Got the HDTV...Need advice on new DVD player

RVJII

So I just got my new Samsung HLR4667W and now I need to get a new DVD player. The DVD will be connected via component video as my HD box is using the HDMI input.

I am looking to stay under $1000 but that still gives me a lot of players to choose from. I was thinking maybe a changer (my current is a 5 disc) but my main concern is PQ.

Also, can someone explain upconversion to me? Is it better to do this from the player or will the TV do it?

MSALLA

Upconversion is when the DVD player ups thr resolution to HD quality when playin non HD dvd's.
As far as players go, I just bought a Denon unit wich I like. There are many sets in the price range of 1000.00 to choose from.

Pablo

For $1000 you have a lot of good choice. I have a Denon as well (DVD-2910), and I love it (my old one wasn't that great, so comparison to it isn't the best, but this one is leaps and bounds over it). Mine ran about $550 and will up convert the signal.

Up converting takes the 480 line signal the DVD has and converts it to 720 or 1080 lines. The Denon upconverts, put my set doen't take an HDMI (or DVI).

As far as where to upconvert, depends on which component does it the best. The only way to really tell is try them both. But more than likely the DVD play will not upconvert through the component cables (I've never found one that did), so you will have to let your TV do it (you will also need to check if you can turn it off on the TV).

BrentMcGhee

as far as no dvd player outputting the upconverted image through the component is right. That is a problem i had because my tv is a few years older and does not have either dvi or hdmi.

However this problem was very simply solved by getting an adpater (mine was about 50 bucks) that converts dvi to component, worked great and now i have my upconverted dvd player hooked up to my hd tv with component video cables.

Pablo

Brent, where did you get that converter? I haven't seen one of those yet. Are there a bunch out there?

billbillw

I would stay away from the changers. A good single disk progressive player will give you better pic quality, less headaches, and save you money.

Upconverting DVD players are usually said to improve pic quality on fixed pixel displays like your DLP set, but all of the current models do the upconverting only on the DVI/HDMI connection.

You will have to choose whether you want to keep your HD box on the HDMI or switch it to component.

I would start by comparing the pic quality of your HD box between the HDMI and the component inputs. If you cannot see any difference, keep the HD box on component and get an upconverting DVD player like the Panasonic s97 or the OPPO OPDV971H. They are two of the best performing DVD players out right now and both are less than $300.

Go check out the most recent Secrets Benchmarks to give you an idea of how the various progressive players stack up against one another.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=122

Edit: I wanted to add that the improvements in quality with the more expensive units is usually in the audio department, but if you use the digital connection to an HT receiver, the audio portion of the DVD player is not utilized.

BrentMcGhee

Originally posted by Pablo
Brent, where did you get that converter? I haven't seen one of those yet. Are there a bunch out there?

This is where i got mine

gregure

You can save yourself a lot of time and effort by following these simple steps:

1. Get the Denon 2910. It has the best PQ for a player under $1000 hands down. Nearly every major trade magazine has given this unit a superb review. It retails for $680, but you may be able to find it for less (beware of unauthorized dealers).

2. The 2910 has a DVI out, which could go into your DVI in on the Samsung, in which case you would be able to take advantage of the player's upscaling.
-or-
3. Every review I've read has stated that this unit's PQ is actually best out of the HDMI output. My advice, get a HDMI cable, and a HDMI>DVI adapter which can plug into your TV. That way you get the best PQ, and still can use the HDMI for your cable box.

Given the budget you mentioned and the connections available, this is the best solution to your query.

JDSMOKE

Get the Denon 2910 or 955S. They are the same. 955S has HDMI output. Looks great. I have it hooked up to a Mitsubishi WD-52725 and the upconversion and picture are great. Sound is top notch. Either way spend about $35 for the DVI or HDMI cable. The ones the electronics stores sell are way over priced ($100+).

