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Question on upconverting SD-DVD

#31
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8/3/06 at 11:29pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

I'm using component for upscaling my SD's and they look fantastic. I've started a list of SD's that will upscale thru component and I'll post it soon.

I've done some comparing with my Panny RP-82 and the HD A1 and I gotta tell you that the Panny gives a better picture in 480p!!!

The HD A1 picture in 480p is a little soft and grainer and I've compared quite a few SD's from my collection.

I did play a 1.66:1 non anamorphic movie tonite in 1080i (an Anchor Bay title)
and even though it was windowboxed, it still looked fantastic...as good as any 480p SD in my collection.

...retired at last!!!

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#32
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8/4/06 at 7:21am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

The HD-A1 is my first upconverting player and wow does it look a lot better than any other DVD player I've ever owned.

I sampled a few scenes in Star Wars Episode II(the one prequel I can stand) and it looked amazing. 24 Season 4 was on par with the HD broadcasts I watched last year.

And oh yeah, there are those HD-DVD things it can play too.

I should really learn to knock....in case there's a threesome going on in my bedroom. - Sandy Cohen, The O.C., The Countdown

My DVD Collection

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#33
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8/4/06 at 10:41am
  • Joined: October 1998
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
Jerome,

I have to admit this was my first upconverted live-action DVD.

I had only previously watched Madagascar and The
Lion King and was blown away by how close it looked to Hi-Def.

The Fifth Element, for me, looked like a DVD. The opening
credits had jagged borders. The starfields were not sharp. Even the
scene where Leloo is standing on the building ledge watching the
traffic below, there was visible noise in the picture.

It's tough, Jerome. My eyes are now used to HD-DVD and everything
else, including standard DVD looks inferior. I really need to watch a
few more live-action titles to compare. I think animation will always
look good no matter what, and perhaps I started too far at the top
of the spectrum.

I just got my Toshiba HD-A1 from Amazon last night (ordered Aug. 1st & it's all your fault Ron after I read your "Reasonable cost of upgrading to HD is absolutely a rewarding experience!" post!!!) and I'm way over Jerome Grate side after sampling my SuperBit Fifth Element HDMI upconverted 1080i image on my 1080p Toshiba 56HM195!!! The colors were bright, well saturated, the inky blacks just pops out the various scenes, all the details are crisp, sharp, w/improved details in the shadows and the 15-20mins. or so sampling reminded me more of an HD TV broadcasts. I didn't see any video noise or artifacts, just an impressive palette of eye candy.

This is my second upconverting DVD Player so I'm comparing this to my S&V Approved - labeled "A superior performer" Panasonic S77s HDMI upconverting 1080i DVD player and the HD-A1 is not only easily its equal vs. S77s, but actually raises the bar by looking markedly better overall!!!

Other jaw dropping SD DVDs sampled were Star Wars Ep. III (digital transfer), SuperBit The Mask of Zorro, The Legend of Zorro (HiDef transfer), Sahara and Ultraviolet (digital transfer). Can't wait to get my Sahara HD DVD hopefully today! (Bourne Supremacy HD in the mail and Serenity HD backordered)

I originally discovered that my digital or HiDef transferred SD DVD movies (Spy Kids, The Incredibles, Madagascar, etc.) looked glorious w/my Panasonic S77s, but now that I confirmed my new HD-A1 excels in its upconverting circuitry, ... my 5-month old Panasonic S77s is on eBay right now!!!

Phil

My HT Enthusiasts GeoCities Website
---- Toshiba 62HM196 62" 1080p DLP HDTV pic's (#1 in Consumer Reports)
DVD Aficionado (DVDAF) on-going list.
Acquisition Rule #59 “Free advice is seldom cheap.” (Quark @ DS9)
JBL S-Series + SVS 25-31PCi (SN: 00034) w/NSD Upgrade!

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#34
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8/4/06 at 12:32pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Phil,

Congrats on your new player! Do let us know what you think
when you start watching a few HD-DVD titles.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
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#35
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8/4/06 at 2:01pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
Phil,

Congrats on your new player! Do let us know what you think
when you start watching a few HD-DVD titles.

Thanks Ron! Looks like I start tonight, viewing my first HD-DVD, Sahara (a few friends are coming over).

According to the UPS tracking ...
Date ..............Time ............ Location .................Event Details
Aug 04, 2006 ..06:13:00 AM ..SUNNYVALE CA US ..Out for delivery

FYI: I have a few unretouched digital pictures (3 or 4 MP Olympus on a tri-pod & the digital pics represents about 80-85% of the true quality vs. in person) samples from my Panasonic S77s upconverted 480 to 1080i HDMI - link below my signature.

