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Venturer SHD7000 End User Reports and Owner's Thread! - Page 6

post #151 of 417
12/6/07 at 9:47am
Which Denon? The high priced units do a great upconversion. The lower priced ones suck. I have a 3910 and loved it (till my XA2), and got a 1930 and returned it immediately. Quality not label is the issue. Besides if you want the best of HD DVD, get an XA2. Why waste time with the lesser machines if you have the $$ (and the diff is just not that much right now).
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post #152 of 417
12/6/07 at 11:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevekaden View Post

Which Denon? The high priced units do a great upconversion. The lower priced ones suck. I have a 3910 and loved it (till my XA2), and got a 1930 and returned it immediately. Quality not label is the issue. Besides if you want the best of HD DVD, get an XA2. Why waste time with the lesser machines if you have the $$ (and the diff is just not that much right now).

DVD-557. It's in the lower price range. My wife would slit my throat if I spent $800 on a DVD player. XA2 in Canada is worth roughly $800, hence the purchase of a $199 unit from Wal-Mart.
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post #153 of 417
12/6/07 at 12:05pm
Interesting find fellas and as expected, the Venturer model is an altered licensed A3 design.
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post #154 of 417
12/6/07 at 12:19pm
My suggestion would be to upgrade the Venturer firmware if you haven't, and then go get a good looking disc to try out.

Check out this link and pick something from the "reference" or "excellent" lists:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=942015

Fyi, you'll notice on the list that IJ is only ranked "average".



Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

DVD-557. It's in the lower price range. My wife would slit my throat if I spent $800 on a DVD player. XA2 in Canada is worth roughly $800, hence the purchase of a $199 unit from Wal-Mart.
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post #155 of 417
12/6/07 at 8:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

And like I mentioned, I still need to calibrate the player. I've heard that TrueHD sound (which IJ doesn't have) sounds a bit weak, but I tested last night swapping the same disc between my players, and the Denon was definitely louder. Not just louder, but just seemed fuller. I realize not all source output is equal, so I may need to make adjustments to the AVR to compensate for the 'weaker' source.

What connection are you using for audio, HDMI or optical. If its optical, then make sure to go set the HDMI to 2xh downmix vs auto and that would increase it. Also check the DRC and Diag Enh settings. If you are using HDMI already, then it could be the LFE problem unless you indicate it is for all ranges.
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post #156 of 417
12/6/07 at 9:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

I have a BenQ W500 720p projector firing a 100" picture. I fed the projector both 1080i and 720p.

I'm sure that Itallian Job is a poor choice for a demo, which is why I said to take my comments with a bag of salt. And like I mentioned, I still need to calibrate the player. I've heard that TrueHD sound (which IJ doesn't have) sounds a bit weak, but I tested last night swapping the same disc between my players, and the Denon was definitely louder. Not just louder, but just seemed fuller. I realize not all source output is equal, so I may need to make adjustments to the AVR to compensate for the 'weaker' source.

I plan on borrowing a couple HD movies from a friend, switch around cables etc and calibrate it. The one thing that bothered me most was the artifacts and failure to fill the screen with the cartoon I played. If I could cure that, I'd be happy. Perhaps the firmware upgrade will help.

Ah...It's not Denon DVD player that makes the difference in upconverting..it's Benq W500 which has Reon HQV. With your Denon Benq W500 does upconverting, but when playing in Venturer, Venturer does it and send upconverted to Benq W500. XA2 might compare with Benq W500 for upconverting because they have same chip. Venturer and the rest of Toshiba's family is just not in the same ligue with XA2.
My advice is to to keep and use your old denon for upconverting sd dvds.
Venturer will not disappoint you either with HD DVD discs.
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post #157 of 417
12/6/07 at 11:55pm
I just picked one up on Thurs. Didnt really need it, pretty happy with my HDM playback on my HTPCs. Just curioue to try it out over a total HDMI chain. Updated the FW to 1.3 online (~20 mins), gave me a scare when I switch sources on my TV while it was DL/updating and when I switch back at step 4/4 I didnt get a pic, lost handshake prob with my Marantz 8001 HDMI input. Turn the reciever and TV off then on didnt bring back a pic from the player. Toke a chance and turn the player off and on, the Player took a little time to boot, but it did show the 1.3 FW was installed. Thght I brick'd it . Nice little player.

edit: now I can revert one of my HTPC that was running PDVD 3516 ( new features and interactive but looses HDD playback) back to 3319a (HDD playback with out having to create ISO and mounting) and use this player for the interactive stuff.
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post #158 of 417
12/7/07 at 7:25am
AVRoe - I'm using HDMI all the way. I'll get a better HD movie to demo and report back after that.

evnara - The Denon is upconverting. I have it set to 720p, which is the BenQ native res, so Reon shouldn't be touching it. Though I may try setting the Venturer to 480 on SD and see if the W500 picks up the slack.

