New to BluRay - so far I can't see what ...

[WT]

.. all the fuss is about it. Maybe its the fact I only have one BD to sample from. I've been enjoying my DVD library for a year now on my HTPC, and received a BD burner to replace my DVD burner in my HTPC. So what am I missing ??

Hardware:
HTPC hooked up to a Panasonic P42S1 via HDMI (1080p).
Sony DE-595 5.1 receiver hooked up via S/PDIF.

I realize the IQ is substantially better, but being 44 (and recently introduced to reading glasses .. booo !!) I would imagine the IQ gain is either lost on me, or my total selection of 1 BD to watch is not enough to offer judgment. Admittedly, it is an older BD that kinda sucked as a movie (U-571), so please recommend something to show off BD's features.


Side note: I also got a component BD player last Christmas, a Vizio VBR122, and altho that would offer a nice comparison to the HTPC BD, it is currently hooked up to an old Panny 32" plasma (720p) and as such won't give me anywhere near the picture quality that the 42" Panny should output.

 

[Durvelle27]

what software are you using for your Blu-ray Playback

 

[NutBucket]

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1168342/the-new-pq-tier-thread-for-blu-ray-rankings

Your sample movie isn't bad...but there are much better choices. Many of the best choices are recent Pixar films like Up, Wall-E, Toy Story 3, etc. Those releases look amazing with the right setup.

 

[CycloWizard]

How far are you sitting from the screen? This will make a big difference, especially if you're wearing reading glasses/bifocals.

 

[purbeast0]

check out avatar that movie has some crisp quality.

also a 32" tv you probably won't notice it as much as you would on a larger screen. on my 120" screen, the difference between 1080p and the verizon fios broadcasts is significantly different for me.

 

[NutBucket]

How far are you sitting from the screen? This will make a big difference, especially if you're wearing reading glasses/bifocals.

Doh! Forgot about this. I'm going to wager this is the main issue. At 42" you probably want to plant yourself about 5' from the TV for maximum effect.

 

[nickbits]

Maybe you aren't too impressed now but once you are used to Blu-ray, your DVDs will look like garbage.

 

[NutBucket]

Nah, if the setup is right its a night and day difference. I'm so used to watching good OTA and high def (blu-ray) content that cable/satellite HD looks terrible in comparison.

 

[CycloWizard]

Doh! Forgot about this. I'm going to wager this is the main issue. At 42" you probably want to plant yourself about 5' from the TV for maximum effect.

I've been lobbying my wife to either move the couch closer but she won't for interior design reasons. Then, I argue, we need a bigger TV. I also need a new pickup truck to deliver said TV to the house.

 

[vi edit]

Yeah, put it on a 100"+ projection screen and tell me it's not a glaring difference. The larger the output, the larger the difference between mediums. It's not even an issue of sharpness, it's that of color. BR's are bursting with colors. DVD's look muted in comparison.

 

[NutBucket]

I've been lobbying my wife to either move the couch closer but she won't for interior design reasons. Then, I argue, we need a bigger TV. I also need a new pickup truck to deliver said TV to the house.

The store we bought our TV from has free delivery

 

[n0x1ous]

you can really notice the difference on facial closeups - seeing peoples pores or facial stubble.

not every type of scene lends itself well to the higher resolution, and of course the quality of the transfer. the lossless audio should not be overlooked either.

Blu-ray is superior to DVD without question.

 

[NutBucket]

Lossless audio sounds great on my TV speakers!

 

[WT]

@Durvelle27 - TotalMedia Theater 5 - running a trial of the latest version for now. Yea, its the Cinavia crippled version, but its WMC integration has me leaning towards using it.

@ Nutbucket - I'm at about 7-8' from the TV. Its set in a large window alcove. I can note a difference in SD compared to HD on the TV, but BluRay ... I just don't see enough to justify it. A 55'+ screen wouldn't fit in the alcove.

I'm definitely doing this on the cheap, as the legacy receiver and older Yamaha speakers are hand me downs that work OK, but aren't ideal for showcasing a movie collection. No argument at all that BD isn't better, but I have to rent a few more BDs to compare.

 

[vi edit]

I'm definitely doing this on the cheap, as the legacy receiver and older Yamaha speakers are hand me downs that work OK, but aren't ideal for showcasing a movie collection. No argument at all that BD isn't better, but I have to rent a few more BDs to compare.

Watch 3 or 4 high quality BR transfers and then go back to DVD. It's going to look colorless and bland in comparison.

 

[Dirigible]

I've been lobbying my wife to either move the couch closer but she won't for interior design reasons. Then, I argue, we need a bigger TV. I also need a new pickup truck to deliver said TV to the house.

I am willing to provide an unbiased written letter using science to back up both your need for a larger TV and a new pickup, if that will help persuade your wife.

 

[Nintendesert]

The store we bought our TV from has free delivery

Free delivery does not get this man a new pickup truck.

 

[NutBucket]

LOL! Good point. But, one must consider that if gets damaged in transport in the back of your truck vs being delivered....plus our apt has a few tight spots and three flights of stairs. I'll let someone else do it if it doesn't cost me anything.

 

[lupi]

I went from regular dvd via component to BR at 1080 via hdmi; if you're not noticing a stark difference methinks there is a problem.

 

[WT]

I am willing to provide an unbiased written letter using science to back up both your need for a larger TV and a new pickup, if that will help persuade your wife.

Oh hell no. I will freely admit that no large purchases get her approval unless it is a family necessity or the kids nag her to death for a reason. She has never even watched a movie with me since the man-cave was built !! In fact, I got griped at just last night for another movie rental return.

I really am not a fan of Avatar - haven't even watched more than maybe half of it, but it sounds like I should at least give it a BD watch.

Lupi - I sorta agree, hence why I posted this in the first place. I actually can't tell SD from HD easily unless its sports, at which point HD is stunningly more detailed.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Avatar is a great blu ray, but no collection can be complete without Planet Earth. It will blow you away.

 

[WT]

Avatar is a great blu ray, but no collection can be complete without Planet Earth. It will blow you away.

:thumbsup: I agree, but I tear up when I see some young wildebeest being taken down and eaten by a pack of hyenas. I had it on one night and the 9 and 6 year old were watching it when a killer whale lunched on a sea lion. They were crying hysterically for 30 minutes.

I asked for 'The War', the PBS series on WWII on BluRay for Xmas. Due to circumstances we haven't even gotten to my Moms yet to exchange gifts, but I should have that to watch by the weekend. Assuming it too isn't a great display of BD (what can you do with archival WWII footage after all ??)

 

[Ketchup]

Find a movie more recent, I think you will notice the difference.

My example: I got my wife a blu-ray set of Harry Potter for Christmas. Watched the first movie, not that impressed over DVD. Got to the last one - man what a difference!

 

[sdifox]

Lossless audio sounds great on my TV speakers!

Lies. Nothing sounds great on tv speakers ()

 

[Durvelle27]

Lies. Nothing sounds great on tv speakers ()

So true as most TV speakers suck even compared to sound bars