Upconverting DVD Player Options/Impressions

Thanks mallu2u,

I believe continually updating the information on your first post (particularly the expected release date) will be a great summary area for the many threads on the several highly anticipated upscaling players.

This could be a big time saver for those of us trying to keep an eye on several of the players. Thank you for your time in establishing this thread and hopefully mantaining the information. I will try to help as I can along the way.

My current setup:
TV = Panny 50LC13; native res = 720p
AVR = Pio Elite 45tx
current DVD Player = cica '98 Sony 5xx 480i

When you say updated version for the DVB318 you mean firmware only, not a model replacement such as a 319 or something like that?

Mallu, you might think about adding a line under each one listing major features, like: output on DVI, HDMI, or Component (or all); DVD Audio support, Coax/optical audio out, adjustable output resolutions, etc.

Isn't there a Bravo unit too?

For completion, you might want to add a currently widely available Samsung 841 (and maybe even 931).

Or ... I dunno ... pros and cons could get long, as could a feature list ....

Maybe you could try it with a link to the spec page for the unit.

Momitsu V880:
http://www.momitsu.com/dvd_880spec.html

Momitsu V880N:
http://www.momitsu.com/dvd_880nspec.html

Bravo D1:
http://www.vinc.com/product.asp?ID=31&PID=21&SEQ=1

Bravo D2:
http://www.vinc.com/product.asp?ID=56&PID=21&SEQ=2

Samsung 841:
http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/na...Specifications

Samsung 931:
http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/na...Specifications

Zenith DVB318:
http://www.zenith.com/sub_prod/downloads_pdf/DVB318.pdf

No links on the "not yet introduced" units yet ....

It's a lot more fun than what I'm supposed to be doing ....


(back to work ACL !!)

I have the Zenith DVB318 comming tomorrow and the displays I will be testing it on is my Sony XBR800 36" DVI and a X1 via component.

I had a hard time deciding on which player cause everyone says this is the one....etc

the Zenith was best cause the DVI and component. if they fix the white crush that will be great. Im not expecting magic and hope im pleasantly suprised as the sony is a smaller CRT and the X1 is not true HD but if it can be a big leao from my Pioneer 563A in progressive I will be a happy camper. I wish I didn't sell my XP50 before I got the X1. on my Sony it just wasnt that much a difference(although I could see if I really looked)compared to the Pioneer from 11ft away.

still im excited to see what the Zenith can do. it really came down to a unit that would work on both my displays.

I'll wait for the new Denons to be out...

There's also a Sony with HDMI out coming in Sept.

mallu and beaker,

Thanks to you guys for the idea of creating this thread.

My situation might be a little different from you guys, but I am in the market for a new DVD player.

Here is my set up:

Sammy DLP TV
Yamaha RX-2400
HD931
V880

Anyway, in about 2 - 3 month, I am getting a projector and needs to get a DVD player with it.


These are the projectors on my list:


Infocus 4805 - Native Resolution 854x480 DLP
Panny AE500 - 1280 x 720 LCD
Sanyo Z2 - 1280 x 720 LCD


If I go with the Infocus 4805, then I would probably need a DVD player that can do custom resolution (or maybe not), that leaves me only with D2 and V880/N.
But since I already have the V880, I don't really want to get another one.


So Here are my list:

Denon 1910 (go by the history of denon players, they have really good de-intercing and good Core, so this is on my top list)
Sammy HD941 (SACD and DVD-A, I know I don't use it, but it's better to have it than not having it, will see the reviews when it come out)
Brovo D2 / D3 (D2, to me, it's like a moded V880, I will probably keep a eye on D3, but will see what happens)
Zenith DVB-318 (Everyday I'm reading people saying good thing about this player, and there are so many happy owenrs out there, so ....)

---------------------

OK as for V880 - (there are tons of reviews about this player, but here is my list of pros and cons, by the way, I am a big fan of V880)

1. No HDCP over DVI - this might be a big deal for some people with DVI display that dont have HDCP, if you want to use DVI, there are only couple players that would work, and V880 is one of them.
2. Up convert over both component and DVI.
3. Doesn't streatch 4:3 format.
4. Region and macrovsion free (you can set to any region you want, or set to 0 and set it back as many time as you like, BAAM, even though I only have 2 DVD that is not region 1, but just so I have this feature is a plus).
5. Plays support wide range of formats (Dvix, +, - , all of them ).
6. No EE
7. No black (DVI) and white crush.

Name me another player that got all these with this price tag????


