Why is this so complicated!??!

mhartman29

I'm looking into getting an upconverting dvd player, since it has become painfully obvious how bad the video quality of standard dvd is on my new 50" plasma.

I started looking into one of the oppo models, since they seem well thought of on here. Also looking at either the HD-A1 or A2 since they seem to have good video upconversation capabilities as well. Of course nothing is that simple!

From reading around it appears there can be analog downconversion if you don't use HDMI. My tv has HDMI inputs, but my soon to be new receiver (Emotiva lmc-1) offers HDMI video switching, but not HDMI audio.

So, assuming I get a new dvd player, I could use an HDMI cable from the DVD player to the TV, but then I'd need to run a coax cable for audio. In which case I'm losing out on "true HD" sound, right?

Or I could pipe everything through my receiver and run the risk of getting my video downconverted, in which case there is no point getting a new upconverting dvd player! Argh!!!

Anyone have any ideas how to sort out this mess?

gonzalr

if you'll get an HD-A1, you can still experience ''TrueHD" sound by using the 5.1 analog cable from the player. also, you don't need a coax connection coz u can still use the 5.1 analog when watching regular DVD.

for me, A1 is much better than A2 coz of the 5.1 analog cable, upconversion might be the same.

BaggedLancer

Your LMC-1 does audio as well so you'll get your True HD

http://www.emotivaaudio.com/lmc1.html

What about HDMI? Available at no charge, the HSM-1 external HDMI switcher will seamlessly integrate with your LMC-1 processor. It features two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. It connects through a special connection block on the back of the LMC-1. This allows the LMC-1 to control the switcher! Press SAT and the switcher changes over to input #1. Press DVD and the switcher changes to input #2. This operation allows the HSM-1 to operate as if it was built into the LMC-1 chassis. This eases control of your system by alleviating the need to switch the video input on your TV as well as the audio input on your processor. One button press and you are done!

mhartman29

That's strange because I looked at the product manual on their website and it says the following: "The HSM-1 only routes HDMI video signals from and to external devices. It does not send digital audio to the LMC-1, nor does it output digital audio. This must be done with separate connections."

BaggedLancer

I would give them call, an HDMI video switch in an AVR that doesn't support the sound aspect in my opinion is a complete waste of money. The whole reason to do HDMI switching in an AVR is to get the True HD sound, otherwise just plug the HDMI cable into your TV and run a fiber optic or digital coax from your dvd player to your AVR.

Makes no sense not to support audio. Definately give them a call.

mhartman29

I just read this on Emotiva's forum:

I also emailed EMO tech support and here's what Lonnie's response regarding LMC's HDMI:

"The HDMI switcher used on the LMC-1 does pass audio, but some system do not recognize it and will not play it where as others will. That being the case, we just list it as being video only. "

I will call/email them to see what they say and post what I find out.

BaggedLancer

sounds like another HDCP handshaking issue, ask them what version of HDMI they use in their AVR's.

olilugo

if you are only looking for upscaling, I have a 90$ panasonic and it works great.
I use hdmi to the tv and digital conection to my receiver and it sound great.

I use it only for HT. so I would not coment for music.

DOn't spend so much money on an upscale dvd player as there should not be much difference between one and another...

mhartman29

olilugo, you use a digital coax/optical connection for your audio? What model panasonic are you using?

My main concern right now is a dvd player that upconverts video, since regular DVDs look pretty lousy, imo. I'd rather sit on the sidelines and let the HD/BlueRay war play itself out before getting a HD player.

As for the emotiva, from all the responses I got on their support forum, it appears the HDMI switch only pipes video.

olilugo

This is the dvd I bought.

Panasonic DVDS53K.