Up-convert DVD player question...

[Vipper III]

I recently purchased the Westinghouse LVM-42W2 monitor, and was possibly looking to get an up-convert DVD player to go along with it. The one I have my eyes on is the Panasonic DVDS52S, which I can get for less than 100 bucks. What pointed me to that one was that it was one of very few that have a DTS converter built in. While my receiver has a DTS decoder, too, I found out that unless the DVD player has one built in, I get no sound from my TV, just the surround speakers. This happens whether the DVD player is connected to the receiver via coaxial or optical. Whether this is legit is another story; I just know that's what I experienced.

Moving along (albeit very slowly), I guess part of my question has to do with whether I'll notice a difference with the up-convert player. I've been told that if the TV has a good scaler/de-interlacer, up-convert doesn't really matter. Is this true? The Westinghouse apparently supports 1080p through component cables, so would the built-in scaler automatically up convert standard DVD? If not, and I have to get the Panasonic up-convert, by what means should I connect it to get the benefit of up-convert and full surround sound (DD/DTS) where appropriate? Would the component connection work, given my TV, or would the HDMI connection be sufficient?

The reason for my question is that a while back I tried one of the Toshiba up-converts, and when I made use of the HDMI connection, it included the audio, but not in full, 5.1+ surround. But, it didn't have the decoders built in. I just want to make sure that the same thing doesn't happen here. Furthermore, I want to get the best quality across the board as possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[billy p]

I 99 % sure that player will not upscale to 1080p, 720p or 1080i yes! 1080p look at the neu neo hvd 2085 player.I'm sure you will not find much of choice in your price range for 1080p upscaler.

 

[Vipper III]

I 99 % sure that player will not upscale to 1080p, 720p or 1080i yes! 1080p look at the neu neo hvd 2085 player.I'm sure you will not find much of choice in your price range for 1080p upscaler.

You mean the Panasonic will not upscale to 1080p, or my current player? Either way, can the Westinghouse upscale, or does it not work that way, despite it accepting 1080p over component? Also, do you know how I'd go about connecting the player to the Westinghouse so that I get both upscaling and full surround sound? Sorry if my questions sound a little confusing, but my lack of familiarity with this is complicating my ability to ask what might be the "correct" question.

 

[billy p]

Vipper?Go to front page of audioholics and check out professional product reviews on the player I mentioned it may help you understand 1080p.I was just answering part of you question panny dvds52s is not a 1080p player.

 

[Nick250]

Unless I am misreading your post Vipper connect the analog outs from the back of your DVD player to the analog audio inputs on the back of your TV, usually right next to the apporpriate video input. You should now have audio from your TV speakers. At least that how it works on my Sony plasma and Denon DVD player. Having them both on at the same time sounds horrible however. I will mute the TV when listening using the AV system.

 

[JeffD2.]

Your Westinghouse may support 1080p over component.... but I think you'll be hard pressed to find any DVD player that will that pass anything more than 480p over component, unless hacks are applied to the player. This is due to copyright protection agreements between the studios, manufacturers and the federal government (HDCP compliant).

Personally, on a 42" 16:9 display, I wouldn't bother with an upconverting player but rather would spend the money on standard player with more features. From posts I've read on another forum, the real benefit of upconverting players can be appreciated on projector systems. The benefits on your screen (or mine for that matter) are at best, neglegable.

I conducted a blind veiwing test with the results posted here.

 

[Vipper III]

Thanks a lot for all the info, everyone; I think I'm starting to get the hang of all of this stuff. The TV will be arriving tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to seeing how it handles everything.