DVD Player recommendations: Discuss DVD player recommendations here

[tomdkat]

Ok, Kimmo suggested posting a "sticky" thread to be the home for DVD player recommendations, since this topic comes up from time to time.

So, I discussed it with the staff and haven't received any objections (yet) so we'll give it a try.

If you have info on a DVD player you want to recommend to people, please post that info in this thread. Be sure to include the following:

• DVD Player Manufacturer
• DVD Player model
• Is it a progressive scan player or interlaced only
• Is it a multi-CD/DVD changer
• Link to manufacturer product page (if possible)

If you are looking for a DVD player recommendation, please post your request for recommendation in this thread. Be sure to include the following:

• If you have a DVD player already, please post the make/model of that player
• Please post your budget/desired price range for the new player
• Whether you need a progressive scan player or not
• Any features (like Zoom, non-anamorphic scaling, MP3 support, WMA support, etc.
• Whether you need a region-free or multi-region player

The more info we have regarding your "requirements" for a new player, the better recommendations we can make.

You can read the Secrets DVD player shootout report here.

The Secrets report will provide information on various DVD players and how they perform with poorly authored DVDs, among other things. This should be used only as a guide.

Additionally, please read the chroma upsampling error (bug) thread to familiarize yourself somewhat about that as this issue WILL come up when comparing various DVD players.

To help get this started, here are links to previous threads with discussion on this, and related topics:

New DVD Player Needed
Looking for a multi-disc DVD player
Cd/DVD changers
opinions on Panasonic dvd players
Progressive Scan Player shopping help needed
Which DVD player is better?
Progressive Scan
DVD Players with non-anamorphic scaling
Pioneer Elite DV-45A vs. Panasonic RP82
Pioneer SACD/DVD-A Players
New High End dvd player
DVD/CD Changer recommendations?
Panasonic RP82 vs. Denon DVD 1600
Which of the following DVD players should I get my parents?

Let the games begin!

Peace...

[craven1972]

Good idea, I guess I will be the first to post my recommendation since we have just finished a discussion of this very thing in another thread.

I recommend the Denon 1600 Progressive Scan Single Disk DVD player. The player also plays DVD-Audio.

Strong point: Superb Video, Excellent Sound. Great job of dealing with poor DVDs (refer to Secrets report).

Weak Points: Remote could be better, I prefer the jog feature on Pioneers and such. Only single disk. Doesn't play SACD's. Only has fiber connection for digital hookup lacks the coax.

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by craven1972
Great job of dealing with poor DVDs (refer to Secrets report).

By this I presume you mean poorly flagged DVDs vs poorly authored DVDs or DVDs that cause various players to "hang" or exhibit other mis-behavior, right?

Peace...

[craven1972]

Correct! I figured you were gonna point that out, see my lazyness of not wanted to type more.

[Obi-Wan]

Ok so I want to upgrade to a progressive scan dvd player. I currently use a Toshiba SD2200 with my Toshiba 50H81 HDTV.

Over the past year or so the price on progressive scan dvd players has come way down. If I buy a player like the Panasonic RP62 or S35S will I see a huge difference in picture quality? I can get one of these for under $100.00. Or do I need to spend more like $500.00 on an RP91 to notice a difference.

-I am looking to spend under $500.
-I want a progressive scan player with both a DTS and DD.
-Region free is not a must.

Any suggestions?

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by Obi-Wan
If I buy a player like the Panasonic RP62 or S35S will I see a huge difference in picture quality?

It depends on how you define "huge". If you prefer to stick with Toshiba DVD players, check out the SD-4800 or the SD-3900. I don't know if the chorma upsampling error is bothersome to you. If you've been happy with your current Toshiba player's performance, it probably doesn't bother you as Toshiba DVD players use a de-interlacer (I think it's the de-interlacer) that masks the error well (minimizes it).

If you're open to other brands, the Denon-DVD-1600 (link to PDF file) would DEFINITELY be worth looking into. Do you need an optical digital audio connection or can you use an optical or coax digital audio connection?

The Toshiba's will have both and the Denon only has an optical digital audio output.

