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Upconverting DVD Player Options/Impressions - Page 2

post #31 of 2454
7/19/04 at 8:30am
Thread Starter 
Bruman Do post your impressions on the Zenith Player.

Quote:


Originally posted by bruman
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.
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post #32 of 2454
7/19/04 at 8:31am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the detailed info Baja. I really did want one consolidated thread and therefore started this one. I shall add more info to the top one from time to time and I get to hear from info an any of the above players or new DVI-players.

Quote:


Originally posted by BajaFishin
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
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post #33 of 2454
7/19/04 at 8:35am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by robertc88
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.

Robert: You can get the Zenith DVB 318 at BB online/store as well. That ways you can try it out and see if you like it. If u have to order it online at BB, then u can always return it at a local BB store. (This is coz BB sells it for way over other online retailers) Now my thoughts are that Zenith will outperform Samsung easily. I would therefore definitely recommend enith over Samsung, just as Baja did.
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post #34 of 2454
7/19/04 at 8:44am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by BajaFishin
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

Only the V880N from Momitsu is going for resolve the Pioneer IR conflicts. Even the updated V880 shall not resolve those conflicts for now. Maybe later. Since I do not have a Pioneer receiver, I am still open to the updated V880. And yes, please do post your early impressions on Zenith for us.
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post #35 of 2454
7/19/04 at 8:46am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by wblynch
Robert, consider that the Zenith dvb-318 will upconvert to 720p or 1080i over component where the Samsung won't.

The driving force behind the Zenith right now is that capability. Most of the 318 owners are using component upscaled to 1080i and prefer it to the DVI.

In my case, I cannot use DVI because my plasma is not hdcp enhanced. So the component settings provide a marvelous picture for me.

Good luck in your search.

wblynch: You have both V880 and Zenith, right? If yes, could you please post your impressions- rather pros//cons for the two players?
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post #36 of 2454
7/19/04 at 10:02am
I have posted before but real quickly here are my observations. (keep in mind that I am unable to compare the DVI from Zenith due to HDCP).

For my setup, I have found the Momitsu delivers its best picture at 720p over component.

The Momistu at 1080i over component is way, way better than the Zenith at 1080i.

Momitsu:
+ Better picture quality than Zenith
+ Can change output resolution while movie is playing
+ Does not modify original aspect ratio
+ No HDCP over DVI
+ Custom resolutions
+ Contrast/Brightness/Shaprness settings
+ Simple to set macrovision and region settings
+ Periodic Firmware updates freely available and field installable

- Junky 50 cent remote that feels like it's made of cardboard.
- At times doesn't respond to remote. Especially when overheated.

Zenith 318:

- Must stop movie to change output resolution
- Can not change output resolution from remote.
- Goofy remote layout with strange "jog" dial
- Take a long time to "boot up".
- No real upgrade to firmware. (may or may not be available)
- If overheated, movie playback becomes very unstable and erratic.
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post #37 of 2454
7/19/04 at 10:09am
Thread Starter 
Thanks Wblynch! Great info. Is there any issues with Menus and/or Subtitles with Momitsu..I remember reading somewhere they both are pretty bad for Momitsu. Is that true?
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post #38 of 2454
7/19/04 at 10:11am
Quote:


Originally posted by mallu2u
Thanks Wblynch! Great info. Is there any issues with Menus and/or Subtitles with Momitsu..I remember reading somewhere they both are pretty bad for Momitsu. Is that true?

I don't know of any issues. I don't use those features much so I can't really comment.
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post #39 of 2454
7/19/04 at 10:22am
Thread Starter 
Well I read somewhere that subtitles/menus looked horribly big, etc on Momitsu. Could you please check that for me?
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post #40 of 2454
7/19/04 at 10:23am
Thread Starter 
Folks: As some of you may know, V880N from Momitsu and V880 have got delayed once again and shall now be available in Sep'04 and not August. :-( I shall update the info above.
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post #41 of 2454
7/19/04 at 3:43pm
Well the Zenith I believe is $249 at BB! Too rich for my blood and also no hi rez formats.

mallu2u,

I think you have been trying some of the same universal players $200 or so that I have in the last month. I think the Sammy HD841 gives the best picture from what I tried so far. I'm not thrilled on the audio so I have decision to make. I started out with audio playback quality being my main focus with PQ being secondary. Now I rather have better PQ but I still would like a hi rez player.

It sure seems that I'm going to put this whole search off for awhile and wait till more universal players are released.

BTW, I believe I read in a HT magazine that Sony will be releasing a host of DVD/SACD players in the near future. No DVD-A but the price seemed quite attractive. I thought in the article that some players would upscale the video too!
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post #42 of 2454
7/20/04 at 12:39am
wblynch, thank you sir, that was great info.

Looks like robert is gonna stick with the 841 - Okaay, have fun with the new toy.

Enjoy - DVI Player(s)

Baja
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post #43 of 2454
7/20/04 at 12:51am
Anyone know what happen to V880N?
They just change the release date to september. When I purchase my V880 back in novemver of last year, the V880N already on the Manowa's website, now it's almost 1 year, they still havn't release it yet.
ARE WE CHASING SOMETHING THAT IS NOT GONNA HAPPEN?
this player is not on my list (yet), but I feel for those people who have been waiting for this player months.

Baja
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post #44 of 2454
7/20/04 at 7:05am
Thread Starter 
Baja: Even Extremephono did not give any reason why it got delayed and therefore we do not yet know other than it could be a chip issue that both 880N and 880 use since even the 880 is being delayed along with it.
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post #45 of 2454
7/20/04 at 7:27am
Thread Starter 
I am now in the process of adding master threads for the above DVD players where one can get detailed info and discussion on the above players..
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post #46 of 2454
7/20/04 at 7:38am
I just want to say thanks. I have found this information very useful.
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post #47 of 2454
7/20/04 at 7:49am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by JasonBourne
I just want to say thanks. I have found this information very useful.