Sometime next week, I'll update my album w/sampled HD-DVD pics and post my subjective review.

Interesting, my DVE video calibration was virtually identical between my HD-A1 vs. S77s, except for Brightness.

HD-A1 = 49
S77s = 45

All other settings were spot-on with Digital Video Essentials

Equipment: Toshiba HD-A1 (Panasonic DVD-S77s)
Input #6: HDMI / upconverting 480p > 1080i
.... 1081i DVD Results / HDTV Screen = Natural
......... Contrast: 50
......... Brightness: 49 (45)
......... Color: 50
......... Tint: 0
......... Sharpness: 0

Color Temp = WARM
Lamp Mode = LOW

Phil

My HT Enthusiasts GeoCities Website
---- Toshiba 62HM196 62" 1080p DLP HDTV pic's (#1 in Consumer Reports)
DVD Aficionado (DVDAF) on-going list.
Acquisition Rule #59 “Free advice is seldom cheap.” (Quark @ DS9)
JBL S-Series + SVS 25-31PCi (SN: 00034) w/NSD Upgrade!

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#36
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8/4/06 at 2:58pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Even though the upconversion is superb I only use it on a case by case basis.

That damn Ron and Crawdaddy with all their talk got me to buy mine too. Damn them
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#37
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8/5/06 at 10:47pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

I was going to start a whole thread on this, but figured I might get an answer here.

Has anyone had any problems with macroblocking and upconverted material? I only ask because I'm leaning towards picking up a player, and the Panasonic S-97 was known to have macroblocking issues when upconverting. I don't have any macroblocking issues with the S-97, but many do with other units. I was just wondering if the A1 had any issues with this on any sets?
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#38
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8/6/06 at 1:05am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Brett,

Macroblocking can only be a problem with Faroudja chip based players....which the Toshiba is not.
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#39
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8/6/06 at 7:18am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

No macroblocking on the Toshiba- a nice change from the other upconverter players I've had.
My Movies
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#40
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8/6/06 at 9:14am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Quote:
Originally Posted by BrettGallman
I was going to start a whole thread on this, but figured I might get an answer here.

Has anyone had any problems with macroblocking and upconverted material? I only ask because I'm leaning towards picking up a player, and the Panasonic S-97 was known to have macroblocking issues when upconverting. I don't have any macroblocking issues with the S-97, but many do with other units. I was just wondering if the A1 had any issues with this on any sets?

Dave H is correct, my Faroudja chip based Panasonic S77s upconverted 480 to 1080i exhibited its ugly macroblocking head with some (not all) of my SD DVDs - 1080p Toshiba 56HM195.

Macroblocking is non-existent playing those same SD DVDs on my HD-A1! Just a visibly smooth rendering of those previously problem scenes!

Phil

My HT Enthusiasts GeoCities Website
---- Toshiba 62HM196 62" 1080p DLP HDTV pic's (#1 in Consumer Reports)
DVD Aficionado (DVDAF) on-going list.
Acquisition Rule #59 “Free advice is seldom cheap.” (Quark @ DS9)
JBL S-Series + SVS 25-31PCi (SN: 00034) w/NSD Upgrade!

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#41
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8/6/06 at 9:30am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

How do the new HD players handle reading layer changes when upconverting SD? I hate lose split second pauses I still get on some older DVDs.
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#42
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8/6/06 at 9:34am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Sparks
I'm using component for upscaling my SD's and they look fantastic. I've started a list of SD's that will upscale thru component and I'll post it soon.


John, I am eagar to see your list! As a component-only lady, this will be very interesting for me.
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#43
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8/6/06 at 12:43pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Quote:
Originally Posted by PattyFraser
How do the new HD players handle reading layer changes when upconverting SD? I hate lose split second pauses I still get on some older DVDs.

I still noticed the same pause on Episode II before Obi-Wan comes out of light speed. I don't really mind the layer change pauses provided they don't come at a pivotal moment in a scene.

I should really learn to knock....in case there's a threesome going on in my bedroom. - Sandy Cohen, The O.C., The Countdown

My DVD Collection

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#44
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8/6/06 at 6:57pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

I just wanted to mention that "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" DVD looks AMAZING upconverted on the HD-A1. There are certain scenes that made me think I was watching in hi-def!

For example:

Warning Spoiler! Click to show
The planet construction factory floor.
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#45
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8/6/06 at 7:23pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

wow I always thought Fifth Element was 'the' referance dvd!

I love my HD A1 but thank goodness I havent been spoiled yet. I still find a good transfer on SD DVD ( sometimes even a mediocre transfer) upconverted quite watchable. I'm viewing an 90" image on Infocus IN76 projector. And this thing does an incredible job upconverting. So much so I'm saying goodbye to my much loved Oppo player.
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#46
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8/6/06 at 8:09pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Quote:
Originally Posted by Harminder
I just wanted to mention that "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" DVD looks AMAZING upconverted on the HD-A1. There are certain scenes that made me think I was watching in hi-def!

