconversion of DVD's. Is the PS3 worth the extra money over the HD-DVD? Is one better at upconverting? Thanks!!

:confused: And then I saw the date!

^The PS3 has a pretty decent upconverter, and no luck with 1080/24.

Just to add: The PS3 does a fine job at upconverting and unlike other players, you can use some filters in the menu to clean up frame noise and other things. You can also choose to "Double Scale" those REALLY old DVD transfers to clean them up a bit.

The PS3 is also a great media center. I am also a big DVD owner and I've been converting my movies to VOB for an archive. The PS3 will play these at 100% quality and will upscale the pure digital versions too!

Although you don't game much now, it might also be nice that if you ever get a whim to try a new title, your system is ready to go.

Is it best to choose Double Scale or Normal?

Is it best to choose Double Scale or Normal?

You want normal. I won't go into all the details, but you can check the ps3 thread in the BD players section if you want to go into that.

-Splints

Can the PS3 send a 480i video signal from a DVD via HDMI to a video processor like DVDO or other top models dedicated to do it? Is it worth it or the PS3 has the best video processor around? I have one VW200 Sony front projector and the Bravia PRO video converter is not that good!

By the way, any chance to convert DVDs to 1080/24 fps with the PS3 or just 1080/60 and then the dangerous 3:2 pulldown? The 3:2 here is goos recognizing video signals and nor engaging?

So I'll answer these in case anyone ever does come back to this.

#1) ps3 can only output 480p or higher via HDMI, not 480i. I have a vp50 and I'd rather have the ps3 do the scaling and have VP50 do it's magic elsewhere.

#2) PS3 supports 24hz as well as 60hz. And since when is 3:2 pulldown dangerous? Anyways, it supports both for both pro-sumer (24) and the general public (60).

-Splints

did somebody tried this:

PS3 (US version) playing homemade/unprotected PAL SD DVD (PAL is 50Hz) send over HDMI to a SONY LCD 1080p which support PAL/NTSC signal?

Is it necessary that PS· send the 1080p signal thru' HDMi in 50 hz or the 50/60 is not an issue over HDMI?

I do not know if I was clear enough? sorry.

I just got a plasma TV with a resolution of 1366x768 (Panasonic 50 PX80U to be precise.)

I'm going to try and set it to 1:1 pixel mapping for a HDMI input (hopefully this is possible...)

Can the PS3 scale to specific resolutions, such as 1366x768, instead of 720p?

Thanks.

Your TV will be treated as a 720p display, there is no option to scale to 16:10 resolutions like 768p.

1366x768 is a 16:9 resolution, not 16:10. And the TV will accept 1080p, which allows you to aviod the image quality loss downscaling to 720p and then back up to 768p on higher resolution content.

Just got my 80 GB PS3. I have a 1080P plasma and currently just using HDMI. What video settings are optimum for playing BR and DVD's? I don't really understand the pan and scan versus letterbox either. Thanks.

You never want pan and scan. It's the worst thing in the world, imho. Go with letterbox.

Hi Guys,

I need help with the actual settings as I find the selections available in the PS3 Setup screens rather vague and/or ambiguous.

Here's my equipment list:
- Pioneer VSX-LX70 Receiver
- Sony PS3 DVD/Blu-ray
- Samsung 46" Tulip M8 HD LCD TV

Connections:
- Sony PS3 to Pioneer Receiver: HDMI
- Receiver to LCD TV: HDMI

What I want:
- Std. def. DVD's to be upsclaed by the PS3 to 1080p
- Blu-ray disc's not to be upscaled from their native resolution if possible.

What options should I slsect in the PS3 setup areas to achieve this?

Cheers,
BuckoNZ

I'm pretty sure the default system settings have you covered in those areas. I've tinkered around with mine so much that I sometimes forget what the defaults were.

I have a question, and this is the closest thread I could find to my topic so I thought I would try to reanimate it.

Equipment involved:
80GB PS3, not yet updated to firmware 2.50
Samsung HL-S6188W - 61" 1080p DLP (seating at around 10 ft)
Sony DVP-NC85H - 5-Disc DVD player w/upconversion

I have Iron-Man in both Blu-Ray and standard DVD. I'm kicking around the idea of getting a stand alone Blu-Ray player, specifically the Sony BDP-S550, so I decided to see how much better the Iron-Man Blu-Ray would be versus the standard def version. I used the PS3 to play the Blu-Ray (obviously) and then used the Sony DVD player to play the standard. The Sony DVD player is set to upconvert to 1080i. We watched the scene that starts with Stark/Iron-Man blowing up the tank and missiles and then flying away to be chased by the fighter jets.

