View Full Version : Help me pick the best DVD player for my TV please.
SNOW4ME
04-05-2006, 01:55 PM
Hi all, I have a Hitachi 53FDX01B built in 2001. The best inputs it has on it are component video, no DVI or HDMI. The tv is a HD unit but currently I do not use it to it's full capacity due to the cost of the Direct TV box and the channels I want. Anyhow, I want a DVD player that will produce the BEST possible HD looking picture I can get, playing regular rental DVD's. I guess I am concerned that if I get a DVD player that will "upconvert", will it work right without having the DVI or HDMI inputs? I am also looking for a DVD/VCR recorder combo as well. Help me spend my money wisely please.
Thanks you very much.
Daryl
Ratman
04-05-2006, 02:21 PM
IMO... get any progressive scan DVD player. Don't concern yourself with an upscaling player. Most all require DVI/HDMI for the upscaling "effect"
All DVD's are 480i and an upscaling will not "make" the picture HD. It will just perform some 'digital magic' and output a 1080i signal.
With new technology on the horizon and the age of your TV, enjoy what you have until it finally dies and take the least expensive alternative for the time being.
SNOW4ME
04-05-2006, 02:44 PM
I swear, I am getting a headache from all this. I believe you are right. Do you have a particular brand or model that is popular and works well?
Thanks!
Ratman
04-05-2006, 02:55 PM
Any player <$125 from Best Buy, Circuit City or Sears. Take it home try it out. If you don't like it... exchange it.
SNOW4ME
04-05-2006, 03:11 PM
Ratman, what about that Samsung HD850, can I hack that thing to upconvert through my component inputs? I just want to have something that will give me an HD quality type picture as it looks like I will not be able to afford the Direct tv HD box and service as I had originally hoped to do. I don't see myself getting a new tv any time soon so component video is all I will be able to do for a long time until the kids are grown up or my wife gets a job!
Thanks for the time, I hope to not be a pain, still learning.
Daryl
You will likely find that the "upconverted" quality through component on that unit is not any better than a half-decent PS DVD player.
Remember, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. You are starting with 480i material here.
SNOW4ME
04-05-2006, 03:25 PM
Ok, cool. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to miss out on anything by only getting a PS unit. Crutchfield seems to like the Samsung while Consumers reports favors the Panasonic. I don't know what to get but I do appreciate all of the input. This is a fun place.
thanks again, Daryl
Ratman
04-05-2006, 03:47 PM
Ratman, what about that Samsung HD850, can I hack that thing to upconvert through my component inputs?
Not anymore:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showpost.php?p=148562&postcount=30
SNOW4ME
04-05-2006, 04:01 PM
I wonder if there is a way to tell an older model that will do it from a newer model that won't. As of right now, i think I am going to try Panasonic's DVD-F87, Consumers reports claims that it does a nice job and it's a 5-disc. I think I need to be able to have more than one cd or dvd in there. I am still looking at the DVD recorders. CR pics another Panasonic that is a DVD/VCR Recorder combo that I am looking at.
Great info guys, thanks
Daryl
Brian@BBY
04-10-2006, 03:55 PM
go with the sony 5 disc, dvp-nc85h/b it upconverts and is only $150. great unit with awesome reviews from avs forum. i have 2 of em and they rule!
provenflipper
04-11-2006, 05:20 PM
go with the sony 5 disc, dvp-nc85h/b it upconverts and is only $150. great unit with awesome reviews from avs forum. i have 2 of em and they rule!
Co-sign. If you don't want to pitch the dough on a 5-disc model, then the single disc model should suffice as well.
