Blu-ray - were in!

[Palmateer]

It may seem off-topic, but we thought that Sony's $299 price for a Blu-ray player (BDP-S300) was irresistable, especially because it included 5 mail-in discs. That's like getting the HD player for about $150!

The sale started yesterday (Sunday), but our local Best Buy was already sold out. Fortunately, there still were a few players in stock at our Circuit City.

[FTBoomerIII]

When it comes to Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players. Do you only see the benefit from using HDMI or do the players send the 1080 signal through component also?

I only have component inputs (old Mitsu) and don't want to take the plundge if there wont be any visual impact.

[Palmateer]

I used an HDMI cable and digital audio cable, but the player also has connections for component video and audio cables.

When it comes to Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players. Do you only see the benefit from using HDMI or do the players send the 1080 signal through component also?

I only have component inputs (old Mitsu) and don't want to take the plundge if there wont be any visual impact.

[FTBoomerIII]

I used an HDMI cable and digital audio cable, but the player also has connections for component video and audio cables.

Yes but are the component broadcasting at 1080 or 720 or 480?

[CactusJack]

Found the owner's manual for this player on Sony's site. According to the manual, the component output is 1080i max. 1080p requires an HDMI connection.

[DSquare]

Wonder if its a coincidence that the Sony TV I have also only does 1080p over HDMI and up to 1080i on component. If I'm not mistaken though you need HDMI for HDCP, otherwise it may scale down the resolution.

[Palmateer]

Right. You normally need HDMI connection for progressive scan 1080.

The component connection is limited to 1080 interlaced.

My old, non-HD player output non-HD DVDs at 480p over component cables, then my Mitsubishi TV upconverted the signal.

[AmelFl]

should have waited a bit more

in a week there is a deal going on for 10 free movies, 5 in store, 5 thru mail

its I think at circuitcity

check blu-ray.com for more info

[Palmateer]

You can always get a better deal if you wait.

If you never purchase anything, you can avoid getting a poor deal altogether.

should have waited a bit more

in a week there is a deal going on ........

[bdraw]

Although AACS supports down-rezzing over component video, this feature isn't enabled on any discs. It's called ICT or image constraint token and it isn't expected to be used till 2010 or there after.

The only thing you need HDMI for is 1080p and this is only because it's not in the component video spec. The cable is physically capable, but no equipment supports it. Also, you can't upconvert DVDs over component just like most upconverting DVD players.

I have my HDTV connected to my Blu-ray player through both HDMI and component and I challenge anyone to come over to do a blind test. I don't think you'd be able to consistently tell them apart.

[FTBoomerIII]

Although AACS supports down-rezzing over component video, this feature isn't enabled on any discs. It's called ICT or image constraint token and it isn't expected to be used till 2010 or there after.

The only thing you need HDMI for is 1080p and this is only because it's not in the component video spec. The cable is physically capable, but no equipment supports it. Also, you can't upconvert DVDs over component just like most upconverting DVD players.

I have my HDTV connected to my Blu-ray player through both HDMI and component and I challenge anyone to come over to do a blind test. I don't think you'd be able to consistently tell them apart.


I've been holding off, so Ben, you're saying that if I buy a Blu-ray player and hook it up to my TV via component it will look better than my current non-HD DVD player?

[Palmateer]

Assuming your TV is capable of 1080p, I assume one difference I would look for is strobing (interlaced connection) on occasional subjects such as striped clothing.



I have my HDTV connected to my Blu-ray player through both HDMI and component and I challenge anyone to come over to do a blind test. I don't think you'd be able to consistently tell them apart.

[bdraw]

I've been holding off, so Ben, you're saying that if I buy a Blu-ray player and hook it up to my TV via component it will look better than my current non-HD DVD player?

Blu-ray and/or HD DVD look much better than upconverted DVDs. What I was trying to say is that both Blu-ray and HD DVD players are also up-converting DVD players, but just like DVD players HDMI is required to upconvert DVD because of CSS restrictions.

[bdraw]

Assuming your TV is capable of 1080p, I assume one difference I would look for is strobing (interlaced connection) on occasional subjects such as striped clothing.

I have a 1080p TV, but like ALL 1080p TVs, it can't display 1080i, so if you send it 1080i, it de-interlaces it and displays it at 1080p. About 40% of TVs sold don't do this well, so sending those TVs 1080p can make a big difference. Home theater magazine does these tests every year.

Not all HD DVD and Blu-ray players convert 1080i to 1080p properly either, so they aren't a sure thing.

The problem is that the movie is stored on the disc at different resolutions, so there is going to be some conversion going on somewhere at least some of the time. The three most common are 1080p 24fps, 1080p 30 fps and 1080i 30 fps.

Either way, if done properly there is no reason why component shouldn't look almost the same as HDMI.

[FTBoomerIII]

I have a 1080p TV, but like ALL 1080p TVs, it can't display 1080i, so if you send it 1080i, it de-interlaces it and displays it at 1080p. About 40% of TVs sold don't do this well, so sending those TVs 1080p can make a big difference. Home theater magazine does these tests every year.

Not all HD DVD and Blu-ray players convert 1080i to 1080p properly either, so they aren't a sure thing.

The problem is that the movie is stored on the disc at different resolutions, so there is going to be some conversion going on somewhere at least some of the time. The three most common are 1080p 24fps, 1080p 30 fps and 1080i 30 fps.

Either way, if done properly there is no reason why component shouldn't look almost the same as HDMI.


OK, that helped. I have a Mitsu rear projection 1080i with component only. If I understand you correctly, the signal will come through and be displayed as a 1080i signal via component. True?

[bdraw]

OK, that helped. I have a Mitsu rear projection 1080i with component only. If I understand you correctly, the signal will come through and be displayed as a 1080i signal via component. True?

That is correct. When watching a Blu-ray disc or HD DVD, 1080i will be outputted via component.

When watching a DVD, it will be outputted at 480p, which is actually not a bad thing, as your TV probably displays 480p natively and thus any upconversion will probably go un-noticed.

[FTBoomerIII]

That is correct. When watching a Blu-ray disc or HD DVD, 1080i will be outputted via component.

When watching a DVD, it will be outputted at 480p, which is actually not a bad thing, as your TV probably displays 480p natively and thus any upconversion will probably go un-noticed.


Cool!! Thanks Ben, Enjoy CES, looking forward to your reports