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New HDTV --- Do I need a new DVD?

J

JohnIrish

Junior Member
I just ordered a new HDTV... but I only have basic cable channels now. The new TV is a Samsung LN52A650 ... so a 52 inch with 1080P available.

I have an older DVD player now... just a cheap one. Do I need to buy an up sampling DVD player or a blue-ray? Or, does my TV already up sample from a standard DVD player? Any thoughts on what model to get. I see more DVD's than Blue Rays disks in the short term. As Bue Ray becomes more common.. that could change. Does a Bu Ray upsample as well as an upsampling DVD?

I did order a Roku box for netflix.. some say it is like a DVD in quality. I am more interested in content then quality but it would be nice if it looked as good as a standard DVD.

I need the cable for the internet.. so I was thinking of upgrading to get HD channels.. or even get a Dish or Direct system. I am not looking to spend 100's a month on a Tv service.

I am also looking at OTA HD TV with an indoor antenna.

With all the streaming video available... How powerful of a PC do I need to connect to my TV for access to those services?

Just curious what your comments are...
 
You don't need to get one unless you want to use some of the newer connections like HDMI. The TV will scale the video to its native resolution. Most, if not all Blu-Ray players will upscale the DVD to 1080p. As far as HD content, over the air would work find and if you have basic cable, you should be able to get the unencrypted HD channels through the QAM tuner of the TV.
 
Considering how cheaply you can buy BR-D players these days, I'd really skip the upscaling DVD player and go straight there.
 
You can go to SonyStyle.com, sign up for a PlayStation / Chase Visa card, get $150 off of a PS3 = $250.

PS3 is a very good upscaling DVD player, the most future-proof blu-ray player, can stream media from a PC or play from its own HD (or external USB stick / HD), and if you feel like it you can even play a game.

Since you have Netflix you can rent unlimited blu-rays for just $1 extra a month.
 
Originally posted by: erwos
Considering how cheaply you can buy BR-D players these days, I'd really skip the upscaling DVD player and go straight there.
Click to expand...

This...you get upscaling and the ability to watch blu ray (which look great!) in one package.

And if you get a PS3, you get to play great PS3 games as well.
 
Originally posted by: hans030390
Originally posted by: Jugernot
Originally posted by: Shawn
you need blu-ray.
Click to expand...

You need blu-ray, because its upgrade in visual quality is awfully nice on a HDTV.
Click to expand...

Fixed.
Click to expand...

QFT

Don't forget what an improvement blu-ray is on the audio side as well. Add an inexpensive A/V Receiver and an entry level 5.1 speaker system and the world will turn for you.
 
Don't let everyone talk your into the Blu ray camp. It's not worth the money and will likely be the next Laser Disk, just get an upscaling DVD player and go with your plans for the Roku box. There will be more content available on that anyway.
 
Originally posted by: scttgrd
Don't let everyone talk your into the Blu ray camp. It's not worth the money and will likely be the next Laser Disk, just get an upscaling DVD player and go with your plans for the Roku box. There will be more content available on that anyway.
Click to expand...

I have to disagree with you. Blu-ray players can be had for less than $200 now and the difference in video and audio between Blu-ray and upscaled DVD is not at all subtle. I've just gone from a very high-end ($750 +) upscaling DVD player, and blu-ray is much better. I also wouldn't worry too much about buying the next Laser Disc player as there is nothing on the horizon that is going to give you a better picture and sound than Blu-ray.

Oh, and as for the idea of more content being available on a Roku box, how about buyiing a blu-ray player with streaming netxflix capability?😀
 
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