Upconverting DVD player question

[rocketman]

I finally took the HDTV plunge when my nine year old TV died last week. I purchased an "entry level" Sylvania LC320SS8 32" LCD TV, 1366x768 resolution, 720p format. I'm interested in getting better picture quality with my standard format DVD's. I've read some great reviews on the Oppo 970 HD upconverting DVD player. Since I don't have a "high end" HDTV, will I notice much picture improverment using the Oppo with an HDMI connection to the TV?

Thanks,

Gary

[Richard]

Potentially yes, it's all in the scaling. Unfortunately no one can judge if you will see it, what that means to you or how much value you will place on your perception. The other problem is the 1366X768 which means everything has to be scaled including 720p; it is not native 720p, 1280X720, and that is tough to find out there.

OPPO DV-981HD Upconverting SD DVD Player
http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/reviews/200 ... player.php

[rocketman]

Thanks very much for the info, Richard. I'm new to all things HDTV. Was wondering, if 1280X720 is native 720p, why is the resolution on my Sylvania 1366X768?

[Richard]

I don't know why but speculate it has to with the computer industry since 768 in the vertical plane is common in PC land. I just learned this morning that large LCD panels actually consist of smaller panels stitched together so to speak so 768 may be one of their key panel basics in putting panels together.

The reason they can call it 720p is because it meets or exceeds the vertical resolution, 720 lines, of 1280X720. The truth is it is a 768p display

[rocketman]

So, you feel this difference in actual resolution may pose some upscaling issues with the Oppo 970HD? Seems like the HDDVD/Blue Ray issue, like VHS and Beta, may ultimately determine future DVD formatting. The Oppo seems like a better option for now.

[Richard]

The best response comes when you match the native pixel matrix of the display and the Oppo does not support 1366X768 and most don't. Can't think of a new one that would but recall the old Bravo D1/D2 series from years ago had some custom scan rates. Either way your internal scaler remains in play.

To be realistic, your Sylvania display was not designed for performance - purely price point! I would not get too wrapped up in trying to squeeze the best out of something that simply was not designed for that application. It is a casual viewing display for the mass market.

So there is your dilemma. The Oppo is top notch for quality scaling of SD DVD to HD scan rates.

[eliwhitney]

rocketman-

At the obvious risk of sounding like a ' jerk ', you really ought to reconsider that HDTV purchase IF you are going to pursue better viewing.

One may always obtain that more elaborate player at a later date BUT if the HDTV isn't
really capable, it is all for 'naught'.

There are certainly much better HDTVs from which to select.

eli whitney

[rocketman]

Point taken. I returned the Sylvania 1366X768 and exchanged it for a 32" Sony Bravia. The jump in contrast ratio from 1000:1 to 8000:1 is like night and day. Even the standard broadcast picture is decent now.

I did notice one think, which was not an issue with the Sylvania. There is a slight delay between the TV speakers and the home theater system. The TV is connected directly to the satellite receiver and the home theater is also connected to the satellite receiver via RCA jacks. Is this common?

[Dave3putt]

Is this common?

Not exactly.To answer questions about audio connections you would have to tell us what kind of Sat receiver you have, what kind of home theater system you have, and how many and location of speakers. A home theater audio system generally means a receiver/amplifier with at least five speakers plus at least one subwoofer. Most folks who have a system like this do not use the TV speakers at all. They are turned off and the surround sound system is always used whenever the TV is used.

I'm sure your Sat box has a digital audio output-either optical or coaxial, as will your DVD player. You should for sure try to use these connections if you have a receiver/amp.(Or HDMI for audio also, if you have a capable receiver.) The digital sound you are after from both the Sat box and the DVD player will not come thru the red and white plugs.

[rocketman]

Thanks for the info. Will check out my audio connection options on the satellite receiver.