Question about upconverted SD DVD on HD projector

[Astrakan]

Okay... so I'm not sure that anyone can actually answer this question, but I'd like some thoughts on the matter.

I'll be getting a 1080p projector in in January. Based on my research I'm leaning towards the Panasonic PT-AE2000U.

However, in the review of that projector at projectorcentral.com, the following is mentioned when comparing it to the Sanyo PLV-Z2000:

Originally Posted by Evan Powell of projectorcentral.com

Both the AE2000 and the Z2000 have outstanding image clarity with HD material. In reality, the AE2000 has a slight edge over the Z2000 in apparent clarity of high definition material due to the effect of its higher contrast and saturation. However, the Z2000 has an incremental advantage with standard definition material, in that it is smoother, cleaner, and more noise free than the AE2000.

This is of concern to me since I'll be watching more SD content than HD for quite some time to come.

Now... what about upconverted SD content? Since the AE2000 handles HD content better than the Z2000, do you think upconverted SD content look better on the AE2000 than the Z2000? Or is SD content considered SD content whether it's upconverted or not?

Like I said, it's unlikely anyone can straight up answer my questions, but some input would be nice.

Thanks.

Here's a link to the review: http://www.projectorcentral.com/pana..._projector.htm

KM

[SilentBob]

Now i really know nothing at all about this stuff, but i take it they are talking about the Dig. Projector built in scaler doing the job. Maybe running the dvd upconverted from the HD-DVD player instead might have a different result on screen Again i don't know much but overall i think better High Def image is better then an upconverted image. Personally i find it hard going back to DVD from HD/BR viewing. I too have a big collection of dvd that i still view but again i guess 50 inches to i guess 92+ might be a different result with the eyes

[Derb]

Need some projector calibration or something. I'm sure both display SD material just fine with a good upcon.

A lot of people like Oppo. I'm sure a Denon or either Toshiba or Sony high-def player would also do the projector justice.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by Astrakan

Okay... so I'm not sure that anyone can actually answer this question, but I'd like some thoughts on the matter.

I'll be getting a 1080p projector in in January. Based on my research I'm leaning towards the Panasonic PT-AE2000U.

However, in the review of that projector at projectorcentral.com, the following is mentioned when comparing it to the Sanyo PLV-Z2000:



This is of concern to me since I'll be watching more SD content than HD for quite some time to come.

Now... what about upconverted SD content? Since the AE2000 handles HD content better than the Z2000, do you think upconverted SD content look better on the AE2000 than the Z2000? Or is SD content considered SD content whether it's upconverted or not?

Like I said, it's unlikely anyone can straight up answer my questions, but some input would be nice.

Thanks.

Here's a link to the review: http://www.projectorcentral.com/pana..._projector.htm

KM

If you are using an upscaling DVD player, you will be feeding it an HD signal. So whether a SD DVD looks "smoother" will simply be a function of how much detail the set reveals; personally I'd rather have "rough" looking SD DVD because I know SD DVD actually looks rough to begin with, if it looks smooth I know the set is not revealing the full detail - meaning HD content will suffer.

For instance, SD DVDs on my KDS-60A3000 can be brutal sometimes, but that is simply because the set reveals all the flaws in the transfer. I want that, though. I don't want something that is going to smear my HD picture. If I want DNR I can enable it in the DVD player (or use the TV's builtin option if it has one), I don't want it permanently on.

[Iguana Man]

Here are a few things that would make my choice of the AE2000 easy:

1. The AE2000 is higher in contrast, has better black levels, and better color saturation.

2. The AE2000 also has an advantage in lumen output.

3. The AE2000 has no pixel structure whatsoever.

4. The AE2000 has powered zoom/focus, whereas on the Z2000 it is manual.
To me this is a plus because they go on to say:if you plan to install a 2.35 Cinemascope screen, you can use the AE2000's powered zoom to increase the size of a 2.35 movie to fill the screen, then zoom it back down to vertically fill the 2.35 screen with 1.78 (16:9) material. And: If you want to install a 2.35 screen and maintain a constant image height system with the use of an anamorphic lens, the AE2000 has the vertical stretch mode to accommodate this type of lens while the Z2000 does not.

5. The AE2000 has an austere, dark industrial case design. I must be out of the norm here, but I'd prefer this over white.

6. The AE2000 has 16 user programmable pre-sets, while the Z2000 has seven.

And the clincher for me is:

The AE2000 has some other features that the Z2000 does not. The split-screen calibration is unique to the AE2000, as is an onboard waveform monitor that can be used to assist calibrations. The AE2000 has three HDMI ports to the Z2000's two. And the AE2000's remote has some universal capability that allows it to learn and control several devices in your theater, whereas the Z2000 remote is more conventional.

For those plusses alone I would gladly pay $500 more for the AE2000. As far as the 'incremental' advantage they claim the Z2000 has....I dunno, but when I hear 'more filmlike', that tends to worry me since it usually means 'soft' and that just ain't my preference.

For the record, I own both a Panny (AX100U) and a Sanyo (Z2) so I feel I'm unbiased when I say the AE2000 would without a doubt be the one for me.

[chlngr1970]

The most important piece of advise I can give is, see one in action for yourself with both DVD and HDM to see if it is something you will want. Also, make sure the retailer has a good return policy in case you are not happy with it when you get it home.

j

[Astrakan]

Thanks for all the input everyone, it's much appreciated.

KM

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by Ruined

If you are using an upscaling DVD player, you will be feeding it an HD signal. So whether a SD DVD looks "smoother" will simply be a function of how much detail the set reveals;

Simply? How does the quality of the upconversion factor in?

Peace...

[Pirate]

I agree with Iggy’s post. As much as I’ve loved my Sanyo PJ, I plan to get the Panny when I upgrade.

Also, I think the Sanyo only does 1080p/60, but I could be wrong.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by tomdkat

Simply? How does the quality of the upconversion factor in?

Peace...

Since we are assuming both sets are using the same source, it should not matter.