Check out Ram Electronics. Great price and service

http://www.ramelectronics.net/

Toxis

yup, and people who spend $200 on speaker cables are morons too. Home depot has them for a lot cheaper and just as thick. :rolleyes:

Get the Denon 2910 (955 is just silver) or if you can find the right place, the 3910 or last year's 5900 would be the ideal way to do it. Might be tough to find one but if you do, WHOA NELLY!!!

fireshoes

Originally posted by Toxis
Get the Denon 2910 (955 is just silver) or if you can find the right place, the 3910 or last year's 5900 would be the ideal way to do it. Might be tough to find one but if you do, WHOA NELLY!!!

That's what I was thinking.

Gaara

Ummm there are some dvd players that upconvery over component video. Off the top of my head the Zenith 318 does upconversion over component video, as long as you have older firmware. If you got your hands on one of these and it had the older firmware, or you flashed it with the older firmware, you could do upconversion via component.

Jared

BrentMcGhee

i dont know where you got that model number Zenith 318 but it does not exist.... at least i could not find it, post a link

fireshoes

It's the DVB318. Here's a gigantic thread about it that I haven't read.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=400480

BrentMcGhee

hmmmm..... this is what the description of this dvd player on there website said.

"DVI video output eliminates video quality loss that results from analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversions; note: a TV with DVI input is required to receive the upconverted signal"


i am confused.... from going off of that it does not output the upconverted signal through component. Does someone out there have this player? maybe it does it but it is not advertised or something

billbillw

The Denon 2910 is definetely NOT the best quality video under $1000. The Secrets Benchmarks have several players that are higher rated for the same or less money.

However, the 2910 is one of the best "universal" players in that price range though, so consider it if you want SACD/DVD-A capability. Otherwise, go for the Panasonic or Oppo player that I mentioned.

Denon is well respected for their quality, but many of the players are fussy about disk playback and have service issues that have plagued many of their models. I speak from experience with my DVD2900. It is very fussy about disks and requires a considerable amount of patience at times. The main reason I bought it was for its audio section since it is my main audio playback rig.

I would stay away from that Zenith upconverting player. It may be able to upconver over component with the older firmware, but it does not have the best quality deinterlacing and is generally not highly recommended.

billbillw

Originally posted by BrentMcGhee
hmmmm..... this is what the description of this dvd player on there website said.

"DVI video output eliminates video quality loss that results from analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversions; note: a TV with DVI input is required to receive the upconverted signal"


i am confused.... from going off of that it does not output the upconverted signal through component. Does someone out there have this player? maybe it does it but it is not advertised or something

They don't advertise it because that feature (upconverting over component) has been eliminated. You have to use an old firmware to enable that feature. IMHO, its not worth it due to the crappy deinterlacer on that unit.

Pablo

If you don't mind refurbished equipment, go to www.Denon.com and check the authorized dealers. There you should be able to find some of the older upscale models at about the price of a new lower model (you may find an older 3900 for about the same as a new 2910). But make sure you go to an authorized re-seller. Denon will not honor the warrenty from anyone else.

billbillw

Originally posted by Pablo
If you don't mind refurbished equipment, go to www.Denon.com and check the authorized dealers. There you should be able to find some of the older upscale models at about the price of a new lower model (you may find an older 3900 for about the same as a new 2910). But make sure you go to an authorized re-seller. Denon will not honor the warrenty from anyone else.

There is no 3900 model. There is a 3800, but it is not upscaling.

Until this year's models (1910, 2910, 3910, 5910), the only upscaling player from Denon was the 5900, which cannot be found at that price, even refurbished.

Pablo

sorry, thought they had a 3900 with the 2900 (but I was wrong). I didn't realize the 3800 didn't upconvert. Maybe a 2910 is one of the best bets out there (especially with the audio capablities).

punk-roc

What if someone didnt want DVD-Audio/SACD compatibility out of their DVD player? Is there a solid DVD player that might be bit cheaper that just provides good DVD audio and video output?

Jason

billbillw

Originally posted by punk-roc
What if someone didnt want DVD-Audio/SACD compatibility out of their DVD player? Is there a solid DVD player that might be bit cheaper that just provides good DVD audio and video output?

Jason

The Oppo or Panasonic models mentioned above fit the bill. Both are among the best deinterlacing players out right now and less they both are less than $300 (the Oppo is actually only $200).

punk-roc

Cool, thanks Bill. I appreciate it

Jason