need an upconverting DVD player, which one?

[etrin]

Got my new HDTV and now I need a good upconverting DVD player.
I have seen some of the new ones saying 1080P surprised me the last ones I looked at a few months ago all said 1080i

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: etrin
Got my new HDTV and now I need a good upconverting DVD player.
I have seen some of the new ones saying 1080P surprised me the last ones I looked at a few months ago all said 1080i

Just pick up a Toshiba HD-A3 from amazon for $183...its a good upconverter and look at the HDDVD side of things as a bonus.

 

[Eug]

The HD-A3 is supposed to be similar in upconverting ability to my HD-A2, which is good, but not top tier.

If you want top tier upconversion, you'd probably be better off getting something else (like a higher end HD DVD player for example).

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Eug
The HD-A3 is supposed to be similar in upconverting ability to my HD-A2, which is good, but not top tier.

If you want top tier upconversion, you'd probably be better off getting something else (like a higher end HD DVD player for example).

I think the A-30 is know for being one of the best...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...0448601&pf_rd_i=507846

$246 currently.


Or you could save a bit of money and go with an Oppo. Last time I checked they were great upconverters...but for the money you get more with the HDDVD player.

 

[CMC79]

If you're considering any of the new formats, the PS3 is an excellent upconverter and you get the Blu Ray support as well. And even if BD loses, you still have a great DVD player that can play games and do a whole host of other things. But that depends on whether you want to shell out $399.

 

[etrin]

the big thing that is getting me is the talk on AVS about the toshiba players and rented HD movies from netflix. older movies ok but anything in the last 6 months is a real crap shoot.
At first they said it was the scratches on the disk..later it was new disk and still not playable...DRM no doubt....this sucks so that is why I was going to just get an upconvert for now and
a HD or blu ray later.

I am not going to pay $30 for a movie..but rentals had me sold till I saw all the problems

You do have a point about paying the same for HD as a good oppo

ps anyone seen any info on LOTR trilogy...which format and when for the high def stuff?
yep I got my tv and D* after the showing last weekend CRY

 

[Captante]

I just finished going through this same debate & ended up getting the Toshiba A30 for $232 from Amazon & am totally satisfied with its upconversion performance ... the ability to play HD-DVD's is just a bonus & I also think you would be best served going with either it or the cheaper A3 which while not quite as good, is still a high quality up-converting player.



The next best choices if you want to save money are (in order of overall quality):


(1) Oppo 980H at $169 + shipping - This is the best low-end SD-DVD player available, however including shipping costs nearly $200 ... IMO its just not worth it.

(2) Pioneer DV-400V-K - Doesn't have quite as good IQ or as many tweaking features as the Oppo but is available for $96 at Best Buy & $89 from Amazon.

(3) Sony DVPNS77H/B - IQ is virtually identical to the Pioneer but offers fewer features & has a few shortcomings for about the same price ... $89 at Best Buy, Circuit City & Amazon.


Out of these three I would go with the Pioneer.