HD DVD Questions

[NPYYZ]

Ok I did a search and I don't think I've asked these questions yet. The wife and I have been talking about getting a HD DVD player, but before we shell out $350.00 to $500.00 for a stand alone HD DVd player, I have a few questions.

1. Will the HD DVD player still play regulard DVD's in 480p like our current DVD players does?

2. Our TV is a Mits WS 55511 it displays 480i, 480p , and 1080i So if we did get an HD DVD player would we be able to watch the DVD's in 1080i or do we need 1080p?

3. Our TV does not have a HDMI connection and it only has one input that will display 1080i. This input is currently in use with the Direct TV HD DVR so would there be any way to have them both connected to this one input?

4. Considering our TV does not display 1080p and does not have a HDMI connection, and only has one input for 1080i would we be wasting our money buying an HD DVd player now? Should we wait until we upgrade to a newer TV?

Getting the HD DVD add on for the 360 is not something that interests me. I've never used my gaming consoles as anything other then gameing consoles, and my 360 is not in our home theater room. I don't like to play on the big screen, makes me dizzy.

thanks for your help.

[dmiller68]

1. I believe it can play them in 480p or upscale them.
2. You can watch in 1080i
3. You could get a switcher ($100-$150) or new reciever
4. That would be your choice depending on how you like the answers of 1-3.

Hope my answers help.

[CamDawg]

You could also save a chunk of $ and buy the Xbox 360 add-on for $200. It will display HD-DVD in 1080i through your xbox 360 connection. It does a decent job. Prior to getting the 360 add-on, I had a 1st gen Toshiba HD-A1 stand-alone. I did A-B comparison tests between the two -- the video from the 360 add-on looked as good as that from the HD-A1 (both were in 1080i the 360 was conencted via component and the HD-A1 was connected via an HDMI - DVI adapter). The HD-A1 has more robust sound options (analog outs that gives access to Dolby TrueHD a lossless format) than the 360 add-on, but the DD from the 360 add-on sounds fine (no worse than DD from a DVD movie).

[Peench]

Here are my thoughts in response to your questions:

1. Will the HD DVD player still play regulard DVD's in 480p like our current DVD players does?

I have the HDA1 and it upconverts regular DVD's and displays them at 1080i. It does a pretty darn good job at it too. I believe, however, that the upconverting is only done via HDMI and that it will not upconvert with component a connection. I'm not positive so if someone can confirm that would be cool.

2. Our TV is a Mits WS 55511 it displays 480i, 480p , and 1080i So if we did get an HD DVD player would we be able to watch the DVD's in 1080i or do we need 1080p?

You should be able to watch them in 1080i and should not be limited to 1080p. This will likely depend on the number of video output selections of the player you choose.

3. Our TV does not have a HDMI connection and it only has one input that will display 1080i. This input is currently in use with the Direct TV HD DVR so would there be any way to have them both connected to this one input?

You will need a switching device if your TV only has one 1080i input. There are automatic switchers for $100+, but there are also manual switchers that are cheaper.

4. Considering our TV does not display 1080p and does not have a HDMI connection, and only has one input for 1080i would we be wasting our money buying an HD DVd player now? Should we wait until we upgrade to a newer TV?

Whether you believe you are wasting your money or not depends on whether you want to experience HD movies right now. If you do, then your current setup will allow you to watch them with minor tweaking (as discussed above). If you are only marginally interested in HD movies right now, then save your money until you have a new TV and by then the cost of the HDDVD players will have come down as well.

[lovekeiiy]

I have an old Mit with one 1080i input too. I use component switcher too. I got mine about a year or so ago. Until some recent remodeling, I had the HD cable box and the 360 hooked up. Worked well. I'll be using the PS3 that way too when the work is done.

My switch is four port. It also includes Toslink inputs and output as well. I believe it is a Zaptor. What I liked about it, besides being both manual and remote, is that the manufacture had Pronto page for download.

[MadBryan]

Im a big supporter of HD-DVD, some smart ass'es here even call me a fanboy. I think in your situation you should get the add-on. The upconverted picture with the stand alones is excellent but sadly it is limited to HDMi. I also have a Mits upstairs and have the same limitations. You can find the add-on for $180 and will be a great starter for you. at that price its worth a shot.

[Jon Liu]

I don't recall anyone here calling you a fanboy, Bryan. We would definitely agree that you are a big supporter of HD-DVD...

[BiffCo]

Fanboy... Just kidding bro. We are all entitled to our own opinions!

I recommend the HDDVD add-on just because the pricepoint is great for a stopgap player. If you can't live without the Matrix movies, then you have no other option other than HDDVD right now. The only thing that irks me about the add-on is the lack of support for the advanced audio codecs. While the max rate Dolby track sounds just fine, once you hear the actual decoded track, there's no going back.

So with that note, if you don't mind dropping a few c-notes, go with the A1 or something similar. Though it's had playback issues in the past, I haven't had a single problem with mine since the update, and I've watched about 4 HDDVD movies and some SD stuff (Citizen Kane last night played without a hitch).

-Brad

[alter_ego_trip]

You have mail.

[WormholeXtreme]

You can get the low end HD-A2 for around $300. Plus Toshiba will also give you 5 free HD DVDs when you purchase the HD DVD player(US). You choose 5 titles from a list of 15.

[alter_ego_trip]

The only problem is the A2 loses the analog outs which is still important for a lot of people. Don't really know why they did that.

[Peench]

Yeah, I have an older receiver that has the analog inputs, but no HDMI, etc. So having those on the HDA1 was important to me and lets me let the HDA1 do the audio decoding so I can get great sound with my old carrpy receiver.

[BiffCo]

I remember Peench calling me and asking me about the analog outs. I think I'm the one that sold Jon's player for him. Where's my commision check, Jonathan?

-Brad

[Jon Liu]

Ummm, it's coming...

ETA is in 4 to 6 decades.