If you're keen on trying a Panasonic, see if you can find a RP82 or an XP30. Both offer about the same outstanding video performance. The RP82 has DVD-Audio support but the XP30 does not. "I have this very unit [XP30] in my home," to quote "Buck" from Boogie Nights. I'm currently checking out an XP30 along with a Sony DVP-NS715P and comparing them to my Pioneer V-656a. I've got a Toshiba 57HX81, which is one line above your H81 and the XP30 offers a VERY impressive video picture on my set. Even with only a THX Optimode calibration, the picture is great. Very detailed and smooth.

Of course, I'm obligated to mention the Pioneer DV-656a but if you've got $500 to spend see if you can find a Denon DVD-1600 or a Panasonic DVD-RP82 or XP30.

I've found my Pioneer to perform almost on par with the XP30, which says a lot sonsidering the XP30 uses GREAT de-interlacing components and great MPEG decoders.

Of ALL of the players I mention, the Toshibas tend to have the MOST features. I can't comment on the video performance as I haven't seen it (progressive scan at least) first hand.

Why not do this, go to Best Buy and find a Toshiba SD-4800 or SD-3900 and try it out. If you don't like it, return it within 30 days and seek out a Denon or Panasonic. The Pioneer is hard to find in a B&M store. I'm not sure about the Denon. The Panasonics I mention are getting harder and harder to find. I bought mine on eBay. When I'm done doing my testing, I'm going to sell the XP30 so check back with me in a month or two, if you still need a progressive scan DVD player.

As for the Panasonic S35, I've heard the NEW Panasonic DVD players do NOT use the Sage/Faroujda (now Genesis) de-interlacer and I've read where people are complaining about the video performance NOT being "up to snuff" as compared to the RP82 and XP30. The Panasonic CP72 is also worth investigating if you want a DVD/CD changer.

Peace...

[MurDiddlyUrdler]

Originally posted by tomdkat
If you're open to other brands, the Denon-DVD-1600 (link to PDF file) would DEFINITELY be worth looking into. Do you need an optical digital audio connection or can you use an optical or coax digital audio connection?

That seems like a great player, tomdkat. It's got the Faroudja DCDi decoder and it has the two functions I love about my Toshiba SD-4800, zoom for non-anamorphic 4:3 material and a built-in closed caption decoder. Awesome!

I may just have to check this player out. I like my Toshiba SD-4800, but I'm becoming less impressed with the video performance. I didn't notice the chroma bug on the Toshiba when I first got it, but now that I've seen it, I see it all the time and it's kind of annoying. The Denon (with the Faroudja processor) wouldn't have the chroma bug, correct?

A quick search at pricegrabber.com shows that you can get the Denon DVD-1600 refurbished by Denon for $249.99 at eCOST.com. Click here to get this price. Do you guys think it'd be worth "auditioning" against my Toshiba? How do you guys feel about a refurbished DVD player? I've had refurbished equipment in the past and never had problems, but never a refurbished DVD player. I gotta think Denon would be pretty strict on what it refurbishes. The $249.99 price seems to be a great price on this player. Other retailers are selling in the $380-440 range.

I gotta stop buying DVD Players, but I'm rather intrigued by this Denon. I still need to sell my Sony DVP-NS715P and I'm sure I can find a buyer for my Toshiba if I decide on the Denon. I'll keep my Pioneer DVL-700 because it's the only thing I have that plays laserdiscs.


edit - fixed link and bad grammar

[Obi-Wan]

Once again thanks for all the info tom.

I did some more research last night on the Denon 1600 and it is impressive. Most of the reviews I have found on it rave about it. I just might pick this one up when I get back from vacation in June.

[Obi-Wan]

Oh yeah. Yes I do have an optical audio connection and a receiver that decodes both DD and DTS.

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by MurDiddlyUrdler
I like my Toshiba SD-4800, but I'm becoming less impressed with the video performance. I didn't notice the chroma bug on the Toshiba when I first got it, but now that I've seen it, I see it all the time and it's kind of annoying. The Denon (with the Faroudja processor) wouldn't have the chroma bug, correct?[/size]

Wow, I had no idea you had "issues" with the video performance of your Tosh. If you can, definitely pick up and audition the Denon. I've been doing that with the Panasonic DVD-XP30 I have and comparing it with my Pioneer DV-656a and I'm finding my Pioneer performs _very_ closely to the XP30, with the XP30 having the better (sharper, crisper) picture. I'm not sure if I'll keep the XP30 as I'm a "Pioneer man" and I love the reliability of my DV-656a. I'm gonna get a SD-3800 or SD-4800 and check that out to see how Tosh video compares to my Pioneer.

