Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

CRTs and HDMI

Aug 21, 2005 10:54AM PDT

Hello everyone... I am in need of some advice. I recently purchased a Panasonic CT-30WX15 (30") CRT HDTV. I have been using my xbox as my dvd player for now, but I would like to get a progressive scan dvd player, not only for the quality, but also because I just don't like dealing with my xbox to watch movies.

One of the reviews for a progressive scan dvd player here stated that with a CRT, getting an upconverting player with HDMI isn't going to get me noticeably better quality then a plain old progressive scan through component cables. After googling a bit, I can't really seem to find much other info, and am wondering what experience other people have had with this issue.

Any suggestions on what make/model of dvd player to purchase would be much appreciated, as well as some comments on quality of the picture with HDMI vs component. Keep in mind though, I am in college so I pretty much spent most of the money I feel I could spend at this time on my new tv. I'm thinkin something under 150 would be ideal, but if HDMI is really better, then I can always save up for the quality.

Any comments?

Link to my TV model:
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=93197&catGroupId=24978&modelNo=CT-30WX15&surfModel=CT-30WX15&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
CRTs and HDMI
Aug 22, 2005 6:37AM PDT
- Collapse -
upconverting dvd players
Aug 22, 2005 1:03PM PDT

Many new dvd players now have HDMI out and upconvert the signal to 720p or 1080i depending on your preference.

- Collapse -
DVD player
Aug 22, 2005 1:58PM PDT

Stick with a nice quality progressive scan DVD player, the Denon 1720 is pretty good for $150.

Use component cables. An upconverting DVD player in your price range is going to be mediocre at best. I defy anyone to really pick the difference between two TV's one with HDTV and one with EDTV in a 30".

HDMI has issues to this day, we often get service calls due to HDMI connections.

Terry Mulholland
CEO/Owner
Beyond Home Theater
www.beyondhometheater.com

- Collapse -
: DVD player
Aug 23, 2005 12:54AM PDT

My feeling is that HDMI on HD-DVD will be worth it, but only when they settle the HD-DVD fromat wars. John

- Collapse -
problem solved
Aug 23, 2005 5:34AM PDT

I spent a ton of money trying to get a good picture from my d.v.d. player. I ran d.v.i interface from my hi-def satellite box to the t.v. and componit vidio interface from my d.v.d player So I bought the denon 2910 d.v.d. player with d.v.i. output and a Gifin d.v.i switcher and now the d.v.d. picture is awsome note you can get an adapter from h.d.m.i to d.v.i this really worked for me just make sure you switch your d.v.d. player to 1080 good luck stewart norrie just post a reply to me on this chat room

- Collapse -
CRT Size?
Aug 23, 2005 6:59AM PDT

oh really? I assume you are talking about a CRT television, but what size screen is it?

Lots of people who have responded to me (here, avsforums, etc) have said that on a 30'' monitor the difference wouldn't be noticeable

- Collapse -
a regular progressive scan player will be fine...
Aug 23, 2005 5:46AM PDT

i agree with what you've already heard: you won't notice much improvement, if any, with an upconverting DVD player at your price point. i'd recommend the panasonic DMR-ES10...right around a $150 now at costco. it's also a DVD recorder and your two remotes will work very nicely on both components.