[KC Coldbrook]

I could use some advice on what next step to take to improve my picture quality.


I have a Sony VPHD50HTU that I use only with DVD and HDTV -- a PRO-710 RPTV does the satellite & laserdisc duty.


Currently I'm feeding the Sony directly from a Toshiba 9100 progressive-scan DVD, and it looks pretty good. The question is, where to go from here? A newer, better DVD player, or an outboard scaler?


I've been looking at the new Sony 900 DVD/SACD, and the Pioneer DV-38A (which has the chroma bug but otherwise good PQ). The Camelot Round Table is also an option, but only mail order from AudioAdvisor at $3500 since there's no local dealer to discount further


Honestly, I'm not all that enamored with the prospect of dropping down to NTSC DVD output to feed an analog scaler unless it's really better (the Toshiba 9100 does look better than the Sony D50's internal scaler, and better than a DVDO iScan I had sitting around from an earlier system).


I am definitely not in Vigatec or Rock price territory, let alone the higher end Faroudjas. Scaler-wise, it seems my options are the Crystal Image, Quadscan, or Faroudja Native Rate (which doesn't really seem targeted to CRT projectors, but otherwise is well reviewed).


Note that I have no use for anything but DVD and HDTV on the front-projector. I'm a brightness/blacklevel freak so I'm using only an li'l 84" diagonal Stewart 16:9. Also, 99% of my DVDs are film source so I'm not very concerned about video material.


Thoughts?


thanks,


KC

 

[richmond5]

Hi:

You seem to have a very decent DVD player. To go from there to take the full advantage of your Data grade PJ is to increase the scaling capacity from the current 480p to higher resolutions. To me, there are two way of doing it. You have already mentioned the obvious and expensive way. The other option is HTPC which you have to post your request in the Home Theater Computer section. All you need for HTPC are Good Video card , sound card and most of all , a lot of patience. End results are save yourself a lot of money and a more rewardind home theater experience!

I, too, used to have a D50Q, now I am into Marquee's 8" CRT. With D50Q, using Geforce2 video card at resolution of 720p at 72Hz refreshing rate, you will start to wonder why haven't I start going this route sooner! Good luck for you search for the perfect hometheater!



Alex

 

[MikeEby]

I have to agree with Alex. Bang for the buck HTPC with a Radeon video card is the way to go. And the new TheaterTek DVD software will eliminate most of the HTPC problems.

 

[richmond5]

Hi:

What is this theaterTek DVD software player? Or shall I ask it in Hometheater computer section! Thanks in advance!





Alex

 

[George Kouzev]

Alex, it is all over in the HT Computer forum, it is another SW DVD player which people speak very highly of. I will wait for the excitement to settle, get some objective feedback and then decide.


About the D50, you are right, if well calibrated, this projector sings at 1440x720 at 71.28 Hz from a Radeon based PC.


KC, if you are comfortable with handling HTPC and some quirks pertinent to PCs, you do not need to go to a more expensive territory. Your last paragraph justifies this approach even further.


GK