Best HDMi DVD Player (price=no issue)

[blakejsmith]

I have a Sony KV32HS420 which has an hdmi imput on it, and am wondering what the best dvd player would be to get. I am considering the LG LST3510A
which is hd ota receiver with a dvd player. it has an dvi output but i can always get a converter. Will the hdmi output provide a significantly better picture. I don't care about the price as long as its under $600. Any help would be appreciated. Thx.

Blake

[Eyedox]

So you DO care about price ... hahaha.

[DVdude]

Will the hdmi output provide a significantly better picture.

Hi,

Both DVI and HDMI output a digital signal and the picture quality should be identical. However, HDMI can also carry an Audio signal and has High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP).

If you're not concerned with money, take a look at the Denon DVD-2910 as it has some of the best sound quality, and uses DCDi technology from the Faroudja FLI-2310 decoding engine to enhance the up-converted picture quality (it's also supposed to be Chroma Bug Free):
http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/products.asp?l=1&c=4

[gtogre]

I'd check out the Denon 2910 and the Sony NS975V. Don't bother with the Toshiba 5970.

[Ratman]

Don't bother with the Toshiba 5970.

Why?....

[Matt27]

Yes, why?

It got great reviews in the secrets dvd shootout.

[gtogre]

OK, well...I guess you can try it out on your own TV to see what's best. No offense to those who may have the Toshiba, just didn't work best on my TV. For me, the Sony PQ seemed better in 1080i. I'm not a pro, so can't get into all the tech stuff, but just looked better to me. Plus, the remote on the Toshiba sorta killed the deal. IMO, poorly designed layout and seemed to always require pushing buttons more than once to get it to work. But, if you have a good universal remote, it's a moot point. Although they can be had for <$20 on ebay, the Toshiba does come w/ HDMI cable, which also came in handy when comparing all the players I purchased.

So, moral of the story is, buy a few, try them out on YOUR system, then keep what works best. Never tried the Denon 2910 cuz for me price was prohibitive, but probably worth a try as per the discussions I've read.

[blakejsmith]

Well after reviewing my choices and options I haved decided to go with the Denon DVD-2910. It should be arriving tomarrow (its still the 26th here in AZ)
I bought a Monster 400 HDMI Cable and have a Monster THX optical going to my Yamaha Receiver. I have not yet calibrated the tv. I am thinking avia. I am wondering if anybody knows of something that would easily "tweak" or "tune up" my system until i get the calibration disc. I've been to cnet.com http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6463_7-5085739-2.html?tag=dir and there is some basic calibration methods there. Any recomendations? Also for anyone that has the Denon DVD-2910 are there any tweaks that will improve the picture quality with this dvd player or my Sony KV32HS420 ? (besides actual calibration) I appreciate everyones help in this matter. I'll talk to you later,


Blake

[Crunchyriff]

Blake- shop & watch places like overstock.com for DVE (Digital Video Essentials)- you can get it on the cheap there, (15 bucks and under!) and it is more robust, and in-depth than AVIA. I just got a copy of DVE a few weeks back for $12.89+ shipping!! (I upgraded from the old Video Essentials)

AVIA is a good place to start for a newbie, but if you're gonna tweak your display, IMHO, DVE will get you the optimum results (aside from an ISF tech).

Anything worth doing, is worth doing right!

[blakejsmith]

crunchyriff,

The thing is i m new at calibration, i've never done it before. How hard is DVE I have a good understanding (base) of home theater, but am still new. I just bought my Sony KV32HS420 last month. before that ive had just an old analog. Wouldd i be able to use DVE by myself? Any help would be appreciated. PS If you think i would be able to comple the calibration with DVE can you post the link where you got it that cheap?

thx,
Blake

[Crunchyriff]

Here you go- right now they have it for 14.89 (still a bargain!) plus 1.40 for shipping...

Click here (http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=474761)

Get one before they sell out again.

Yes, you CAN do this yourself. It will walk you through the entire audio/video setup process. (of course, if you only need the video portion, you can skip the audio section)

If you don't have one, go to Rat Shack and get a db meter (for about 40 bucks)- this will allow you to properly calibrate your audio system. Trust me, if you have NEVER done this before, you will be amazed. Setting your H/T audio by ear won't cut it. You'll be in the ballpark, at best, (if you're lucky)but it won't be optimum. I'm a pro musician, and believe me, the DB meter is far more accurate than any set of human ears.

For video calibration, you are set to go with DVE. It is very thorough, and explanatory in that it tells you WHY you are about to adjust what you adjust, each step of the way. The menu navigation could be slightly better, but even at $25 a copy, you couldn't spend 25 bucks more wisely on your sys, than that with using DVE.

You can do it!!