View Full Version : confused over upconverting dvd players
51gator50
12-05-2005, 02:30 PM
i have a toshiba 57hx81 hdrptv that doesn't have a hdmi connection, does this mean that a upconverting player is a no go? i've read that using one of these players through component cables won't play most dvds because of copyright issues, is this true?
Ratman
12-05-2005, 03:24 PM
True... the vast majority of new(er) DVD upscaling players will only perform that over DVI or HDMI. This will probably also be an issue with the (yet to be seen) HD-DVD/Blu-ray DVD players.
51gator50
12-05-2005, 05:14 PM
so would you suggest just going with a good ps dvd player?
puck71
12-05-2005, 05:48 PM
I would. Save your money for a real HD DVD player when they come out.
Ratman
12-05-2005, 05:54 PM
But to reiterate... you will probably be in same situation as the "real HD DVD players" will also require DVI or HDMI (for HD resolutions).
So don't set your expectations too high.
51gator50
12-06-2005, 10:45 AM
can someone recommend a good dvd player for me.
MySti
12-06-2005, 02:10 PM
can someone recommend a good dvd player for me.
Same here. Need recomendation on progressive dvd player
Ratman
12-06-2005, 03:14 PM
Try this...
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7048713&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03013&id=1107957009599
or this:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6416568&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03013&id=1077626516556
51gator50
12-07-2005, 03:55 AM
what about one that doesn't upconvert, i don't have a hdmi on my tv.
Ratman
12-07-2005, 08:17 AM
Just use component cables... it won't upconvert and output at 480p.
With the Zenith, you may find this interesting:
http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/experttips/michaeltlv/lg_dv7832_firmware.html
Or... consider one of these Samsung's:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=20543
51gator50
12-07-2005, 02:08 PM
but if they won't upconvert what is the advantage of buying a player that upconverts? also how do you do a firmware upgrade on a dvd player? thanks for your help.
what is the advantage of buying a player that upconverts? .1. The upconversion is done in the digital domain.
2. it's done closer to the source 480i material (the DVD).
3. It's not always better. It depends on the quality of the upconversion by the TV, vs. the DVD player. Inexpensive player, probably lousy upconversion.
4. They do upconvert on the digital video output (DVI/HDMI), but if your TV doesn't have that input, it's not much use.
Ratman
12-07-2005, 03:33 PM
51gator50,
You were looking/asking about upconverting players. You were limited to choices since you had no HDMI/DVI input to your TV. I provided two alternatives that will allow upconversion via component.
So... the Samsung is probably the easiest and safest. The Zenith can be upgraded by downloading the firmware to a PC and burning to a CD. With a little searching in the Keohi forum, you can get more detailed info as to the specifics/instructions.
If you just want a progressive scan DVD player... I'd say that any 'brand name' player will suffice.
51gator50
12-07-2005, 04:08 PM
ok so i can get one up the upconverting players and just use component cables. last night i watched cinderella man using my playstation 2 and thought it looked good. if i get a upconverting player will it look alot better then the ps2. also i don't think my ps2 is progressive scan for movies just for games.by the way, cinderella man was an excellent movie i thought.
puck71
12-07-2005, 06:14 PM
if i get a upconverting player will it look alot better then the ps2. Probably not. I consider upconversion to be mostly a gimmick, but in certain situations it can improve things a little bit. But the bottom line is that the video stored on the DVD is still 480i, so the whole "garbage in" thing applies.