Down fall of V880 -

1. IR code conflicts with Pionner stuff (Can't do nothing about it, so if you own a pioneer equietment, look some where else).
2. We all know about the loader issue (But you can replace it with a lite-on 166s loader, and the "how-to" is all over the forum).
3. Black level over componet sucks (at least to me, but I use DVI and DVI only, that's why we all getting a DVI player right ).


----------------------

HD931 --

1. Farodja Chipset (Good de-interlacing, I watch DVD movies on this player only with DVD disc that is badly flag)
2. It scores pretty good on Secret HIFi.
3. I like the remote (but I know many people hate it, I am so use to it that I can close my eye and access any function I want)
4. man, I don't know what else to say.

931 - down fall

1. BAD Black and white level (It bothers me).
2. Grainny picture quality (It bothers me really bad, that's when I made up mine mind to get the V880).
3. EE (but I never saw it, unless someone can help me to look for it).
4. Lip sync issue (But it never happen to mine player).



###############################

I will be use the DVI player and the projector 100% for DVD movies only. So I'm looking for a player with a good core and de-interlacer.
As you can see that I have 2 DVI players for 1 TV, I don't want to do the same again. So, this time I will do my homework before I pull the trigger.


Any questions, suggestions or flames...

Welcome

Baja

Well count me in with being a person looking for a DVD player currently.

I however am only doing component connection to Tosh TN50X81 RPTV at 480p.

I believe the Zenith 318 upconverts for component so the threads on this player I started reading a few days ago.

Is there any other players that I should be looking at given my connection and playback with the links that were supplied? I'm currently trying the Sammy HD841 and for $200 I'm quite pleased with the PQ versus other players I have tried so far.

robertc,

If I were you choosing between 841 and 318, I would take the 841 back and order the 318. The 318 up converts both component and DVI, and from what I read, no Black and white crush over component, and it's got Frarodja chipset.

Baja

Hi All,

Can someone list some important features and specs, compare 1910 ans S97 to see if the S97 is worth the wait (november).

Thanks

Baja

Baja,

No other options at this point for upscaling?

I'm thinking of ordering the 318. Bringing the HD841 back is gonna hurt because I know what I have and the 318 is sight unseen and I cannot try it from a local retailer in NJ. I know about the store in PA that carries the 318 so I can order it.

From the release dates listed above, it will be awhile I suppose on upcoming models including the HD941.

So far the HD841 has played most any DVD pretty damn good but I may kick myself not trying the 318 with all the recommendations I've seen on this player. Not quite sure what my Tosh RPTV can handle though so don't know if I'd get a better picture.

The Denon 2200 since it is a universal player has me curious be it is lots more money and I need to research what capability that player gives for PQ. Trying it with a NJ dealer is no problem as I know of two local to me.

robertc88, better check my latest post here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...09#post4070309

I just got a Zenith 318 yesterday to possibly replace my year-old Bravo D1. Bottom line is the D1 is staying...

robert,

Sure, there are all the up-scale DVI players as an option.

question - are you using component or DVI? from your last post sounds like you're using component. Base on what I read here on the forum, the 318 has better picture quality over component than DVI, it has really good black and white level; unlike over DVI which it clip white.

Last post I was trying to say - if it was me, I'll go with the 318, Secret HI-FI it scores better on the core testing than the 841 and it has better de-interlacing. The 841 did not pass Blacker and black and the 318 did. And plus many people are very happy with the 318 here. So my opinion is base on what people say about this player.

I demo a 2200 last year october, and compare it to 931 -- sorry, I wouldn't go that route! I'll keep my 931; 2200 no thanks (that's just me, your display might look different).

Baja

Maybe I am putting too much importance on this but I think that the ability to adjust resolution and refresh is an important one to note here (so as to achieve 1:1 pixel ratio)

I need any little nugget of info that would help me quantify the value of 1:1 pixel ratio ( I use a sony HS-10 FP). Since I am not purchasing an 880 I guess universal (dvda/sacd) is more important to me in the end.

Are there any players at any cost right now or coming very soon, that suppport user configurable DVI and are universal players?

The 941 looks like the answer to my problems, except no adjustable DVI out.

Baja,

I have seen the Sammy 931 at Best Buy available open box. There are some threads regarding comparisons between it and the 841. I am only utilizing a component connection 480p. Perhaps the 931 would give a better picture?