For example:

Warning Spoiler! Click to show
The planet construction factory floor.

One more reason I'm not concerned about Disney's lack of support of HD DVD. Many of their DVD's are going to look just fine, if not plain wonderful.

- Steve
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#47
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8/6/06 at 8:36pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan M
wow I always thought Fifth Element was 'the' referance dvd!

I love my HD A1 but thank goodness I havent been spoiled yet. I still find a good transfer on SD DVD ( sometimes even a mediocre transfer) upconverted quite watchable. I'm viewing an 90" image on Infocus IN76 projector. And this thing does an incredible job upconverting. So much so I'm saying goodbye to my much loved Oppo player.

I'm going to be trying out and possibly keeping a new 720p projector in a few weeks and I'm very much looking forward to seeing how my collection looks upconverted over HDMI. All I've ever owned are XGA pjs, so upconverting hasn't been a real pull yet- and even the benefits of an hdmi/dvi connection aren't worth it either as I lose picture options that way.
While I know that I won't get any bump with the HD DVDs, I'm still very excited to see if the other 800 or so sd dvds I own look any better or not.
If they do, I'll be ecstatic- as that means I can delay buying into the Bd format that much later. But honestly I'll be very surprised I'll see that big a jump. Hell, things like Alien, Towering Inferno, Planet Of The Apes and others already look smashing on the gear I currently own.
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#48
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8/26/06 at 6:26pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Quick question about the upconverting abilities of the Toshiba HD-A1. I currently have a Pioneer Elite DV-59AVi w/ HDMI and I'm just wondering if anyone knows which machine is better at upconverting SD DVDs: the A1 or the 59AVi I'm currently using. I'm probably going to be picking up an A1 in the next couple of weeks and I'm trying to decide whether or not to keep my 59AVi around. I've always been blown away by how good DVDs look on it for the 2+ years I've had it now, but if the A1 does an even better job, well that would be an added bonus to getting my first HD DVD player.

So, anyone here have any comparisons of the A1 to the 59AVi or know where I might be able to find out more? Thanks!

"If you're good at something, never do it for free."

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#49
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8/26/06 at 8:28pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Can't help you there Brent...but from most if not all reports are this Toshiba does upconvert quite well. Even if it was just the same, still worth getting to obtain HD content on DVD. Go for it man
Club Timobi Wan-Episode II
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#50
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8/26/06 at 8:47pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Tim,

What's up? I'm definitely going to get the A1 for the HD-DVD aspect alone no matter what. I am just trying to decide if I should sell of my Pioneer Elite 59AVi when I get it. I still want to get the most out of my SD DVDs so if the A1 isn't quite as good at upconverting as my Pio I'll just hold on to it. However, if the A1 is as good or better there's really no reason to keep the other player around. Hopefully I can find some comparisons out there to help in my decision process.

"If you're good at something, never do it for free."

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#51
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8/27/06 at 1:15am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Hey Brent, I know your Pioneer is highly regarded though...might be tough to beat that one. Good luck finding some comparisons. You might search for members HT gear and see if they have both players to give you some insight?
Club Timobi Wan-Episode II
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#52
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8/27/06 at 7:28am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Phil I,

Just noticed your links and your new Toshiba HD 1080p TV is gorgeous. Great screenshots of Star Wars, Serenity, and CSI. Classy looking TV bud.
Club Timobi Wan-Episode II
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#53
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8/27/06 at 7:34am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Quote:
Originally Posted by PattyFraser
John, I am eagar to see your list! As a component-only lady, this will be very interesting for me.

Won't play;

VCI
MEDIA BLASTERS:
BLUE UNDERGROUND:
ALL BIG COMPANIES:

ANCHOR BAY:

Won't play;

Day of the Dead-Divimax
Initiation

Will play;

Highlander-w/Queen CD
Horror of Frankenstein
House by the Cemetary
Hell of the Living Dead
House/House 2
Devil Rides Out/Rasputin
Inferno/Phenomena
Tenebre/Deep Red
Army of Darkness(1.66:1 16x9)
Evil Dead II(1.85:1 16x9)
Escape 2000
Frankenstein Created Woman
Dr. Jeykll and Sister Hyde
Dr. Who Collection(Invasion Earth/and the Daleks)
Day the Earth Caught Fire
Demons of the Mind
Children of the Corn(16x9)
Beastmaster(dts)
Blood from the Mummy's Tomb
Bad Taste(single disc)
Possession/Shock
Return of the Killer Tomatoes/Return to Horror High
Fade to Black/Hell Night
Society/Spontaneous Combustion
Circus of Horrors/Theatre of Death
Blade in the Dark/Macabre
The Church
Cat O'Nine Tails
Lost Continent
Manhattan Baby/New York Ripper
City of the Living Dead/Don't Torture a Duckling
Lust for a Vampire
Short Night of Glass Dolls
Case of the Bloody Iris
Bloodstained Shadow
Who Saw Her Die
Abominable Snowman
Halloween (2 disc LE)
Halloween (25th AE)
Halloween 4 (tin)
Halloween 5 (tin)

