Video upscaling - do I need an Oppo or should I let my AVR do the work?

[TVJon]

I'm considering a couple of Blu-Ray players (Oppo and a couple of Denon models) and started thinking that my Denon 2309 AVR already has the ability to upscale standard def DVDs and other content with its Faroudja processing.

The question is whether that negates the need to do something like the Oppo, which has a rep for great upscaling. I'm not worried about being able to play back old dead audio format disks here..and will leave the streaming video task to an Apple TV or something similar. I just need solid Blu-Ray and DVD playback through my AVR. Would Denon's 1610 suffice? (I'd probably take the Oppo over Denon's 2010.. because the Oppo's great and less expensive than the 2010.)

TIA,

TVJon

 

[jostenmeat]

I searched your posts to see what your display was. Yes, I'd also opt for the best upconversion with a PJ (if you can still watch DVD on FP, because I can't).

Oppo uses Anchor Bay. ABT >> Faroudja.

As always, it all depends on how much it's worth it to you. For the very best, you'd want an outboard video processor, but no, I don't think it's worth spending more on that than you did for the PJ.

Get the Oppo, unless any of the Denons you are considering have good stuff onboard, like Realta, but that means you will be spending even more in all likelihood.

 

[TVJon]

Thanks for the advice so far.

I'm going to be running the Panasonic PT-AE4000U on a 110 inch screen. I suspect that's a good enough set-up to make this decision important. Your image is only as good as the weakest link in the chain, right?

TVJon

 

[jostenmeat]

Thanks for the advice so far.

You're welcome.

I'm going to be running the Panasonic PT-AE4000U on a 110 inch screen. I suspect that's a good enough set-up to make this decision important. Your image is only as good as the weakest link in the chain, right?

That is a loaded question. Not unlike the world of audio, the biggest factors include the device that you perceive (display), the source (and if you really care, then you would only feed hi-def), and the room.

The Oppo or nearly any Denon would make a fine choice for upconverting DVDs, with a reasonable budget. I would only go with Denon if it was the same price, or close to the same price, and that you possibly don't mind giving up SACD/DVDA of the Oppo.

In all honesty, IF IT WAS ME, I'd take that extra $400-600 or so (if SACD is not important), and throw it at a better PJ. Ok, it would take even more money, perhaps 1k more, but that just might very well land you in the ballpark of a JVC RS10 or RS15. Again, THAT'S JUST ME. I'd use what I've always been using, a Panasonic BDP, like the ones going recently for $109.