I don't want to sabotage this thread with discussions based on specific players I'm personally interested in but to get some feedback would be good. I'm hearing on another thread when someone wrote Samsung to inquire on release date of HD941 amongst other issues. That rep from Sammy stated no issues with 841 as far as they knew so I don't have a good feeling regarding the upcoming HD941.

I decided I won't go the mail order route for the DVB813. I want a player I can try and return right to the place I bought it if it is DOA or I don't like it. That is the case with "G" on the 813.

The 841 from what I remember does pass the black test through component, not DVI though. Another thread stated that the 813 through component 480p wasn't all that great. No matter since I not buying something I can try at home and return to the place I bought it if not satisified. So far the HD841 running component 480p is my best experience regarding PQ and no issues so far I have encountered with that player with that connection type regarding discs not loading, frame freezes, auto dropouts during playback, which I've run across on other players I tried.

Thanks for the feedback on your experience with the Denon 2200. I really don't want to spend that kind of money but at least there are two dealers close to me so I have the opportunity to check out that player. Cannot say the same for the DVD318.

I'm pretty sure the Momitsu 880 can be configured with customized output resolutions.

robert,

If your TV does not have DVI, (IMO) don't even think about trade your 841 in for a 931 - the farodja DCDi only work through DVI on the 931; component through on 931 is bad. Unless someday you're gonna upgrade the TV to have some DVI input display device.

The DVB-318 suppose be really good over component, at lease that's what I read here. I think the 318 is best suited for your need (just so you know, I don't own a 318, but from what I read, this is only my opinions).

1. It's got the Farodja DCDi, and you know your're getting a good de-interlacing chipset (so you don't have to worry about the de-interlacing performance).
2. it can up scale through both Component and DVI. Someday if your want to up-grade your TV with a DVI display device, you'll be able to use this player.
3. And it's only $200 bucks, get your money well worth it (name me another player with all these and with this price tag?).

But there are few down side about this player that I think you should know.

1. it crops the frame, streatch 4:3 movies.
2. it has "so so" mpeg performance.
3. white level sucks over DVI (but since you're gonna use component, this won't be an issue).

Oh yeah, about some people saying 318's PQ vs D1/ D2 /V880 - Here is my take on this:
D1/D2/V880 all use Sigma all in one chipset, it has one of the best MPEG decoder, but an "OK" de-interlacer. So there is a trade off - one player is got the best de-intercing chipset, but a "so so" mepeg decoder, and the sigma base got really good mpeg decoder, but a "so so" de-interlacer.

Anyway, there isn't a perfect DVD player out right now yet-
even a $2000 5900 is got some issues.
1. streatch all 4:3 materials
2. Edge Enheancement.
3. Macroblocking.

So for now is - what player is the best money we can buy??

That comes down to those players mallu2u listed on the first post.

Baja

I am in the same boat regarding a new DVI player, preferably with DVD-A and SACD.

I think Baja's post sums up the current situation pretty well.

Well guys hopefully my reading of posts in the DVD player forum is over for a while. My hand was forced yesterday when my old Sony DVP-530D started acting like a insane maniac. It turns itself on, closes the tray without a being told too, won't open the tray fully (pulls back after half way), etc... It seems to be a little better today but have not even tried to play anything on it or trust it yet (might go to bedroom and try with some CD-RW VCDs I don't mind if it eats).

Anyways it's my only player (not going to count PS2) so my wife is very cool and even offered to let me go with the Pio Elite 59avi if we found it < 1k. But after sum hunting and thinking we decided a cheaper option would work for now ( then in a year or so get what I really want (at that time)).

So I was forced to go with the Zenith DVB318 from the "G". Got a great price and I hope it arrives before the end of this week.

I could not go with the V Inc. D1/D2 or V880 players due to the IR conflicts with my reciever. That leaves the infamous Samsung players which I would not touch with a ten foot pole (I hate audio sync issues and do not want black crush among other issues).

So now my trust in is Zenith (LG) to get out a firmware update for the 318 to slove the white crush over DVI. I will test outputing 720p over both Component and DVI (calibrating each connection seperately with DVE) to decide which to use for now.

Beaker,

You made the right choice to go with dvb318 for your setup. I read that many people who own the V880 with pionner TV or Receiver, when they turn up the volume the V880 shut off or something like that - that would bother the crap outta me.

When or after you get your 318, I know for sure that you will still visit here daily, I know this, 'cause after I got all the HT stuff, I thought it to myself - that's it. But NO... Look at me, I've been bite by the HT BUG.

Hey be sure you let us know your first impression about your new toy.

Baja