I am glad to hear that. Seems it is doing its job well then!
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post #48 of 2454
7/20/04 at 3:51pm
I think the HD841 has won the race for me up to this point. I don't have the luxury of trying the DVB318, Momitsu, or Bravo players as I want to deal exclusively with B&M whereby I can easily return the player if not satisified. That narrows my playing field considerably but...

The picture I'm getting on my Tosh TN50X81 is excellent with the HD841. Maybe it is just synergy betwen the two components.

Perhaps I should try a player a more expensive player to see what I'd be missing with a component 480p connection. The upscaling models over component are not available on B&M store shelves as far as I know so perhaps the higher priced players is the way for me to find out what the capability is with the RPTV I own!
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post #49 of 2454
7/21/04 at 5:26am
Quote:


Originally posted by robertc88
I think the HD841 has won the race for me up to this point. I don't have the luxury of trying the DVB318, Momitsu, or Bravo players as I want to deal exclusively with B&M whereby I can easily return the player if not satisified. That narrows my playing field considerably but...

The picture I'm getting on my Tosh TN50X81 is excellent with the HD841. Maybe it is just synergy betwen the two components.

Perhaps I should try a player a more expensive player to see what I'd be missing with a component 480p connection. The upscaling models over component are not available on B&M store shelves as far as I know so perhaps the higher priced players is the way for me to find out what the capability is with the RPTV I own!

I just bought and tested the Zenith DVB318 online as a possible replacement for my 15 month old Bravo D1. In my setup (using a Samsung DLP) the Bravo clearly has a better picture over the DVI than the Zenith does with either DVI or component out, plus it does not stretch 4:3 material like the Zenith does, so I decided to keep my Bravo. I was able to sell the Zenith on eBay within 2 hours of listing it at no loss at all, and sent the unit with the original sales receipt so the buyer can be covered by the Zenith warranty. No problem.
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post #50 of 2454
7/22/04 at 2:35am
I'd like to try the Zenith against the HD841 but I'm not willing to buy it through the means available.

Who carries Bravo and Momitsu? Is this another case of going through online retailers or ebay? Those players appear to get good marks but I never see them on B&M store shelves.
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post #51 of 2454
7/22/04 at 7:27am
Yes, the Bravo and Momitsu units are available online only - as far as I know. I'm pretty sure you can return the Bravo to V Inc. if you buy it from them directly (not from eBay) and then decide you don't like it. Not sure about the Momitsu return policy.
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post #52 of 2454
7/22/04 at 7:39am
newbie here... been reading all of your comments on these players. now that we're sitting almost at the end of july, do you guys recommend waiting for the new players? perhaps the Sony DVP-NS975V? i am very tempted to go with the momitsu? i have a Aquos 37G4U display.
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post #53 of 2454
7/22/04 at 7:56am
Quote:


Originally posted by jlee121212
newbie here... been reading all of your comments on these players. now that we're sitting almost at the end of july, do you guys recommend waiting for the new players? perhaps the Sony DVP-NS975V? i am very tempted to go with the momitsu? i have a Aquos 37G4U display.

The Bravo D2 has added brightness/contrast/color level controls for DVI output if you Aquos is missing those controls.
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post #54 of 2454
7/22/04 at 7:59am
Thread Starter 
robertc88: Better u get Bravo from Vinc and Momitsu from Extremephono so that you can return them if you do not like these units. remember that you shall need to pay the return shipping. make sure they both have a no-obligation (re-stocking, etc) shipping policy.
BTW: Jim Noyd (who answered on this thread is the best person to talk abt Vinc (Bravo players) since he is closely associated with this company)
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post #55 of 2454
7/22/04 at 8:01am
Quote:


Originally posted by gshelley61
I just bought and tested the Zenith DVB318 online as a possible replacement for my 15 month old Bravo D1. In my setup (using a Samsung DLP) the Bravo clearly has a better picture over the DVI than the Zenith does with either DVI or component out, plus it does not stretch 4:3 material like the Zenith does, so I decided to keep my Bravo. I was able to sell the Zenith on eBay within 2 hours of listing it at no loss at all, and sent the unit with the original sales receipt so the buyer can be covered by the Zenith warranty. No problem.

Can you offer any examples of how the PQ of the Bravo D2 was better than the Zenith DVB318?
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post #56 of 2454
7/22/04 at 8:03am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by jlee121212
newbie here... been reading all of your comments on these players. now that we're sitting almost at the end of july, do you guys recommend waiting for the new players? perhaps the Sony DVP-NS975V? i am very tempted to go with the momitsu? i have a Aquos 37G4U display.

I certainly do recommend waiting for the above players to come out. Momitsu and Zenith are great choices today but even they shall be coming out with an updated version of their players soon...check the first post on this thread...I have release dates with these players there...
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post #57 of 2454
7/22/04 at 8:04am
thanks mallu. I know I should wait... guess I am just overly anxious.
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post #58 of 2454
7/22/04 at 8:06am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by Jim Noyd
Can you offer any examples of how the PQ of the Bravo D2 was better than the Zenith DVB318?

And screen captures would be great to show this, if u can!
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post #59 of 2454
7/22/04 at 8:07am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by jlee121212
thanks mallu. I know I should wait... guess I am just overly anxious.

Me too esp since I am still living with my Pansonic CV51 (way old) and in the interim bought Pioneer 563A. But u know its worth the wait since atleast u shall get a better..more stable player. And its not a very long wait..( I know it seems to be...but its all relative!!)
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post #60 of 2454
7/22/04 at 10:13am
Thread Starter 
Finally managed to display the information in the first post neatly!
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