Does a person really need a high end Blu-ray player? (1 Viewer)

[gflaming]

I have been thinking and I know I must be wrong, but here is some information followed by a question.
I have a PC with a Blu-ray reader and an HDMI 1.4a out on my motherboard. If the A/V Receiver is processing the signal would you not get the same quality output if the DVD reader was in a PC as you would from say a OPPO BDP-93 if neither is processing the source, just passing the digital data along? The OPPO has a high end DAC, but if we are staying digital from the DVD to the Receiver is it not all the same digital signal until the A/V Receiver, Pre-Amp or whatever you have processes the information?
VIDEO
DVD player (HDMI) A/V Receiver (HDMI) TV
PC DVD player (HDMI) A/V Receiver (HDMI) TV
AUDIO
DVD player (HDMI) A/V Receiver, Processed in DAC, Sent to Amp, Speakers
PC DVD player (HDMI) A/V Receiver, Processed in DAC, Sent to Amp, Speakers
I feel I must be missing something here. Your kind answers would be appreciated.

 

[schan1269]

Where is my can of worms...

 

[schan1269]

Now that I got the humor out of the way...
In the "digital realm" there should be no difference between a Panasonic BD player, a PC w/BD or an Oppo.
But...
Which sounds better?
Ipod docked in a (pick any receiver manufacturers dock) running off (again, pick any manufacturer of AVR that also makes a dock)...?
Same Ipod connected to a Wadia...???
Same Ipod running 1/8th into a receiver...???
Same Ipod running 1/8th to RCA into a receiver...???
Same Ipod connected Airplay...???
Same Ipod connected Bluetooth via a Belkin FZ...???
Same Ipod connected Bluetooth via a Miccus Blubridge(sp??)...???
Same Ipod running the "network" being raided by a networked AVR...???
Same Ipod connected Bluetooth directly to a receiver that also has Bluetooth...???
Same thing applies to various BD players.

 

[Dave Vaughn]

Hi Greg,
Yes, there is a difference.  One of my colleagues and friends, Amir Majidimehr, has written an excellent article on why.  It's all about jitter.  It's a great article.  I hope that answers your questions above.

Furthermore, not all Blu-ray players are equal. Some corrupt the output data and skew the color space. Granted, most won't be able to see this without using test equipment, but it happens nonetheless.

 

[Sam Posten]

Yes, well I'm sure the terminator will be very disappointed with BD decks that aren't 100% scientifically accurate color...
The humans on earth would probably rather have the $200 still in their pockets.
But the audiophiles will be kept awake at night knowing that something imperceptible is askew in the universe.