I'm sure my Pioneer has the chroma upsampling error and I can't "readily" see if, thank goodness, when watching various DVDs. I've watched "Fifth Element" (the scene where they reconstruct Lilu) and I _think_ I've actually seen the chroma bug in action. If I have, it's not a bother to be at all. What did I see? Well in that big red button in that scene, I noticed some _very_ thin black lines through the mid-section of the button as if I was watching a low resolution LD or something. With the XP30, I can see the texture of the button and the color was vibrant and amazing.

I also tried "Moulin Rouge" (chapter where you first get to see the "Moulin Rouge" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is first heard) and "Toy Story" (scene where Tom Hank's character addresses the toys while standing on that makeshift podeum). I couldn't see any evidence of the error on my Pioneer and the XP30 video and Pioneer video looked identical in those scenes.

Since the Denon DVD-1600 is based on the Panasonic DVD-RP82 and the Panasonic DVD-XP30 has video performance equal to the RP82, I think you will LOVE the DVD-1600. I know I'm VERY impressed with how beautiful the XP30's video is and I'm equally impressed with how well my Pioneer has "fared" against the XP30, at least on my Toshiba 57HX81.

Peace...

[MurDiddlyUrdler]

Thanks for the advice, tomdkat. I'm gonna head to my local Tweeter later today and take a look at the Denon DVD-1600. If I like the way it looks and operates, I'll go ahead and order it from eCOST.com. I'd get it from Tweeter because they're the folks who sold me my TV and sound system, plus I get a discount there, but there's no way they'd come close to that online price of $249.95.

Just one more question: how do you feel about a Denon refurbished DVD player? I gotta think if it was refurbished by Denon, it's gotta be OK.

[Rogue]

I highly recommend Panasonic players. They are great in the bang for your buck category.

I have an RP91. While the deinterlacing performance is not as good as the RP62, RP82, or Denon 1600, it does do a good job with the latest firmware. It has great features that most players lack, such as auto scaling of non anamorphic DVDs and 1.33:1 DVDs. It will display these DVDs at the correct aspect ration automatically, even if your TV locks onto full mode when receiving a progressive signal.

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by MurDiddlyUrdler
Just one more question: how do you feel about a Denon refurbished DVD player? I gotta think if it was refurbished by Denon, it's gotta be OK.

I have no experience with Denon refurbished gear, so I really don't know. If you're "relying" on the Denon "name" to imply a level of quality, they had problems with the DVD-2800 when that first came out and then with the DVD-3800.

I've given TWO Toshiba refurbished players to two different people and one of them "died" a year later. The other was given about a month ago so it's too soon too tell.

If you can get the refurb from a place with a good return policy, I would say go for it. Outside of that, I'm not sure what my personal comfort level would be.

Of course, I'm NOT criticizing Denon's QA or anything. I just don't know what I would do.

Good luck!

Peace...

[MurDiddlyUrdler]

eCOST.com does offer extended warranties on their products so I think it might just be worth it to order from them. They want $249.95 for the Denon DVD-1600. Tweeter wants $499.99 for it.

I'm gonna head to my local Tweeter later today and take a look at the Denon DVD-1600.

Well, I went to my local Tweeter and that was a complete waste of time. They had the player, but nobody at the store could find the remote for it. I wanted to check out the player's features, but most things require the remote. I'm heading out of town tomorrow. Maybe there'll be a store there where I can look at what this player does.

[chogan]

It's very much like a Panasonic RP82. The only difference I can think of is that it has an "audio only" feature which makes CDs and DVD-Audio sound better by turning of the video circuitry. It does make a difference. Don't know if the RP82 has that. The remote and menus are exactly the same. I got a DVD-1600 because I liked the warm fuzzy feeling of having a Denon receiver and Denon DVD player. The RP82 is a smarter buy. Although that online price you have there is incredible!

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by chogan
The RP82 is a smarter buy.

