First Legal HD DVD player

PolkThug

Finally, we can unleash our DVD's with the Samsung DVD-HD931. I'm ordering mine tonight. (Do not order this if you don't have an HDCP compatible TV or you won't be able to go above 480p). Does anyone have experience with this DVD player? I am a little nervous about buying the first one that is out on the market. It will be sweet to watch Matrix again at 720p/1080i.

ken brydson

Where are you ordering from and what does it cost?

I just found it online @ CC for $283.98 but the reviews are mixed.

http://www.circuitcity.com/display_review.jsp?c=1&b=g&OID=78585&catoid=-8039

Ron-P

I believe the V Bravo D1 player has been out for quite awhile. Have you checked it out? It can be had for under $200 and there is quite a few threads on it over at AVS.


Peace Out~:D

PolkThug

Ken, I am getting it from CC. It sounds like most of the people that complained about the Samsung probably didn't have an HDCP (high definition copyright protection) TV.


Ron, I'll check that other one out too.

I've always wondered why there were no HD DVD players, and it was all about copyright protection. Execs were worried that the DVD's could more easily be hooked up to computers. Hence HDCP, which I don't think the first generation HDTV's have. Which in turn, is probably why some of the people that bought the Samsung couldn't get 720/1080 out of it.

PhantomOG

this isn't "true" hd though is it? these HD players have line doublers or whatever to reach these resolutions right?

i'm always amazed at how much better my HD cable reception looks compared to my progressive scan DVD player. it would be nice to have "true" HD-DVD where the discs are actually recorded with 1080i/720p resolutions.

Ron-P

this isn't "true" hd though is it? these HD players have line doublers or whatever to reach these resolutions right?

Correct. You can't get true HD from a non-HD source.


If my Panny had DVI I'd get one, but the 200u does not and I'd need to order up a $150 transcoder box to do it. I figure I'll wait and see how the 500u fairs that is just getting released and in a year, possibly upgrade. Of couse by then, we may just have HD-DVD and if so, that will require yet another DVD player.


Peace Out~:D

PhantomOG

from what little i've read online about the current situation with HD-DVD, it doesn't look promising.

from what I remember the industry is fighting over a standard and I think the longer they take the less chance of HD-DVD actually taking off. i'm afraid of it going the way of the "super" CD or whatever its called and be a small niche market which is a shame.

Ron-P

The blue-ray HD-DVD players are already out in Japan. I forget the details but I believe they streeted at about 2k. The disks are only single sided which is a down side right now. I can dig up more info.

HD-DVD will be a small nitch market for a long time after it's introduction. Most of the GP will not care as most don't have HD-ready TV's. It will be expensive, there is not doubt. But, it will arrive.


Peace Out~:D

PhantomOG

that's crazy expensive... especially considering only a small number of titles will be available.

i don't know, maybe it will take off. the "content" on dvd's is alot easier to grasp and appreciate. for example, next gen gaming consoles will probably need higher density discs than standard dvd's. maybe the game industry will drive improvements in video standards.

does the blue-ray dvd players play standard dvd's? i assume it would.

Ron-P

I believe it is backwards compatable, but I'm not 100% sure.

As far as expensive, do you remember how much progressive scan DVD players were when they first streeted? They were about $1,600 or so. By the time it hits here, I'm betting they'll be about that price and drop quickly. Kinda like what we saw with HD-VHS.


Peace Out~:D

scottvamp

Many of the new projectors and tv's have the DVI connection which is claiming to give HD quality by up converting the signal to 720 or 1080 with the new DVI DVD players. No one with these DVI setups have been impressed at all. If they were getting true HD quality on these setups believe me they would be blown away. My Sanyo projector does not have DVI. It just now hitting the market in the last year.
I have never heard this issue as a copy writing problem. This all capable throught the DVI connection which is computer based connection allowing for the upconverting as I said. I have read a few threads on this and only one person had the setup and was able to toggel back and forth between 480p and the "HD" and there were no or very little differences in the picture quality. If the DVD is not recorded in HD than your not getting true HD plain and simple.
Polkthug what monitor are you using?

eclypse

Its not a true HD DVD play since it upconverts the vid with software.. I've had that player with a Samsung 61" DLP and didnt like the picture. I've just returned it the other day and i should have me a quality DVD player (Denon 2900) Friday evening. I'll report back ASAP on the difference in PQ..

BTW.. If you dont have a true Digital HDTV dont bother with the samsung 931 player since you wont notice any difference in PQ since your TV will be converting it back to Analog.

Dr. Spec

Originally posted by Ron-P
I believe it is backwards compatable, but I'm not 100% sure.


Peace Out~:D

It would be a still-born if it wasn't.

Ron-P

Not in my book. When the HD-DVD players street here in the states I will jump on board even if they are not backward compatible.

The only reason I have not bought into D-VHS is becase HD-DVD is close, if it wasn't I'd have my D-VHS machine already.


Peace Out~:D

scottvamp

I would love to have a d-vhs player to see it on my FP but just not into it having to buy the player and the little software out.

Eclypse, thanks for chimming in - that is what I have heard all around also. I have had the Denon 2800 for awhile now and it is built like a tank. It has done an incredable job with everything I have thrown at it.

bikezappa

I purchased a Bravo DVD player with the DVI output and connected it to my front projection NEC 1000 which has a DVI input. I had all the goodies, new intruction CD from Bravo, the hot settings for the NEC 1000. No or very small difference in picture from 5 people all looking and comparing.

I sent the Bravo back.

Good luck

scottvamp

Sorry to bum ya out PolkThug that has not commented yet. Nice little Samsung promo though.
Thanks for another confirmation bikezappa!!!!!!
I hate being right most of the time.........;)

brettw22

Originally posted by scottvamp
I hate being right most of the time.........;)

Thank God that hasn't happened then...... :cool:

Rotarydude

The one to look for is the the Denon 5900 when the DVI is activiated. This is truly going to whip those "so-call" DVI players.

PolkThug

After doing more reading about Samsung's "upconverting", I canceled my CC order. I thought it would be true HD, but it's not. What a let down.....

I just ended up getting a Panasonic DVD-35 player. My TV is a Hitachi 57S700.

Oh well, the 480p from the Panasonic looks pretty good. You can really see the pock marks on Morpheus' face in Matrix Reloaded.

begbie

Originally posted by PolkThug
After doing more reading about Samsung's "upconverting", I canceled my CC order. I thought it would be true HD, but it's not. What a let down.....

I just ended up getting a Panasonic DVD-35 player. My TV is a Hitachi 57S700.

Oh well, the 480p from the Panasonic looks pretty good. You can really see the pock marks on Morpheus' face in Matrix Reloaded.

Good call !

I've seen some of the ads that lead you to believe it's true HD but when i went for a demo.......Heck !? My HD-television can do the same upconverting and even better !

If anything, this Samung product and its dvi capability is just another step of Hollywood not letting you copy their HD stuff !