Tinker - I had the same problem. Got tired of the "updating" screen so switched to a different source. When I came back, no pic. I was hoping no user intervention was required for the other steps, so I dug out the manual. It says it'll do all 4 steps and turn itself off, so I left it alone until it powered itself off. 1.3 is now my firmware version.

One other note for anyone trying to update via ethernet and getting "can not find out server". Turn on HDCP and DNS, select 'confirm' to fill the IP/DNS settings then hit 'Ok' and restart the machine. The restart was the piece I missed and was getting frustrated.
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post #159 of 417
12/7/07 at 8:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

Tinker - I had the same problem. Got tired of the "updating" screen so switched to a different source. When I came back, no pic. I was hoping no user intervention was required for the other steps, so I dug out the manual. It says it'll do all 4 steps and turn itself off, so I left it alone until it powered itself off. 1.3 is now my firmware version.

One other note for anyone trying to update via ethernet and getting "can not find out server". Turn on HDCP and DNS, select 'confirm' to fill the IP/DNS settings then hit 'Ok' and restart the machine. The restart was the piece I missed and was getting frustrated.

I quess I should RTFM....
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post #160 of 417
12/7/07 at 8:35am
That has got to be my favorite acronym.
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post #161 of 417
12/7/07 at 8:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tinker View Post

I quess I should RTFM....

Well, personally I think they should just tell us that right on the update screen.

In fact, I think they should have the default settings already selected for DHCP and DNS, since that's what most people use.

RTFM is fine, but idiot-proof (with myself as an idiot included) is even better. I had the same problem. It initially didn't occur to me that a restart would be necessary, considering most machines don't require a restart for this.
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post #162 of 417
12/7/07 at 8:45am
The firmware update link in my sig should help with updating the player's FW.
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post #163 of 417
12/8/07 at 9:03am
Will this player output 1080i via component cable or do you need an HDMI?
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post #164 of 417
12/8/07 at 10:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by G1Nger View Post

Will this player output 1080i via component cable or do you need an HDMI?

For HD DVD yes, not for up-converting SD discs (No HD DVD or Blu-ray player will per licensing rules)
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post #165 of 417
12/8/07 at 5:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

I've got some initial reactions from the player. This is my first HD DVD player. I have HD cable and when it was first installed, understood the hype about HD. However, hooking this player up and popping in an HD movie was less awe inspiring. I've got a Denon up-converting unit for that 'near HD experience'. Now, I have not calibrated the player, and I've only watched The Italian Job on HD DVD, so take this with a huge grain of salt... or a bag of salt, your choice.

Overall impression of HD DVD... so-so. Definitely a better picture. Much better? not really.

Upconverting - not so hot. My Denon does a way better job. Threw in Spongebob for my daughter and noticed lots of artifacts. Also, it's in standard screen format and I could not get it all stretched out to fit my screen. Swapped back and forth between the Denon and was much more impressed with the Denon's picture (full screen) and PQ.
Next, I threw in Basic. Everything was very dark, and the sound was anorexic.

So, I'll probably do some calibration which should clear up the darkness, but not sure about the screen-width dilema or artifacting when up-converting. The sound was clear, but just lacked punch and I had to crank the AVR up another 12dB or so to equal the Denon. I'll play a bit more for the rest of the week, but so far I'm not totally impressed with HD DVD. It may go back to the store by the weekend.

I don't understand why you're spending time comparing if you aren't willing to spend the time to calibrate the display to the player. This just doesn't make any sense!
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post #166 of 417
12/8/07 at 5:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

I have a BenQ W500 720p projector firing a 100" picture. I fed the projector both 1080i and 720p.

I'm sure that Itallian Job is a poor choice for a demo, which is why I said to take my comments with a bag of salt. And like I mentioned, I still need to calibrate the player. I've heard that TrueHD sound (which IJ doesn't have) sounds a bit weak, but I tested last night swapping the same disc between my players, and the Denon was definitely louder. Not just louder, but just seemed fuller. I realize not all source output is equal, so I may need to make adjustments to the AVR to compensate for the 'weaker' source.