Well, that might depend a little. I _have_ read that the Denon DVD-1600 has some video improvements over the RP82, even though it's based on the RP82. I don't think these improvements were significant, so it might not be worth going with the DVD-1600 over the RP82 (if you can even find one these days) unless this video improvement is noticable to you. I'll see if I can find where I read that and post a link here.

Peace...

[mrkeeling]

I see a lot of you really like Denon DVD-1600, so I decided to introduce a different opinion.

For a short period of time I had both Denon DVD-1600 and Panasonic RP-82 in my system. I can honestly say that there was noting that Denon did better than Pany and it costs twice the money. So if the picture quality is your main concern I would definitely recommend Panasonic.

On the other hand, if you are in Hi-Res music and want the best of both worlds (DVD-a and SACD) and still want good picture performance, looks like that Yamaha DVD-S2300 is the way to go.

Of course if sound is your main concern and you can live with its picture there is (now relatively inexpensive) Pioneer Elite DV-45A, which I am very happy with.

[MurDiddlyUrdler]

The Panasonic DVD-RP82 may be a "smarter" buy than the Denon DVD-1600, but there's one very important feature that the Denon has which the Panasonic doesn't appear to have. The Denon has an internal closed caption decoder.

This is important to me because I have a lot of discs (especially from MGM, Artisan and HBO) that do not have English subtitles but do have closed captions. I like to be able to read along with the movie, but HDTVs cannot decode closed captions from a progressive scan signal so it's useful if the DVD player can do this. My Toshiba SD-4800 can do this and it's quite a nice feature. It may not be an important feature to most people, but it could definitely be the deciding factor to me on the Panasonic and the Denon.

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by MurDiddlyUrdler
The Denon has an internal closed caption decoder.

Wow, I didn't know it had this feature. This sounds like a great feature to have!

Have you purchased your DVD-1600 yet?

Peace...

[MurDiddlyUrdler]

Originally posted by tomdkat
Wow, I didn't know it had this feature. This sounds like a great feature to have!

Yeah, it's a FANTASTIC feature to have. Something I really love about my Toshiba player.

Originally posted by tomdkat
Have you purchased your DVD-1600 yet?

No, not yet. Still waiting for some funds to become available. Maybe next week.

[tomdkat]

For those getting HDTVs with DVI inputs, the Bravo D1 might be a DVD player to consider, especially at the $200 price point.

Here is some feedback on this player from AVS Forum.

Edit: Here is more feedback on this player too.

Peace...

[tomdkat]

Here is a review of the Panasonic DVD-S35 progressive scan DVD player.

Peace...

[tomdkat]

For those getting HDTVs w/ DVI inputs and NO HDCP support, read this thread.

Peace...

[MurDiddlyUrdler]

Originally posted by tomdkat
Have you purchased your DVD-1600 yet?

I picked up the DVD-1600 at Tweeter today. I'll test it out and decide whether I want to return it and get it cheaper online. Tweeter sold it to me for $425 which isn't a bad price, but I can beat that online. Tweeter knows me and they've got a great return policy so this will work for "audition" purposes.

tomdkat's link above from the Denon website lists the DVD-1600 as having closed caption capabilities and aspect ratio functions. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it has either function. That page has a "tentative" notation at the top. I see no mention of either of these features in the owner's manual and cannot find anything like them in the player's menus.

The lack of these features could be the difference maker for me on this player. My first impression of the video quality is great, however. The DCDi chip does seem to make a difference in the picture. I'll have to test it for a few days to really make a decision on this player. I suppose I could always use this player for anamorphic discs and the Toshiba for non-anamorphic discs and discs with closed captions only.

I will say the Denon is a PRETTY player. Looks awesome on my rack!

[MRSMITH]

Why wait? For those of you who are enamored of
films in hi-def, Samsung within the next 30 days
will offer its new model DVD-HD931 player which
upconverts current-generation DVD material to
high-definition display(720p or 1080i) via the
unit's DVI output. MSRP said to be between $299
and $329. Phillips and one other manufacturer
are also said to be ready to offer competing
models, and some are predicting that the
combined Faroujda dcdi and Genesis FLI2310
chips which accomplish this result in the Samsung
machine will eventually be commonplace in most
all DVD players, of whatever kind, so your stash
of present-day DVDs will be hi-def without being
re-purchased all over again.

