It's me again Matt. This time I have a question regarding hooking up a new device. I recently while on vacation, bought a SPECTRONIQ PD-3000 HD Progressive Scan DVD Player with HD Up-Conversion. It tells me the best hook up for the best picture is HDMI cable. I purchased one feeling sure my TV had an output for it but after exploring it think now that it does not have one. So is using an "S-Video" cable my best bet? And will this device only give me better quality on DVD's or will I be able to watch HD DVD's with it? P.S. How can I put my photo in my profile? I tried to copy and paste but "paste is not an option for me when I right click on my photo space. Thanks again,
Ellen
Hi Ellen,
To take advantage of the upconversion feature, your TV must have an HDMI input. Newer sets sold within the last few years typically have one, but not all will, particularly if your TV is three years old or more. Without HDMI your best hookup choice is component video, which your TV should have. Most players allow you to send 480 progressive signals when connected via component, but the higher upconversion choices like 720p or 1080i will not be available. I wouldn't worry though, 480p will look quite good.
Don't let upconverting DVD players confuse you with HD-DVD playback. Upconversion is extra processing that attempts to make standard definition DVDs look better, but it won't "really" transform anything to HD quality. HD-DVD is a new type of disc that holds movies in true HD quality. HD-DVD players run anywhere from 300 to 500 dollars at most retailers, and would typically be a name brand , like Toshiba. There's also a competing format called Blu-Ray, which is fighting HD-DVD for domination of the HD video player market (remember the VHS/BETA war?). There are few players that will play both, and it may be some time until a clear winner is decided upon by consumers. Check out the articles section here at TechLore for more on these two new formats.
As far as your profile goes, you can add a photo by visiting your TechLore profile. Click "My Stuff" in the box on the right when you're logged it (underneath the placeholder), and then click "Edit Profile". You'll see a spot there where you can upload a photo.
I recently played departed in h-d wich worked fine, then I tried Syriana and it would not play.I called Toshiba and they said my unit probably wasn't h-d ready, although it was sold as h-d tv/dvd. combo. Does anyone know if an x-box or other game player can be used with this type of unit to also to also work in conjuntion. Thank You, Royso.
I am so sorry Royso, but I am a novice here. You need to ask Matt he is the MAN! He has helped me so much. Goo luck.
From what I have read on AVS forum, an xbox360 does a better job at upconverting DVDs than may DVD players.
I don't have an xbox360 myself, but my DVD player does a fine job at upconverting standard DVDs. See my signature.
I currently have it connected through component, but I have also tried HDMI and I can see no difference between component and DVD as far as picture is concerned.
I don't currently have an audio-video ampllfier, since my HDTV is installed in a small bedroom and I don't want to disturb my other household member who sleeps in the adjoining bedroom, but you might get better audio through HDMI, which is an all digital connection.
Does your HDTV have an optical in audio connection? Many current audio-video amplifiers have an HDMI input as well as an optical audio out and can convert the video from HDMI to component and the audio to optical.
I am pretty sure it does and if not my ONKYO home theater receiver should.