The bottom line here is that I really expected huge, glaring differences between the two discs. What I saw, however, were some minor differences but nothing really spectacular. Mostly just a vague, undefinable minor difference in clarity overall and a couple of specific sections with a noticeable amount of additional detail. And worse yet, my wife (who CLAIMED to be looking for differences :)) saw NO difference between the two.

So, this is not to start another "Blu-Ray isn't that much better" discussion because I know technically it is, but rather to ask if anyone else has had the opportunity to compare this particular movie in the two versions that could give their thoughts on this? Is this a bad example for comparison? From what I've read the Iron-Man Blu-Ray is one of the better discs for picture quality. Is the standard def version just a really great transfer also and hence the smaller differences, or is something else going on here?

At first I thought as you stated, that there wasn't much difference. But after months of watching both, I can tell you there IS a difference, MAYBE it isn't all that noticeable, but there's more to it than that. What might appear to be only a slight difference when looking for the differences, it is actually a big difference and you notice it as you immerse yourself into the movie rather than comparing formats.

My 02 cents:

With HD, the devil is in the details. The thing is, when you watch DVD upscaled...and then you watch HD, depending on the movie....you may or may not go "Yeah its sharper", but for me it was "Meh, I can take it or leave it".

But now, years into watching HD...wheN I watch a regular DVD I go "I wish this was in HD" because you learn what to look for in a good HD signal..the texture of clothes, of materials.....tiny details you wont spot in HD. Also, color..colors are more vibrant in HD than they are on DVD due to the technologies.

Watching Star Trek Nemesis in HD you could see fingerprint smudges on the chrome set pieces, little things like that..and of course anything with CGI just looks "that much" sharper.

Exactly what I'm sayin'!

Watching Star Trek Nemesis in HD you could see fingerprint smudges on the chrome set pieces, little things like that..and of course anything with CGI just looks "that much" sharper.

Or in Firefly's case, that much worse :(

but rather to ask if anyone else has had the opportunity to compare this particular movie in the two versions that could give their thoughts on this? Is this a bad example for comparison? From what I've read the Iron-Man Blu-Ray is one of the better discs for picture quality. Is the standard def version just a really great transfer also and hence the smaller differences, or is something else going on here?

You may want to look into this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1070952). It is a comparison using direct screen captures of the DVD version of Iron Man vs the Blu-ray version.

Now, the obvious difference between this and your question is that you're watching the DVD version upscaled. Still though, it gives you an indication of exactly how big or small the differences are. In the case of IronMan there is a clear difference, although if you don't know what to look for the differences can seem pretty subtle because the print for the DVD is still very new and clean.

Some other comparisons (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1067722) show a much wider gap, for a number of reasons. Not the least of which is how aged/weathered the source prints have become.

IMO, the bottom line is that on the video side the differences will pop out to you the more BDs you watch (and then go back to DVD), but on a case-by-case basis. Not all BDs will be a significant jump from the DVD on the Picture Quality side. But then there's the whole audio side of the coin as well ;)

Brandon

Don't forget that one of the major differences is Blu-Ray's vast improvement in sound quality if your system can support the lossless formats. It was huge for me!

don't forget that one of the major differences is blu-ray's vast improvement in sound quality if your system can support the lossless formats. It was huge for me!

+1

Don't forget that one of the major differences is Blu-Ray's vast improvement in sound quality if your system can support the lossless formats. It was huge for me!

Yeah, I know. I purposely didn't mention it because my receiver doesn't have HDMI so I was using optical for the audio in both cases.

Thanks for the replies so far, it gives me some hope at least!:) I do, however, have to agree with a couple of posters in that comparison shot thread in that the upscaled DVD version doesn't look nearly that bad.

Yeah, I know. I purposely didn't mention it because my receiver doesn't have HDMI so I was using optical for the audio in both cases.

Thanks for the replies so far, it gives me some hope at least!:) I do, however, have to agree with a couple of posters in that comparison shot thread in that the upscaled DVD version doesn't look nearly that bad.


I have noticed some DVD's upscaled look really good and most often if the BD version is excellent PQ the DVD upscaled on my PS3 looks better than other DVDs upscaled.
I watched Romulus, My Father the other nite and the PQ on that DVD upscaled on my PS3 was excellent. The grain was very apparent and this looked as good as some poor quality low tier(4/5) BD's based on placement in the PQ tier thread.