For those of you who have not seen films in hi-def
either via HDTV telecasts or via D-VHS, you may be
somewhat disappointed to find the difference
between today's very best reference-quality DVD
transfers, is not all that great. The hi-def versions
look a little "smoother" but, to me at least, that's
about it. If you're expecting the greatest thing
since sliced bread well, don't get all that excited.

In any case, you will now be able to watch your
present library of DVDs in high-def without further
wait.

Milt R. Smith
mrsmith2002@yahoo.com

Originally posted by tomdkat
Ok, Kimmo suggested posting a "sticky" thread to be the home for DVD player recommendations, since this topic comes up from time to time.

So, I discussed it with the staff and haven't received any objections (yet) so we'll give it a try.

If you have info on a DVD player you want to recommend to people, please post that info in this thread. Be sure to include the following:

• DVD Player Manufacturer
• DVD Player model
• Is it a progressive scan player or interlaced only
• Is it a multi-CD/DVD changer
• Link to manufacturer product page (if possible)

If you are looking for a DVD player recommendation, please post your request for recommendation in this thread. Be sure to include the following:

• If you have a DVD player already, please post the make/model of that player
• Please post your budget/desired price range for the new player
• Whether you need a progressive scan player or not
• Any features (like Zoom, non-anamorphic scaling, MP3 support, WMA support, etc.
• Whether you need a region-free or multi-region player

The more info we have regarding your "requirements" for a new player, the better recommendations we can make.

You can read the Secrets DVD player shootout report here.

The Secrets report will provide information on various DVD players and how they perform with poorly authored DVDs, among other things. This should be used only as a guide.

Additionally, please read the chroma upsampling error (bug) thread to familiarize yourself somewhat about that as this issue WILL come up when comparing various DVD players.

To help get this started, here are links to previous threads with discussion on this, and related topics:

http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=31060
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=29754
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=29832
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=29362
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=29510
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=28789
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=28518
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=27873
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=27725
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=27465
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=27225
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=27151
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=26880
http://www.dvdfile.com/interactive/f...threadid=26434

Let the games begin!

Peace...

[Rogue]

Originally posted by MRSMITH
Why wait? For those of you who are enamored of
films in hi-def, Samsung within the next 30 days
will offer its new model DVD-HD931 player which
upconverts current-generation DVD material to
high-definition display(720p or 1080i) via the
unit's DVI output. MSRP said to be between $299
and $329.

But the question is, will this upconversion introduce unwanted artifacts? I'd be interested in reading some reviews of this technology.

I know Toshiba TVs upconvert a 480p signal to 540p. I have heard claims that this introduces artifacts. Tomdkat has one of these TVs and if I remember correctly he hasn't noticed any problems. However, the AVS and HomeTheaterSpot forums are full of people who claim this upconversion degrades the picture. However, at the end of the day the only thing that matters is what the owner sees.

But what can we expect from a player that upconverts to an even higher resolution? I would love for it to work, but I'm skeptical.

Wait a sec... I don't have DVI, so it is a moot point for me anyway!

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by Rogue
But the question is, will this upconversion introduce unwanted artifacts?

I don't think so since it would be done digitally, before any analog conversion had taken place. Of course, there's the possibility a poor upconversion can be done digitally, but I doubt that would be a "serious" issue or problem.

I know Toshiba TVs upconvert a 480p signal to 540p. I have heard claims that this introduces artifacts. Tomdkat has one of these TVs and if I remember correctly he hasn't noticed any problems. However, the AVS and HomeTheaterSpot forums are full of people who claim this upconversion degrades the picture.

Not ALL Toshiba HDTVs do this, but the H81 and HX81 TVs started doing it and I believe the H82 and HDX82 don't touch a 480p signal or if they still upconvert they do it much better than the H81 and HX81 sets do.

I've been very happy with the performance of my 57HX81.

Wait a sec... I don't have DVI, so it is a moot point for me anyway!

Even those who DO have DVI inputs might be "stuck" if the upconverted video is output via DVI with HDCP. If the TV has DVI and not HDCP, one still might not be able to make use of the upconverted video.

We'll see what happens...

Peace...

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by MRSMITH
Why wait?

