View Full Version : DVD Upconvert worth it? Also HDMI vs. Component.
BruteWes
03-10-2005, 11:47 AM
I plan on buying a 51" Hitachi RPTV and with TWC I would use the HDMI connection to the tv fromthe HD box. However, I need a new DVD player and I saw that BestBuy has a Toshiba that upconverts to 720p/1080i and it also has a HDMI output.
My question is, which source should I use for the HDMI, HD box or DVD player? And, is it worth getting a DVD player that up converts? Does it really make a difference in PQ?
I watch more DVD's that TV if that helps.
Thanks!
oman321
03-10-2005, 11:53 AM
IMO you should use the HDMI connection for the DVD player. No noticeable PQ difference on comcast cable with HDMI connection Vs. Component. PQ on DVD player should be a lot nicer when it upconverts.
TheAntMan
03-10-2005, 12:33 PM
Brute, since you have an RPT, I would use component cables for the STB and HDMI for the upscal player. If you had a DLP, LCD or other display that have "fixed" pixels, then HDMI might give a slightly better PQ on your set.
As far as the upscaled DVD player...it will only upscale to HD when it's transmited digitally, (through DVI, or HDMI). HDMI is didgital. I recommend to connect the STB by component (great PQ) and upscaled player through HDMI (to view in HD). If you use the HDMI on the STB (still great PQ), but use component for upscaled player, you can only vied DVD's in progressive mode and not in 720p/1080i mode (because the component cables do not transmit digitally). What you read though are just opinions, so always look at your choices and judge for yourself.
dangerdog
03-10-2005, 06:41 PM
Hi Brute,
A few weeks ago I purchased the Toshiba 5970 DVD player that you are talking about. I don't know what anyone else thinks about, but I did not have a very good experience with it. The picture quality was quite poor and looked very blocky. Also, the remote and the DVD player are unresponsive. Sometimes you could hit a button 5 times before it did anything, on the remote and DVD player itself. It looked like a good deal since the next model up is at least $150 more. Anyway, I took it back and got the Panasonic DVDS97S, which is well worth the extra money. The upconversion does make a bit of difference, but between 720p and 1080i, I don't think it is very noticable. Just my opinion though. I think if you watch more DVD's than TV you should put in the extra money for a nicer DVD player.
flafos
03-10-2005, 07:33 PM
BruteWes,
You are not limited to the HDMI input with only one or the other sources. See this web site: www.gefen.com
Here you can get an HDMI switcher box and use the HDMI input with your STB and upconverting DVD player. The switch comes with a remote control and you can toggle between the two sources. I have the DVI switcher and it works like a charm. I mean I bought a TV w/DVI input so I could make the most of the new digital technology. This allows me to do just that. I see no need to compress a digital signal and change it to analog just to do the reverse on the other end. In my opinion component video cables need to just go away just like VCR's.
Actually digital is the compressed signal. If you have an analogue TV (CRT-based) then the signal gets converted at one point or another, so component video is in no way "inferior" in that application. The reason most people see differences is due to the calibration, or lack thereof, between the various inputs. That's why the feedback is so mixed.
There are plenty of good analogue things still around in this world.
And lets remember, some people report WORSE picture with the digital inputs. Some posters, for example, find that the picture is too dark in comparison with the picture they get through component input. Some people report the opposite. No way can you lay down a hard and fast rule that the digital inputs will give you a better picture. IMO, the only reason I care that my tv has a digital input at all is because of the copy protection schemes looming down the road.
flafos
03-11-2005, 09:08 AM
57U,
You are indeed correct. And yes there are plenty of good analog products still around. And Rich I am not laying down any "rule" that Dig. will give you a better picture always. I am just saying that everything is going to digital and I feel that if you can take advantage of it then do. I remember having to hook up my CRT to my cable box and my VCR and receiver and then here comes the DVD players. What a mess. It is a lot easier with 1 digital connection to my TV now, and in my case the picture is a heck of a lot better using the DVI. I still will not miss all the analog inputs when they are finally gone.
