A DVD player to finish my HT.

[learner]

Ok guys I know you have already helped me with one problem, but now thanks to my inlaws I have one more.

I have been building an inexpensive little HT for the wife and me and so far I have done great. I had previously bought an Hitachi 51" F510, and thanks to some great advice from this forum I picked up the Athena Micra 6 (be here Wed.) and I decided on the Pioneer VSX-815 receiver thanks once again to your info. Now I thought I was out of budget but the wifes parents wanted an idea for our Christmas and I thought about a DVD player to finish the system.

Now my budget for this is under $350 tax-shipping. I really dont care if it is a multiple player or a single, I just want the best audio and video I can get. Also it has to come in silver because everything I have gotten is ordered in silver. I am open to any brand or model. I saw where there is a Denon DVD-1920 that is in my budget and I have heard some wonderful things about Denon. Will I pay to much for the name or is it comparable to other DVD players under $350.

I appreciate any and all input. I'm sorry to keep bugging you all.

[westcott]

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-b...h&articles=all

this link should help.

The Oppo Digital is great if you only have DVI.
The Panasonic 77S or 97S would be my choice for HDMI or a Denon in this price range.

[GMichael]

I thought that you had a DVD player already. Is it progressive scan? If so, you may want to hold off until the new HD-DVD's come out.
Just my oppinion though.

[learner]

I thought that you had a DVD player already. Is it progressive scan? If so, you may want to hold off until the new HD-DVD's come out.
Just my oppinion though.

Yes, I do have a DVD player already. Its a Wal-Mart Sanyo DVD/VCR but it does say its progressive. I thought if an upgrade would make a big difference I would move it to the bedroom. Will it make a big difference?

When are the HD-DVD's coming out? Will they be a big upgrade over the DVD players out now? Remember that I am ignorant on all of this so please bare with me.

[GMichael]

Yes, I do have a DVD player already. Its a Wal-Mart Sanyo DVD/VCR but it does say its progressive. I thought if an upgrade would make a big difference I would move it to the bedroom. Will it make a big difference?

Not really.

When are the HD-DVD's coming out? Will they be a big upgrade over the DVD players out now? Remember that I am ignorant on all of this so please bare with me.

The rumour is early next year.

[Woochifer]

Yes, I do have a DVD player already. Its a Wal-Mart Sanyo DVD/VCR but it does say its progressive. I thought if an upgrade would make a big difference I would move it to the bedroom. Will it make a big difference?

The better DVD players will do better on a variety of benchmark tests (as someone else already linked above). I think though that the bigger difference would be if you calibrate your video monitor first. Get a test DVD like the Digital Video Essentials, Avia, or Sound & Vision Home Theater Setup discs, and use those video tests to calibrate your TV. At that point, then you're in a better position to take advantage of whatever improvement the better DVD players will give you.

That Denon looks like a very attractive universal player, particularly if you're curious about multichannel music since it can also decode the high resolution DVD-Audio and SACD audio formats as well.

When are the HD-DVD's coming out? Will they be a big upgrade over the DVD players out now? Remember that I am ignorant on all of this so please bare with me.

Keep in mind that there will be two competing HD disc formats due out in 2006 -- Blu-ray and HD-DVD. If you're going to hedge your bet on one format, the smart money right now is on Blu-ray. But, keep in mind that the players and discs aren't even out yet, so I would not even worry about that format until something actually gets introduced in stores. And odds are that the first batch of players will likely cost upwards of at least $800.

The difference with those HD formats and the DVD will like be much the same as seeing any HDTV broadcast and then watching a DVD. On a 50" screen, the difference should be clearly visible. But, in order to play those discs in high resolution, you will need a HDTV that has a HDMI digital video connector (analog component video connections are not copy protected, so the studios forced Blu-ray and HD-DVD to only output the HD video thru the copy protected HDMI digital video connection).

[learner]

Ok, you guys are really helping me. I am bound and determined to make this purchase so help me pick one.

Denon DVD 1920

Panasonic DVD-S97

Harman Kardan DVD 31

Oppo(cant remember model number but it did great in the benchmark test for $199)

Ok now do me a favor and take price out of the equation because they are all affordabe. You guys understand the different features better than I ever will so if you had to choose only one for the best audio and video and useful features, which ONE would you choose?

After this I will quit bugging you.LOL Thank you.

[learner]

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-b...h&articles=all

this link should help.

The Oppo Digital is great if you only have DVI.
The Panasonic 77S or 97S would be my choice for HDMI or a Denon in this price range.

Thanks for the link. It is very helpful. I dont understand a lot of the technical aspects but this helps someone like me.

[Woochifer]

I'll echo what the others have said and recommend the Denon on the strength of its SACD support. Having all those formats available will give you the most flexibility and listening options. In addition, the Denon has the HDMI output and can upscale to 720p or 1080i using that connection (won't give you more resolution, but might smooth out the playback).

[westcott]

The new Oppo now supports DVD Audio. I have not heard it but would love to hear what anyone has to say. To bad it does not have HDMI.

I am holding off for a HD video player that has it all. If it takes advantage of the DenonLink, all the better.

[learner]

Well guys, I am going to go with the Denon. I have listened to each of you with you wonderful advice and the fact that I would just love to try a Denon on reputation alone. I am going to the websites suggrsted right now to check on the HDMI cable.

Thanks everyone, and I will let you know when it is all up and running. It will probably be just after Christmas.