Because we would want to know if a display supporting HDCP would be required to utilize the upconverted video output via DVI.

Peace...

[mlemmond]

Originally posted by tomdkat
Here is a review of the Panasonic DVD-S35 progressive scan DVD player.

Peace...

This is the one I bought when my Toshiba died on me and I haven't had any problems with it and think it does a great job. You can't beat it for under $100.

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by mlemmond
This is the one I bought when my Toshiba died on me and I haven't had any problems with it and think it does a great job.

Glad it's working out great for you!

Have you run any DVDs that have been problematic for you in the past through it?

Peace...

[mlemmond]

Originally posted by tomdkat
Glad it's working out great for you!

Have you run any DVDs that have been problematic for you in the past through it?

Peace...

No beacause I didn't have any that caused problems with my Toshiba. I did run a few that have bad chroma bug history and they showed no problems. If you have any suggestions of problematic discs you would like for me to try let me know what they are, if I don't already have them I'll drop them in my Netflix queue.

[MRSMITH]

Originally posted by tomdkat
Because we would want to know if a display supporting HDCP would be required to utilize the upconverted video output via DVI.

Peace...

I'm researching the HDCP issue now, but have already
found at least one 'black box' manufacturer which
enables the DVI output from a new machine such as
Samsung's HD931 to be played on "older" digital sets
such as my year 2001 RCA Scenium HD65W20. So with
that out of the way, your HDCP question will be next and
I've sought answers from everywhere. I'll post answers
here as soon as I can get them.

Also, I've located at least one specific competitor to the
HD931, and that's Bravo's D-1 which appears to work
on the same principle. Can't find any info on the purported
Philips competing machine as yet however. Best guess is
that this technology will ultimately become widespread
and be incorporated in all new DVD players, for competitive
reasons if for no other.

Milt R. Smith
mrsmith2002@yahoo.com

[Niki]

My DVD player died recently. It's a Panasonic DVD-RV31. We got it in November of 2001. If my husband can't get it working again, we will need a new player.

We would like to spend no more than $200. Anymore than that is just more than we can afford.

As far as progressive scan player goes, I don't know. I don't know what that means. I just want something that can play any DVD we put in it.

I don't know enough about features to know what we'd want.

And as far as regions, as long as it can play region 1 DVDs, I'm happy.

We'd like to have something with good reviews, naturally. Something that can last a heck of a lot longer than under 2 years.


So, what do y'all recommend?

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by Niki
We would like to spend no more than $200. Anymore than that is just more than we can afford.

Here are some players to check out:

Toshiba SD-2900 (or the SD-2800 if you can find one)(interlaced)
Toshiba SD-3900: A progressive scan DVD player you can use the progressive video output from when you get a HDTV later on.
Panasonic DVD-XP30: Get this player if you can find it. I got one on eBay for $179 plus shipping. (progressive scan)
Panasonic DVD-S35K (progressive scan)
Pioneer DV-656a: Good progressive scan DVD player with video performance a notch below the Panasonic DVD-XP30. I own this player and LOVE it! I also have the Panasonic DVD-XP30 and I was surprised at how close in performance the Pioneer is to the Panasonic, given the Panasonic uses BETTER video processing components than the Pioneer.
Pioneer DV-363k (interlaced)

All of these players can be found for WELL under $200, with the exception of the DVD-XP30 which might go over the $200 mark a bit (with tax and stuff).

ALL of these players should make a fine replacement for your current Panasonic. If you like the Panasonic brand, check out the Panasonic players first. What kind of TV will you be connecting the olayer to?

Ignore the suggested retail prices on the above pages. The "street" prices for ALL of the above players will be WELL under $200.

ALL of the progressive scan DVD players above also have interlaced video output so you can connect them to non-digitall (analog) TVs just fine.

Good luck!

Peace....

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by MRSMITH
I'm researching the HDCP issue now, but have already
found at least one 'black box' manufacturer which
enables the DVI output from a new machine such as
Samsung's HD931 to be played on "older" digital sets
such as my year 2001 RCA Scenium HD65W20.

AVS Forum is a GREAT place to get info on the HDMI (DVI+HDCP) issues...