I plan on borrowing a couple HD movies from a friend, switch around cables etc and calibrate it. The one thing that bothered me most was the artifacts and failure to fill the screen with the cartoon I played. If I could cure that, I'd be happy. Perhaps the firmware upgrade will help.

Whatever you may have heard about DTHD, to say it sounds weak, again doesn't make sense. The only interpretation I can come up with is that you haven't taken the trouble to match the levels with whatever you're comparing against. Of course, that also raises the question of what ARE you comparing against? In any case, once again, if you are comparing without calibrating (in this case the soundtrack volume) then you are just wasting time.
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post #167 of 417
12/8/07 at 6:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

DVD-557. It's in the lower price range. My wife would slit my throat if I spent $800 on a DVD player. XA2 in Canada is worth roughly $800, hence the purchase of a $199 unit from Wal-Mart.

Once again, the picture quality (both HD DVD and upscaled SD DVD) depends on your calibration. If you haven't bothered to calibrate, then you are just spinnng everybody's wheels, so go calibrate. To take this critical approach without even performing the most basic essentials make's no sense!

PS. The A3/Venturer upscaling is very good, but it's NOT world class -- there are practical limitations relative to how much money you are spending. Still, if you haven't calibrated the player yet, you actually have no idea how good it is at upscaling -- all the rest is just words.
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post #168 of 417
12/8/07 at 8:31pm
Is this player region free with SD DVDs?
ta
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post #169 of 417
12/8/07 at 9:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by G1Nger View Post

Will this player output 1080i via component cable or do you need an HDMI?

Sure no problem with today's HD DVDs. It is an issue with upconverting Standard Definition DVDs to 1080i (ones with CSS copy protection). The process of making a "backup" of such a DVD removes the copy protection. These "backups" will upconvert to 1080i on component video.
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post #170 of 417
12/9/07 at 7:46am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rover2002 View Post

Is this player region free with SD DVDs?
ta

No.
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post #171 of 417
12/9/07 at 9:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorS View Post

I don't understand why you're spending time comparing if you aren't willing to spend the time to calibrate the display to the player. This just doesn't make any sense!

I stated in the post you quoted that it was initial reaction and to be taken with a grain (or bag) of salt. I specificaly said I had to calibrate the display. It was an 'out of the box' comparison.
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post #172 of 417
12/9/07 at 9:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorS View Post

Whatever you may have heard about DTHD, to say it sounds weak, again doesn't make sense. The only interpretation I can come up with is that you haven't taken the trouble to match the levels with whatever you're comparing against. Of course, that also raises the question of what ARE you comparing against? In any case, once again, if you are comparing without calibrating (in this case the soundtrack volume) then you are just wasting time.

So what I've heard doesn't make sense? Ok, I'll re-phrase... What I've read mentions that THD and DD+ sound a bit weak. I've read that on these forums. It's an opinion that I've read that has no scientific backing and no quantitative data to support it. That's why it's an opinion.

At this point, I hadn't done any calibrations, nor matched source output against my reference, the Denon DVD-557.

What AM I comparing against? The above mentioned Denon, using a SD version of Italian Job.
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post #173 of 417
12/9/07 at 9:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

So what I've heard doesn't make sense? Ok, I'll re-phrase... What I've read mentions that THD and DD+ sound a bit weak. I've read that on these forums. It's an opinion that I've read that has no scientific backing and no quantitative data to support it. That's why it's an opinion.

At this point, I hadn't done any calibrations, nor matched source output against my reference, the Denon DVD-557.

What AM I comparing against? The above mentioned Denon, using a SD version of Italian Job.

Oh Jesus. You haven't even put a reference HD title into the thing and you're here whining and moaning about the sub-par PQ?

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post #174 of 417
12/9/07 at 9:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorS View Post

Once again, the picture quality (both HD DVD and upscaled SD DVD) depends on your calibration. If you haven't bothered to calibrate, then you are just spinnng everybody's wheels, so go calibrate. To take this critical approach without even performing the most basic essentials make's no sense!

PS. The A3/Venturer upscaling is very good, but it's NOT world class -- there are practical limitations relative to how much money you are spending. Still, if you haven't calibrated the player yet, you actually have no idea how good it is at upscaling -- all the rest is just words.

I get the feeling from the triple posting that even if I had calibrated at this point, I would have done it wrong by Mr. 5000+ posts standards. Why the hell are you breaking my balls? All the posts you quoted were a day apart. If I'd had a week to get my sh!t together, had still not calibrated and was still bitching about poor quality, then by all means bring the flames. My first post was initial 'out of the box' reaction, complete with a big caveat. The other posts were responding to questions.

