Should I get an upconverting DVD Player?

[dwishner]

Im getting ready to purchase a DVD player among other things and am trying to deterine if I should get an upconverting DVD player. I would be willing to spend $500-$1000 for a good DVD player, but if I don't need an upconverting one, I believe I should be able to get a good one for less than this.

I just purchased a Pioneer 4270 which supposedly has a good internal scaler. I'm also going to purchase a AV Receiver (Denon 4306 or possilby new Yamaha 2700) which would have upconverting capabilities as well.

So is it better to do the upconversion in the Pioneer the receiver, or should I purcahse a DVD player with upconversion capabilities?

TIA,
Dave

 

[flyv65]

With an upscaling TV, the only advantage I see to using the upconversion/switching of an AV receiver is if you have too few digital inputs for yuor needs (XBox, Playstation, DVD player, digital cable or dish, etc) and/or only want to run one line to the TV. Out of curiosity, are you considering a universal player (CD/SACD/DVD/DVD-Audio)?

Bryan...you've got quite a few options...

 

[majorloser]

Upconverting DVD Players

If your looking at an upconverting DVD player, look at either the OPPO OPDV971H http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h.html

Or the Neodigits HELIOS HVD2085 http://www.neodigits.com/new/body/products/HVD2085/specs.asp

Both for around $200. Both have been reviewed by Audioholics. You can save a lot of money and put it toward a hi def DVD player when the format wars are over.

 

[B5I8]

My vote is for the Denon DVD-2930CI. It has the new Reon chip and the picture is fabulous. It also plays my audio beautifully as well. It is much better at upconverting than your receiver so let the DVD player do the work.

 

[Electone]

I'm surprised no one has recommended the Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD player. If you are willing to spend $500, why not buy what is being described as the best upconverting player ever, AND of course, it plays HD-DVD's and is built like a tank.

 

[majorloser]

I'm surprised no one has recommended the Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD player. If you are willing to spend $500, why not buy what is being described as the best upconverting player ever, AND of course, it plays HD-DVD's and is built like a tank.

In the August issue of HT mag they did an in-depth review of that deck, including taking it apart. It is basically a P4 computer with an HD-DVD disc drive. They said the unit had significant issues that hopefully will be worked out in future generations. It retails for $799

http://hometheatermag.com/discplayers/0506toshiba/

Personnally, I'd wait for the format wars to end and the manufacturers to produce the second generation players before I switch. For around $169 you can get an upconverting player to use with all of the current discs most people own and available for rent.

 

[mikeyj92]

majorloser,

The Neodigits HELIOS looks to be able to upconvert via component as well as HDMI while the OPPO doesnt mention (or I cant see it) this specifically.

Does the OPPO also upconvert via the component out?

 

[Nick250]

Personnally, I'd wait for the format wars to end and the manufacturers to produce the second generation players before I switch. For around $169 you can get an upconverting player to use with all of the current discs most people own and available for rent.

That gets my vote.

 

[GlocksRock]

majorloser,

The Neodigits HELIOS looks to be able to upconvert via component as well as HDMI while the OPPO doesnt mention (or I cant see it) this specifically.

Does the OPPO also upconvert via the component out?

No, the OPPO only upconverts via the DVI output. But they include in the box a DVI to DVI and a DVI to HDMI cable. It's a great player for the money as well.

 

[j_garcia]

If your display truly does have a good scaler, then you might even just go with the Oppo 970HD instead, for just $149 and feed 480i via HDMI.

 

[Electone]

In the August issue of HT mag they did an in-depth review of that deck, including taking it apart. It is basically a P4 computer with an HD-DVD disc drive. They said the unit had significant issues that hopefully will be worked out in future generations. It retails for $799

http://hometheatermag.com/discplayers/0506toshiba/

Personnally, I'd wait for the format wars to end and the manufacturers to produce the second generation players before I switch. For around $169 you can get an upconverting player to use with all of the current discs most people own and available for rent.

Since that article, Toshiba has released a flurry of firmware updates for their HD-DVD players (current firmware is version 2.0). These updates have corrected the issues Home Theatre Mag described and have allowed the player to now output Dolby True HD in 5.1. I realize that the format war will rage on, but Sony is currently faltering with Blu-ray. Lots of promises, no delivery. The only Blu-ray player available is the Samsung and direct comparisons of Warner's HD-DVD discs and Blu-ray discs have shown HD-DVD to deliver a superior picture at this time.

Another reason to buy this machine is that it is supposed to be a fantastic sounding CD player as well.

 

[majorloser]

Since that article, Toshiba has released a flurry of firmware updates for their HD-DVD players (current firmware is version 2.0). These updates have corrected the issues Home Theatre Mag described and have allowed the player to now output Dolby True HD in 5.1. I realize that the format war will rage on, but Sony is currently faltering with Blu-ray. Lots of promises, no delivery. The only Blu-ray player available is the Samsung and direct comparisons of Warner's HD-DVD discs and Blu-ray discs have shown HD-DVD to deliver a superior picture at this time.

Another reason to buy this machine is that it is supposed to be a fantastic sounding CD player as well.

It's still a P4 motherboard running an application instead of a purpose built machine.

IMO- it's still a too early.