Also, while the PQ on Iron Man maybe good, it is not the best BD has to offer. Try one of the Tier 0 movies like The Pirates Movies, Crank, or even some top tier 1 movies like Apocalypto on DVD then watch them on BD. The difference is huge.

You may want to look into this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1070952). It is a comparison using direct screen captures of the DVD version of Iron Man vs the Blu-ray version.
Brandon

One thing that sucks about screen compares on websites like this, is that they don't take into account the fact that most people sit far away from a display..and on your computer monitor you are usually within a foot or two, so you can scruitinize. Also...most people watch a movie, they don't watch freeze frames.

Also...take a look at the Iron Man cap he has with the macroblocking in the flames. I've seen the Iron Man DVD...there's no macroblocking in the flames, something is up with that guy's PC.

I love the screen compares, dont get me wrong, but they *can* be a little deceptive.

The best example of comparisons is the one done for Hot Fuzz, which if you look at the screencap compares are a lot like looking at a blurry pile of garbage on the DVD version, versus having laser corrective 20/20 vision on the BD version.

In reality, the dvd didn't look nearly that bad....but the screencaps made the two look *obscenely* skewed towards BD......

Still, fun to look at.

And for the record, the best upconverted DVD I've ever seen has been the original DVD widescreen release of Star Wars from the 3-pack......when I watched that upscaled on my 65" set I swore I was watching a HD feed.
Then I saw an HD version...and while sharper, it also showed off alot more grain in the image....so in a way, the DVD version looked better to my eyes....

I have noticed some DVD's upscaled look really good and most often if the BD version is excellent PQ the DVD upscaled on my PS3 looks better than other DVDs upscaled.
I watched Romulus, My Father the other nite and the PQ on that DVD upscaled on my PS3 was excellent. The grain was very apparent and this looked as good as some poor quality low tier(4/5) BD's based on placement in the PQ tier thread.

Also, while the PQ on Iron Man maybe good, it is not the best BD has to offer. Try one of the Tier 0 movies like The Pirates Movies, Crank, or even some top tier 1 movies like Apocalypto on DVD then watch them on BD. The difference is huge.

Can someone post a link to the PQ Tier thread? I'm probably retarded, but I can't seem to find it.:eek:

Can someone post a link to the PQ Tier thread? I'm probably retarded, but I can't seem to find it.:eek:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=858316

And keep in mind that direct screen grabs are 100% accurate to what's actually on the disc without any sort of post processing. As long as there are no color decoding or compression errors it's more representative then what you're used to seeing.

And there is nothing wrong with the person's PC...they've been doing this for years now and other tech/review sites actually refer to some of his threads for information.

Brandon

Can someone post a link to the PQ Tier thread? I'm probably retarded, but I can't seem to find it.:eek:

Brandon provided it, but keep in mind that screen grabs also are dependent on your monitor/display for accuracy in terms of color, detail, etc.

And keep in mind that direct screen grabs are 100% accurate to what's actually on the disc without any sort of post processing.


What you see will be affected by your own monitor. As an example, in the threads the screenshot section I am running a 37" 1080p monitor. The DVD picture appears much, much larger than native resolution..so they look worse than normal....the 1080p shots appear smaller than real-size, so they will look as good as they possibly can. In those picture threads, assuming you are using a monitor at a rez greater than 480p, the DVD pics will take a visual hit.


And there is nothing wrong with the person's PC...they've been doing this for years now and other tech/review sites actually refer to some of his threads for information.


Irrelevant.

Anyhow, I didn't see the macroblocking that he references in the fire shot...

Hi guys!!!

Getting ready to buy my first PS3, can't wait!!!! I was just wondering for standard def DVD's, I know it upscales the PQ, but will it also do this with say avi files on a USB??? Or do the avi files in standard def need to be burned to a DVD-R to be upconverted???

Thanks guys in advance for your answers.


Long live the PS3!! :cool:

Hi guys!!!

Getting ready to buy my first PS3, can't wait!!!! I was just wondering for standard def DVD's, I know it upscales the PQ, but will it also do this with say avi files on a USB??? Or do the avi files in standard def need to be burned to a DVD-R to be upconverted???
:

Firmware 2.42 Video changes are below:

***

Video

* You can now use the [Frame Noise Reduction] and [Block Noise Reduction] settings for video content that is saved on the hard disk or storage media.
* You can now play upscaled video content that is saved on the hard disk or storage media. When the video content is played, it is upscaled automatically to match the screen size.

***

http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/About/SystemUpdate/history.html#update240

To my eyes the upconversion is noticeably better when the file is played from optical media. The files I have watched are home movies in Mpeg2 format.