Now, to get back on topic, I have calibrated, watched Transformers (adjusted source audio output as well) and was pretty impressed. I still need another round of tweaks to both display and audio calibrations, and I have yet to compare apples to apples between up-conversions. I need to play more, but between my wife, 4 year-old and 2 month-old daughters, time is limited.

On the calibration topic, I just used the basic AVIA disk. I'm no calibration pro as this is my first Home Theatre. I'm sure with more experience and knowledge, I'll get better performance out of all my sources.
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post #175 of 417
12/9/07 at 9:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmpage2 View Post

Oh Jesus. You haven't even put a reference HD title into the thing and you're here whining and moaning about the sub-par PQ?



Stop wasting our time!!

Christ... another one. I wasn't aware of reference titles at the start. I really didn't see much whining and moaning. Just an INITIAL REACTION that was less than extatic.
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post #176 of 417
12/9/07 at 10:03am
We appreciate your input.

Don't let the defensive reactions and over protective response of HD DVD fans get to you.

They mean well, and its not really directed at your honest assessments, its just that a lot of people have been posting petty criticisms of HD DVD lately since they can't talk format war, and few knuckleheads have criticized HD DVD players when they don't even own one.

Obviously doesn't apply to you, but a lot of guys are sensitive to a statement like critical of PQ or AQ when some basic adjustments haven't been made yet.

Been a lot of comments by some guys trying to disparage HD DVD players lately and you just caught a bit in the crossfire. Don't take it personally.
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post #177 of 417
12/9/07 at 10:43am
Thanks, Kosty.
My intention wasn't to get anyone's back up over the format. I'm sure my reaction would have been the same for BR. I guess the problem was that you just can't be "wowed" by HD twice. Going from SD cable to HD cable was a huge WOW. My expectation may have been too high since SD DVDs were already miles ahead of SD TV. Less room for WOW between DVD and HD DVD. But it is definitely better.

I'll admit my inital reaction may have been hasty without initial calibrations, but it was kind of a 'plug it in and see how it looks' kind of thing. Once my post was out, I got all kinds of helpful info on choosing better reference material and such.

I try not to judge people too harshly from a post in a forum. Kinda hard to emote while typing. I'm sure everyone means well. Just sometimes doesn't come out like you planned.

Anyway, on the topic of reference material... what are a few good SD discs to compare up-conversion? And I'm still confused as to why the player has anything to do with 4:3 material not stretching out on my display. I have it set to 16:9, and widescreen movies are fine (SD and HD), so...? I'll keep playing.
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post #178 of 417
12/9/07 at 5:09pm
^^^^^^^

In fairness I think it is valuable and a good idea for members to give us their first, uncalibrated impressions. After all, most people will never use any sort of calibration, ever.

It is also important, though, to view a movie like Hot Fuz or Transformers or King Kong, so that we all know you are viewing a disk of the reference caliber, one that should look good on any properly functioning, well designed player. Viewing a mediocre disk will, at best, yield mediocre HD results. This was BD's problem early on and is still an issue when someone first sees HD DVD via a lousy encode and wonder why it just doesn't look much better than the SD disk they already own. Nothing will keep new buyers away more than that.
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post #179 of 417
12/9/07 at 5:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevonS View Post

Anyway, on the topic of reference material... what are a few good SD discs to compare up-conversion?

I usually use Batman Begins (Rooftops) and Matrix (lobby) for my SD to HD comparisons. This usually does the ticket for friends and fam that are interested in checking out HD. Some other decent ones I use are Superman Returns (shuttle) and Serenity (Space Battle).
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post #180 of 417
12/9/07 at 6:53pm
On my player A2, if I set it to 4:3 then it will stretch it out into a 16:9 picture, but it will also cut off normal 16:9 pictures set to 4:3. So my suggestion is, set it to 4:3 for those movies so it fills the entire screen, then switch back when using 16:9 movies. I know it sounds backwards, but thats how it works. As far as not seeing a huge difference, imagine if you spent double the price like common BR players and saw the same difference. This is why price is important for the masses, I can't see them upgrading and spending so much more for a little difference. Some movies will blow you away like King Kong, while others won't be impressive. None of my displays are calibrated, and I see a huge difference on some of the movies and not so much on others, so don't give up. every person I've played King Kong for was very imressed and had their mouth watering.
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