People have speculated that it would simply be a matter of time before the "black boxes" hit the street. I just hope they are NOT expensive, like the Mitsubishi "Promise Module" is.

The "Promise Module" is NOT a "black box", so I'm not implying that it's the same as the HDCP-->analog output black boxes.

If the "black boxes" output a full resolution signal via analog component video connections I'm sure they will be VERY popular and will piss off the HDMI people quickly.

Peace...

[MRSMITH]

Originally posted by tomdkat
AVS Forum is a GREAT place to get info on the HDMI (DVI+HDCP) issues...

People have speculated that it would simply be a matter of time before the "black boxes" hit the street. I just hope they are NOT expensive, like the Mitsubishi "Promise Module" is.

The "Promise Module" is NOT a "black box", so I'm not implying that it's the same as the HDCP-->analog output black boxes.

If the "black boxes" output a full resolution signal via analog component video connections I'm sure they will be VERY popular and will piss off the HDMI people quickly.

Peace...

Extron's model DVI-RGB 100 is already here, but appears
to be a super-sophisticated professional-level unit. While
Extron has not yet answered my questions including price,
from what I can see this would far exceed the consumer
type 'black box' needed for the purpose. With this one already
out, and literally MILLIONS of "older" digital sets all over
the world, this type of thing will be a necessity with units
such as the Bravo D-1 and Samsung HD931 coming to market.
See www.extron.com for more info.

Sounds to me like you're an engineer. Here's my question from
a technical perspective: Is HDCP(video, not computer) compliance
a function of the DVI output, or is it intrinsic to the display
itself? Since there is no reference anywhere I can find, my
year 2001 RCA Scenium HD65W20 is presumably not HDCP
compliant and so I assume this issue must be addressed
simultaneously with a 'black box' such as Extron's(?)

Milt R. Smith
mrsmith2002@yahoo.com

[Dehrian]

Can anyone recommend a good changer for under $200, preferably with progressive scan? My Sony's just died, and I'm thinking of going with a changer as a replacement.

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by Dehrian
Can anyone recommend a good changer for under $200, preferably with progressive scan?

Try the Panasonic DVD-CP72.

From what I understand, it should offer progressive scan video performance comparable to the Panasonic DVD-RP82, that everyone rants and raves over.

I believe you can find the CP72 for under $200 or right around $200.

Good luck!

Peace...

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by MRSMITH
Sounds to me like you're an engineer.

Well, I do play with computers for a living but I'm not an Electrical Engineer or anything like that.

Here's my question from
a technical perspective: Is HDCP(video, not computer) compliance
a function of the DVI output, or is it intrinsic to the display
itself?

From what little I understand, the digital signal trasmitted via DVI must be encrypted via HDCP thus requiring the display itself to be HDCP compliant. I doubt your 2001 RCA is HDCP compliant since I've only seen recent HDTVs (like 2002 and 2003 models) list HDCP in the TVs specs. My 2001 Toshiba 57HX81 is NOT HDCP compliant but the 2002 57HDX82 is.

I'm not an expert about this and I'm just as confused as the next person about this whole HDCP issue.

Peace....

[MRSMITH]

Originally posted by tomdkat
Well, I do play with computers for a living but I'm not an Electricl Engineer or anything like that.

From what little I understand, the digital signal trasmitted via DVI must be encrypted via HDCP thus requiring the display itself to be HDCP compliant. I doubt your 2001 RCA is HDCP compliant since I've only seen recent HDTVs (like 2002 and 2003 models) list HDCP in the TVs specs. My 2001 Toshiba 57HX81 is NOT HDCP compliant but the 2002 57HDX82 is.

I'm not an expert about this and I'm just as confused as the next person about this whole HDCP issue.

Peace....

Sure is difficult to find this information. Extron does not
respond to this question. Only thing I do notice is that
some consumers on various forums indicate they've
been able to run DVI output to some displays(primarily
noted are plasma and front-projectors) without regard
to any HDCP reference from the display manufacturer --
but again, a few have had no such luck. I would hope
that some very smart person out there can answer this
technical issue as it certainly will become a major factor
with all the millions of "older" digital sets already in
use and the new DVI output coming down the pike.

Let's hope we get an answer somewhere . . .

Milt R. Smith
mrsmith2002@yahoo.com