[tmtcox]

I am looking for recommendations for a DVD player for my HTPC. One of my requirements is that it is able to reformat/zoom to screen size. My HTPC is connected to a HLN5065 via VGA. I would like to be able to stretch movies that are in widescreen so that they fill the 16:9 screen.

I guess I want to optimize my $3000+ investment in a TV by using all the screen when I watch a DVD.


Are there any DVD players that offer this option?

 

[BenPlace]

If you have an HTPC use a normal DVD reader, and zoomplayer.

 

[Axel]

.... or check out Theatertek. It offers Aspect Ratio control (this is what you want) and a lot more.....

_____

Axel

 

[Karnis]

Do a search and check the recent poll about this subject.

 

[mlouie]

I did a seach and could not find this poll?

 

[tmtcox]

I had read zoomplayer was pretty good. I checked out the spec's and it has more features than I could shake a stick at! And at $20 for the Professional version, the price is right.


karnis - thanks, I will search for the poll.

 

[Axel]

TC;


ZP is a great piece of software. One word of caution, though: ZP is NOT a full player. You still need to get the filters (audio and video) in addition to make it work.

_____

Axel

 

[vpopovic]

Agree with ZP recommendations and use it as well. I have HLN617W and use ATI 9800 Pro video card. As Axel pointed out, you will need a decoder. Any of the big names like WinDVD, Sonic, PowerDVD and NVDVD are good. For film based material I found WinDVD to be best for my set up, followed by Sonic. Sonic leads in video based material. For Sonic you can acquire only the codec (not a full blown player) for $20 that makes it the cheapest solution.


By the way, why are you not using DVI - that will give you a very noticable improvement in PQ.

 

[tmtcox]

vpopovic,

I have a SIR-TS 160 connected through the DVI. At some point I will probably use Arun's two cable fix.

I have WinDVD so I believe I can just purchase ZP. Anybody know if the Xtasy Everything remote will work with ZP?


Thanks for the info guys.