DVD Upconversion - worth it?

[Texun]

This is the place I can find for my question. Can you tell a difference between a regular DVD player for the home and one that does upconverting? I have a 42" Sony and I know the upconversion process won't make a standard DVD true HD, but does it help and is it worth it to upgrade? I've got a perfectly good Pioneer player but those upconversion players are becoming cheaper. Just wondering....

Thanks.

 

[SickBeast]

IMO you should just wait for the Blu-Ray players to come down in price, or else just hook a computer up to your TV (if you have one to spare).

The differance is definately noticeable, but Sony TVs tend to upconvert extremely well. On your set you may not even notice a difference if you calibrate your settings properly and use component cables.

 

[bigsnyder]

I can tell the difference, especially with my new TV. That being said, not all upconverting players are equal. If you are wanting a good stand alone player that won't break the bank then I highly recommend the Oppo DV-980H. It will also handle DVD-Audio and SACD discs if that interests you. Of course, going the HTPC route can be very rewarding, but does take patience.

 

[Ackmed]

I can easily tell the difference. Upconversion players as you mentioned arent that much anymore. $60 or so. No its not HD quality, but its pretty close. And better than normal DVD quality.

 

[Texun]

Thanks. That's the info I was looking for. BR has dropped but it will take a while longer to become mainstream like VHS did back in tape war. I notice my photos look amazing when I convert them to a DVD slideshow. Maybe it's the Sony. ??? I've got a PC that I use to offload and convert content from my DVR box but I don't use it as a player. I screwed up and used a 6600GT card which is WAY too loud, although HL-2 plays great. It's AGP and the last time I checked there were no aftermarket coolers available for it which is why I stopped using it as a player.

 

[Texun]

Originally posted by: bigsnyder
I can tell the difference, especially with my new TV. That being said, not all upconverting players are equal. If you are wanting a good stand alone player that won't break the bank then I highly recommend the Oppo HD981.

How's the Oppo for playing home made DVDs? My Pioneer has played every disc I've burned.

 

[bigsnyder]

I have seen some deals lately on Radeon HD2400s and HD2600s that would be great replacements for your 6600GT.

BTW, the Oppo from all reports I have read handle homemade discs fine. Also easy to convert these players to multi-region.