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General discussion

Looking for a new TV to watch DVD's

May 30, 2005 12:27AM PDT

Hey everyone.

Forgive this question, as I'm sure it's been asked 1000 times in the past, but what TV resolution is optimal for DVD viewing: 480p, 540p, 720p, 720i, or 1080i ?

I have no interest in ever getting an HDTV TV signal, as my TV is used only for movie watching, and the TV's I'm eyeballing all have different resolutions. This will help me decide which one to buy.

Thanks

Turkey

Discussion is locked

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DVD is 480p
May 30, 2005 10:51AM PDT

While DVD is 480P, which is the resolution for Enhanced Definition Televisions (EDTV), I have seen much better apparent resolution on the HDTV sets that upconvert the DVD signal to 720p. Depending on the logic that is used in the upconversion there are no jagged edges on the diagonal on the better sets.

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HD DVDs are coming
May 30, 2005 10:52AM PDT

Another advantage of the HDTV over EDTV is that high defintion DVDs are supposed to appear by the end of 2005.

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I can hardly wait for hi-def d.v.d players BUT
Jul 31, 2005 5:46AM PDT

I found out how to make my low def d.v.d. player look stunning. I hooked up my Sony d.v.d player using componit vidio cables nasty picture I tried everything but no help, So I bought a DENON 2900 with d.v.i. output and a GIFIN d.v.i switcher so now I have a stunning picture from my hi-def tuner and d.v.d. player

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Thanks
May 31, 2005 4:21AM PDT

Ah finally! Thank you! I've been trying to find out what native res was used by DVD's for months now. Should have asked here sooner Wink

So, if I bought a TV that supported 720p/540p, would it look better then 480p, on a current progressive scan DVD player?

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Definitely
May 31, 2005 7:58AM PDT

Yes, DVDs do look better on a 720p HDTV than on an EDTV. However, the HD-DVDs will have to be downconverted to 720p unless you have a 1080p set. Please note that any HDTV you buy today will be a huge improvement over a standard set. When you watch a 480p widescreen DVD (one that says enhanced for widescreen televisions) on a NTSC 4:3 set, the DVD player actually down converts the signal to about 240i so that you can see the whole width of the picture in letterbox. So, even an EDTV will be a big improvement. Just sit further from the TV so you don't see the individual pixels. Consumer Reports, in their February 2005 issue, rates both EDTVs and HDTVs.

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True, But (And?)...
Jul 21, 2005 5:18AM PDT

...CR reviews HD vs EDTV's in Feb.'s issue but actual TV's of all types (CRT, LCD, plasma, rear projection including DLP and LCDRP) are reviewed in March '05.

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Questions
Jul 21, 2005 3:31AM PDT

If the dvd player supports 720p/1080i Upconversion would that make a difference in resolution on an HiDef LCD tv on a dvd thats 480p

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D.V.D looks awsome in hi-def if you use d.v.i. output
Jul 31, 2005 5:40AM PDT

I had a nice Sony d.v.d player with componit vidio cables hooked up to my 65" hi-def t.v. and the picture was nasty then I bought a DENON player with d.v.i output along with a Gifen d.v.i. switcher so now my hi-def and d.v.d picture is stunning good luck stewart norrie

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Reply
Jul 21, 2005 5:24AM PDT

I think that the higher the line resolution,. ie the higher line resolutions 1080i or 1080p have optimal clarity. If you just want a TV to watch DVD's I might look at LCD projection or a good CRT set. If LCD or plasma is necessary than i would look to get one around 540 to 720. It really personal preference and the amount your willing to spend.