[E. Martin]

I am building our theater out currently and have an issue with DVD storage.. While I have a few Panasonic (A120u and XP30) I am in want of a changer so that I don't have to store all the boxes etc. I like the idea of pushing a button, selecting the movie, and then simply watching..


I will be using this with a scaler (not yet selected) sending to a NEC XG852 (CRT) projector. I can not handle red push (chroma issues) and would prefer an imperseptible layer change. I do not have a set dollar figure ear marked for the purchase so hit me with what you got. While I am looking for a very good picture, a great audio section would be welcomed. I will however probably go with a separate (single disc unit) for hi-res audio DVD / CD.


Fire away, or let me know what other info you need to even make a recomendation.


Thanks!

 

[rbmcgee]

How about a different direction - An HTPC backed up by a server. Let's look at the rundown.
Quote:

I am in want of a changer so that I don't have to store all the boxes etc

Obviously, this one is a non-issue.
Quote:

I like the idea of pushing a button, selecting the movie, and then simply watching..

You're not going to get this scenario with any changer. With an HTPC there are 2 options for achieving this goal:

1) Rip only the movie and your chosen audio option (rather than the entire DVD).

2) Rip the entire DVD and setup 'movie start points'

Under either scenario, you will browse your collection, select a movie and the movie will automatically start playing without any menus, setup choices, coming attractions, warnings or display format choices (lttrbx, 16x9 full frame).
Quote:

I will be using this with a scaler (not yet selected) sending to a NEC XG852 (CRT) projector

Obviously no problem here. You will have an unlimited choice of T&R to choose from over any connection method.
Quote:

I can not handle red push (chroma issues

No problem here.
Quote:

and would prefer an imperseptible layer change.

Obviously no problem here. An HTPC has NO layer change pause at all.
Quote:

I do not have a set dollar figure ear marked for the purchase so hit me with what you got

That's good, because a good setup will run at least a few thousand $.
Quote:

While I am looking for a very good picture

Most knowledgable people will claim it doesn't get any better than an HTPC although a fact is that you will have far more choices for dialing in the picture you like best.
Quote:

a great audio section would be welcomed. I will however probably go with a separate (single disc unit) for hi-res audio DVD / CD.

High-rez audio is certainly not a strength of an HTPC. However once you get a movie jukebox set-up, a music jukebox is simply a few clicks away. I will never go back to dealing with CD discs. Just like I will never go back to dealing with DVD discs.

 

[E. Martin]

rbmcgee,


Thanks for the informative and detailed reply... While I know that sooner or later a PC / Server will enter my theater, I am leaning toward LATER....


Any options / ideas / recommendations in the non HTPC - Media Server categories?


I am positive that not having a budget predetermined does not mean the wife is willing to let me part with many thousands for a solution. Though we both want quality...


Open to other suggestions (please)...