Do you need a special type of TV to hook-up a DVD player?

[Scrapster]

I'm looking for a tv set and I eventually want to get a dvd player. What kind of TV set do I need? Also, if a TV can be hooked up to a VCR, will it also 99% of the time be able to hook up to a dvd player?

 

[Viper GTS]

Look for a TV with at least one each of component, s-video, and composite inputs. That will give you the best possible connectivity for any DVD player.

Remember:

Component is best
s-video is next
composite is next
RF is worst

Viper GTS

 

[csiro]

You can hook up a dvd player to basically any tv.

 

[bozo1]

damn you guys are quick!

Most DVD players do not have an RF output so you need to make sure your TV has composite, S-Video or component inputs.

 

[HowardStern]

<< You can hook up a dvd player to basically any tv. >>



Not every TV has inputs other than the antenna! Most DVD players do not have RF modulators (was an option on some older ones but basically unavailable now I think).

 

[Servnya]

Listen to Viper GTS. There is no reason to even use a DVD player if you are going to use the composite inputs.

 

[Viper GTS]

Also...

The jump from composite to s-video is very noticeable, so don't get a set that doesn't at LEAST have an s-video input. The jump from s-video to component isn't nearly as noticeable, but if the DVD player has the outputs you might as well use them.

I have a 27" Wega with a Panasonic RV31S, picture quality is very good with component inputs + 16:9 enhancement.

Viper GTS

 

[Scrapster]

Thanks Viper, everyone.

I'm writing all this info down now!

 

[StageLeft]

I can't vouch for component (TV has it but dvd player doesn't), but as mentioned the difference between composite and S-video is immense. I would not ever consider buying a tv these days unless it had at least s-video input. You do not have to be a videophile to notice!

 

[HowardStern]

Actually I'd recommend a TV with multiple S-Video inputs. One for the DVD player and one for the VCR. Unfortunately, there are very few TV's like this made, which is one reason why I'm holding off on a new TV.

 

[Ameesh]

ygpm

 

[Viper GTS]

s-video is really a lost cause for VHS, only Super-VHS VCR's have s-video output, & when's the last time you saw a movie on SVHS?

Composite is fine for VHS, don't use anything less than s-video for DVD.

Viper GTS

 

[Eug]

Yes the difference between composite and S-video is big. But for even TVs without S-video and only with composite inputs, DVD is a big improvement, if only for the convenience factor.

Look for a TV with multiple S-video inputs. I have 2 component inputs on my TV, along with 2 S-video and already I feel limited. The more inputs the better.

As for component, the difference between S-video and component is not huge if you use an interlaced source. However, you cannot use S-video for progressive sources. I have a progressive TV and a progressive DVD player. The difference in quality of progressive vs. interlaced is pretty significant, although less so on my 34" widescreen TV which is comparatively small. The point is somewhat moot though, since a TV without component won't be compatible with progressive anyway. (But a TV with component doesn't mean it supports progressive.)

By the way, S-video for SVHS is not a lost cause. Many camcorders use that format, and composite is still worse than S-video for that. For me, I have a Macrovision free DVD player and if I ever get the urge to record something to SVHS, I use S-video, and the result will be superior than if I use composite, although I don't really do that.

 

[HowardStern]

<<
Look for a TV with multiple S-video inputs. I have 2 component inputs on my TV, along with 2 S-video and already I feel limited. The more inputs the better. >>



The problem I'm having is finding a 19" TV that has multiple S-video inputs. You only see this kind fo thing on big screen TV's and some of us aren't looking for big TV's.

 

[Viper GTS]

Eug

Probably a dumb question, but can a progressive scan DVD player be set to output an interlaced signal for regular TV's?

Viper GTS

 

[Eug]

<< can a progressive scan DVD player be set to output an interlaced signal for regular TV's? >>

Yes. No problem. On my Panasonic RP91 it means pressing one button.

By the way, to the originator of this thread, I'm not saying you need to buy a progressive scan TV or DVD player. I was just throwing out some information. (There isn't much point in buying a lower end progressive scan DVD player, because 1) the TV won't support the increased resolution, and 2) low end players don't handle improperly coded movies properly, defeating the point of progressive scan.)

 

[Wallydraigle]

I have our DVD player hooked up with component through the VCR. Usually you can't do that because macrovision screws with the picture but it works for me.

 

[Eug]

<< I have our DVD player hooked up with component through the VCR. Usually you can't do that because macrovision screws with the picture but it works for me. >>

You mean composite. Component outputs/inputs look like three composite RCA jacks, just for the video.

 

[Viper GTS]

Older VCR's work fine with DVD players since they don't have Macrovision.

Viper GTS

 

[Aihyah]

how big is the tv your gonna get? if its only 19" or osmoething better off just setting up your computer as the player pc dvd = progressive scan

 

[NelsonMuntz]

Since you are planning on buying a new TV, then I will suggest that you get one with at least one S-Video input on it for the increased resolution from your DVD player. I only have one S-Video and one composite on my TV, but that is okay because I can route multiple S-Video and composite inputs through my stereo to my TV. I have already purchased a Super VHS VCR for Christmas because it uses the S-Video inputs and can actually add more lines of resolution on a regular video tape when taping from other sources. I will have to see how this works after Christmas and how well those recorded tapes play on the other VCR in the house. If you already had a TV, there are some options that you can purchase including an RF modulator to go from the DVD player to the TV or a video stabilizer to bypass the Macrovision so that you can go through your VCR.