DARK SKY:

Asylum
The Beast Must Die
And Now the Screaming Starts
Flesh Eaters
Terror Beneath the Sea
Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster
Invasion of the Neptune Men/Prince of Space
Creation of the Humanoids/War Between the Planets
Curse of the Living Corpse/Horror of Beach Party
Werewolves on Wheels

ROAN FILMS:

Corpse Vanishes/Devil Bat
White Zombie

LUMIVISION:

Scared to Death/Devil Bat

MARENGO FILMS:

Invisible Ghost/Corpse Vanishes

ALPHA VIDEO: (only these 2 are great prints!)

Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla
Death Kiss

SIMITAR ENTERTAINMENT:

Godzilla-King of the Monsters
Godzilla vs Mothra

TRITON:

White Zombie/Ape Man/Gorilla

BARREL ENTERTAINMENT:

Last House on a Dead End Street

ELITE ENTERTAINMENT:

Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter

MONDO MACARBRO:

DISCOTEK:

War in Space

...retired at last!!!

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#54
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8/27/06 at 9:38am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Well, I did find one comparison online last night from an A/V reviewer on another site. Unfortunately he confirmed my worst fears by saying that the A1 is a good upconverting player, but not nearly as good with SD DVD playback as the 59AVi. I realize this is only one review, however, and I'm going to continue looking for more opinions on the topic. Again, if anyone here can chime in with their comparisons or point me to them online it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

"If you're good at something, never do it for free."

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#55
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8/27/06 at 11:30am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

UPDATE: Well, I just did some research over at AVS Forum and found posts from 5 different users, all of whom said that the upconverting ability of the A1 isn't quite up there with the 59AVi for regular DVD. So, it looks like I'll just keep my trusty Pio Elite around for SD DVDs and use the A1 solely for HD DVDs. I'd like to get down to just one player(especially since selling a used 59AVi would almost pay for a brand new A1), but I still watch a lot of DVDs and want the best picture quality possible from them. Oh well, I guess it's good that I found this out before replacing the 59AVi and then being disappointed.

"If you're good at something, never do it for free."

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#56
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8/27/06 at 12:07pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Reply to John Sparks:

I won't copy all your list here. Let me just say that of these you mentioned, I only have The Day The Earth Caught Fire. Thanks for this list, and I'll keep checking to see if you have any additions.
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#57
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8/27/06 at 6:42pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

The Toshiba HD-A1 does a good job with upconverting SD DVDs as well as doing 480p over component. However, it's still not up to par to some of the higher performing players IMO. This is just based on my personal experience.
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#58
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8/27/06 at 6:47pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brent M
UPDATE: Well, I just did some research over at AVS Forum and found posts from 5 different users, all of whom said that the upconverting ability of the A1 isn't quite up there with the 59AVi for regular DVD. So, it looks like I'll just keep my trusty Pio Elite around for SD DVDs and use the A1 solely for HD DVDs. I'd like to get down to just one player(especially since selling a used 59AVi would almost pay for a brand new A1), but I still watch a lot of DVDs and want the best picture quality possible from them. Oh well, I guess it's good that I found this out before replacing the 59AVi and then being disappointed.
Why don't you just do your own side-by-side comparison? I'd put the HD-A1 in the top 5 upconverting players that I've seen and there's no Faroudja macroblocking. Of course, you don't have that issue with the Pioneer either. Then again, the Pioneer doesn't do HD-DVD.

Careful man! There's a beverage here!

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#59
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8/27/06 at 7:39pm
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

As soon as I get the A1 I'll probably do some A/B comparisons with it and my Pio Elite. After everything I've read, though, I have a feeling I'll be holding on the the 59AVi for SD DVD playback which is fine as I also still use it for SACD/DVD-Audio sometimes as well.

"If you're good at something, never do it for free."

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#60
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8/28/06 at 12:40am
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Re: Question on upconverting SD-DVD

Brent,

Yes it looks like you have a win/win setup then. Please let us know about your judgement of an A/B comparison of the SDVD upconversions, when you've got the A1.


Cees.
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