SDI output from DVD

[aseager]

Hello all,

I am in the process of upgrading all of my video components, and I have a question regarding SDI. Specifically, I have read that by using a serial digital interface output on my DVD player and feeding my projector with the digital signal (probably by using a video scaler with DVI output), I can achieve a much better picture, due to the fact that there is no digital-analog conversion in the process.

My first question is, does anybody have experience in doing this, and does it make an appreciable difference in picture quality? Also, if doing this bypasses the DVD player's DAC altogether, and basically turns the device into a disc drive, does it make any difference whether I get a $200 DVD player or a $2,000 player?

Lastly, since I'm considering upgrading DVD players anyway, I'm wanting to pick up one with SACD capability... again, since the SACD signal is kept in the digital domain and fed to my A/V receiver, does the "quality" of player matter at all?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

 

[LEVESQUE]

If you could find an "old" RP-62 or RP-82, those are probably the best players to have SDI-modded. No need to buy a 2000$ player to mod it if you are interested in PQ only. BUT, if you also want a good universal and audio player, then a better player is making more sense, like the Denon 2900, 3910 or the Pio Elite 59avi, that can all be SDI modified.

For video only, then go with a RP-82 or RP-62.

I was using a Denon 5900 SDI modded to my projector and the picture was simply awesome. An SDI-modded player will give you the best picture south of the new Denon 5910, but for a much cheaper price.

And with the scaler, you will be able to process and scale ALL your other sources (VCR, cable/Sat X-Box, LD, etc), something the Denon 5910 can't do...

Or else, you could just find a player that can pass 480i ver HDMI or DVI (like the Pio Elite 59avi, newest Arcam, new HDMI player from Sony...) and pair it with the Lumagen HDP that can now (since 2 or 3 weeks) accept 480i over the digital connection, and this will be EXACTLY like using an SDI connection.

DVDO are presently working on a firmware upgrade to make it work on the IScan also. So pairing, for example, the Pioneer 59avi or the new Sony with HDMI, with the Lumagen, you can send 480i over HDMI, and then SAVING $$$ on the SDI mod and SDI add-on module that you don't need anymore.

There are some AVS users already using the Pio 59avi with the Lumagen, and sending 480i over HDMI, with great results.

There is no Denon or Onkyo players that can pass 480i over DVI or HDMI on the market. Only the Pio 59avi, newest Sony-HDMI, newest Arcam and Meridian.

 

[laguna_b]

SDI on Denon 5900

Where did you get the SDI mod and what did it run you?